VehicleVerdict

2017 Chevrolet Spark problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2017 Chevrolet Spark sits mid-pack among Spark years: 42 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 31, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (8), brakes (7), and airbags (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

42

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2017 compare to other Spark years?

Spark NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 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, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Spark years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Chevrolet Spark problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission819%
Brakes717%
Electrical System512%
Airbags512%
Engine410%
Visibility & Wipers37%
Other25%
Seat Belts12%
Seats12%
Speed Control12%
Steering12%
Suspension12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Lighting12%
Fuel System12%

Does the 2017 Chevrolet Spark have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

17V307000AirbagsMay 9, 2017 · 55,068 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“AT RAILWAY PARKING LOT, FIRST CAR BLOCKED WHEN BACKING OUT OF SPACE. AFTER 3 TRIES, ABLE TO MOVE ON, EXITING LOT AND ABOUT TO TURN RIGHT INTO STREET, CAR SWERVED HARD RIGHT BY ITSELF AND LOUDLY HIT CURB. PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL AND TIRE TOTALLY DAMAGED. I HAD TO GET IT TOWED TO COLLISION SHOP. IT IS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 16, 2020 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 CHEVROLET SPARK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE BRAKES SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO A PARKED BULLDOZER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A LEFT KNEE INJURY, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 20, 2017 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE TORSO, HEAD AND NECK.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 30, 2017 · crash

“MY FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS DON'T WORK WHEN THE WINDSHIELD GETS WET. AFTER THE SUN DRIES THE CAR, THE WIPERS WORK FINE. I HAD TO KEEP STOPPING ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WIPING OFF THE WINDSHIELD SO I COULD SEE WHERE I WAS GOING. I ALSO TURNED ON THE DEFROSTER TO HELP DRY THE WINDSHIELD. THE AUTOMATIC…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 16, 2017

“AS I WAS IDLING UP BEHIND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AT A 4-WAY STOP, AND BRAKING GENTLY, MY ENGINE PUTTERED OUT AND TURNED OFF. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR AFTER PUTTING IT IN PARK AND TURNING THE IGNITION OFF THEN BACK ON.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 15, 2018

2017 Chevrolet Spark — common questions

Is the 2017 Chevrolet Spark reliable?

It is close to typical for the Spark: 42 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2017 Spark problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (8 complaints), brakes (7 complaints), airbags (5 complaints).

Does the 2017 Chevrolet Spark have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2017 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.