NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
146 reports49,000 miles · Apr 14, 2016
Air Bags
MY AIRBAG LIGHT WARNING CAME ON I TOOK TO DEALERSHIP AND CONTACTED GM I WAS TOLD THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THE COMPUTER MODULE THAT IS DEFECTED AND CONTROLS THE AIRBAGS AT THIS POINT I WAS TOLD THE REPAIR IS 721.50 WHICH I WILL HAVE TO PAY IF I WANT WORKING AIRBAGS SO BASICALLY I AM DRIVING AN UNSAFE CAR I BELIEVE THEY SHOULD REPLAC…
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MY AIRBAG LIGHT WARNING CAME ON I TOOK TO DEALERSHIP AND CONTACTED GM I WAS TOLD THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THE COMPUTER MODULE THAT IS DEFECTED AND CONTROLS THE AIRBAGS AT THIS POINT I WAS TOLD THE REPAIR IS 721.50 WHICH I WILL HAVE TO PAY IF I WANT WORKING AIRBAGS SO BASICALLY I AM DRIVING AN UNSAFE CAR I BELIEVE THEY SHOULD REPLACE THIS MODULE THE SAFETY WAS THGE REASON I PURCHASED IN GOOD FAITH I NEED HELP THIS CAR WAS MANUFACTURED BY GM KOREA
NHTSA ODI #10855506
49,607 miles · Apr 12, 2016
Air BagsCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE DROVE THROUGH A TRAFFIC SIGNAL AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY WITH THE MASSIVE IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHAN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE DROVE THROUGH A TRAFFIC SIGNAL AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY WITH THE MASSIVE IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,607. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10854997
58,000 miles · Apr 5, 2016
Unknown Or Other
THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ALONG WITH THE BREAK LIGHT CONSTANTLY COME ON. I HAVE HAD MY CAR LOOKED AT TWICE AND WAS TOLD NOTHING WAS WRONG BUT THESE LIGHTS COME ON WHEN I AM SITTING IDLE AND WHEN I AM DRIVING. SCARES THE HELL OUT OF ME. MAKES ME THINK MY CAR IS GOING TO CUT OFF.
NHTSA ODI #10853621
83,645 miles · Mar 29, 2016
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine
I WAS GOING SOUTH ON I95 DOING 70 MILES AN HOUR ENGINE LIGHT FLASHED OFF AND ON TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ON CAR LOST SPEED AND WILL NOT SHIFT HIGH RP NOT SPEED. WAS ALMOST IN A VERY BAD ACCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI #10852151
36,000 miles · Mar 21, 2016
Power Train
UNDER EMERGENCY BRAKING FROM 45MPH THE GEAR SHIFTER SLIT FORWARD TO NEUTRAL WITHOUT OPERATOR INPUT.
NHTSA ODI #10850916
36,000 miles · Mar 21, 2016
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
AFTER ACCELERATING FROM A LIGHT AT 5MPH THE GEAR INDICATOR DISAPPEARED AND THE TRANSMISSION STUCK IN 2ND GEAR VERIFIED BY REVS VS. VEHICLE SPEED. RESULTED IN VERY SLOW ACCELERATION AND HIGH REVS. CYCLING THE GEAR SHIFTER DID NOT RESOLVE ISSUE. WOULD NOT EVEN SHIFT TO NEUTRAL. ISSUE NOT RESOLVED UNTIL CYCLING IGNITION. NO CHECK E…
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AFTER ACCELERATING FROM A LIGHT AT 5MPH THE GEAR INDICATOR DISAPPEARED AND THE TRANSMISSION STUCK IN 2ND GEAR VERIFIED BY REVS VS. VEHICLE SPEED. RESULTED IN VERY SLOW ACCELERATION AND HIGH REVS. CYCLING THE GEAR SHIFTER DID NOT RESOLVE ISSUE. WOULD NOT EVEN SHIFT TO NEUTRAL. ISSUE NOT RESOLVED UNTIL CYCLING IGNITION. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, NO INDICATOR LAMPS. NO GEAR SELECTION INDICATOR ON DISPLAY.
NHTSA ODI #10850913
28,500 miles · Jan 29, 2016
Air BagsLatches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HATCHBACK LOCK FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V298000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUF…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HATCHBACK LOCK FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V298000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 28,500.
NHTSA ODI #10823026
35,450 miles · Jan 13, 2016
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY MY CAR SUDDENLY LOST ALL ACCELERATION POWER. IT RAN 5K RPMS TO GO 55 MPH AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WAS ON AND THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHT WAS BLINKING. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR A WEEK AND THE DEALERSHIP CANNOT FIGURE OUT HOW TO FIX IT. SOMETIMES THE LIGHTS STAY ON AND SOMETIMES THEY…
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WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY MY CAR SUDDENLY LOST ALL ACCELERATION POWER. IT RAN 5K RPMS TO GO 55 MPH AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WAS ON AND THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHT WAS BLINKING. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR A WEEK AND THE DEALERSHIP CANNOT FIGURE OUT HOW TO FIX IT. SOMETIMES THE LIGHTS STAY ON AND SOMETIMES THEY GO OFF EVEN THOUGH I CONTINUE TO HAVE LOSS OF ACCELERATION AND RIDICULOUSLY HIGH RPMS TO TRAVEL 35-55MPH.
NHTSA ODI #10819881
31,000 miles · Dec 29, 2015
EngineSteeringUnknown Or Other
HAVE A 2013 CHEVY SPARK. IT HAS ALREADY HAD AN ENGINE REPLACED AT JUST OVER 20,000 MILES AND CONTINUES TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS AS BEFORE THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. IT CONTINUOUSLY GOES BACK AND FORTH TO THE DEALER, YET "NO ISSUES OR CODES" ARE EVER FOUND. TO ME THIS CAR IS A POTENTIAL DEATH TRAP EVERY TIME IT'S DRIVEN. IT CO…
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HAVE A 2013 CHEVY SPARK. IT HAS ALREADY HAD AN ENGINE REPLACED AT JUST OVER 20,000 MILES AND CONTINUES TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS AS BEFORE THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. IT CONTINUOUSLY GOES BACK AND FORTH TO THE DEALER, YET "NO ISSUES OR CODES" ARE EVER FOUND. TO ME THIS CAR IS A POTENTIAL DEATH TRAP EVERY TIME IT'S DRIVEN. IT CONTINUOUSLY SHOWS THE ENGINE LIGHT...BLINKING AWAY...ALONG WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL THAT FREQUENTLY IS ON WITH IT. IT THEN REVS EXTREMELY HIGH AND YOU CAN'T GO OVER 20 MILES AN HOUR BECAUSE OF FEAR THE CAR WILL EXPLODE. IT ALSO SHAKES DURING ALL OF THIS. THESE ARE ALL THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT THE CAR HAS HAD SINCE BEFORE THE FIRST ENGINE DECIDED TO JUST BLOW...ON A HIGHWAY...JUST OVER 20,000 MILES. PLEASE ALSO NOTE THAT THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE RECALLS, FOR THIS CAR AS WELL. CUTE CAR...BUT IT ENDS THERE. IT'S A DEATH TRAP ON WHEELS!! THERE SHOULD BE A MAJOR RECALL AND CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT ON THESE CARS!
NHTSA ODI #10816898
47,000 miles · Dec 29, 2015
EngineUnknown Or OtherWheels
NOT EVEN 10,000 MILES IN I HAD A TIRE GETS A BUBBLE ON THE SIDEWALL. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT COVER IT OR SWAP IT OUT SAYING IT COULD HAVE BEEN DUE TO HITTING A POTHOLE OR CURB. 15,000 MILES IN DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND HEAR A LOUD BANG AND THE AC DOESN'T WORK. I TAKE IT IN AND THE DEALERSHIP SAYS I COULD HAVE HIT ROAD DEB…
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NOT EVEN 10,000 MILES IN I HAD A TIRE GETS A BUBBLE ON THE SIDEWALL. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT COVER IT OR SWAP IT OUT SAYING IT COULD HAVE BEEN DUE TO HITTING A POTHOLE OR CURB. 15,000 MILES IN DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND HEAR A LOUD BANG AND THE AC DOESN'T WORK. I TAKE IT IN AND THE DEALERSHIP SAYS I COULD HAVE HIT ROAD DEBRIS AND WOULD NOT COVER ANY WORK ON THE AC, I WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. ABOUT A WEEK LATER I GET A LETTER IN THE MAIL ABOUT THE AC RECALL AND FIND OUT MY COMPRESSOR EXPLODED ON THE INSIDE DUE TO FAULTY PARTS. 20,000 MILES IN AND THE CAR WAS EATING A QUART OF OIL EVERY 2-3 DAYS AND STILL DRAINING IT AND RAN ROUGH. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IT IS AND THEY WOULD NOT HELP IN WHAT THEY CALLED "LOOKING FOR PROBLEMS THAT CAN'T BE REPRODUCED". THEN NOT EVEN A MONTH LATER I GET A LETTER ABOUT THE RECALL AND HOW I NEED TO BRING IT IN AS QUICK AS I CAN BECAUSE SOME PEOPLE 'MAY' BE EXPERIENCING EXCESS OIL CONSUMPTION, DUE TO FAULTY PARTS. 40,000 MILES IN I'M GETTING THE TCS LIGHT ON WITH THE CEL FLASHING AT ME AND THE CAR STUTTERS AND LOOSES POWER ALL WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. GIVES THE CODE OF P0324 (KNOCK CONTROL SYSTEM ERROR). DEALERSHIP SAYS IT COULD BE DUE TO BEING DRIVEN ROUGH AND IT IS MY FAULT. I SHOULDN'T BE DRIVING 80 IN A CHEVY SPARK (THE HIGHWAY SPEEDS IN TEXAS). THE ENGINE HAS A LOUD LIFTER TICK IN THE HEADS. DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO OPEN THEM WITHOUT A FAULT CODE THAT INDICATES A HEAD ISSUE. 47,000 MILES IN I HAVE MORE MISFIRES AND ERROR CODES. TAKING IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP TO SEE WHAT THEIR EXCUSE IS THIS TIME.
NHTSA ODI #10816850
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 ↗