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2013 Chevrolet Spark: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Spark years.
One of the Chevrolet Spark years to avoid. All Spark years
146 owner complaints, most about engine. 5 recalls.
Should I buy a 2013 Spark?The 2013 Chevrolet Spark has 146 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system.
Safety record for the 2013 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Chevrolet Spark vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Spark years only. How we score it
Is 2013 a good year for the Spark?
Across the 10 Spark model years we track, complaint volume runs from 3 (2022) to 344 (2014). With 146 complaints, the 2013 Spark sits above the model's median of 29.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2013 Spark
electrical system:software
Campaign 16V422000General 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."
air bags
Campaign 14V298000General 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.
latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch
Campaign 14V593000General 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.
equipment:electrical:radio/tape deck/cd etc.
Campaign 16V257000General 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."
Show 1 more recall
latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch
Campaign 22V640000General 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided, with a clear distinction between positive experiences with well-maintained examples and severe criticism focused on catastrophic transmission failures.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Spark. See the full Spark owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Spark listings typically run $9,194–$13,354 across 2014 to 2022 model years.
Other Spark model years
Compare every Spark year side by side to see how 2013 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Spark against its rivals
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