What year Chevrolet Spark should I avoid?

Avoid the 2013, 2014, and 2020 Chevrolet Spark. These years have the highest Complaint Index scores (89, 100, and 78) among the 10 model years with data.

What is the best year for the Chevrolet Spark?

The 2016 and 2018 Chevrolet Spark are rated Best, with Complaint Index scores of 22 and 0, the lowest of any model years covered.

Is the 2014 Chevrolet Spark reliable?

The 2014 Spark ranks worst among all Spark model years based on NHTSA data, with 172 complaints and a Complaint Index of 100, the highest recorded. Engine complaints made up 39% of its issues.

Does the Chevrolet Spark have engine problems?

Engine issues are the top problem area across all Spark model years, accounting for 155 complaints, or 31% of the 502 total complaints filed with NHTSA.

Are there recalls on the Chevrolet Spark?

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns across Spark model years 2013-2022, including hood latch corrosion and radio software issues affecting the 2013 and 2014 model years.

Chevrolet Spark Best and Worst Years (2013–2022)

Avoid the 2013, 2014, and 2020 Chevrolet Spark, which carry the highest Complaint Index scores (100, 89, and 78) out of 502 total complaints across 10 model years. The 2016 and 2018 Spark score lowest (22 and 0) and are the best years to buy.

Avoid 2013 Avoid 2014 Avoid 2020 Best 2016 Best 2018

Model years: 10; 2013–2022
NHTSA complaints: 502
Recall campaigns: 9
Crashes reported: 46
Fires reported: 5
Top problem area: Engine

Spark Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Chevrolet Spark problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2013	Avoid	89	146	10	1	5	Engine	32.5	—
2014	Avoid	100	172	13	0	6 !	Engine	34	4★
2015	Caution	67	76	4	1	5	Transmission & Powertrain	34	4★
2016	Best	22	28	1	1	1	Brakes	34	—
2017	Caution	56	29	5	0	1	Transmission & Powertrain	33	—
2018	Best	0	9	0	0	0	Engine	33	—
2019	Good	44	14	4	0	1	Airbags	33	—
2020	Avoid	78	19	6	2	0	Airbags	33	—
2021	Good	33	6	2	0	0	Airbags	33	—
2022	No verdict	11	3	1	0	0	Airbags	33	—

Spark years to avoid: what went wrong

2014 Chevrolet Spark Index 100 · 172 complaints · 6 recalls

The 2014 Spark is the worst-ranked year, with 172 complaints and the highest Complaint Index (100) of any model year. Engine problems dominated at 67 complaints (39%), failing at a median of 46,000 miles, while Transmission & Powertrain issues followed at 47 complaints (27%) failing near 58,500 miles. Owners described stalling and sluggish acceleration at low speeds, hoods flying open into the windshield while driving, and brakes losing effectiveness with steering lockup. This year has 13 crashes, 8 injuries, and 6 recalls, including one do-not-drive recall.

2014 engine problems →2014 transmission & powertrain problems →2014 electrical system problems →

2013 Chevrolet Spark Index 89 · 146 complaints · 5 recalls

The 2013 Spark logged 146 complaints with a Complaint Index of 89, ranking second-worst of all years. Engine problems led the year at 52 complaints (36%), with a median failure mileage of 23,500. Electrical System issues followed at 40 complaints (27%), failing at a median of just 9,600 miles. Owners reported accelerator pedal sticking, brake and steering seizing during turns, and airbags failing to deploy in crashes. NHTSA recorded 10 crashes and 4 injuries for this year. Five recall campaigns apply, including a hood latch corrosion recall and two radio software recalls shared with other Spark years.

2013 engine problems →2013 electrical system problems →2013 transmission & powertrain problems →

2020 Chevrolet Spark Index 78 · 19 complaints · 0 recalls

The 2020 Spark ranks third-worst with 19 complaints and a Complaint Index of 78. Airbags were the top concern at 7 complaints (37%), failing at a median of 24,718 miles, followed by Electrical System issues at 6 complaints (32%) failing near 65,719 miles. Owners reported airbags failing to deploy during collisions, resulting in injuries, along with an electrical fire originating under the instrument panel. This year recorded 6 crashes, 2 fires, and 10 injuries despite having no recall campaigns on file.

Most common Chevrolet Spark problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Engine155 (31%)
Transmission & Powertrain124 (25%)
Electrical System110 (22%)
Other62 (12%)
Brakes60 (12%)
Airbags56 (11%)
Structure & Body53 (11%)
Fuel System44 (9%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires18 (4%)
Steering17 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Chevrolet Spark should I avoid?: Avoid the 2013, 2014, and 2020 Chevrolet Spark. These years have the highest Complaint Index scores (89, 100, and 78) among the 10 model years with data.
What is the best year for the Chevrolet Spark?: The 2016 and 2018 Chevrolet Spark are rated Best, with Complaint Index scores of 22 and 0, the lowest of any model years covered.
Is the 2014 Chevrolet Spark reliable?: The 2014 Spark ranks worst among all Spark model years based on NHTSA data, with 172 complaints and a Complaint Index of 100, the highest recorded. Engine complaints made up 39% of its issues.
Does the Chevrolet Spark have engine problems?: Engine issues are the top problem area across all Spark model years, accounting for 155 complaints, or 31% of the 502 total complaints filed with NHTSA.
Are there recalls on the Chevrolet Spark?: NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns across Spark model years 2013-2022, including hood latch corrosion and radio software issues affecting the 2013 and 2014 model years.