NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
34 reportsClear category filter32,000 miles · Jan 7, 2015
Power Train
TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE OVER 50 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND RESUMED TO NORMAL FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MIL…
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TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE OVER 50 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND RESUMED TO NORMAL FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000. DJR
NHTSA ODI #10670700
28,000 miles · Dec 23, 2014
EnginePower Train
THE CAR HAS BEEN HAVING CLUTCH ISSUES. SHIFTING INTO FIRST GEAR FROM A STOP CAUSES THE WHOLE CAR TO SHAKE. THIS HAPPENS AFTER MAINLY LONG DRIVES. DRIVING BACK FROM BOSTON MA, THERE WAS VERY HEAVY TRAFFIC WHICH REQUIRED ME TO STOP AND START FREQUENTLY ON THE HIGHWAY. EACH TIME I HAD TO START, THE CAR SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND FELT AS I…
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THE CAR HAS BEEN HAVING CLUTCH ISSUES. SHIFTING INTO FIRST GEAR FROM A STOP CAUSES THE WHOLE CAR TO SHAKE. THIS HAPPENS AFTER MAINLY LONG DRIVES. DRIVING BACK FROM BOSTON MA, THERE WAS VERY HEAVY TRAFFIC WHICH REQUIRED ME TO STOP AND START FREQUENTLY ON THE HIGHWAY. EACH TIME I HAD TO START, THE CAR SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND FELT AS IT WERE GOING TO STALL. THIS MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE SAFELY, AS IT DOES THIS WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC AS WELL. DEALER SAID THIS WOULD MOST LIKELY NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY. THE CAR IS NEW AND THIS SHOULD NOT BE AN ISSUE. THIS ISSUE IS DOCUMENTED IN MANY ONLINE FORMS AS "INTERMITTENT CLUTCH SHUDDER" . *TR
NHTSA ODI #10667954
22,000 miles · Dec 23, 2014
Power Train
STARTED HARD THEN WHEN DRIVING IT WOULDN'T SHIFT GEARS. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT HAS DONE THIS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10667842
2,100 miles · Nov 3, 2014
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
CAR STALLS WILL PUT THE PEDAL TO THE METAL AND WILL NOT ADVANCE. IT WILL START TO MOVE SLOW AFTER A WHILE NOT REACHING FULL SPEED. TRANSMISSION GEAR DISPLAY WILL BE BLANK IN DASH CONSOLE. CAR MOVES AT A VERY HIGH RPM READING. TRANSMISSION WILL KICK IF SET ON NEUTRAL AND THEN SHIF TO DRIVE. THIS HAS HAPPEN TWICE IN THE SHORT AMOU…
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CAR STALLS WILL PUT THE PEDAL TO THE METAL AND WILL NOT ADVANCE. IT WILL START TO MOVE SLOW AFTER A WHILE NOT REACHING FULL SPEED. TRANSMISSION GEAR DISPLAY WILL BE BLANK IN DASH CONSOLE. CAR MOVES AT A VERY HIGH RPM READING. TRANSMISSION WILL KICK IF SET ON NEUTRAL AND THEN SHIF TO DRIVE. THIS HAS HAPPEN TWICE IN THE SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME THAT WE OWE THE CAR. THE PROBLEM IS THAT WE HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TWICE TO THE DEALER BUT IS WORKING FINE AT SUCH TIME SO THEY CAN NOT DETECT THE PROBLEM. FIRST TIME IT HAPPEN MY WIFE WAS AT A STOP LIGHT AND WHEN IT HAPPEN TO ME I HAD JUST STARTED THE CAR. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS AND HAZARDOUS SITUATION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10652102
50,000 miles · Oct 25, 2014
Power Train
TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE PAST 20 MPH. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE IN ORDER FOR IT TO FUNCTION AS NORMAL. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNO…
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TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE PAST 20 MPH. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE IN ORDER FOR IT TO FUNCTION AS NORMAL. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. DJR
NHTSA ODI #10649920
2,000 miles · May 30, 2014
Power Train
VEHICLE WILL SURGE FORWARD WHILE IN GEAR. VEHICLE ALSO WILL SURGE IN NEUTRAL CAUSING RPMS TO RISE. THIS OCCURS AFTER INITIALLY STARTING THE VEHICLE AND DRIVING FOR APPROXIMATELY TEN MINUTES. DOES NOT MATTER IF THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN STARTED FOR A LONG OR SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. WHEN THE VEHICLE SURGES IT SEEMS TO BE AT 1/4 THROT…
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VEHICLE WILL SURGE FORWARD WHILE IN GEAR. VEHICLE ALSO WILL SURGE IN NEUTRAL CAUSING RPMS TO RISE. THIS OCCURS AFTER INITIALLY STARTING THE VEHICLE AND DRIVING FOR APPROXIMATELY TEN MINUTES. DOES NOT MATTER IF THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN STARTED FOR A LONG OR SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. WHEN THE VEHICLE SURGES IT SEEMS TO BE AT 1/4 THROTTLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10595232
14,000 miles · May 15, 2014
Electrical SystemPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT GEARS PROPERLY. ADDITIONALLY, THE SPEEDOMETER READING FLUCTUATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT GEARS PROPERLY. ADDITIONALLY, THE SPEEDOMETER READING FLUCTUATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE RADIO STAYED ON AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND THE DOOR WAS OPENED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.
NHTSA ODI #10588644
30,000 miles · Apr 17, 2014
Electrical SystemPower TrainVehicle Speed Control
CHEVROLET SPARK WOULD NO SHIFT OUT OF 1ST GEAR WHEN ACELERATING ON TO FREEWAY. THE CAUSE IS DUE TO DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR DTC ERROR CODE P0705. KNOWN SERVICE BULLETIN (#PIP-5101). THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED. EXTREME LIFE THREATING PROBLEM WHEN A VEHICLE IS MERGING THE FREEWAY AND WILL NOT ACELERATE T…
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CHEVROLET SPARK WOULD NO SHIFT OUT OF 1ST GEAR WHEN ACELERATING ON TO FREEWAY. THE CAUSE IS DUE TO DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR DTC ERROR CODE P0705. KNOWN SERVICE BULLETIN (#PIP-5101). THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED. EXTREME LIFE THREATING PROBLEM WHEN A VEHICLE IS MERGING THE FREEWAY AND WILL NOT ACELERATE TO THE SPEED OF FREEWAY TRAFFIC!!!!!!!! CHEVROLET DEALER HAS NOT RESOLVED THE ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #10583357
2,200 miles · Apr 2, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train
ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS I HAVE DRIVEN MY CAR AND PARKED IT. WHEN I HAVE RETURNED TO THE CAR IT WILL NOT START. ON STAR DIAGNOSTICS TELLS ME THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION, ENGINE AND ANTI BRAKE SYSTEM AND THAT I AM TO GET IT TO THE DEALER/REPAIR IMMEDIATELY. I HAVE HAD TO WAIT SEVERAL HOURS BEFORE I CAN GET IT STARTED AG…
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ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS I HAVE DRIVEN MY CAR AND PARKED IT. WHEN I HAVE RETURNED TO THE CAR IT WILL NOT START. ON STAR DIAGNOSTICS TELLS ME THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION, ENGINE AND ANTI BRAKE SYSTEM AND THAT I AM TO GET IT TO THE DEALER/REPAIR IMMEDIATELY. I HAVE HAD TO WAIT SEVERAL HOURS BEFORE I CAN GET IT STARTED AGAIN. I HAVE BEEN IN SITUATIONS WHERE I AM IN AN AREAS WITHOUT PHONE OR CELL RECEPTION TO CALL FOR HELP. IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER REPAIR SHOP 4 TIMES AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THEY SAY UNTIL THEY CAN REPLICATE THE PROBLEM - THEY CANNOT FIX IT. FINALLY WITH THIS LAST (4TH) VISIT THEY WERE ABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM TWICE. BUT I WAS INFORMED THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHERE THE PROBLEM IS COMING FROM AND THEY HAVE NO SOLUTION AT THIS TIME. THEY WILL RETURN THE CAR TO ME AFTER 9 DAYS AS IS WITH NO FIX. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE ACROSS COLORADO FOR FEAR I WILL BE STRANDED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10576970
23,500 miles · Feb 7, 2014
EnginePower Train
UPON STARTING THE CAR, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE TRACTION LIGHT LIT UP. THE CAR WAS IN PARK ON A FLAT AND PAVED SURFACE. AFTER PUTTING THE CAR IN REVERSE, THE CAR SUDDENLY JERKED AND DID THE SAME AS I PUT IT INTO DRIVE. AS I WAS DRIVING THE CAR WAS UP TO 3000 RPMS AND WOULD NOT GO OVER 30 MPH. THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS.…
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UPON STARTING THE CAR, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE TRACTION LIGHT LIT UP. THE CAR WAS IN PARK ON A FLAT AND PAVED SURFACE. AFTER PUTTING THE CAR IN REVERSE, THE CAR SUDDENLY JERKED AND DID THE SAME AS I PUT IT INTO DRIVE. AS I WAS DRIVING THE CAR WAS UP TO 3000 RPMS AND WOULD NOT GO OVER 30 MPH. THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS. I PULLED OVER AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. WHEN I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, NO LIGHTS LIT UP AND IT PERFORMED FINE THE REST OF THE WAY HOME. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT, THEY ONLY FOUND A CODE FOR MISFIRING COILS. THEY ALSO STATED THAT THEY BELIEVE THIS IS NOT THE ISSUE I AM HAVING BUT DUE TO CHEVROLET WARRANTY, THEY COULD NOT LOOK INTO IT WITHOUT A CERTAIN CODE TO POP UP IN THE SYSTEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10563429
Official recalls
5Aug 25, 2022
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark EV vehicles. The secondary hood latch may corrode at the latch pivot, preventing the hood latch from properly engaging.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A hood latch failure can result in the vehicle's hood opening unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the hood striker assembly and hood latch assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 12, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A222359300. This recall supersedes and expands NHTSA recall number 14V-593. Vehicles previously repaired under 14V-593 will need to have the new remedy performed.
Jun 10, 2016
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:software
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."
Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.
Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."
Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.
Apr 28, 2016
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:software
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."
Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.
Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."
Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.
Sep 24, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured January 17, 2012, to July 29, 2014. The secondary hood latch may prematurely corrode at the latch pivot causing the striker to get stuck out of position, preventing it from properly engaging the hood latch.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the secondary hood latch corrodes causing the latch to be stuck out of position, and the primary hood latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the striker with a new part which has superior corrosion protection, free of charge. The recall began on January 7, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14456.
Jun 6, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured April 10, 2013, to May 8, 2013, and Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured December 30, 2012, to March 1, 2013. In the affected vehicles, an improper weld on the passenger side front air bag inflator may result in the air bag not deploying.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the air bag does not to deploy in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the front passenger.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side front air bag, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick) or 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14211.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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