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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

146 reports
4,000 miles · Oct 2, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS SLOW TO START AND HESITATED UPON CHANGING GEARS. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VENTILATION CONTROLS FAILED TO ACTIVATE THE HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS SLOW TO START AND HESITATED UPON CHANGING GEARS. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VENTILATION CONTROLS FAILED TO ACTIVATE THE HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER OVER FIVE TIMES AND THE FAILURES WERE UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000.

NHTSA ODI #10640903

2,800 miles · Sep 30, 2014
Service BrakesInjury

I WAS GOING TO PARK IN A PARKING SPACE AND 4 PEOPLE WENT CROSS IN FRONT OF ME AND I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ME AND I ALMOST HIT THEM.I HIT THE BRAKE AGAIN AND IT STOPPED JUST IN TIME.TWO DAYS LATER MY WIFE WAS BEHIND A TRUCK AND SHE HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKE AND IT DID THE SAME THING TO HER AND SHE BROKE HER 4…

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I WAS GOING TO PARK IN A PARKING SPACE AND 4 PEOPLE WENT CROSS IN FRONT OF ME AND I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ME AND I ALMOST HIT THEM.I HIT THE BRAKE AGAIN AND IT STOPPED JUST IN TIME.TWO DAYS LATER MY WIFE WAS BEHIND A TRUCK AND SHE HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKE AND IT DID THE SAME THING TO HER AND SHE BROKE HER 4TH TOE AND SPRAINED HER ANKLE AND HURT HER HIP.THE ONLY WAY SHE GOT IT STOPPED WAS SHOVING IT INTO PARK.I HAD THE DEALER AT CREWS CHEVROLET TO TOE IT IN AND THEY SAY THEY CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG.I REFUSE TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE I AM AFRAID IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN.I WANT GM TO TAKE IT BACK AND REFUND MY MONEY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10640351

14,000 miles · Sep 25, 2014
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED TO DISPLAY THE CORRECT SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.

NHTSA ODI #10639051

9,811 miles · Sep 6, 2014
Electrical SystemService Brakes

I WAS PULLED OVER BY A POLICE OFFICER AND ISSUED A FIX IT TICKET BECAUSE ACCORDING TO THE OFFICER NEITHER OF MY REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE WORKING. I MIGHT ADD THAT THE OFFICER FOLLOWED ME FOR SEVERAL BLOCKS AND SAW ME STOP AT LEAST 4 TIMES BEFORE PULLING ME OVER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10631284

30,040 miles · Aug 12, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

THIS THE 3RD TIME I WAS DRIVING SLOW, COMING TO A STOP BUT DIDN'T HAVE TO STOP, WENT TO PROCEED AND REALIZED THE CAR HAD SHUT DOWN. EACH TIME I WAS IN A PARKING LOT, SO I DIDN'T HAVE A LOT OF TRAFFIC AROUND ME, BUT HAD I BEEN ON THE STREET IT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. EACH INCIDENT I RESTARTED WITH NO PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10621723

25,540 miles · Aug 11, 2014
Service BrakesCrashInjury

I WAS IN THE CAR WITH MY SON PULLING INTO MY YARD WHICH IS AT AN INCLINE AND THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. WHEN I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES THEY FAILED AND THE CAR CRASHED INTO MY BRICK HOUSE. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOTALED OUT AND THE HOUSE HAS STRUCTURAL DAMAGE. ALL THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, HOWEVER, MY SON HAD NO INJURIES AND I WALKED…

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I WAS IN THE CAR WITH MY SON PULLING INTO MY YARD WHICH IS AT AN INCLINE AND THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. WHEN I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES THEY FAILED AND THE CAR CRASHED INTO MY BRICK HOUSE. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOTALED OUT AND THE HOUSE HAS STRUCTURAL DAMAGE. ALL THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, HOWEVER, MY SON HAD NO INJURIES AND I WALKED AWAY WITH SIGNIFICANT BRUISING AND LACERATIONS ON MY LEGS. I HAVE CONTACTED GM AND THEY ARE CURRENTLY INVESTIGATING MY CLAIM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10621388

15,000 miles · Aug 8, 2014
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER AND LACK OF ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE A KNOCKING SOUND WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND AN EXCESSIVE LOSS OF MOTOR OIL FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER AND LACK OF ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE A KNOCKING SOUND WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND AN EXCESSIVE LOSS OF MOTOR OIL FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE HAD REOCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.

NHTSA ODI #10620860

24,163 miles · Aug 6, 2014
Electrical System

MY DAUGHTER & NIECE STOPPED AT A CONVENIENCE STORE, LOCKED THE CAR, CAME BACK OUT AND CAR WOULDN'T START. CALLED ONSTAR AND VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP. A MODULE FAILED THAT LOCKED OUT THE ENGINE AS IT WOULD IF VEHICLE WAS STOLEN. DEALER GOT THE MODULE QUICKLY, BUT COULDN'T GET THE KEYS TO REPROGRAM. THIS HAPPENED 60…

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MY DAUGHTER & NIECE STOPPED AT A CONVENIENCE STORE, LOCKED THE CAR, CAME BACK OUT AND CAR WOULDN'T START. CALLED ONSTAR AND VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP. A MODULE FAILED THAT LOCKED OUT THE ENGINE AS IT WOULD IF VEHICLE WAS STOLEN. DEALER GOT THE MODULE QUICKLY, BUT COULDN'T GET THE KEYS TO REPROGRAM. THIS HAPPENED 60 MILES AWAY, I HAVE GOTTEN A LOANER FROM THE DEALERSHIP, BUT MY DAUGHTER COULDN'T AS SHE'S 20 YEARS OLD. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE SO I HAD SAFE, DEPENDABLE TRANSPORTATION FOR MY DAUGHTER. WHAT IF THIS HAD HAPPENED HUNDREDS OF MILES AWAY! DEALER SAID THEY HAD NO RECORD OF THIS HAPPENING ON ANY TYPE GM VEHICLE IN THE PAST. IT'S SIX DAYS AND COUNTING, STILL NO CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10619207

39,336 miles · Jul 25, 2014
Engine

ENGINE LOST POWER ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN I WAS GOING 65 MILES PER HR , LUCKILY I WAS ON THE RIGHT LANE AND WAS ABLE TO PULL SAFETY ON THE SHOULDER AND DID NOT HAVE ANY ACCIDENT . BUT I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR AND THIS CAR IS ONLY 2 YEARS OLD. FIND OUT FROM OTHER OWNERS COMPLAINS THAT ENGINE LOSE POWER IS CAUSE BECAUSE OF EXCESSI…

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ENGINE LOST POWER ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN I WAS GOING 65 MILES PER HR , LUCKILY I WAS ON THE RIGHT LANE AND WAS ABLE TO PULL SAFETY ON THE SHOULDER AND DID NOT HAVE ANY ACCIDENT . BUT I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR AND THIS CAR IS ONLY 2 YEARS OLD. FIND OUT FROM OTHER OWNERS COMPLAINS THAT ENGINE LOSE POWER IS CAUSE BECAUSE OF EXCESSIVE OIL USAGE BY THE ENGINE. I HAD THIS PROBLEM SINCE FEBRUARY 2014 BUT I WAS TOLD BY DEALER THAT THERE IS NO VISIBLE OIL LEAKAGE., I DO NOT BELIEVE ENGINE WAS CHECKED FOR THAT PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10616334

28,000 miles · Jul 23, 2014
Engine

HAD TO ADD ALMOST 3 QUARTS OF OIL... 2,000 PRIOR TO SCHEDULED SERVICE. 2,00 MILES BEFORE WARRANTY EXPIRES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10615649

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.