101 of the
759 complaints filed about the Chevrolet Spark
are about the electrical system —
13% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2014.
INCIDENT SUMMARY In February 2025, while driving on the freeway, my vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of power. The battery rapidly depleted without warning, causing the vehicle to decelerate dangerously in moving traffic. A Stabilitrak warning appeared on the display. I was fortunate to reach the shoulder safely, but this failure created an extremely hazardous situation that could have resulted in serious injury or death. Following this incident, the vehicle became completely inoperable and required towing to Stewart Chevrolet for diagnosis. DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSIS Stewart Chevrolet performed a diagnostic evaluation (cost: $700) and provided the following official findings: Problem Identified: Battery 1 with voltage variance beyond specifications Variance Measured: In excess of 0.07V discrepancy in battery cells GM Document Referenced: #17-NA-131 Recommended Repair: Labor operation 9102972 - Drive Motor Replacement and Shipping Preparation (high voltage battery replacement) Estimated Cost: $10,000-12,000
NHTSA complaint #11710502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving in early 2025, my 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV suddenly lost all ability to accelerate. The vehicle remained powered on but would not respond to the accelerator, and I was unable to fully shut it off. This created a safety hazard because I could not properly control or secure the vehicle, and it required towing. I replaced the 12V battery at my own expense. The issue briefly disappeared, but the same failure occurred again within weeks. The replacement 12V battery also failed to hold a charge, indicating the problem was not related to the 12V system. I brought the vehicle to Harbor Chevrolet. Their technicians confirmed the problem was caused by a failure of the high-voltage battery system. They also informed me that the required EV battery is unavailable from the manufacturer with no estimated availability. Because this component is essential for basic propulsion and safety, the vehicle has been completely inoperable since early 2025. The vehicle is available for inspection, but it cannot be driven due to the propulsion failure. The defect has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealership. There were no warning lamps or early indicators prior to the sudden loss of propulsion. I am reporting this because sudden propulsion loss and inability to shut the vehicle down properly present significant safety concerns, especially if this issue affects additional Spark EV vehicles without an available manufacturer remedy.
NHTSA complaint #11704345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Spark. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V257000 (Equipment, Electrical Systems). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the radio software needed to be updated. The dealer informed the contact that to complete the software upgrade, the dealer had to reprogram the radio USB portion to complete the upgrade. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the radio image was inoperable. The contact stated that the radio image appeared blank. Additionally, the Bluetooth feature failed to function properly. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was concerned about the failure of the vehicle and that it was related to the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,173.
NHTSA complaint #11679404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When the car reaches a certain speed (50 mph plus) it jerks and jolts. The engine light is on and a P-code is present. Each mechanic says something different.
NHTSA complaint #11676086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The GM bulletin N19227110 indicates that they are aware of over 10% of Chevrolet Spark models from the years 2014-2015 experiencing transmission problems. Although this bulletin expired last year, it is important to note that they do not provide coverage for vehicles purchased used with fewer than 120,000 miles. This situation poses a significant danger, as the transmission may potentially be contaminated with dirt and debris, leading to unexpected jerking or complete failure, and in some cases, vehicles have caught fire. Furthermore, unless the vehicle is taken to a GM service center, the issue may remain undetected. According to my research, this problem is similar to the one that Nissan faced with their CVT transmissions, which were subject to a recall for the same reason.
NHTSA complaint #11663106 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Vehicle stalls when started, after vehicle is up to temp the rpm’s fluctuate and vehicle misfires. I was driving down the road when all of a sudden the car went into limp mode I couldn’t do anything and me and my son almost got run off the road but after a few minutes of pressing the gas pedal it finally started to move. Dealership is unable to fix problem because they can’t even figure out what it is $7000.00 later and no one can figure out the problem. This is a lemon and Chevy should be recalling all Chevy spark before someone gets hurt.
NHTSA complaint #11642223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Spark M300. The contact stated that the air bag and the seat belts warning lights were illuminated, and a message stating that the air bags would not deploy in the event of a crash was displayed. The contact stated while at a complete stop at the traffic light, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer by roadside assistance, who purchased a new battery for the vehicle from the dealer; however, the dealer informed the contact that Roadside assistance could not install the battery because it would interfere with the business operations. The dealer advised the contact that she would need to pay the battery installation and diagnostic testing fee. The contact declined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11632458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My Spark's alarm kept going off. They replaced a module, Bob McCosh Dealer. They also said my radio was bad and had to be replaced. 615$. I said "Just disconnect the radio, I don't need it". Problem solved...I thought. When they did disconnected it, I noticed that I lost my "CHIME"...for Seat belt, keys left in ignition and lights left on. They reprogrammed the car to the new module, and the radio was working, and chimes were present. Next day, my battery is dead, because of the radio drained it. I am taking it to the dealer again, after I get a jump.THE ONLY OPTION IS, TO DISCONNECT THE RADIO they said. After researching, According to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard: These (2) FAILED. * 208 (occupant crash protection) * 114 (Theft protection) NHTSA ID # : 16V422000 #: 16V257000 GM RECALL(s) : #45340 # 17130 I thank you for your Review! It's Important to me, and I'm sure Chevrolet, that these Safety Features CANNOT BE IGNORED! I am praying that after your Reviewing, You are able to Provide a Recall for the Radio Software on my 2013 Chevy Spark! I bought the car last year, and it's getting very expensive to keep it running Safely. Thank you
NHTSA complaint #11618469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the past I had a 2013 Chevy Spark LS. But in 2017 an idiot who was TEXTING and DRIVING RAN A STOP SIGN, crossed through FOUR LANES and T-BONED MY car injuring me and totaling my car. I am blessed to have survived. Until that day the only issue with my Spark was a failure of the "ignition / safety security chime". Prior to the accident it was addressed and fixed. Now I have a 2015 Chevy Spark LS and have had a TRANSMISSION FAILURE reported, and fixed DUE TO A NATIONAL RECALL FOR 2013-2015's. However following the TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT(Matt Bowers Chevy-Slidell,LA )now I'm dealing with a TOTAL FAILURE OF THE RADIO (black screen, no audio, no power) and no audio for the OnStar buttons. As part of the TRANSMISSION RECALL a list of ALL items "fixed" where given to me. A TOTAL SOFTWARE UPDATE was performed for RADIO, which now doesn't work. I reported this to the dealership who promptly blamed my RADIO/OnStar failure on " the summer heat in Louisiana ". I checked NHTSA for failures of the radio/OnStar and found several documented cases of ELECTRICAL FAILURES of Chevy Sparks, Chevy Sonics and other Chevys. My radio (audio/screen) my OnStar (audio) was working fine and did not signal any problems in the PREDIAGNOSTIC CHECK PRIOR TO MY TOTAL TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION RECALL. It seems as though you CAN NOT TRUST that anyone will stand behind their products and work. I hope this information is helpful and I want to remind everyone to CONSTANTLY CHECK THE NHTSA website for NATIONAL RECALLS regularly. Several diagnostics were performed to find my TRANSMISSION FAILURE yet the site did not return a hit on my VIN number so at first the CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS REFUSED TO PERFORM SERVICES - DUE TO MY CARS VIN not ( at first) being listed on the NHTSA site. Keep searching, print out information and bring in your mechanics automobiles diagnosis. REPORT THE NON-COMPLIANT DEALERSHIPS if necessary. I hope that this is helpful to someone.
NHTSA complaint #11601263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Spark. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V257000 (Equipment, Electrical System) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.
NHTSA complaint #11594252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The locks will lock and unlock very quickly. I got out of the vehicle but the vehicle quickly locked back locking my son([XXX] who was strapped in his carseat) in there. i pressed unlock but it immediately kept locking back as soon as i pressed unlock. i was finally able to quickly open it and get him out. my concern would be what if the day was hotter? time is of the essence and my son could have been stuck in there and likely killed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11589275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle began to shake uncontrollably and veered off the road. The contact was able to take control of the vehicle and placed the vehicle in park. The contact stated that there was no audio or visual warning at the time of the failure. The contact alerted OnStar who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the contact was unaware of the diagnostic result. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was repaired, however, the contact was concerned about an OnStar software update. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V416000 (Equipment) and related the failure to the recall. Additionally, on several occasions while the vehicle was parked, the contact was unable to enter or exit the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure could not able to duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11577371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
There are many electrical failures in this vehicle from the door alarm not sounding when the car has been turned off to the radio staying on and burning down the battery and the radio making changes to the stations volume, volume freezes and lowers or is totally unresponsive while the driver is driving, this is a major distracting. Also overhead light is unresponsive and flickers when it wants to. Subsequently these issues have required me to have 5 new batteries replaced since owning this car. A dealer wants to charge $225 to check this I have seen and heard other complaints. I can’t possibly be the only one having these problems. My Vin number is not part of it. Previous recalls for some unknown reason. There has never been a battery failure, or warning light it just dies. I have video of the occurrence on most recently on January 11, 2020 for what has been occurring for years and very frequently.
NHTSA complaint #11565856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.