2013 Chevrolet Spark Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
89/100
#2 most-complained of 10 Spark years
The 2013 Chevrolet Spark has 146 NHTSA complaints, a Complaint Index of 89, and ranks 2nd-worst among 10 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. Engine issues dominate at 36% of complaints, with 5 recalls covering structure, electrical, and airbag systems.
- Complaints
- 146
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes / fires
- 10 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 32.5
- 29.5 city / 36.5 hwy
Top 2013 Chevrolet Spark problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine52 (36%)
- Electrical System40 (27%)
- Transmission & Powertrain34 (23%)
- Other22 (15%)
- Structure & Body19 (13%)
- Airbags13 (9%)
- Brakes13 (9%)
- Fuel System12 (8%)
- Steering4 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (2%)
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy during moderate-speed frontal or side impacts, even in crashes that totaled the vehicle.
- Some airbags deployed unexpectedly while braking normally, causing rear-end collisions and injuries from deployment smoke.
- Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration or the engine surging forward while the brake pedal was engaged.
- Brakes reportedly failed or the steering seized during low-speed turns, leading to collisions with fixed objects.
- Instrument panel and daytime running lights behaved erratically, staying illuminated or varying in brightness without explanation.
2013 Chevrolet Spark recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V640000Aug 25, 2022Structure & Body120,688 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 16V422000Jun 10, 2016Electrical System18,780 vehicles
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."
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 16V257000Apr 28, 2016Electrical System317,572 vehicles
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."
Risk: 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.
2013 Chevrolet Spark fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 29.5 MPG
- Highway
- 36.5 MPG
- Combined
- 32.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,000
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2013 compared with other Spark years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Chevrolet Spark reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2013 Spark ranks 2nd-worst of 10 model years, with a Complaint Index of 89 and 146 total complaints, placing it in the Avoid category relative to other Spark years.
- What is the top problem area for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark?
- Engine complaints lead at 52 reports, or 36% of all complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 23,500 miles.
- Does the 2013 Chevrolet Spark have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2013 Spark covering hood latch corrosion, radio software for warning chimes, and a passenger airbag replacement.
- How does the 2013 Spark compare to the 2014 Spark?
- The 2014 Spark has a higher Complaint Index of 100 and more complaints (172), making it the worst year, while the 2013 Spark follows closely with an index of 89.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2013 Chevrolet Spark?
- The 2013 Spark gets 32.5 mpg combined (29.5 city / 36.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,000.