Chevrolet Spark reliability: common problems by model year

Across 4 model years, the Chevrolet Spark has 655 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 20 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and engine. 2014 drew the most complaints (342), 2018 the fewest (8).

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Chevrolet Spark vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $9,979–$12,385.

Which Spark years have the most problems?

Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.

Highest: 2014 (342 complaints). Lowest: 2018 (8).

Where owners report problems

What owners say

Sentiment is sharply divided, with a clear distinction between positive experiences with well-maintained examples and severe criticism focused on catastrophic transmission failures. A cohort of owners praises the Spark as a practical, fuel-efficient, and surpr

• CVT transmission failure: Complete failure requiring replacement, reported around 120,000-140,000 miles; some instances of replacement units failing again shortly thereafter. Frequency: recurrent.
• General reliability concerns: Broader perception of unreliability and frequent breakdowns beyond just the transmission, leading to consistent repair costs. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Spark. Individual model years are broken down above.