Transmission slipping since day 1 of purchase of vehicle in 2015. Dealership has stated more than 7 times that nothing is wrong with the vehicle. Vehicle sometimes shuts off, stutters once gas is pressed 95% of the time (from a complete stop). Vehicle transmission slipping is becoming more apparent 2022.
2015 Chevrolet Spark
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2015 Chevrolet Spark do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 23.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Spark years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
39 reports with mileage · 37 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.
- Power Train. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 9 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
76 reportsIn February 2022 I noticed on my way to work my rpm's kept surging and my car was not keeping up with traffic. I was scared as I was on the interstate and traffic was pretty busy. Then it was like it roughly shifted and the rpm's dropped into the normal range As I was driving across the bridge all the sudden the check engine li…
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In February 2022 I noticed on my way to work my rpm's kept surging and my car was not keeping up with traffic. I was scared as I was on the interstate and traffic was pretty busy. Then it was like it roughly shifted and the rpm's dropped into the normal range As I was driving across the bridge all the sudden the check engine light lit up ..and my car was barely moving . There's alot of semi truck traffic on this road and several times I was scared of being rear-ended as they approached at normal speed to suddenly come upon me moving at between 5 to 10 mphs.. It was like she had no power but the engine was sounding fine. I created a traffic jam on the bridge as I crawled across it and into the first gas station I came to. I had my car towed the 20 mile's back into Indiana to my Chevy dealer. I explained what happened and they ran diagnostics etc and almost $300 later they informed me I needed a new transmission ($4000 repair). I was shocked because just eight months earlier this dealership had flushed,drained and refilled the tranny. After that diagnosis I even hauled to a different garage for a second opinion. Same finding and they said the repair would be $3500. I'm just so grateful My two grandsons were not with me .My car is not fixed and is still financed with a balance of a little less then what the repair will be ! I can't believe that the transmission went out with no warning at 130,000.
Driving through neighborhood and went to turn onto a street when suddenly vehicle revved up to governor limits and would not go forward. Vehicle behind me almost rear ended me because I lost forward motion with no indication like brake lights or any warning. Had to pull vehicle over came to a stop and it would not go. Put vehicl…
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Driving through neighborhood and went to turn onto a street when suddenly vehicle revved up to governor limits and would not go forward. Vehicle behind me almost rear ended me because I lost forward motion with no indication like brake lights or any warning. Had to pull vehicle over came to a stop and it would not go. Put vehicle in park and then in drive and it decided to work.
Started out from a stop light that changes quickly, vehicle lost all forward power and the cross traffic light changed almost causing me to be hit by a semi truck and trailer luckily he was able to barely get around me while locking up his brakes. When incident occurred I had pushed my accelerator, started moving forward and sud…
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Started out from a stop light that changes quickly, vehicle lost all forward power and the cross traffic light changed almost causing me to be hit by a semi truck and trailer luckily he was able to barely get around me while locking up his brakes. When incident occurred I had pushed my accelerator, started moving forward and suddenly the engine revved up to the governor limits and I came to a stop in the middle of the intersection as cars started flying by me. Other vehicles had limited warning as this intersection is in a sweeping blind corner. Very very scary
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would intermittently jerk without warning while shifting gears. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where they were initially unable to duplicate the failure. Upon return of the vehicle, the failure persisted. The c…
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The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would intermittently jerk without warning while shifting gears. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where they were initially unable to duplicate the failure. Upon return of the vehicle, the failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle back to the same dealer where they were able to duplicate the failure and informed him that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered a 10% discount off the cost of a new transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000. Consumer's case number [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT GEAR. THE CONTACT SLAMMED THE SHIFTER INTO DRIVE AND DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD BE RESTARTED HOWEVER, THE TRANSMISSION WAS INOPERABLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT GEAR. THE CONTACT SLAMMED THE SHIFTER INTO DRIVE AND DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD BE RESTARTED HOWEVER, THE TRANSMISSION WAS INOPERABLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 119,000.
MY RADIO WHICH CONTROLS EVERYTHING REGARDING CHARGING AND BLUETOOTH, IT HAS A TOUCH SCREEN WHICH HAS NOW BECOME COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE. THE ONLY TIME IT WILL EVER LET YOU TOUCH LIKE NORMAL IS IF THE CAR SITS UNDER THE HOT SUMMER SUN. AND EVEN THEN THE SCREEN STARTS TOUCHING RANDOM PARTS OF THE SCREEN MESSING UP SETTINGS . IT HA…
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MY RADIO WHICH CONTROLS EVERYTHING REGARDING CHARGING AND BLUETOOTH, IT HAS A TOUCH SCREEN WHICH HAS NOW BECOME COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE. THE ONLY TIME IT WILL EVER LET YOU TOUCH LIKE NORMAL IS IF THE CAR SITS UNDER THE HOT SUMMER SUN. AND EVEN THEN THE SCREEN STARTS TOUCHING RANDOM PARTS OF THE SCREEN MESSING UP SETTINGS . IT HAD ISSUES CALIBRATING EVERY NOW AND THEN WHEN I PURCHASED IT ALSO. THAT WAS IN WINTER.
WHENEVER I STOP AT A LIGHT AND TRY TO MOVE OFF WHEN THE LIGHT TURN GREEN, I WOULD PRESS THE ACCELERATOR AND THE CAR WOULD NOT RESPOND FOR ABOUT 3 TO 4 MINS SOMETHING WITH THE CVT TRANSMISSION. THIS COULD CAUSE ACCIDENT ON THE ROAD.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE RADIO REMAINED ACTIVATED WHICH CAUSED THE BATTERY TO BECOME DRAINED. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START-UP IMMEDIATELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUTHERLAND…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE RADIO REMAINED ACTIVATED WHICH CAUSED THE BATTERY TO BECOME DRAINED. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START-UP IMMEDIATELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUTHERLAND CHEVROLET LOCATED AT 1060 N MAIN ST, NICHOLASVILLE, KY 40356, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RADIO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.
BRAKE FAILURE AFTER $560 BRAKE REPAIR. WHEN BACKING UP ON AN INCLINE BRAKES BECAME VERY HARD AND FAIL TO STOP THE CAR. HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES WITH NO WARNING LIGHT. DEALER TALKED WITH GM, AND INFORMED ME IT MAY NOT BE FIXABLE. THE BRAKES SHOULD STOP THE CAR EVEN WITH A POWER ASSIST MALFUNCTION. POOR DESIGN. TOO UNSAFE …
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BRAKE FAILURE AFTER $560 BRAKE REPAIR. WHEN BACKING UP ON AN INCLINE BRAKES BECAME VERY HARD AND FAIL TO STOP THE CAR. HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES WITH NO WARNING LIGHT. DEALER TALKED WITH GM, AND INFORMED ME IT MAY NOT BE FIXABLE. THE BRAKES SHOULD STOP THE CAR EVEN WITH A POWER ASSIST MALFUNCTION. POOR DESIGN. TOO UNSAFE FOR MY FAMILY. TRADED IT IN. HOPE NHTSA INVESTIGATES THE BRAKES ON CHEVY SPARKS. THE TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKES WAS VERIFIED ON FIRST SHOP TRIP BY CHEVY TECH. 1 DAY AFTER REPAIR, TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE AGAIN. THIS TIME IT SET IN THE SHOP FOR A WEEK, AWAITING GM RESPONSE. GM CASE NUMBER 9-6003224546 THIS IS THE SECOND BRAKE FAILURE COMPLAINT FOR THE CAR, BUT I ONLY HAVE THE SERVICE REPORT FOR THE ORIGINAL FAILURE AND REPAIR. DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED WITH THIS COMPLAINT.
Official recalls
522V640000 · 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.
15V416000 · Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.
Jun 30, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 20, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured June 18, 2014, to June 10, 2015. In the affected vehicles, equipped with the base radio and OnStar, the radio may lock up due to a software issue, causing the display to go blank and all audio functions to cease. Because of this, there may be no warning chimes such as the reminder to buckle the seat belt and the key being left in ignition when the driver goes to exit the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208 "Occupant Crash Protection", and 114 "Theft Protection."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft. If a driver or front passenger does not buckle their seat belt, there would be no chime to remind them to fasten their seat belts. If a driver or passenger does not buckle their seat belt there is an increased risk that they will be injured in a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15504.
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.
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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
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