How many electrical system complaints does the 2013 Chevrolet Spark have?

NHTSA lists 40 electrical system complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark, which is 27% of the 146 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark electrical system?

Yes, two recalls (16V422000 and 16V257000) cover 2013-2015 Spark vehicles with Bring Your Own Media radios that may fail to sound audible warning chimes; GM's remedy is a free radio software update.

At what mileage do 2013 Spark electrical problems usually appear?

The median mileage at failure for electrical system complaints on the 2013 Spark is 9,600 miles.

Do the electrical complaints involve crashes or fires?

No. NHTSA records show 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries tied to the 2013 Spark's electrical system complaints.

How does the 2013 Spark compare to other years for electrical complaints?

The 2013 Spark's 40 electrical complaints and 27% share are higher than every later model year in the data, including 2014's 39 complaints (23% share) and 2015's 10 complaints (13% share).

2013 Chevrolet Spark Electrical System Problems

NHTSA has 40 electrical system complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark, 27% of all 146 complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 9,600 miles. Two related recalls address radio software, not the illumination or A/C issues owners describe most often.

Electrical System complaints: 40; 27% of 146
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 9,600 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Steering wheel controls for cruise, phone, and audio do not illuminate at night, making buttons impossible to see or identify by feel.
Air conditioning stops cooling and blows warm air while the car idles or is stopped, then resumes cooling once the vehicle picks up speed.
During acceleration from a stop over bumps or rough pavement, the car loses power for several seconds while the traction control light illuminates.
Daytime running lights appear abnormally bright and the instrument panel stays lit, leaving owners unable to tell if exterior lights are on or off.
Dealers reportedly could not duplicate or permanently fix the A/C idle-cooling problem despite multiple visits and part replacements.

When 2013 Chevrolet Spark electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 8, 2013, latest Feb 12, 2025.

40 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2013 to Feb 2025; peak Aug 2013 (3).

Electrical System recalls for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark

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.

Electrical System complaints by Spark model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201340 (27%)
201439 (23%)
201510 (13%)
20166 (21%)
20176 (21%)
20180 (0%)
20191 (7%)
20206 (32%)
20211 (17%)
20221 (33%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 2013 Chevrolet Spark have?: NHTSA lists 40 electrical system complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark, which is 27% of the 146 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark electrical system?: Yes, two recalls (16V422000 and 16V257000) cover 2013-2015 Spark vehicles with Bring Your Own Media radios that may fail to sound audible warning chimes; GM's remedy is a free radio software update.
At what mileage do 2013 Spark electrical problems usually appear?: The median mileage at failure for electrical system complaints on the 2013 Spark is 9,600 miles.
Do the electrical complaints involve crashes or fires?: No. NHTSA records show 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries tied to the 2013 Spark's electrical system complaints.
How does the 2013 Spark compare to other years for electrical complaints?: The 2013 Spark's 40 electrical complaints and 27% share are higher than every later model year in the data, including 2014's 39 complaints (23% share) and 2015's 10 complaints (13% share).