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2013 Chevrolet Spark

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Spark years

Owner complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark are substantially higher than the model-year median of 23.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

112 reports with mileage · 34 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 35 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports1 fire reports4 injury reports

Unknown Or Other complaints

20 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jun 16, 2025
Unknown Or Other

I got the recall done but it still shows not done on the NHTSA website

NHTSA ODI #11667246

Mileage unknown · Oct 7, 2024
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

My Spark's alarm kept going off. They replaced a module, Bob McCosh Dealer. They also said my radio was bad and had to be replaced. 615$. I said "Just disconnect the radio, I don't need it". Problem solved...I thought. When they did disconnected it, I noticed that I lost my "CHIME"...for Seat belt, keys left in ignition and ligh…

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My Spark's alarm kept going off. They replaced a module, Bob McCosh Dealer. They also said my radio was bad and had to be replaced. 615$. I said "Just disconnect the radio, I don't need it". Problem solved...I thought. When they did disconnected it, I noticed that I lost my "CHIME"...for Seat belt, keys left in ignition and lights left on. They reprogrammed the car to the new module, and the radio was working, and chimes were present. Next day, my battery is dead, because of the radio drained it. I am taking it to the dealer again, after I get a jump.THE ONLY OPTION IS, TO DISCONNECT THE RADIO they said. After researching, According to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard: These (2) FAILED. * 208 (occupant crash protection) * 114 (Theft protection) NHTSA ID # : 16V422000 #: 16V257000 GM RECALL(s) : #45340 # 17130 I thank you for your Review! It's Important to me, and I'm sure Chevrolet, that these Safety Features CANNOT BE IGNORED! I am praying that after your Reviewing, You are able to Provide a Recall for the Radio Software on my 2013 Chevy Spark! I bought the car last year, and it's getting very expensive to keep it running Safely. Thank you

NHTSA ODI #11618469

Mileage unknown · Feb 17, 2024
Unknown Or Other

Passenger front spring broken.

NHTSA ODI #11572557

Mileage unknown · Mar 7, 2023
Unknown Or Other

The secondary hood latch lever problem was discovered in August 2022. I received a letter at the beginning of October 2022. I called to have my vehicle repaired but was advised that the parts were not available. I called again in late February 2023 and the parts were still not available. The recall was issued because the secon…

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The secondary hood latch lever problem was discovered in August 2022. I received a letter at the beginning of October 2022. I called to have my vehicle repaired but was advised that the parts were not available. I called again in late February 2023 and the parts were still not available. The recall was issued because the secondary latch striker may become stuck out of position and fail to properly engage. If the striker becomes stuck out of position and both the primary and secondary hood latch fail to engage, the vehicle’s hood may open unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash. The last sentence is an understatement to say the least. My daughter drives the Chevy Spark from our home in Beaver Falls, Pa to college in Edinboro, Pa. Approximately a 2 hour drive on Route 79, a major highway for semi trucks from Pa to NY. If the hood opens unexpectedly, there Will be a crash not the risk will be increased. When I asked Chevy about a loaner, I was advised that I could not get 1. I asked if I’m supposed to keep driving since I have no other options, I was advised that I could not get a loaner. I asked for a supervisor to call me back. I was advised that a supervisor would call me back within 24-48 hours. She gave me Case # 9-9494938162. 2 days later, the same women called me back and advised me that I could not get a loaner. I asked why supervisor did not call me back. Said he was not available. I am filing a complaint because it has been 5 months (October 2022) since I received the recall letter and it’s been 7 months since the problem has been known (August 2022). The contact stated his daughter was in an accident because the part was not available from August 2022 to at least the date of his daughter’s accident on 6/2/23. The hood opened while she was driving 65 mph on the Pa turnpike. It has now been almost 2 months since the accident and Chevy reached out to his wife and advised her the claim would be turned down because of 2 prior accidents that the vehicle was involved in prior to owning the vehicle. He

NHTSA ODI #11510588

Mileage unknown · Aug 11, 2021
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

The key is a problem. Personally mine has broken 4 times. The fob & base of the key is too big for the key itself. I know other Chevrolet models have had key recalls for the same reason, so I am not sure why they have not recalled the Chevy Spark keys because they are the same format as other models. It would be convenient if th…

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The key is a problem. Personally mine has broken 4 times. The fob & base of the key is too big for the key itself. I know other Chevrolet models have had key recalls for the same reason, so I am not sure why they have not recalled the Chevy Spark keys because they are the same format as other models. It would be convenient if they separated the fob and the key. Currently my key is super glued because the dealership has this key on back order. I just replaced this key two years ago and it just keeps breaking.

NHTSA ODI #11428753

Mileage unknown · Sep 12, 2019
Unknown Or Other

"TAKATA RECALL" 2013 SPARK CHEVROLET NEEDING COOLANT WITH NORMAL DRIVING. REFILLED 3 TIMES. AIR CONDITION TENDS TO DEMINISH WHEN COOLANT LOW AND AT TIMES QUITS BLOWING COOL AIR COMPLETELY. MILEAGE VERY LOW AT 33,000 MILES. WARNING LIGHT DOES NOT INDICATE WHEN COOLANT IS LOW UNTIL COOLANT RESERVOIR/TANK IS COMPLETELY EMPTY OF FL…

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"TAKATA RECALL" 2013 SPARK CHEVROLET NEEDING COOLANT WITH NORMAL DRIVING. REFILLED 3 TIMES. AIR CONDITION TENDS TO DEMINISH WHEN COOLANT LOW AND AT TIMES QUITS BLOWING COOL AIR COMPLETELY. MILEAGE VERY LOW AT 33,000 MILES. WARNING LIGHT DOES NOT INDICATE WHEN COOLANT IS LOW UNTIL COOLANT RESERVOIR/TANK IS COMPLETELY EMPTY OF FLUID. PROBLEM STARED WHEN VEHICLE HAD 25,000 OR LESS MILES. ALSO VEHICLE HAS NO AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS.

NHTSA ODI #11255169

113,743 miles · Jun 30, 2019
Unknown Or Other

VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND IT JUST DIES RANDOMLY

NHTSA ODI #11228490

63,108 miles · Nov 14, 2018
Unknown Or Other

AFTER SETTING THE "CHILD PROTECTION" ON BOTH REAR DOORS BECAUSE OF MY NEW GRANDBABY I NO LONGER NEEDED IT SINCE HE WAS NO LONGER A BABY I DECIDED TO TAKE "CHILD PROTECTION" OFF. DOORS STILL WOULD NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE. LEFT DOOR OUTSIDE HANDLE BROKE AS WELL SO IT COULD NOT OPEN AT ALL. HAVING EXTENDED WARRANTY I TOOK IT TO DEALE…

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AFTER SETTING THE "CHILD PROTECTION" ON BOTH REAR DOORS BECAUSE OF MY NEW GRANDBABY I NO LONGER NEEDED IT SINCE HE WAS NO LONGER A BABY I DECIDED TO TAKE "CHILD PROTECTION" OFF. DOORS STILL WOULD NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE. LEFT DOOR OUTSIDE HANDLE BROKE AS WELL SO IT COULD NOT OPEN AT ALL. HAVING EXTENDED WARRANTY I TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP WHICH WAS TIME FOR OIL CHANGE AND NEEDING OTHER PROBLEMS REPAIRED AS WELL. LEFT DOOR REPAIRS WERE"HANDLE SEPARATED"AND "REPLACED OUTSIDE HANDLE" WHICH WARRANTY COVERED. RIGHT DOOR WAS DECLINED COVERAGE BECAUSE IT WAS "THE CLIP FOR INSIDE CABLE TO HANDLE HAD SEPARATED". COULDN'T UNDERSTAND WHAT THE DIFFERENCE WAS? CLIP VS HANDLE?? SERVICE CONSULTANT WAS PUZZLED AS WELL? NEEDLESS TO SAY DOOR STILL ONLY OPENS FROM OUTSIDE. HAVING MANUAL LOCKS FIGURED I WOULDN'T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS IN FUTURE. NEVER FIGURED A "MANUAL CHILD PROTECTOR" WOULD CAUSE ANY PROBLEMS. DUE TO LACK OF FUNDS DOOR STILL IS UNREPAIRED. I KNOW THAT IN SOME INCIDENTS IT ONLY TAKES ONE SPLIT SECOND BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH. GOD FORBID SOMEONE LOOSES THERE LIFE BECAUSE OF A SPLIT SECOND TOO LATE. MAYBE YOU COULD EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENCE AND IF OTHERS ARE HAVING ANY PROBLEMS AS WELL.

NHTSA ODI #11151392

Mileage unknown · Jun 1, 2018
Unknown Or Other

AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM NOT FIXABLE BY CHEVROLET

NHTSA ODI #11099123

Mileage unknown · Mar 14, 2018
Unknown Or Other

THE LEFT FRONT SPEAKER IN MY 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK STARTED TO SPORADICALLY GO OUT AND HAS NOW GONE OUT COMPLETELY. THIS MEANS I HAVE NO WARNING CHIMES. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF I HAVE THE CAR STATIONARY OR MOVING.

NHTSA ODI #11079152

Official recalls

5

22V640000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

Aug 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.

16V422000 · Electrical System:software; Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.

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.

16V257000 · Electrical System:software; Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.

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.

14V593000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

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.

14V298000 · Air Bags

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 ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.