NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
146 reportsMileage unknown · Aug 14, 2017
Visibility/wiper
I LIVE IN FLORIDA FIRST OF ALL. IT RAINS LIKE EVERY DAY. I PURCHASED A 2013 CHEVY SPARK ON 10/19/2015 WITH ONLY 11,053 MILES. NOW IT IS 8/14/2017 WITH ONLY 27,273 MILES AND THE FRONT WIPER BLADES STOPPED WORKING. I CHECKED ALL THE FUSES AND EVEN REPLACED THEM STILL DOES NOT WORK. THE MOTOR FOR THE WIPER BLADES SHOULD LAST LONGER…
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I LIVE IN FLORIDA FIRST OF ALL. IT RAINS LIKE EVERY DAY. I PURCHASED A 2013 CHEVY SPARK ON 10/19/2015 WITH ONLY 11,053 MILES. NOW IT IS 8/14/2017 WITH ONLY 27,273 MILES AND THE FRONT WIPER BLADES STOPPED WORKING. I CHECKED ALL THE FUSES AND EVEN REPLACED THEM STILL DOES NOT WORK. THE MOTOR FOR THE WIPER BLADES SHOULD LAST LONGER THAN 27,000 MILES. TRIED TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY WANT ME TO PAY 89.99 JUST TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM IT IS MOST LIKELY THE MOTOR FOR THE FRONT WIPER BLADES. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS TO BE FIXED. IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN AND SHOULD NOT HAVE STOPPED WORKING THIS EARLY. I CAN'T EVEN ORDER THIS PART FROM THE PARTS STORES I HAVE TO GO TO THE DEALER. IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO DRIVE AROUND WITH NO WINDSHIELD WIPERS. I WAS ABOUT A MILE AWAY FROM HOME WHEN THE FRONT WIPERS STOPPED WORKING.
NHTSA ODI #11015112
86,000 miles · Aug 1, 2017
Latches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH FAILED TO LOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 800-222-1020 AND STATED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH FAILED TO LOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 800-222-1020 AND STATED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
NHTSA ODI #11011928
90,000 miles · Jun 7, 2017
Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SHOTTENKIRK CHEVROLET (755 W HICKMAN ROAD, WAUKEE, IA 50263 (515) 987-8575) TO HAVE A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE SERVICE. THE TECHNICIAN WAS PERFORMING THE TASK OF BLEEDING THE BRAKES AND NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE BLEEDER VALVE WAS INOPERABLE. IT …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SHOTTENKIRK CHEVROLET (755 W HICKMAN ROAD, WAUKEE, IA 50263 (515) 987-8575) TO HAVE A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE SERVICE. THE TECHNICIAN WAS PERFORMING THE TASK OF BLEEDING THE BRAKES AND NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE BLEEDER VALVE WAS INOPERABLE. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE BLEEDER VALVE ON THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
NHTSA ODI #10993824
55,000 miles · Jun 2, 2017
EnginePower Train
CAR WILL START TO JERK WHEN ACCELERATING AND LOOSE POWER AND NOT SHIFT. ENGINE LIGHT FLASHES AND SOMETIMES TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT STAYS ON AS WELL DURING THIS. IF YOU SHUT OFF ENGINE WAIT FOR FEW MINUTES THEN START IT'S OK. HAPPENS WHEN EVER. JUST HAPPENED YESTERDAY AND TODAY.
NHTSA ODI #10992824
83,000 miles · May 28, 2017
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemSuspension
USED CAR W/36,000 MILES AND/OR 1 YR WRNTY. UNDER A YR, BUT OUTSIDE OF MILEAGE, CHECK ENG LIGHT STARTS COMING ON TO THE DAY, FROM FEB 28, 2017 TO MAY 28, 2017. FROM FEB 28 TO MAR 27 TO APRIL 27 HAVE HAD TO DO OIL CHANGE. CHECK ENG LIGHT WOULD NO LONGER BE ON AFTER OIL CHANGE. THEN CAR STARTED MAKING EXCESSIVELY LOUD NOISE AT 77,0…
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USED CAR W/36,000 MILES AND/OR 1 YR WRNTY. UNDER A YR, BUT OUTSIDE OF MILEAGE, CHECK ENG LIGHT STARTS COMING ON TO THE DAY, FROM FEB 28, 2017 TO MAY 28, 2017. FROM FEB 28 TO MAR 27 TO APRIL 27 HAVE HAD TO DO OIL CHANGE. CHECK ENG LIGHT WOULD NO LONGER BE ON AFTER OIL CHANGE. THEN CAR STARTED MAKING EXCESSIVELY LOUD NOISE AT 77,000 MILES SO LOUD NO ONE COULD HEAR ME WHILE ON MY BLUE TOOTH. CHEVY DEALER & A SHOP RAN A DIAGNOSTIC BUT NO ERROR CODES IN APRIL & MAY. SHOP TELLS ME TIRES ARE CUPPING, I NEED NEW TIRES THAT WERE PRETTY MUCH NEW AT USED CAR DEALER. CHEVY DEALER TELLS ME NO ERROR CODES ON DIAGNOSTIC PLUS I NEED WHEEL HUB BEARINGS, TIRE SHOP TELLS ME THE TIRES NEED REPLACING, DOES A THOROUGH INSPECT WHILE CAR IS ON LIFT, SAYS PROBLEM IS STRUTS IN FRONT NEED REPLACING IMMEDIATELY & SHOCKS NEED REPLACING SOON ON BACK THEN SAYS WHEEL HUB BEARINGS ARE FINE, IT'S THE HUB BRACKET THAT IS LOOSE & MAKING RATTLING NOISE ALONG WITH BAD TIRE NOISE. THIS IS AT 80,000 MILES. GOT TIRES, NO MONEY TO DO OTHER WORK. SMALL LOCAL SHOP NEAR HOME CONFIRMS BIG O IS CORRECT, TIRES ARE CUPPED & IT'S DUE TO BAD FRONT SHOCKS. HIGHLY UNUSUAL FOR 80,000 MILES MAY 3 DEALER LOOKS AT REASON FOR DECELERATION WHICH STARTED END OF APRIL, SLOWING TO ALMOST A CRAWL ON FREEWAY WHILE ACCELERATOR IS PRESSED ALL THE WAY DOWN TO FLOOR, DEALER SAYS THEY DROVE CAR, CAN'T FIND PROBLEM. COULDN'T BE, MILEAGE ON CAR SAME WHEN PICKED UP AS WHEN DROPPED OFF. MAY 28, 2017 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON, CAR STARTED KNOCKING, GOT TO WORK 70 MILES FROM HOME, NOTICED ON A FULL TANK OF GAS, CAR WAS USING FUEL AT RAPID PACE SITTING ON IDLE IN PARKING LOT. STARTED WITH 214 MILES TO DRIVE ON FULL TANK OF GAS, INDICATOR SHOWS 104 MILES LEFT OFF 70 MILE TRIP THEN DROPPED TO 96 WHILE SITTING IDLE FOR A LESS THAN A MINUTE IN PARKING LOT! MOTHER TELLS ME TURN OFF ENGINE. SAID CHECK TO SEE IF FUEL IS DRIPPING UNDER CAR. IT IS NOT.
NHTSA ODI #10991990
Mileage unknown · Apr 24, 2017
Unknown Or Other
MY 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK LS AC STARTED TO HAVE VERY INSUFFICIENT AC LAST SUMMER IN 2016. THEN THE AC STARTED TO STOP WORKING NOW IN APRIL 2017 (WHEN VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND IN MOTION). IT'S GOING TO BE INTOLERABLE IN THE SUMMER TIME WITHOUT AC. I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THE 2013 CHEVY SPARK. THE GM COMPANY DOES NOT W…
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MY 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK LS AC STARTED TO HAVE VERY INSUFFICIENT AC LAST SUMMER IN 2016. THEN THE AC STARTED TO STOP WORKING NOW IN APRIL 2017 (WHEN VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND IN MOTION). IT'S GOING TO BE INTOLERABLE IN THE SUMMER TIME WITHOUT AC. I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THE 2013 CHEVY SPARK. THE GM COMPANY DOES NOT WANT TO HELP ME GET IT FIXED AFTER ME CONTACTING THEM SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #10980233
36,000 miles · Mar 3, 2017
Air BagsCrashInjury
MY DAUGHTER IS DRIVING HER 2013 CHEVY SPARK ON A STATE HIGHWAY, SHE'S STARTING TO BRAKE APPROACHING A RED LIGHT. THE AIR BAGS -STEERING WHEEL AND KNEE DEPLOY. THIS CAUSES HER TO REAR END THE CAR IN FRONT OF HER, BRUISING HER LEGS AND THIGHS. THERE WAS TROUBLE BREATHING DUE TO THE CLOUD OF SMOKE FROM THE AIRBAGS.
NHTSA ODI #10958471
30,000 miles · Mar 2, 2017
Electrical SystemEngine
THIS CAR ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN EVEN WHEN CLUTCH IS ON. ALSO THE MOTOR SOUNDS LIKE IT GOING TO BLOW OUT ON ITS OWN AND STOPS AND GOES AS FAST IT CAME. THIS CARS HAS ONLY 53000 MILES AND HAS BEEN TO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES.
NHTSA ODI #10957964
50,000 miles · Feb 7, 2017
Structure
THIS VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR A SECONDARY HOOD LATCH WHICH WAS REPAIRED IN EARLY FALL, SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2016. THE PART WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE SAME PART FAILED A SECOND TIME, FIRST WEEK OF JANUARY 2017. I RETURNED THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE REPAIRS. I WAS TOLD AT THE DEALERSHIP IT WAS THE SAME PART THAT FAILED. AFT…
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THIS VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR A SECONDARY HOOD LATCH WHICH WAS REPAIRED IN EARLY FALL, SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2016. THE PART WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE SAME PART FAILED A SECOND TIME, FIRST WEEK OF JANUARY 2017. I RETURNED THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE REPAIRS. I WAS TOLD AT THE DEALERSHIP IT WAS THE SAME PART THAT FAILED. AFTER THREE DAYS AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY CALLED TO LET ME KNOW THAT THE PLASTIC AT THE END OF THE CABLE WAS ALSO BROKEN. WHEN I ASKED HOW THIS COULD HAPPEN THEY HAD NO ANSWERS. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP TALKED TO A MECHANIC AND HAD HIM SHOW ME EXACTLY WHAT WAS BROKEN. THIS CAR HAD NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OF ANY KIND, ALSO THE PART THAT HE SHOWED ME WAS NOT BROKEN WHEN I DROPPED IT OFF. I WAS TOLD THAT A MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP HAD BROKE IT, BUT THIS PARTICULAR MECHANIC WAS AFRAID OF LOSING HIS JOB. THIS DEALER WANTS ME TO PAY $100 FOR THE REPAIR. IT HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR FOUR WEEKS WITH NO ETA ON THE PART. IF THERE IS NOT A REPLACEMENT PART IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY HOW COULD THIS POSSIBLY BE A WHERE AND TEAR ITEM? THIS IS A SERIOUS DEFECT THE HOOD LATCH COULD LET GO AND THE HOOD COULD FLY UP AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING. THANKFULLY I WAS NOT ON A HIGHWAY WHEN THE HOOD LATCH LET GO. WHEN I SHOWED UP AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD ORDER THE PARTS AND INSTRUCTED ME TO COME BACK WHEN THE PART CAME IN. I WAS HORRIFIED THAT THEY WANTED ME TO DRIVE AWAY WITH THIS CAR AND REQUESTED A LOANER VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP DID GIVE ME A LOANER CAR. THEY ARE NOT GOOD ABOUT ANSWERING THE PHONE AND DO NOT CALL ME BACK. I'VE HAD TO PHYSICALLY SHOW UP TO EVEN SPEAK TO SOMEBODY.
NHTSA ODI #10950036
Mileage unknown · Jan 21, 2017
Power Train
TAKATA RECALL ENGINE IDLES HIGH TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHES DOES NOT SHIFT
NHTSA ODI #10946893
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 ↗