VehicleVerdict

2013 Chevrolet Spark electrical system problems

The 2013 Chevrolet Spark has 37 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 17% of the year's total, and the first year with meaningful reports in this category.

37

Electrical System complaints

17%

Share of year

0

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Electrical System complaints by year

Spark electrical system complaints by model year48 complaints2013: 37 complaints2014: 48 complaints2015: 11 complaints2016: 6 complaints2017: 5 complaints2019: 1 complaints2020: 6 complaints2021: 1 complaints
Spark electrical system complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

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

Common questions

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

NHTSA has 37 complaints about the 2013 Chevrolet Spark electrical system — 17% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark electrical system?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the electrical system: 16V257000, 16V422000.

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.