2017 Chevrolet Spark Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
56/100
#5 most-complained of 10 Spark years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
NHTSA data shows 29 complaints and 1 recall for the 2017 Chevrolet Spark, with a Complaint Index of 56, ranking it 5th worst out of 10 model years. Compared to other Spark years, 2017 earns a "Caution" rating, driven mainly by transmission and brake complaints.
- Complaints
- 29
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 5 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 6 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 33
- 29.5 city / 37.5 hwy
Top 2017 Chevy Spark problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain9 (31%)
- Brakes8 (28%)
- Electrical System6 (21%)
- Airbags5 (17%)
- Engine5 (17%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (10%)
- Other2 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (7%)
- Fuel System1 (3%)
- HVAC1 (3%)
What owners report
- Drivers report sudden loss of braking power leading to crashes at moderate highway speeds.
- Some owners describe the airbag failing to deploy during a crash despite a police report being filed.
- Windshield wipers reportedly fail to activate when the windshield is wet, clearing only after the sun dries the glass.
- Daytime running lights are described as turning on only at night instead of automatically as intended.
- Owners report the passenger airbag recall repair being delayed due to defective replacement parts.
- One owner said the seat belt on the redesigned 2017 model is no longer height-adjustable, causing discomfort.
2017 Chevrolet Spark recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 17V307000May 9, 2017Airbags55,068 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Chevrolet Spark vehicles. In the event of a crash, if a young child is seated improperly and not wearing a seat belt while in the front passenger seat, deployment of the front passenger air bag may injure the occupant's neck. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: In the event of a crash with a frontal air bag deployment, an unbelted child in the front passenger seat has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2017. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17199.
2017 Chevrolet Spark fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 29.5 MPG
- Highway
- 37.5 MPG
- Combined
- 33 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,950
- 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.
2017 compared with other Spark years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2017 Chevrolet Spark reliable?
- NHTSA lists 29 complaints and a Complaint Index of 56 for the 2017 Spark, placing it 5th worst of the 10 model years covered, with a "Caution" rating relative to other Spark years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Spark?
- Transmission and powertrain issues make up 31% of complaints, followed by brakes at 28% and electrical system problems at 21%, according to NHTSA data.
- Does the 2017 Chevrolet Spark have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 17V307000) covers the passenger airbag module, which GM dealers replace free of charge; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2017 Spark compare to other model years?
- The 2017 Spark has a Complaint Index of 56, better than 2013 (89), 2014 (100), and 2015 (67), but worse than 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2021, which all rank as "Best" or "Good."
- What is the fuel economy of the 2017 Chevrolet Spark?
- EPA rates the 2017 Spark at 33 mpg combined (29.5 city / 37.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,950.