124 of the
759 complaints filed about the Chevrolet Spark
are about the engine —
16% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2014.
Vehicle went into “limp mode” while merging onto a busy road, nearly causing a collision with both oncoming traffic and other vehicles attempting to merge onto the road. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the following: “Checked system codes. Found P0324 knock sensor module performance code. Found the attached TSB by GM. Believed to be the issue: engine has piston slap and would need rebuilt or replaced per TSB. Also discovered severe oil leak in front of engine.” Mechanic noted that the brakes were stuck as well. Engine scheduled to be replaced. Mileage: 72,503.
NHTSA complaint #11757548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Okay, I can press the gas and try to go one speed.And my car will go either way, too slow for that gear or way too fast.For that gear , I have almost been several wrecks , because it's either going too slow , went when i'm supposed to be going to certain speed or it's going to fast one supposed to be going to certain speed
NHTSA complaint #11733470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle experiences intermittent loss of power and unstable acceleration while driving at normal speeds (approximately 45–55 mph). The vehicle will surge, hesitate, and fail to maintain consistent speed, creating an unsafe condition in traffic. While driving, the vehicle does not consistently respond to throttle input and may unexpectedly lose acceleration. This creates a risk of being rear-ended or being unable to safely merge into traffic. The condition occurs during normal driving and has progressively worsened over time. Diagnostic testing indicates transmission-related faults involving pressure control and internal speed monitoring. This issue affects the safe operation of the vehicle and appears consistent with known transmission problems reported for this vehicle model. Supporting documentation has been provided, including manufacturer service program records indicating this vehicle was previously subject to a known transmission-related defect condition.
NHTSA complaint #11729215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Spark. The vehicle was purchased from a private seller. The contact became nauseated after driving the vehicle for the second time. The contact’s throat, chest, and eyes hurt, and his head was pulsating; the contact was unable to think clearly. No medical attention was received. The contact used an air quality meter to test the inside of the vehicle, which showed "Seriously bad air quality,” but there was no odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle had not been driven since experiencing the symptoms. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,392.
NHTSA complaint #11724999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This report concerns a known CVT defect and subsequent TCM failure that left the vehicle unsafe and inoperable. The vehicle suffered internal CVT failure consistent with GM Special Coverage N192271110. After the first transmission failed in May 2024 (and the second time October 5 2025), the TCM failed again shortly after the second failure—consistent with GM Preliminary Information Bulletin PIP5525A. Critical Safety Details: Both failures occurred while driving on highways with heavy traffic, where speed limits were 75 mph. On each occasion, the vehicle lost power and became unable to accelerate safely, presenting a serious safety risk to me and other drivers. GM is refusing coverage despite widely documented cases and their own bulletins describing this exact failure chain.
NHTSA complaint #11700241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle began slipping out of gear between 1st & 2nd, then started losing power at 74,760 miles. Extended service coverage has been issued for model for CVT transmission pulley system, however only covers 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Mine apparently timed out in February, so they are trying to make me get a new transmission which basically totals out the car I spent a fortune on to buy & in repairs at under 75,000 miles. This is unacceptable.
NHTSA complaint #11695334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Transmission issue. During heavy traffic at stop lights car wouldn't shift into drive to move forward. Was stuck in the middle of the road with a passenger. Engine light came on but it's not an engine problem. Car was smoking under the hood. I burned my hand when popping the hood. When the car cooled the engine light went out and car would shift gears and it's drivable again. This has happened 3 times. Mechanic pulled up at P0700 Code on computer. It's the CVT transmission but not sure which part. I can't get the car to the dealership to inspect transmission. It won't drive that far.
NHTSA complaint #11670713 — 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Without warning, vehicle loses power and ability to accelerate is greatly reduced. The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (aka "check engine light"), the Reduced Engine Power light, and the Traction Control System/Stabilitrak light all illuminate at the same time and are not flashing. Using a diagnostic tool from a local auto parts store, code P2138 is reported as follows: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor Switch 'D/E' Voltage Correlation, and Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensors 1-2 Not Plausible. Incident has occured multiple times since owning the vehicle (approx. 13 months). This creates a safety issue because the poor acceleration limits the vehicles ability to maintain speed, especially on highways at higher speeds and ascending hills.
NHTSA complaint #11595386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The transmission has gone bad and the car has low mileage. I took it to a chevy dealership and they couldn't find the problem now it is completely broken and I can't drive it. I was told there is a recall on the 2015 chevy spark transmission.
NHTSA complaint #11566704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
10/5/2021 I had the coolant expansion tank replaced because it was leaking. Its leaking again 2023 same place. (Picture below in now same place as before)
NHTSA complaint #11545278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When taking off, sometimes the vehicle does not want to excellerate. It seems like the transmission is slipping or not switching gears-it makes a loud clicking gear sound. The vehicle also revs up really loud. It also sometimes feels like the vehicle sulks back when lifting your foot off the gas peddle when accelerating, more than it should. These mishaps make it nearly impossible to excellerate and is dangerous when excellerating onto the highway.
NHTSA complaint #11526895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that on various occasions, and while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle shuddered while accelerating. The contact stated that the failure persisted while driving above 50 MPH. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. An independent mechanic arrived at the residence and diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved fault codes for the transmission pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11516782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The gas guage meter failed to work and didn't show where the gas was and so this is dangerous because if you are driving and you were on the freeway and the car stopped because of gas, this could cause an accident and you could be hurt or killed. This part should be a recall on the car because I never should had to fix this for the lifetime of the car at all or at least after 100,000 miles, which it only had 39,000 and I had to end up paying for the ECM and having to reprogram it, which cost me over $1,000, which being disabled, I had to borrow money from a friend to do this. I paid $220 to have the Chevy Dealer tell me that was the problem and have paperwork to prove this. There was also an engine light that came, when this happened.
NHTSA complaint #11504536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.