Owners have filed 12 complaints
about the 2021 Chevrolet Spark with NHTSA between 2021 and 2025.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 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 — 7
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Spark. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
50% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
How 2021 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 2021 Chevrolet Spark
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Fuel & Propulsion
216.7%
Airbags
216.7%
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 31,000 mi
Engine & Cooling
216.7%
Other & Unspecified
18.3%
Seat Belts
18.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 2,000 mi
Body & Structure
18.3%
Steering
18.3%
Electrical System
18.3%
Transmission & Drivetrain
18.3%
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.
Feb 2021peak 6Dec 2025
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 60,000 milesMarietta, OHCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that while driving through a bend in the road at 40 mph in the snow, the vehicle began to slide as they lost control. The contact ran over a road sign, which caused her to land in a ditch as the vehicle flipped onto its passenger side. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact did not seek medical attention but did suffer from two hematomas on her chest. The contact also suffered bruising to her right shoulder and pain on the right side of her body. A police report was not filed. The contact damaged a road sign as a result of the accident. The fellow motorist with a heavy-duty vehicle managed to extract the vehicle from the ditch, and the contact managed to drive the vehicle home. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. The VIN was invalid,
NHTSA complaint #11703209 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesCosta Mesa, CACrash2 injured
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2021Chevrolet Spark M2. The contact stated while stopped at a red light when the contact was struck from behind launching the vehicle off the ground and moving forward 30ft into the rear driver side of a third vehicle in the middle of the intersection. This resulted in none of the airbags deploying and the seatbelt came unlocked and the contact was released from the restraints. 2 people were injured and sought medical treatments. The contact sustained multiple contusions, neck and back pain, a brain cyst, and bruising all over the body. A police report was taken and the vehicle was towed to a police lot then towed again to the contacts insurance lot where it was awaiting diagnosis. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
NHTSA complaint #11429041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesCosta Mesa, CACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2021Chevrolet Spark M2. The contact stated while stopped at a red light when the contact was struck from behind launching the vehicle off the ground and moving forward 30ft into the rear driver side of a third vehicle in the middle of the intersection. This resulted in none of the airbags deploying and the seatbelt came unlocked and the contact was released from the restraints. 2 people were injured and sought medical treatments. The contact sustained multiple contusions, neck and back pain, a brain cyst, and bruising all over the body. A police report was taken and the vehicle was towed to a police lot then towed again to the contacts insurance lot where it was awaiting diagnosis. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
NHTSA complaint #11429041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 60,000 milesMarietta, OHCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that while driving through a bend in the road at 40 mph in the snow, the vehicle began to slide as they lost control. The contact ran over a road sign, which caused her to land in a ditch as the vehicle flipped onto its passenger side. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact did not seek medical attention but did suffer from two hematomas on her chest. The contact also suffered bruising to her right shoulder and pain on the right side of her body. A police report was not filed. The contact damaged a road sign as a result of the accident. The fellow motorist with a heavy-duty vehicle managed to extract the vehicle from the ditch, and the contact managed to drive the vehicle home. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. The VIN was invalid,
NHTSA complaint #11703209 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Junction, CO
POWER TRAIN
I lease a car through Carvana, and they informed me that the car was safe and properly inspected. In the first 2 weeks, I took the Chevrolet to a certified dealership for a routine inspection. I was informed that the vehicle has severe mechanical and electrical issues. The engine needs to be replaced entirely because they found shredded metal pieces in the engine oil. The car also requires an entirely new steering and alignment system. It also needs a new heating system. The total cost is 7700, which is close to the current value of the car. I have informed the caravan and Silver Rock third-party insurance. They failed to inspect the vehicle and follow DOT safety requirements. This car should not be available for purchase. This car requires several weeks of repair, which puts me at risk of driving. I could have easily ended up in a deadly accident because of the condition of the vehicle. This company has committed gross negligence while falsely promoting a car as safe. During this initial review of the car, Carvan informed us that it has never been in an accident, has not been resold with parts, and does not show wear and tear on the vehicle. I have documentation outlining the extended warranty coverage, purchase agreement, and diagnosis and analysis done by the Chevrolet dealership. This company is committing consumer fraud and putting its customers at risk. This company is still charging monthly for a car that is legally unsafe to drive.
NHTSA complaint #11656556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Junction, CO
STEERING
I lease a car through Carvana, and they informed me that the car was safe and properly inspected. In the first 2 weeks, I took the Chevrolet to a certified dealership for a routine inspection. I was informed that the vehicle has severe mechanical and electrical issues. The engine needs to be replaced entirely because they found shredded metal pieces in the engine oil. The car also requires an entirely new steering and alignment system. It also needs a new heating system. The total cost is 7700, which is close to the current value of the car. I have informed the caravan and Silver Rock third-party insurance. They failed to inspect the vehicle and follow DOT safety requirements. This car should not be available for purchase. This car requires several weeks of repair, which puts me at risk of driving. I could have easily ended up in a deadly accident because of the condition of the vehicle. This company has committed gross negligence while falsely promoting a car as safe. During this initial review of the car, Carvan informed us that it has never been in an accident, has not been resold with parts, and does not show wear and tear on the vehicle. I have documentation outlining the extended warranty coverage, purchase agreement, and diagnosis and analysis done by the Chevrolet dealership. This company is committing consumer fraud and putting its customers at risk. This company is still charging monthly for a car that is legally unsafe to drive.
NHTSA complaint #11656556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Junction, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I lease a car through carvana, and they informed me that the car was safe and properly inspected. In the first 2 weeks, I took the chevrolet to a certified dealership for a routine inspection. I was informed that the vehicle has severe mechanical and electrical issues. The enginee needs to be completed replace they found shred metal pieces in the engine oil. The car also needs a completely new steering and alignment system. It also needs a new heating system. The total cost is 7500, which is close to the current value of the car. I have informed carvan and silver rock third party insurance. They failed to inspect the vehicle and follow DOT safety requirements. This car shouldn't be available or purchased. This car requires several weeks of repair and puts me at risk for driving. I could have easily ended in deadly accident because of the condition of the vehicle. This company has committed gross deglience and promotes a car that is unsafe with false advertising and promises. Carvana is liability however they refuse to follow proper safety guidelines and take responsibility for the issue they created. I am paid for a vehicle I can't legally drive. There gross deglience put all customers at risk; if they were honest about there inspection this issue would never occur. Please help me expose this corrupt company. We the people deserve better. This company needs to be held accountable with an FCC and DOT audit.
NHTSA complaint #11656467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Junction, CO
ENGINE
I lease a car through carvana, and they informed me that the car was safe and properly inspected. In the first 2 weeks, I took the chevrolet to a certified dealership for a routine inspection. I was informed that the vehicle has severe mechanical and electrical issues. The enginee needs to be completed replace they found shred metal pieces in the engine oil. The car also needs a completely new steering and alignment system. It also needs a new heating system. The total cost is 7500, which is close to the current value of the car. I have informed carvan and silver rock third party insurance. They failed to inspect the vehicle and follow DOT safety requirements. This car shouldn't be available or purchased. This car requires several weeks of repair and puts me at risk for driving. I could have easily ended in deadly accident because of the condition of the vehicle. This company has committed gross deglience and promotes a car that is unsafe with false advertising and promises. Carvana is liability however they refuse to follow proper safety guidelines and take responsibility for the issue they created. I am paid for a vehicle I can't legally drive. There gross deglience put all customers at risk; if they were honest about there inspection this issue would never occur. Please help me expose this corrupt company. We the people deserve better. This company needs to be held accountable with an FCC and DOT audit.
NHTSA complaint #11656467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Junction, CO
ENGINE
I lease a car through Carvana, and they informed me that the car was safe and properly inspected. In the first 2 weeks, I took the Chevrolet to a certified dealership for a routine inspection. I was informed that the vehicle has severe mechanical and electrical issues. The engine needs to be replaced entirely because they found shredded metal pieces in the engine oil. The car also requires an entirely new steering and alignment system. It also needs a new heating system. The total cost is 7700, which is close to the current value of the car. I have informed the caravan and Silver Rock third-party insurance. They failed to inspect the vehicle and follow DOT safety requirements. This car should not be available for purchase. This car requires several weeks of repair, which puts me at risk of driving. I could have easily ended up in a deadly accident because of the condition of the vehicle. This company has committed gross negligence while falsely promoting a car as safe. During this initial review of the car, Carvan informed us that it has never been in an accident, has not been resold with parts, and does not show wear and tear on the vehicle. I have documentation outlining the extended warranty coverage, purchase agreement, and diagnosis and analysis done by the Chevrolet dealership. This company is committing consumer fraud and putting its customers at risk. This company is still charging monthly for a car that is legally unsafe to drive.
NHTSA complaint #11656556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Junction, CO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I lease a car through carvana, and they informed me that the car was safe and properly inspected. In the first 2 weeks, I took the chevrolet to a certified dealership for a routine inspection. I was informed that the vehicle has severe mechanical and electrical issues. The enginee needs to be completed replace they found shred metal pieces in the engine oil. The car also needs a completely new steering and alignment system. It also needs a new heating system. The total cost is 7500, which is close to the current value of the car. I have informed carvan and silver rock third party insurance. They failed to inspect the vehicle and follow DOT safety requirements. This car shouldn't be available or purchased. This car requires several weeks of repair and puts me at risk for driving. I could have easily ended in deadly accident because of the condition of the vehicle. This company has committed gross deglience and promotes a car that is unsafe with false advertising and promises. Carvana is liability however they refuse to follow proper safety guidelines and take responsibility for the issue they created. I am paid for a vehicle I can't legally drive. There gross deglience put all customers at risk; if they were honest about there inspection this issue would never occur. Please help me expose this corrupt company. We the people deserve better. This company needs to be held accountable with an FCC and DOT audit.
NHTSA complaint #11656467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bolling Afb, DC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Purchased car new, Dec 2021. Drive infrequently because my work under 5 miles away and I go into the office x2/week. Car has approx 14500 on it. Last week the car would not start. Smelled like gasoline. Called Chevy and they towed it under the bumper to bumper warranty to nearest Chevy dealership, 7 miles away. Dealership called and said fuel line is corroded. We have had no snow in DC and the military base (where I live) does not use salt on road so this makes NO sense. Then I learned the car was actually manufactured in Dec 2020 because they do not want to honor the warranty....so they are selling cars with defective fuel lines to the public. This car must have sat somewhere in snow or near water until they brought it to DC to sell to me. If they did this to me, I am sure they are doing it as a matter of practice and should be stopped. When my car was towed, there was a big wet spot under it where all the fuel leaked. I tried to reach out to corporate and now they are ignoring me. Please help me.
NHTSA complaint #11597430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesCosta Mesa, CACrash2 injured
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2021Chevrolet Spark M2. The contact stated while stopped at a red light when the contact was struck from behind launching the vehicle off the ground and moving forward 30ft into the rear driver side of a third vehicle in the middle of the intersection. This resulted in none of the airbags deploying and the seatbelt came unlocked and the contact was released from the restraints. 2 people were injured and sought medical treatments. The contact sustained multiple contusions, neck and back pain, a brain cyst, and bruising all over the body. A police report was taken and the vehicle was towed to a police lot then towed again to the contacts insurance lot where it was awaiting diagnosis. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
NHTSA complaint #11429041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesCosta Mesa, CACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2021Chevrolet Spark M2. The contact stated while stopped at a red light when the contact was struck from behind launching the vehicle off the ground and moving forward 30ft into the rear driver side of a third vehicle in the middle of the intersection. This resulted in none of the airbags deploying and the seatbelt came unlocked and the contact was released from the restraints. 2 people were injured and sought medical treatments. The contact sustained multiple contusions, neck and back pain, a brain cyst, and bruising all over the body. A police report was taken and the vehicle was towed to a police lot then towed again to the contacts insurance lot where it was awaiting diagnosis. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
NHTSA complaint #11429041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
NO WAY TO OPEN TRUNK WITHOUT A KEY. NO WAY TO OPEN TRUNK FROM INSIDE THE THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11395898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
NO WAY TO OPEN TRUNK WITHOUT A KEY. NO WAY TO OPEN TRUNK FROM INSIDE THE THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11395898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.