VehicleVerdict

2013 Chevrolet Spark problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 224 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 7.2 times the median Spark year — the 2013 model ranks #2 of 10 Spark years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (43), electrical system (37), and transmission (34), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

224

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

18

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other Spark years?

Spark NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted269 complaints2013: 224 complaints2014: 269 complaints2015: 102 complaints2016: 36 complaints2017: 42 complaints2018: 14 complaints2019: 20 complaints2020: 26 complaints2021: 12 complaints2022: 5 complaints
Spark NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Spark years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Chevrolet Spark problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine4319%
Electrical System3717%
Transmission3415%
Other219%
Speed Control146%
Airbags136%
Fuel System125%
Lighting115%
Latches & Locks104%
Brakes104%
Body & Structure94%
Steering42%
Tires & Wheels21%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%
Suspension10%
Seat Belts10%
Visibility & Wipers10%

Does the 2013 Chevrolet Spark have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V640000Latches & LocksAugust 25, 2022 · 120,688 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

16V422000Electrical SystemJune 10, 2016 · 18,780 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

16V257000Electrical SystemApril 28, 2016 · 317,572 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

14V593000Latches & LocksSeptember 24, 2014 · 89,294 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured January 17, 2012, to July 29, 2014. The secondary hood latch may prematurely corrode at the latch pivot causing the striker to get stuck out of position, preventing it from properly engaging the hood latch.

Consequence

If the secondary hood latch corrodes causing the latch to be stuck out of position, and the primary hood latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the striker with a new part which has superior corrosion protection, free of charge. The recall began on January 7, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14456.

14V298000AirbagsJune 6, 2014 · 61 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured April 10, 2013, to May 8, 2013, and Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured December 30, 2012, to March 1, 2013. In the affected vehicles, an improper weld on the passenger side front air bag inflator may result in the air bag not deploying.

Consequence

If the air bag does not to deploy in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the front passenger.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side front air bag, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick) or 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14211.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY GOING APPROXIMATELY 55-60 MPH AND A SUV RUNS A STOP SIGN AND PULLS OUT IN FRONT OF ME ON THE HIGHWAY. I HIT THE SUV. THE SUV FLEES THE ACCIDENT. MY CAR CATCHES ON FIRE ON IMPACT AND MY AIRBAGS FAIL TO DEPLOY. IT WAS A FRONTAL IMPACT AND I WAS GOING ABOUT 55 MPH AT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 10, 2014 · crash · fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 15, 2013

TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE OVER 50 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND RESUMED TO NORMAL FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 1, 2014

I WAS IN A VERY BAD CAR ACCIDENT AND NOT ONE OF MY AIR BAGS DEPLOYED . IT IS SQUISHED IT WAS HIT IN THE FRONT VERY HARD WHICH WOULD ALLOW THE AIRBAGS TO POOF OUT AND HELP IN THESE SITUATIONS. I WAS HEADED DOWN AN OFF RAMP ONTO TURN PIKE AND A CAR CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP SWERVED TO MERGE AND CAR…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 6, 2016 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, HER SIZE TWELVE FOOT GOT STUCK BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDALS WHICH CAUSED HER TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN AND MILEAGE WERE UNAVAILABLE.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · November 12, 2012 · crash

2013 Chevrolet Spark — common questions

Is the 2013 Chevrolet Spark reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 224 complaints put the 2013 model at #2 of 10 Spark years. It is one of the Spark years to avoid.

What are the most common 2013 Spark problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (43 complaints), electrical system (37 complaints), transmission (34 complaints).

Does the 2013 Chevrolet Spark have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Chevrolet Spark. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Spark years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Spark years to avoid are 2014, 2013, 2015, 2016. The cleanest record among Spark years belongs to 2022.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.