VehicleVerdict

2015 Chevrolet Spark problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 102 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.3 times the median Spark year — the 2015 model ranks #3 of 10 Spark years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 13 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (25), engine (12), and electrical system (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

102

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

13

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2015 compare to other Spark years?

Spark NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 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, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Spark years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Chevrolet Spark problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission2525%
Engine1212%
Electrical System1111%
Other88%
Speed Control77%
Fuel System77%
Airbags55%
Seat Belts44%
Brakes44%
Latches & Locks44%
Body & Structure44%
Suspension22%
Lighting22%
Tires & Wheels22%
Seats22%
Steering11%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Driver Assistance11%

Does the 2015 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.

15V416000Electrical SystemJune 30, 2015 · 45,785 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 20, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured June 18, 2014, to June 10, 2015. In the affected vehicles, equipped with the base radio and OnStar, the radio may lock up due to a software issue, causing the display to go blank and all audio functions to cease. Because of this, there may be no warning chimes such as the reminder to buckle the seat belt and the key being left in ignition when the driver goes to exit the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208 "Occupant Crash Protection", and 114 "Theft Protection."

Consequence

Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft. If a driver or front passenger does not buckle their seat belt, there would be no chime to remind them to fasten their seat belts. If a driver or passenger does not buckle their seat belt there is an increased risk that they will be injured in a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15504.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

MANUAL TRANSMISSION REPEATED FAILURES. THE TRANSMISSION HAS GONE OUT 5 TIMES, BEEN IN SHOP FOR GRAND TOTAL OF 6 MONTHS. 3RD AND 4TH GEAR SYNCHROS HAVE GONE OUT. CABLES ARE POPPING OFF AND NOT ALLOWING TO SHIFT. MAJORITY OF FAILURES HAVE HAPPENED AT HIGHWAY SPEED, POSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHERE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 13, 2019

ON 2/11/19 MY CAR STALLED,( SHUT OFF )WHILE MAKING A TURN AT TWO DIFFERENT TIMES . ( MILEAGE 35,582) I TOOK MY CAR TO CHEVROLET ON 3/22/18 FOR THE SAME PROBLEM.(MILEAGE 22,517) MY CAR HAD STALLED (SHUT OFF) AT A LIGHT AND NO LIGHTS HAD COME ON THE DASH INDICATING THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM. I WAS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 11, 2019

MY RADIO DASH AND AUDIO INDICATORS BLACKOUT WITHOUT WARNING THIS WEEKEND WHEN I TURNED MY CAR ON. NO BLINKER SOUND, NO RADIO, NO KEYS IN IGNITION WARNING. NOTHING. IT'S THE SAME CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 2016 RECALL THAT WAS ISSUED BUT GM WILL NOT FIX IT BECAUSE MY VIN DOES NOT APPEAR ON THE RECALL…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 25, 2019

Car fire in the engine compartment. Columbus fire inspector called it an electrical fire. On July 10 around 1:30 am, owner heard car alarm honking, saw big orange flames rising from the right front wheel well, called 911. Fire extinguished by F.D. upon arrival. The entire engine compartment burned…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 10, 2024 · fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SPARK M300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED IN A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE AND SPONTANEOUSLY ACCELERATED AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH INTO TRAFFIC COLLIDING WITH A VEHICLE. THE CONTACTED STATED THAT THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · February 5, 2020 · crash

2015 Chevrolet Spark — common questions

Is the 2015 Chevrolet Spark reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 102 complaints put the 2015 model at #3 of 10 Spark years. It is one of the Spark years to avoid.

What are the most common 2015 Spark problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (25 complaints), engine (12 complaints), electrical system (11 complaints).

Does the 2015 Chevrolet Spark have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2015 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.

How safe is the 2015 Chevrolet Spark?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2015 Chevrolet Spark earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

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.