Chevrolet Spark Reliability by Year

744 NHTSA complaints (2013–2022). Complaint rate: 47.9 per 1,000 vehicles.

Chevrolet Spark reliability varies significantly by model year. Based on 744 NHTSA complaints (2013–2022), the most problematic years are 2014, 2013, with high complaint volumes linked to transmission issues. Better choices include 2022, 2018, 2021, which show significantly fewer reported problems.

Why these years are worse

The most common issues driving the complaint spikes:

  • transmission issues119 complaints (2.5% involved a crash)
  • engine problems110 complaints (2.7% involved a crash)
  • electrical faults96 complaints (0.0% involved a crash)
  • unknown or other57 complaints (10.5% involved a crash)
  • airbag malfunctions55 complaints (54.5% involved a crash)
Severity Score
107.3
Complaints
744
Crash Rate
9.5%
Fire Rate
1.1%
Injuries
67
Fatalities

Which Years to Buy & Avoid

Years auto-clustered by complaint volume relative to this model's median.

Bottom line: Avoid the 2013–2015 Chevrolet Spark. The 2021–2022 models had significantly fewer reported issues. Most common issue across all years: POWER TRAIN.

Avoid These Years

2013–2015
~198/yr complaints · 45 crashes

Average

2016–2017
~39/yr complaints
2020
~26/yr complaints

Better Years

2021–2022
~9/yr complaints
2018–2019
~15/yr complaints
Looking at a specific Chevrolet Spark?

A model's reputation is just the start.

Even within the “good” years, individual cars can have hidden accidents, title issues, or odometer rollbacks. Check the actual VIN before you buy — full history report for $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA complaint count per model year

Chevrolet Spark — Complaints by Model YearPeak: 2014 (268)
0771542313082013201420152016201720182019202020212022

Common Chevrolet Spark Problems

Most reported component complaints to NHTSA

ComponentComplaintsCrash %
POWER TRAIN1192.5%
ENGINE1102.7%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM960.0%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER5710.5%
AIR BAGS5554.5%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL488.3%
SERVICE BRAKES4316.3%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM410.0%
STRUCTURE:BODY2321.7%
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES170.0%

See also: Chevrolet Sparkaccident & safety statistics from our vehicle history database.

Buying a Chevrolet Spark?

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Chevrolet Spark Reliability by Year (NHTSA Data) — Years to Avoid & Best Years | VinItel