Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
510–25K
3425–50K
1350–75K
975–100K
3100–150K
2150K+
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
Mileage unknown · Jul 2, 2018
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD INDEPENDENTLY OPEN AND CLOSE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE ALARM SYSTEM WAS FAILING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PLATTNER'S ARCADIA CHEVROLET BUICK (210 S BREVARD AVE, ARCADIA, FL 34266, (863) 869-2228), BUT THE CAUSE OF…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD INDEPENDENTLY OPEN AND CLOSE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE ALARM SYSTEM WAS FAILING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PLATTNER'S ARCADIA CHEVROLET BUICK (210 S BREVARD AVE, ARCADIA, FL 34266, (863) 869-2228), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11105199
Mileage unknown · Jun 1, 2018
Unknown Or Other
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM NOT FIXABLE BY CHEVROLET
NHTSA ODI #11099123
74,214 miles · Apr 25, 2018
Air BagsSeat Belts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AT A STOP SIGN AND THE SEAT BELT LOCKED UP. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JOHN HIESTER CHEVROLET (3100 N MAIN ST, FUQUAY VARINA, NC 27526) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT B…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AT A STOP SIGN AND THE SEAT BELT LOCKED UP. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JOHN HIESTER CHEVROLET (3100 N MAIN ST, FUQUAY VARINA, NC 27526) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECALL WAS NOT DUE TO A FAILURE AND THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,214.
NHTSA ODI #11090161
Mileage unknown · Mar 26, 2018
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT WHEN STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND STARTED TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE A LOUD HIGH PITCH SOUND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ALLOW THE SPEED TO GO PAST 20 MPH. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT WHEN STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND STARTED TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE A LOUD HIGH PITCH SOUND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ALLOW THE SPEED TO GO PAST 20 MPH. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THE FAILURE WAS THE TRANSMISSION AND SUGGESTED THAT THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
NHTSA ODI #11081331
32,000 miles · Mar 19, 2018
Air Bags
MY SPARK HAS 32K MILES ON IT. THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND CODE 95 (SERVICE AIRBAGS) SHOWS ON THE DISPLAY WHENEVER SOMEONE IS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, WHETHER THE CAR IS MOVING OR STATIONARY. A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH SHOWS THERE ARE MANY CARS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM AND GM REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR AN EXPENSIVE…
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MY SPARK HAS 32K MILES ON IT. THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND CODE 95 (SERVICE AIRBAGS) SHOWS ON THE DISPLAY WHENEVER SOMEONE IS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, WHETHER THE CAR IS MOVING OR STATIONARY. A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH SHOWS THERE ARE MANY CARS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM AND GM REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR. I WISH NHTSA WOULD LOOK INTO THIS AND MANDATE A REPAIR AT GM'S EXPENSE.
NHTSA ODI #11080207
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
36,800 miles · Feb 8, 2018
Unknown Or Other
CAR LOST POWER AND WILL NOT GO OVER 5 MILES PER HOUR WHILE IN DRIVE. I WAS ON A CITY STREET WHEN THIS OCCURED.
NHTSA ODI #11071775
Mileage unknown · Jan 8, 2018
Exterior Lighting
THERE IS NO ILLUMINATION OF THE CRUISE AND COMMUNICATION CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS IS PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS DRIVING AT NIGHT AS THERE IS NO WAY TO SEE THE CONTROLS AT ALL.
NHTSA ODI #11061336
55,364 miles · Sep 12, 2017
Engine
ENGINE REMAINS RUNNING AFTER IGNITION IS TURNED OFF WHEN PARKED AFTER DRIVING MORE THAN 20 MILES ON THE HIGHWAY. DAUGHTER REPORTS THIS HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES IN THE PAST SIX MONTH. THE ENGINE IS GROWLING WHEN DRIVING INDICATING SOME TYPE OF FAILURE OF COMPONENTS. THIS OCCURRED ON OUR STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH. .
NHTSA ODI #11022892
27,661 miles · Aug 24, 2017
Electrical System
2013-2015 CHEVY SPARKS HAVE ISSUES WITH THE KR12B WINDSHIELD WIPER RELAY INTERNAL TO THE UHFB TO BE INOPERABLE. NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE FUSE-BLOCK. IT IS NOT RIGHT THAT ONLY ROSNER CHEVY IN MELBOURNE FL IS THE ONLY AUTO STORE IN THE STATE YOU CAN BUY PARTS FOR THIS VEHICLE. ROSNER CHEVY ONLY ALLOWS SHEEP TO VISIT THEM. IF YOU W…
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2013-2015 CHEVY SPARKS HAVE ISSUES WITH THE KR12B WINDSHIELD WIPER RELAY INTERNAL TO THE UHFB TO BE INOPERABLE. NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE FUSE-BLOCK. IT IS NOT RIGHT THAT ONLY ROSNER CHEVY IN MELBOURNE FL IS THE ONLY AUTO STORE IN THE STATE YOU CAN BUY PARTS FOR THIS VEHICLE. ROSNER CHEVY ONLY ALLOWS SHEEP TO VISIT THEM. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO FIX YOUR VEHICLE YOURSELF THEY ARE TRYING TO MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE. THEY ALSO CHARGE OVER $100.00 JUST TO TELL YOU WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. THEN THEY MARK UP THE PRICE OF THE PART IF YOU GET IT FIXED WITH THEM AND CHARGE YOU FOR LABOR. YOU CAN ONLY BUY ONE MANUEL FOR THIS VEHICLE FROM HELMS AND IT IS FOR MECHANICS. IT IS VERY UNSAFE TO HAVE VEHICLES ON THE ROAD THAT ONLY ONE COMPANY KNOWS HOW TO FIX. ROSNER CHEVY ALSO STATED THAT THEY WILL NOT GIVE INFORMATION OUT BECAUSE IT IS TOP SECRET GM INFORMATION THAT WE AS CONSUMERS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO HAVE. THIS IS ILLEGAL AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. THERE SHOULD BE MANUALS AVAILABLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT DON'T COST $200.00. HAYNES PLEASE MAKE A MANUEL FOR CHEVY SPARKS SINCE GM WON'T. HAVING ONLY 27661 MILES ON A 2013 CHEVY SPARK THERE SHOULD NOT BE PROBLEMS WITH YOUR WINDSHIELD WIPERS. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN THAT YOU HAVE ALLOWED GM TO GET AWAY WITH AND IT NEEDS TO STOP. GM SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO FIX ALL KR12B WINDSHIELD WIPER RELAY FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE THEY SOLD US FAULTY ONES. BECAUSE THERE IS NO INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO THE CONSUMER. I REPLACED A WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR EVEN THOUGH IT WAS NOT BAD BECAUSE WHEN TESTED BY A MECHANIC IT TESTED BAD BUT REALLY IT WAS THE WIPER RELAY THAT WAS BAD.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2013 Chevrolet Spark Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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