Owners have filed 26 complaints
about the 2020 Chevrolet Spark with NHTSA between 2020 and 2025.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 16
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Spark. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
73.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
64% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2020 compares with every other Chevrolet Spark
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2020 Chevrolet Spark
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Airbags
726.9%
6 crashes, 0 fires · median 24,718 mi
Electrical System
623.1%
0 crashes, 2 fires · median 65,719 mi
Other & Unspecified
519.2%
1 crashes, 1 fires · median 2,500 mi
Engine & Cooling
311.5%
Median failure at 65,719 miles
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
13.8%
Seat Belts
13.8%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Tires
13.8%
Median failure at 22,817 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
13.8%
Steering
13.8%
Median failure at 26 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
214.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
17.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
642.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
17.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
214.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
17.1%
150,000+ miles
17.1%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2020 Chevrolet Spark 5 HB FWD
—
—
—
—
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 2020peak 3Nov 2025
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Topeka, KSCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact was a passenger in a 2020 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that, while the owner was driving at an undisclosed speed through an intersection, another vehicle failed to yield for a red light. As a result, the other vehicle collided with the passenger side front quarter panel of the vehicle. The air bags did deploy, which the contact held responsible for the injuries she sustained. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a storage facility and deemed a total loss by the owner's insurance provider. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. Both the driver and the contact were transported to an area hospital by EMT. The driver was treated for whiplash, back pain, and shortness of breath. The contact was treated for an injured sternum, injured left knee, injured left ankle, injured right hip, broken right hand middle finger, and whiplash. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11696452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tulsa, OKCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
My 2020 Chevy Spark was hit from behind at a rate of 40-50 mph. The airbags did not employ. However, the vehicle that struck the car, all of its airbags deployed.
NHTSA complaint #11546673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hayward, CAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle caught on fire from the inside somewhere towards the driver side in dash. Instrument cluster and dash completely burnt. Entire inside interior of car burnt
NHTSA complaint #11541052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hayward, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle caught on fire from the inside somewhere towards the driver side in dash. Instrument cluster and dash completely burnt. Entire inside interior of car burnt
NHTSA complaint #11541052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,000 milesHayward, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
The contact owned a 2020 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that the police department informed them that the vehicle caught on fire. The contact stated that the fire may have started under the instrument panel and air bags had deployed. The vehicle was severely burned and only the contact’s vehicle was burned. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed. No one was injured. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 19,000. The contact stated the vehicle has been totaled out.
NHTSA complaint #11539235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mclean, VACrash2 injured
SEAT BELTS
All of the airbags were too strong. The doctor thought my leg was broken from the leg airbag. I was even wearing ugg boots to my knees, so I would have had a worse injury without them. I got a concussion from the airbag that hit my face and my nose was broken. My left hand was severely bruised almost covering the whole hand, my legs were bruised with cuts all over. There were bruises as if pieces were flying at my legs from within the airbags. One circular bruise on my leg lasted almost a year. Also, the seatbelt was too harsh. It pulled at my shoulder and the injury has lasted until now. My passenger had cuts on her legs and severe bruises on her stomach from the seatbelt. We were in a head-on accident with the other car going about 45 at us and going faster and faster.
NHTSA complaint #11440908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 243,656 milesOntario, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact exited the vehicle, unlatched the hood, and wiggled the battery cable, and the vehicle worked as intended. No warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic and the dealer were contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was inspected, and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the battery cables needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced; however, the battery was not replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 243,656.
NHTSA complaint #11697462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Topeka, KSCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact was a passenger in a 2020 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that, while the owner was driving at an undisclosed speed through an intersection, another vehicle failed to yield for a red light. As a result, the other vehicle collided with the passenger side front quarter panel of the vehicle. The air bags did deploy, which the contact held responsible for the injuries she sustained. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a storage facility and deemed a total loss by the owner's insurance provider. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. Both the driver and the contact were transported to an area hospital by EMT. The driver was treated for whiplash, back pain, and shortness of breath. The contact was treated for an injured sternum, injured left knee, injured left ankle, injured right hip, broken right hand middle finger, and whiplash. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11696452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,000 milesPhiladelphia, PA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 38,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11655775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,848 milesPrentiss, MS
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. An unknown message was displayed. The vehicle was able to restart, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the O2 sensor was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The mechanic performed an oil change however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,848.
NHTSA complaint #11611665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tulsa, OKCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
My 2020 Chevy Spark was hit from behind at a rate of 40-50 mph. The airbags did not employ. However, the vehicle that struck the car, all of its airbags deployed.
NHTSA complaint #11546673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hayward, CAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle caught on fire from the inside somewhere towards the driver side in dash. Instrument cluster and dash completely burnt. Entire inside interior of car burnt
NHTSA complaint #11541052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hayward, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle caught on fire from the inside somewhere towards the driver side in dash. Instrument cluster and dash completely burnt. Entire inside interior of car burnt
NHTSA complaint #11541052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,000 milesHayward, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
The contact owned a 2020 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that the police department informed them that the vehicle caught on fire. The contact stated that the fire may have started under the instrument panel and air bags had deployed. The vehicle was severely burned and only the contact’s vehicle was burned. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed. No one was injured. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 19,000. The contact stated the vehicle has been totaled out.
NHTSA complaint #11539235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Albany, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel line or a component which is part of the fuel system was chewed through by a rodent and the gas was pouring out of the rear of the car. My safety was at risk because if I didn't first smell the gas and then see the dripping gas, something may have sparked and caused the car to catch on fire or explode. The problem was confirmed by the dealer who sold me the car and who repaired the problem. The problem was not inspected by the manufacturer, etc. There were no warning lights that could have warned about the problem until the tank ran dry. I did see online that there is a class action against Toyota and Honda because the wires in their cars are coated with a soy material which is attracting rodents. My 2020 Chevy Spark was purchased new. The car I had previously sat out in the same parking area for 9 years and I have never had rodents attracted to the wires or fuel system.
NHTSA complaint #11528584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,817 milesHonolulu, HI
TIRES
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Spark equipped with Kumho Tires, Tire Line: Solus TA31, Tire Size: 185/55/R15, DOT Number: Y0MBYAY1. The contact stated that the driver's and passenger's side front tires and the passenger's side rear tire had chunks of rubber separating from the tread. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the driver's and passenger's side front tires and the passenger's side rear tire needed to be replaced. The tires were not replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the tires were not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was 22,817.
NHTSA complaint #11499991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,719 milesLos Angeles, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that after the vehicle was idle at a red light, while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle several times before the vehicle restarted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who was unable to identify the cause of the failure. The contact then took the vehicle to another dealer who stated that the battery might have failed. The battery and battery cables were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,719.
NHTSA complaint #11482371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,719 milesLos Angeles, CA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that after the vehicle was idle at a red light, while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle several times before the vehicle restarted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who was unable to identify the cause of the failure. The contact then took the vehicle to another dealer who stated that the battery might have failed. The battery and battery cables were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,719.
NHTSA complaint #11482371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mclean, VACrash2 injured
SEAT BELTS
All of the airbags were too strong. The doctor thought my leg was broken from the leg airbag. I was even wearing ugg boots to my knees, so I would have had a worse injury without them. I got a concussion from the airbag that hit my face and my nose was broken. My left hand was severely bruised almost covering the whole hand, my legs were bruised with cuts all over. There were bruises as if pieces were flying at my legs from within the airbags. One circular bruise on my leg lasted almost a year. Also, the seatbelt was too harsh. It pulled at my shoulder and the injury has lasted until now. My passenger had cuts on her legs and severe bruises on her stomach from the seatbelt. We were in a head-on accident with the other car going about 45 at us and going faster and faster.
NHTSA complaint #11440908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mclean, VACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
All of the airbags were too strong. The doctor thought my leg was broken from the leg airbag. I was even wearing ugg boots to my knees, so I would have had a worse injury without them. I got a concussion from the airbag that hit my face and my nose was broken. My left hand was severely bruised almost covering the whole hand, my legs were bruised with cuts all over. There were bruises as if pieces were flying at my legs from within the airbags. One circular bruise on my leg lasted almost a year. Also, the seatbelt was too harsh. It pulled at my shoulder and the injury has lasted until now. My passenger had cuts on her legs and severe bruises on her stomach from the seatbelt. We were in a head-on accident with the other car going about 45 at us and going faster and faster.
NHTSA complaint #11440908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clayton, GA
AIR BAGS
Our car broke down on 07/08/2021 and went into the shop on 07/12/2021. It was eventually determined the engine had to be replaced. The car was in the shop until 09/02/2021. The following day during a test drive I noticed some minor, unusual response, almost unnoticeable, from the brakes, but there were no warning lights or messages. I connected a code reader and received the following codes: U0422, U0151, and C0800. I think all of them are sent by the ECU and involve communication problems with the ABS and the restraint systems, but yet, no warnings. I took it back to the shop. They found a shorted or bad Body Control Module, probably caused during the engine swap. If I hadn’t found those codes, perhaps the brakes or restraint systems may not have performed correctly in an accident. Obviously, the BCM can be defective and no warning lights are displayed, yet the car seems to perform almost normal. My wife did not detect the unusual braking response. We have parked the car. It seems to me, if the BCM goes defective, there should be a red light, stop immediately warning. I think every system in the car has to communicate with it. Could it be a problem created in the factory?
NHTSA complaint #11436014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clayton, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Our car broke down on 07/08/2021 and went into the shop on 07/12/2021. It was eventually determined the engine had to be replaced. The car was in the shop until 09/02/2021. The following day during a test drive I noticed some minor, unusual response, almost unnoticeable, from the brakes, but there were no warning lights or messages. I connected a code reader and received the following codes: U0422, U0151, and C0800. I think all of them are sent by the ECU and involve communication problems with the ABS and the restraint systems, but yet, no warnings. I took it back to the shop. They found a shorted or bad Body Control Module, probably caused during the engine swap. If I hadn’t found those codes, perhaps the brakes or restraint systems may not have performed correctly in an accident. Obviously, the BCM can be defective and no warning lights are displayed, yet the car seems to perform almost normal. My wife did not detect the unusual braking response. We have parked the car. It seems to me, if the BCM goes defective, there should be a red light, stop immediately warning. I think every system in the car has to communicate with it. Could it be a problem created in the factory?
NHTSA complaint #11436014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Our car broke down on 07/08/2021 and went into the shop on 07/12/2021. It was eventually determined the engine had to be replaced. The car was in the shop until 09/02/2021. The following day during a test drive I noticed some minor, unusual response, almost unnoticeable, from the brakes, but there were no warning lights or messages. I connected a code reader and received the following codes: U0422, U0151, and C0800. I think all of them are sent by the ECU and involve communication problems with the ABS and the restraint systems, but yet, no warnings. I took it back to the shop. They found a shorted or bad Body Control Module, probably caused during the engine swap. If I hadn’t found those codes, perhaps the brakes or restraint systems may not have performed correctly in an accident. Obviously, the BCM can be defective and no warning lights are displayed, yet the car seems to perform almost normal. My wife did not detect the unusual braking response. We have parked the car. It seems to me, if the BCM goes defective, there should be a red light, stop immediately warning. I think every system in the car has to communicate with it. Could it be a problem created in the factory?
NHTSA complaint #11436014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,718 milesKansas City, MOCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
VEHICLE #1 HEADING SOUTHBOUND THEN CROSS LANES AND TURE ABRUPTLY EASTWARD INTO ONGOING TRAFFIC OF VEHICLE #2 NORTHBOUND LANE. BOTH VEHICLE'S COLLIDED AND VEHICLE #2 AIR BAG'S DID NOT DEPLOY DURING IMPACT.
NHTSA complaint #11408559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,718 milesKansas City, MOCrash2 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
VEHICLE #1 HEADING SOUTHBOUND THEN CROSS LANES AND TURE ABRUPTLY EASTWARD INTO ONGOING TRAFFIC OF VEHICLE #2 NORTHBOUND LANE. BOTH VEHICLE'S COLLIDED AND VEHICLE #2 AIR BAG'S DID NOT DEPLOY DURING IMPACT.
NHTSA complaint #11408559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,718 milesKansas City, MOCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2020 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE INTERSECTED HIS LANE AND HE T-BONED THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES ON HIS RIGHT KNEE, LOW AND UPPER BACK AND NECK. THE CONTACT'S WIFE(FRONT PASSENGER) SUSTAINED FRACTURE RIBS ON HER RIGHT SIDE AND A WHIPLASH. THE CONTACT AND HIS WIFE DID SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION AT A EMERGENCY ROOM. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO VAN CHEVROLET (100 NW VIVION RD, KANSAS CITY, MO 64118: (816) 527-8564) AND WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE TOTAL. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 24,718.
NHTSA complaint #11408103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,500 milesAnchorage, AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TRUNK DIVIDER OPENS RANDOMLY BLOCKING REAR WINDOW RANDOMLY WILL HAVE TO PARK AND GET OUT OPEN HATCH AND PUT IT BACK DOWN DEFINITELY A HAZARD IF ONE USES THERE REAR VIEW MIRROR AS IT BLOCKS THE WINDOW COMPLETELY NEED TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO MAKE IT STAY DOWN OR SIMPLY REMOVE THE PIECE ALL TOGETHER! IT HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES CAR NOW HAS 3000 MILES AND ANY SPEED!
NHTSA complaint #11399529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesCassville, MOCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2020 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEED WHEN HE HAD A MEDICAL EVENT WHICH CAUSED HIM TO CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A FRACTURED BACK AND HEAD INJURIES AND SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR HIS INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE INSURANCE DEEMED THE VEHICLE TOTAL LOSS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO IMPOUND LOT. THE CONTACT CALLED LOCAL DEALER RELIABLE CHEVROLET (3655 S CAMPBELL AVE, SPRINGFIELD, MO 65807: (417) 708-8088) AND WAS MADE INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 20,000.
NHTSA complaint #11390048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8 milesIndianapolis, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE SHELF, COVER, TOP OVER THE TRUNK AREA DOES NOT STAY DOWN. IT IS NOT ATTACHED BY ANY CORDS TO RAISE IT UP OR LOWER IT WHEN OPENING THE HATCHBACK. IF IT IS UP SEEING OUT THE BACK WINDOW IS EXTREMELY LIMITED, POSING A SAFETY HAZARD. IT IS NECESSARY TO PUT AN OBJECT ON THE TOP OF IT TO STAY DOWN, AND HOPE IT DOESN'T FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #11360457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I SENT THIS UNIT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE A KEY PROGRAMMED BUT THEY CAN'T PROGRAM THE KEY. THEY SAID THEY NEED FURTHER INFORMATION TO PROGRAM A KEY. PLEASE ADVISE.
NHTSA complaint #11351187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I SENT THIS UNIT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE A KEY PROGRAMMED BUT THEY CAN'T PROGRAM THE KEY. THEY SAID THEY NEED FURTHER INFORMATION TO PROGRAM A KEY. PLEASE ADVISE.
NHTSA complaint #11351187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.