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2013 Chevrolet Spark Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20261 Critical Recalls
Ethan Miller
2013 Chevrolet Spark Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2013 Chevrolet Spark has 224 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve engine and power train.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.2/ 10

Based on 224 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ENGINE

35 15.6%

POWER TRAIN

34 15.2%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

33 14.7%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

20 8.9%

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

14 6.2%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 15.6% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 29 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2013 Chevrolet Spark

The 2013 Chevrolet Spark has 224 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 16% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark are ENGINE (35), POWER TRAIN (34), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (33).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 117 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2013 Chevrolet Spark?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2012 Spark complaints2014 Spark complaints2011 Spark complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 29 of 29 systems

ENGINE

35 Reports16% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AS I AM DRIVING THE CAR, THE ENGINE WILL REV AS THOUGH THE CAR IS IN NEUTRAL AND THE CAR NO LONGER MOVES FORWARD (NO POWER TO THE DRIVE WHEELS.) THE TRANSMISSION APPEARS TO BE SLIPPING. THIS PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AND HAS OCCURRED DURING ALL WEATHER AND VEHICLE TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS. IT HAS ALSO OCCURRED AS I MOVE FORWARD FROM A DEAD STOP AND AS I AM ENTERING THE FREEWAY ON THE ONRAMP. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FROM WHICH I PURCHASE THE VEHICLE ON FIVE OCCASIONS YET EACH TIME THE VEHICLE IS RETURNED, THE SAME PROBLEMS OCCURS WITHIN A WEEK. *TR

1/28/2014

UPON STARTING THE CAR, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE TRACTION LIGHT LIT UP. THE CAR WAS IN PARK ON A FLAT AND PAVED SURFACE. AFTER PUTTING THE CAR IN REVERSE, THE CAR SUDDENLY JERKED AND DID THE SAME AS I PUT IT INTO DRIVE. AS I WAS DRIVING THE CAR WAS UP TO 3000 RPMS AND WOULD NOT GO OVER 30 MPH. THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS. I PULLED OVER AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. WHEN I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, NO LIGHTS LIT UP AND IT PERFORMED FINE THE REST OF THE WAY HOME. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT, THEY ONLY FOUND A CODE FOR MISFIRING COILS. THEY ALSO STATED THAT THEY BELIEVE THIS IS NOT THE ISSUE I AM HAVING BUT DUE TO CHEVROLET WARRANTY, THEY COULD NOT LOOK INTO IT WITHOUT A CERTAIN CODE TO POP UP IN THE SYSTEM. *TR

2/7/2014

33 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

34 Reports15% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE WHILE COASTING IN GEAR WILL ACCELERATE ON IT`S OWN. ENGINE RPM INCREASES APPROX 300 RPM.. HAPPENS 10- 15 TIMES DAILY. I DRIVE 120 MILES ONE WAY TO WORK. CAR NOW HAS 7000 MILES. PURCHASED IN DEC 2012. KINDA SCARY WHEN IT HAPPENS IN TRAFFIC MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF NOT PAYING ATTENTION.. DEFECT IS DOCUMENTED BY ANOTHER OWNER AT CHEVYSPARKFORUM.COM UNDER GENERAL POWERTRAIN DISCUSSIONS/ IDLE PROBLEMS. *TR

2/17/2013

CAR WAS SHIFTING FROM 3RD TO 4TH GEAR ON A MANUAL MODEL. WITH NO WARNING THE GEAR SHIFT IN CAR NO LONGER WOULD ENGAGE THE GEARS LEAVING THE CAR WITH NO GEAR CONTROL. STEERED THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. DIAGNOSIS THE PLASTIC INSERT END BROKE ON THE SHIFT CABLE. NO WARNING TO DRIVER OF A PROBLEM. HAVE PICTURES OF REMOVED PART. *TR

10/23/2013

32 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

33 Reports15% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS (CRUISE CONTROL, AUDIO ETC) DO NOT ILLUMINATE. AFTER SOME RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND THAT GM HAS REMEDIED THIS ISSUE WITH MODELS MANUFACTURED AFTER NOVEMBER 2012. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AT NIGHT BECAUSE IF I USE MY CRUISE CONTROL, I HAVE TO TURN ON MY DOME LIGHT TO SEE WHAT BUTTON TO PUSH. I COMPLAINED TO GM AND WAS TOLD THAT GM IS SIMPLY NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT MODELS MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO NOV 2012. *TR

3/2/2013

THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT ILLUMINATE THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS. WITH ABSOLUTELY NO AMBIENT LIGHTING, THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR IS EXTREMELY DARK, AND VISIBILITY OF THE CONTROLS IS NON EXISTENT. THIS PRESENTS A SEVERE DRIVING HAZARD, AS THERE ARE NO ALTERNATIVE CONTROLS FOR THE CRUISE. IN ORDER TO USE THE CONTROLS, YOU MUST TAKE YOUR EYES OFF OF THE ROAD AND BLINDLY FUMBLE, TRYING TO DETERMINE WHICH OF THE TEN MOUNTED CONTROLS YOU NEED TO USE, THUS AVERTING YOUR ATTENTION FROM YOUR SURROUNDINGS, MOMENTARILY. CHEVROLET IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM, AS THEY STARTED ILLUMINATING THE NOV.12 BUILDS, CONSEQUENTLY NEGLECTING A FIX FOR THE PRE NOV. 13 BUILDS. OF WHICH I AM ONE. I AM NOT COMFORTABLE DRIVING UNDER THESE CONDITIONS AFTER DARK. AN INTERVENTION IS CLEARLY NEEDED HERE, AS CHEVROLET WILL NOT ACT, AND EVEN DENIES THE FACT THAT THEY DID INDEED PERFORM THE UPGRADE. HOPEFULLY SOMETHING WILL BE DONE, BEFORE WE ORPHANS WIND UP PAYING THE CONSEQUENCES. *TR

3/4/2013

31 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

20 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I EXPERIENCED TWO INSTANCES OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION IN MID APRIL 2013. IN THE FIRST INSTANCE, APPROX. 04/10/2013, MY SPARK STRUCK A STEEL POLE USED TO SUSPEND A BIRD FEEDER NEXT TO MY DRIVEWAY, WHEN SHIFTING TO REVERSE, AND KNOCKED IT DOWN, CAUSING MINOR DAMAGE TO THE REAR BUMPER. IN THE SECOND INSTANCE, ON 04/16/2013, MY SPARK SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND STRUCK AND SEVERELY DAMAGED THE CHAIN LINK FENCE BORDERING MY DRIVEWAY, WHEN SHIFTING TO DRIVE, AND STRUCK AND DAMAGED MY GARAGE DOOR WHEN SHIFTING TO REVERSE. THIS CAUSED APPROXIMATELY $3000.00 DAMAGE TO MY CAR. NOW I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR!

5/8/2013

YOU TURN THE ENGINE OFF BUT THE KEY DOES NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION. I TOOK IT TO BOB BELL, THEY COULD NOT GET IT OUT EITHER. THEY ORDER A NEW ONE AND REPLACED IT ON MAY 28TH. I HAD TO PAY SOME KIND OF DEDUCTIBLE(100.00, WHICH I THINK IS RIDICULOUS) AND GM WAS GOING TO PAY THE REST. JUNE 6, SAME THING HAPPENED TWICE IN THE SAME DAY. I COULD NOT CALL BECAUSE AT THAT TIME THE SERVICE DEPT IS CLOSED. I WILL BE CALLING AGAIN TODAY. PROBABLY WILL GET SOME KIND OF RUN AROUND.

6/8/2015

18 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

14 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

LACK OF BUTTON ILLUMINATION LIGHTS FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL, HANDS-FREE PHONE CONTROL AND AUDIO CONTROL ON THE STEERING WHEEL FOR NIGHT DRIVING. THE LACK OF ILLUMINATION LIGHTS ON THESE BUTTONS CREATES POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL, PHONE CALL OR AUDIO FUNCTIONS FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AT NIGHT. THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE ONLY FOR 2013 SPARK MODELS WITH PRODUCTION PRIOR TO OCTOBER 2012. *TR

4/1/2013

BUTTONS ON STEERING WHEEL THAT WORK THE CRUISE CONTROL, HANDS FREE PHONE, AND RADIO CONTROLS DO NOT LIGHT UP WHEN LIGHTS ARE ON AT NIGHT. THIS CREATES A DANGEROUS SITUATION AS THE BUTTONS CAN NOT BE SEEN IN THE DARK. GM IS AWARE OF THE SITUATION AND HAS REPAIRED IT IN MODELS BUILT AFTER OCTOBER 25 2012, BUT WILL NOT FIX IT IN THE MODELS BUILT BEFORE THEN. WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN NOVEMBER OF 2012, I WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE CHANGE BEFORE THE PURCHASE, LEADING ME TO BELIEVE THAT GM AND ITS DEALERS INTENTIONALLY MISLEAD ME INTO BUYING A CAR THAT THEY HAD ALREADY DEEMED AS HAVING AN UNSAFE FEATURE OR THEY WOULD NOT HAVE CHANGED IT. *TR

4/15/2013

12 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

13 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AIR BAG LIGHT LIT, CODE 95 (AIRBAG MALFUNCTION) LIGHT LIT AND SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT LIT ON VEHICLE. HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE BACK TO DEALERSHIP 5 TIMES IN THE PAST 40 DAYS AND PROBLEM IS STILL APPARENT. CHEVROLET ENGINEERING HAS BEEN INVOLVED FOR PAST 10 DAYS AND THEY ARE ALSO UNABLE TO REPAIR PROBLEM. CHEVROLET CANNOT SAY IF AIRBAG SYSTEM WILL WORK IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. *TR

7/10/2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH ENAGAGING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. ALSO, THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT DURING THE CRASH THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BY THE INSURANCE INVESTIGATOR WHO INDICATED THAT NO DEFECT WAS FOUND WITH THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000. UPDATED 09/11/14*LJ UPDATED 12/17/2014 *JS

6/17/2014

11 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

10 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE WHILE COASTING IN GEAR WILL ACCELERATE ON IT`S OWN. ENGINE RPM INCREASES APPROX 300 RPM.. HAPPENS 10- 15 TIMES DAILY. I DRIVE 120 MILES ONE WAY TO WORK. CAR NOW HAS 7000 MILES. PURCHASED IN DEC 2012. KINDA SCARY WHEN IT HAPPENS IN TRAFFIC MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF NOT PAYING ATTENTION.. DEFECT IS DOCUMENTED BY ANOTHER OWNER AT CHEVYSPARKFORUM.COM UNDER GENERAL POWERTRAIN DISCUSSIONS/ IDLE PROBLEMS. *TR

2/17/2013

CAR HAS EXCESSIVE GAS CONSUMPTION. IT IS PRESENTLY GETTING ONLY 24.9 MILES TO THE GALLON. OCCASIONALLY IT WILL HAVE A VERY STRONG SULFUR ODOR COMING FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE. I SHOULD BE AVERAGING ABOUT 34 MILES PER GALLON WITH DRIVING PATTERN WHICH IS A MIX OF CITY AND HIGHWAY MILEAGE. *TR

10/27/2014

8 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

9 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, HE ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN BUT THE TIRES AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A CEMENT BARRIER AND A WOODEN POST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,600.

2/4/2014

MY HUSBAND WAS PULLING THE CHEVY SPARK INTO A PARKING PLACE WHEN FOUR PEOPLE DECIDED TO CROSS OVER IT. WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED TO ALLOW THEM TO SAFELY PASS, THE CAR ACCELERATED INSTEAD. THE BRAKES PRESSED BACK AGAINST HIS FOOT HE SAID AND CAR EVENTUALLY STOPPED. WE WERE BOTH CONFUSED, SURPRISED AND AFRAID! THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVEN AGAIN UNTIL I TOOK IT OUT TWO DAYS LATER. IT HAPPENED ONCE MORE WHEN I WAS BRAKING AT A RED LIGHT BEHIND A LARGE TRUCK AT A VERY LOW SPEED. I PRESSED THE BRAKE HARDER A SECOND TIME AND THEN TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE. THIS TIME THE ACCELERATION CONTINUED EVEN AFTER MY FOOT WAS TAKEN OFF THE BRAKE. I SHOVED THE CAR INTO PARK TO GET IT TO STOP. I SUSTAINED A BROKEN TOE AND FRACTURED ANKLE FROM THE FORCE OF TRYING TO STOP THE CAR. A FEW MONTHS BEFORE THIS, WHEN APPLYING THE GAS, THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AT TWO CONSECUTIVE RED LIGHTS. ENGINE WAS VERY SLOW AND CAR WAS NOT ABLE TO ACCELERATE TO THE SPEED LIMIT AND HESITATED ALL THE WAY HOME. THE CAR HAS A FACTORY RECALL ON THE AIR CONDITIONER RIGHT NOW AS WELL, WHICH WE RECEIVED FROM GM. WE ARE TERRIFIED TO DRIVE THIS CAR NOT KNOWING IF THESE DEFECTS WILL CONTINUE! THE CAR IS IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND WE ARE IN CONTACT WITH THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT A BUY BACK FROM GM. WE BOUGHT THE SPARK AUGUST 30, 2013, SO IT IS NOT EVEN A YEAR OLD. I HAVE DONE A SEARCH FOR OTHERS WHO MAY BE HAVING THE SAME OR SIMILAR ISSUES. THERE ARE REPORTS OF VERY SIMILAR INCIDENTS ON SITES FOR COMPLAINTS FOR BOTH ISSUES OF BRAKE ACCELERATION AND THE GAS PEDAL HESITATION ALSO REPORTS OF THE SPARK ENGINE STOPPING IN TRAFFIC. THIS IS VERY CONCERNING AND DANGEROUS. WE HOPE THIS IS TAKEN SERIOUSLY AND INVESTIGATED. *TR

6/3/2014

7 more complaints are available in this category.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

8 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THE DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHTS WERE ABNORMALLY BRIGHT. IN ADDITION, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WERE CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED OR POWERED OFF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE LIGHTING SYSTEM WAS PERFORMING AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,000. ..UPDATED 02/01/13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE DOES WORK AS DESIGNED, IT IS POORLY DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE'S HEADLIGHTS ARE AT A BRIGHT ENOUGH LEVEL FOR ONE TO ASSUME THAT ALL LIGHTS ARE ON. ALSO, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL'S LIGHTS ARE ALWAYS LIT WHICH AIDES IN THE ASSUMPTION THAT THE VEHICLE HAS AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS. UPDATED 2/7/2013 *JS

1/8/2013

THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS (CRUISE CONTROL, AUDIO ETC) DO NOT ILLUMINATE. AFTER SOME RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND THAT GM HAS REMEDIED THIS ISSUE WITH MODELS MANUFACTURED AFTER NOVEMBER 2012. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AT NIGHT BECAUSE IF I USE MY CRUISE CONTROL, I HAVE TO TURN ON MY DOME LIGHT TO SEE WHAT BUTTON TO PUSH. I COMPLAINED TO GM AND WAS TOLD THAT GM IS SIMPLY NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT MODELS MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO NOV 2012. *TR

3/2/2013

6 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

8 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

IN JUNE OF 2013, MY A/C STOPPED WORKING ON MY 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN FOR WARRANTY SERVICE THREE TIMES. THE EXPANSION VALVE AND COMPRESSOR WERE REPLACED AND THE A/C WAS PARTLY RESTORED. THE A/C WILL NOT WORK WHILE THE CAR IS AT IDLE. WHEN DRIVING THE CAR, THE A/C WILL BEGIN TO COOL THE INTERIOR AND SEEMS TO BE FINE. WHEN STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, STOP SIGN, OR IN MY DRIVE WAY, THE A/C WILL STOP COOLING AND BLOWS WARM AIR OUT OF THE VENTS. A FOURTH WARRANTY SERVICE CALL WAS OPENED FOR THIS PROBLEM IN EARLY JULY. THE DEALERSHIP HAS TROUBLESHOOT THE A/C ISSUE AND DO NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP HAS GIVEN ME A CASE NUMBER FROM GENERAL MOTORS LLC AND TOLD ME THAT THE ENGINEERS AT GM ARE WORKING ON A REPAIR FOR THIS ISSUE (PIC5858A: INSUFFICIENT A/C PERFORMANCE AT IDLE - JUN 13, 2013). IT IS NOW AUGUST OF 2013 AND NO RESOLUTION HAS BEEN FOUND. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NO NEW INFORMATION AND GM CUSTOMER SERVICE IS NO HELP EITHER. MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED ON 08/2012. IT IS THE LS MODEL WITH A 5-SPEED TRANSMISSION. *TR

8/6/2013

THE A/C DOSE NOT WORK WHILE THE CAR IS AT IDLE. WHEN DRIVING THE CAR THE A/C WILL BEGIN TO COOL. WHEN STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, STOP SIGN, THE A/C WILL STOP COOLING AND BLOWS WARM AIR OUT OF THE VENTS. THE DEALERSHIP HAS TROUBLESHOOT 2 TIMES AND DO NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM. TOLD ME THAT THE ENGINEERS AT GM ARE WORKING ON A REPAIR FOR THIS ISSUE. IT IS NOW THE MIDDLE OF AUGUST AND NO RESOLUTION HAS BEEN FOUND. THE DEALERSHIP IS NO HELP AND HAS NO NEW INFORMATION AND GM CUSTOMER SERVICE IS NO HELP EITHER. MY CAR IS 2013 SPARK. IT IS THE 2LT MODEL WITH A 4 SPEED AUTO TRANSMISSION. *TR

8/19/2013

6 more complaints are available in this category.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

6 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V593000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO INFORM WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

12/2/2014

2013 GM THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MAY PREMATURELY CORRODE AT THE LATCH PIVOT CAUSING THE STRIKER TO GET STUCK OUT OF POSITION AND PREVENTING THE STRIKER FROM PROPERLY ENGAGING THE HOOD LATCH. *MW

12/23/2014

4 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

6 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY GOING APPROXIMATELY 55-60 MPH AND A SUV RUNS A STOP SIGN AND PULLS OUT IN FRONT OF ME ON THE HIGHWAY. I HIT THE SUV. THE SUV FLEES THE ACCIDENT. MY CAR CATCHES ON FIRE ON IMPACT AND MY AIRBAGS FAIL TO DEPLOY. IT WAS A FRONTAL IMPACT AND I WAS GOING ABOUT 55 MPH AT IMPACT. MY CAR WAS DEEMED TOTALED. *TR

12/23/2014

I WAS IN A VERY BAD CAR ACCIDENT AND NOT ONE OF MY AIR BAGS DEPLOYED . IT IS SQUISHED IT WAS HIT IN THE FRONT VERY HARD WHICH WOULD ALLOW THE AIRBAGS TO POOF OUT AND HELP IN THESE SITUATIONS. I WAS HEADED DOWN AN OFF RAMP ONTO TURN PIKE AND A CAR CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP SWERVED TO MERGE AND CAR INFANT OF ME DID THE SAME AND WE COLLIDED

10/6/2016

4 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS DO NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN YOU TURN THE LIGHTS ON THE CAR AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO TURN OFF/ON THE CRUISE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. YOU HAVE TO TAKE YOUR ATTENTION OFF THE ROAD TO SEE THE BUTTONS AT NIGHT. *TR

10/21/2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, HE ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN BUT THE TIRES AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A CEMENT BARRIER AND A WOODEN POST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,600.

2/4/2014

2 more complaints are available in this category.

INTERIOR LIGHTING

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THE DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHTS WERE ABNORMALLY BRIGHT. IN ADDITION, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WERE CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED OR POWERED OFF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE LIGHTING SYSTEM WAS PERFORMING AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,000. ..UPDATED 02/01/13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE DOES WORK AS DESIGNED, IT IS POORLY DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE'S HEADLIGHTS ARE AT A BRIGHT ENOUGH LEVEL FOR ONE TO ASSUME THAT ALL LIGHTS ARE ON. ALSO, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL'S LIGHTS ARE ALWAYS LIT WHICH AIDES IN THE ASSUMPTION THAT THE VEHICLE HAS AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS. UPDATED 2/7/2013 *JS

1/8/2013

THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT ILLUMINATE THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS. WITH ABSOLUTELY NO AMBIENT LIGHTING, THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR IS EXTREMELY DARK, AND VISIBILITY OF THE CONTROLS IS NON EXISTENT. THIS PRESENTS A SEVERE DRIVING HAZARD, AS THERE ARE NO ALTERNATIVE CONTROLS FOR THE CRUISE. IN ORDER TO USE THE CONTROLS, YOU MUST TAKE YOUR EYES OFF OF THE ROAD AND BLINDLY FUMBLE, TRYING TO DETERMINE WHICH OF THE TEN MOUNTED CONTROLS YOU NEED TO USE, THUS AVERTING YOUR ATTENTION FROM YOUR SURROUNDINGS, MOMENTARILY. CHEVROLET IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM, AS THEY STARTED ILLUMINATING THE NOV.12 BUILDS, CONSEQUENTLY NEGLECTING A FIX FOR THE PRE NOV. 13 BUILDS. OF WHICH I AM ONE. I AM NOT COMFORTABLE DRIVING UNDER THESE CONDITIONS AFTER DARK. AN INTERVENTION IS CLEARLY NEEDED HERE, AS CHEVROLET WILL NOT ACT, AND EVEN DENIES THE FACT THAT THEY DID INDEED PERFORM THE UPGRADE. HOPEFULLY SOMETHING WILL BE DONE, BEFORE WE ORPHANS WIND UP PAYING THE CONSEQUENCES. *TR

3/4/2013

1 more complaint is available in this category.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 63 MPH, THE HOOD LATCH FRACTURED AND SHATTERED THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V593000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE PART NOT BEING AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000.

12/26/2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH FAILED TO LOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 800-222-1020 AND STATED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

8/1/2017

1 more complaint is available in this category.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY HUSBAND WAS PULLING THE CHEVY SPARK INTO A PARKING PLACE WHEN FOUR PEOPLE DECIDED TO CROSS OVER IT. WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED TO ALLOW THEM TO SAFELY PASS, THE CAR ACCELERATED INSTEAD. THE BRAKES PRESSED BACK AGAINST HIS FOOT HE SAID AND CAR EVENTUALLY STOPPED. WE WERE BOTH CONFUSED, SURPRISED AND AFRAID! THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVEN AGAIN UNTIL I TOOK IT OUT TWO DAYS LATER. IT HAPPENED ONCE MORE WHEN I WAS BRAKING AT A RED LIGHT BEHIND A LARGE TRUCK AT A VERY LOW SPEED. I PRESSED THE BRAKE HARDER A SECOND TIME AND THEN TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE. THIS TIME THE ACCELERATION CONTINUED EVEN AFTER MY FOOT WAS TAKEN OFF THE BRAKE. I SHOVED THE CAR INTO PARK TO GET IT TO STOP. I SUSTAINED A BROKEN TOE AND FRACTURED ANKLE FROM THE FORCE OF TRYING TO STOP THE CAR. A FEW MONTHS BEFORE THIS, WHEN APPLYING THE GAS, THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AT TWO CONSECUTIVE RED LIGHTS. ENGINE WAS VERY SLOW AND CAR WAS NOT ABLE TO ACCELERATE TO THE SPEED LIMIT AND HESITATED ALL THE WAY HOME. THE CAR HAS A FACTORY RECALL ON THE AIR CONDITIONER RIGHT NOW AS WELL, WHICH WE RECEIVED FROM GM. WE ARE TERRIFIED TO DRIVE THIS CAR NOT KNOWING IF THESE DEFECTS WILL CONTINUE! THE CAR IS IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND WE ARE IN CONTACT WITH THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT A BUY BACK FROM GM. WE BOUGHT THE SPARK AUGUST 30, 2013, SO IT IS NOT EVEN A YEAR OLD. I HAVE DONE A SEARCH FOR OTHERS WHO MAY BE HAVING THE SAME OR SIMILAR ISSUES. THERE ARE REPORTS OF VERY SIMILAR INCIDENTS ON SITES FOR COMPLAINTS FOR BOTH ISSUES OF BRAKE ACCELERATION AND THE GAS PEDAL HESITATION ALSO REPORTS OF THE SPARK ENGINE STOPPING IN TRAFFIC. THIS IS VERY CONCERNING AND DANGEROUS. WE HOPE THIS IS TAKEN SERIOUSLY AND INVESTIGATED. *TR

6/3/2014

THIS THE 3RD TIME I WAS DRIVING SLOW, COMING TO A STOP BUT DIDN'T HAVE TO STOP, WENT TO PROCEED AND REALIZED THE CAR HAD SHUT DOWN. EACH TIME I WAS IN A PARKING LOT, SO I DIDN'T HAVE A LOT OF TRAFFIC AROUND ME, BUT HAD I BEEN ON THE STREET IT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. EACH INCIDENT I RESTARTED WITH NO PROBLEM. *TR

8/12/2014

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WENT TO CHEVY DEALER FOR 2 RECALLS IN AUGUST 2013. RECALL 14110 RESOLVED, BUT RECALL 14456 (HOOD LATCH) WAS NOT. PARTS NEEDED TO BE ORDERED. HAVING NEVER RECEIVED A PHONE CALL THAT PARTS WERE RECEIVED, I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY TONIGHT AND MY HOOD FLEW UP AND SHATTERED MY WINDSHIELD. NOW MY WINDSHIELD IS SHATTERED, MY HOOD IS DENTED AND BOTH FRONT QUARTER PANELS ARE BENT WHERE THEY MEET THE WINDSHIELD. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY WHILE DODGING TRAFFIC, NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE IN FRONT OF ME AND DROP THE HOOD BACK DOWN AND MAKE SURE IT WAS LATCHED BEFORE DRIVING ANOTHER 15 MILES HOME. WILL CHEVROLET COVER ALL DAMAGES TO MY VEHICLE?? CALLED MY INSURANCE TONIGHT AND HAVE TO TALK TO AN ADJUSTER IN THE MORNING. *TR

1/29/2015

See attached document from complainant

10/20/2023

WHEELS

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, ON A LOCAL STREET, ON A CLEAR DAY; I HEARD A HISSING SOUND.I KNEW I HAD TO PULL OVER BECAUSE THE CAR WAS DRIVING LUMPY SO I KNEW I HAD A FLAT. WHEN I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD I WAS SHOCKED TO SEE THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE, THE SIDE OF MY TIRE WAS COMPLETELY BLOWN OUT. I HAVE ALWAYS CHECKED MY TIRES TO MAKE SURE THE TIRE PRESSURE IS JUST RIGHT, AND HAVE THEM ROTATED. ON STAR ALSO ALERTS ME WHEN AND IF THE PRESSURE GO LOW. MY TIRES WERE STILL IN GOOD CONDITION. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW THIS DAMAGE OCCURRED. IT LOOKED AS IF SOMEONE TOOK A GIANT CAN OPENER AND OPENED MY TIRE.

10/10/2015

NOT EVEN 10,000 MILES IN I HAD A TIRE GETS A BUBBLE ON THE SIDEWALL. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT COVER IT OR SWAP IT OUT SAYING IT COULD HAVE BEEN DUE TO HITTING A POTHOLE OR CURB. 15,000 MILES IN DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND HEAR A LOUD BANG AND THE AC DOESN'T WORK. I TAKE IT IN AND THE DEALERSHIP SAYS I COULD HAVE HIT ROAD DEBRIS AND WOULD NOT COVER ANY WORK ON THE AC, I WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. ABOUT A WEEK LATER I GET A LETTER IN THE MAIL ABOUT THE AC RECALL AND FIND OUT MY COMPRESSOR EXPLODED ON THE INSIDE DUE TO FAULTY PARTS. 20,000 MILES IN AND THE CAR WAS EATING A QUART OF OIL EVERY 2-3 DAYS AND STILL DRAINING IT AND RAN ROUGH. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IT IS AND THEY WOULD NOT HELP IN WHAT THEY CALLED "LOOKING FOR PROBLEMS THAT CAN'T BE REPRODUCED". THEN NOT EVEN A MONTH LATER I GET A LETTER ABOUT THE RECALL AND HOW I NEED TO BRING IT IN AS QUICK AS I CAN BECAUSE SOME PEOPLE 'MAY' BE EXPERIENCING EXCESS OIL CONSUMPTION, DUE TO FAULTY PARTS. 40,000 MILES IN I'M GETTING THE TCS LIGHT ON WITH THE CEL FLASHING AT ME AND THE CAR STUTTERS AND LOOSES POWER ALL WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. GIVES THE CODE OF P0324 (KNOCK CONTROL SYSTEM ERROR). DEALERSHIP SAYS IT COULD BE DUE TO BEING DRIVEN ROUGH AND IT IS MY FAULT. I SHOULDN'T BE DRIVING 80 IN A CHEVY SPARK (THE HIGHWAY SPEEDS IN TEXAS). THE ENGINE HAS A LOUD LIFTER TICK IN THE HEADS. DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO OPEN THEM WITHOUT A FAULT CODE THAT INDICATES A HEAD ISSUE. 47,000 MILES IN I HAVE MORE MISFIRES AND ERROR CODES. TAKING IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP TO SEE WHAT THEIR EXCUSE IS THIS TIME.

12/29/2015

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I WAS GOING SOUTH ON I95 DOING 70 MILES AN HOUR ENGINE LIGHT FLASHED OFF AND ON TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ON CAR LOST SPEED AND WILL NOT SHIFT HIGH RP NOT SPEED. WAS ALMOST IN A VERY BAD ACCIDENT.

3/29/2016

ABOUT A MONTH AGO MY CAR, WHILE DRIVING, STARTED ACTING UP. MY ODOMETER WOULD FLUCTUATE AND NOT GIVE ME MY SPEED, MY LOWER TIRE PRESSURE CAME ON, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, POWER STEERING WOULD GO IN AND OUT, AND ACCELERATION WOULD FLUCTUATE. I BROUGHT IT IN TO BE LOOKED AT, AFTER 3 DAYS OF HEARING NOTHING I CALLED AND THEY TOLD ME SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE ONSTAR MODULE. AFTER 4 DAYS OF HAVING MY CAR BACK, SAME PROBLEMS. BROUGHT IT BACK IN, THEY CALLED AN ENGINEER IN SINCE THEY HAD NO IDEA WHAT WAS GOING ON AND A WEEK LATER I GOT MY CAR BACK. 4 DAYS LATER I AGAIN HAD TO BRING IT IN FOR THE SAME STUFF AND AFTER 9 DAYS OF PLAYING PHONE TAG THEN GAVE IT BACK. I HAVE HAD MY CAR BACK FOR 2 WEEKS WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS, TODAY WHILE 35 MILES AWAY FROM HOME EVERY SINGLE LIGHT WAS FLASHING ON THE DASH BOARD. MY ODOMETER DIDNT WORK AT ALL AND I COULD ONLY GO 30 MILES PER HOUR. I STOPPED MY CAR, SHUT IT OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON AND NOTHING CHANGED. THE NEWEST ORDEAL IS MY BREAK LIGHT WILL TURN ON AND BEEP AT ME ANYWHERE FROM 3 SECONDS TO 5 MINUTES. WITH IT BEING THE HOLIDAYS AND HAVING TO WORK ALL WEEK I SEE NO POINT IN BRINGING MY CAR IN FOR NOTHING TO BE FIXED FOR A 4TH TIME AND BEING WITHOUT A CAR BECAUSE I'M ONLY 20 FOR WHO KNOWS HOW LONG WHEN I HAVE A JOB TO GET TO THAT'S ONLY 5 MINUTES AWAY. I'M AM SO BEYOND IRRITATED AND WANT TO THROW THIS CAR INTO A TRASH CAN.

12/21/2018

STRUCTURE

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THE CONTROLS ON THE STEERING COLUMN ARE NOT ILLUMINATED. AT NIGHT THIS PRESENTS A PROBLEM AS THE CONTROLS CAN NOT BE SEEN AND IF PRESSED INADVERTENTLY CAN CREATE AND UNSAFE SITUATION AS IT IS VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO DETERMINE WHAT HAS HAPPENED. OTHER VEHICLES IN THIS MODEL YEAR HAVE ILLUMINATED CONTROLS. VEHICLE'S MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO TAKE ACTION. *TR UPDATED 06/04/14

5/27/2013

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING FAILED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RPM'S HAD TO STAY ABOVE 2200 IN ORDER FOR THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT TO WORK PROPERLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT HAVE A FIX FOR THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,600. *TR

7/11/2013

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WHEN PULLING OUT FROM SIDE STREET, PARKING LOT, DRIVE WAY, ECT. AT NORMAL SPEED. IF THERE IS ANY KIND OF BUMP, OR ROUGH ROAD THE CAR WILL LOOSE POWER FOR ABOUT 5 SECONDS AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WILL COME ON. I HAVE ALMOST GOT RUN OVER 4 TIMES NOW. HAD IN SERVICE DEPT. AT DEALER 2 TIME AND THEY SAY COULD NOT DUPLICATE. THIS IS GOING TO GET SOMEONE KILLED. DEALER AND GM ARE NO HELP AND JUST SAY IT IS A LITE CAR SO THAT'S THE WAY IT IS. CAR IS A 2013 CHEVY SPARK 2LT / 4 SPEED AUTO TRANSMISSION. *TR

8/19/2013

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS I HAVE DRIVEN MY CAR AND PARKED IT. WHEN I HAVE RETURNED TO THE CAR IT WILL NOT START. ON STAR DIAGNOSTICS TELLS ME THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION, ENGINE AND ANTI BRAKE SYSTEM AND THAT I AM TO GET IT TO THE DEALER/REPAIR IMMEDIATELY. I HAVE HAD TO WAIT SEVERAL HOURS BEFORE I CAN GET IT STARTED AGAIN. I HAVE BEEN IN SITUATIONS WHERE I AM IN AN AREAS WITHOUT PHONE OR CELL RECEPTION TO CALL FOR HELP. IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER REPAIR SHOP 4 TIMES AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THEY SAY UNTIL THEY CAN REPLICATE THE PROBLEM - THEY CANNOT FIX IT. FINALLY WITH THIS LAST (4TH) VISIT THEY WERE ABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM TWICE. BUT I WAS INFORMED THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHERE THE PROBLEM IS COMING FROM AND THEY HAVE NO SOLUTION AT THIS TIME. THEY WILL RETURN THE CAR TO ME AFTER 9 DAYS AS IS WITH NO FIX. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE ACROSS COLORADO FOR FEAR I WILL BE STRANDED. *TR

4/2/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED TO DISPLAY THE CORRECT SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.

9/25/2014

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HATCHBACK LOCK FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V298000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 28,500.

1/29/2016

SUSPENSION

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

USED CAR W/36,000 MILES AND/OR 1 YR WRNTY. UNDER A YR, BUT OUTSIDE OF MILEAGE, CHECK ENG LIGHT STARTS COMING ON TO THE DAY, FROM FEB 28, 2017 TO MAY 28, 2017. FROM FEB 28 TO MAR 27 TO APRIL 27 HAVE HAD TO DO OIL CHANGE. CHECK ENG LIGHT WOULD NO LONGER BE ON AFTER OIL CHANGE. THEN CAR STARTED MAKING EXCESSIVELY LOUD NOISE AT 77,000 MILES SO LOUD NO ONE COULD HEAR ME WHILE ON MY BLUE TOOTH. CHEVY DEALER & A SHOP RAN A DIAGNOSTIC BUT NO ERROR CODES IN APRIL & MAY. SHOP TELLS ME TIRES ARE CUPPING, I NEED NEW TIRES THAT WERE PRETTY MUCH NEW AT USED CAR DEALER. CHEVY DEALER TELLS ME NO ERROR CODES ON DIAGNOSTIC PLUS I NEED WHEEL HUB BEARINGS, TIRE SHOP TELLS ME THE TIRES NEED REPLACING, DOES A THOROUGH INSPECT WHILE CAR IS ON LIFT, SAYS PROBLEM IS STRUTS IN FRONT NEED REPLACING IMMEDIATELY & SHOCKS NEED REPLACING SOON ON BACK THEN SAYS WHEEL HUB BEARINGS ARE FINE, IT'S THE HUB BRACKET THAT IS LOOSE & MAKING RATTLING NOISE ALONG WITH BAD TIRE NOISE. THIS IS AT 80,000 MILES. GOT TIRES, NO MONEY TO DO OTHER WORK. SMALL LOCAL SHOP NEAR HOME CONFIRMS BIG O IS CORRECT, TIRES ARE CUPPED & IT'S DUE TO BAD FRONT SHOCKS. HIGHLY UNUSUAL FOR 80,000 MILES MAY 3 DEALER LOOKS AT REASON FOR DECELERATION WHICH STARTED END OF APRIL, SLOWING TO ALMOST A CRAWL ON FREEWAY WHILE ACCELERATOR IS PRESSED ALL THE WAY DOWN TO FLOOR, DEALER SAYS THEY DROVE CAR, CAN'T FIND PROBLEM. COULDN'T BE, MILEAGE ON CAR SAME WHEN PICKED UP AS WHEN DROPPED OFF. MAY 28, 2017 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON, CAR STARTED KNOCKING, GOT TO WORK 70 MILES FROM HOME, NOTICED ON A FULL TANK OF GAS, CAR WAS USING FUEL AT RAPID PACE SITTING ON IDLE IN PARKING LOT. STARTED WITH 214 MILES TO DRIVE ON FULL TANK OF GAS, INDICATOR SHOWS 104 MILES LEFT OFF 70 MILE TRIP THEN DROPPED TO 96 WHILE SITTING IDLE FOR A LESS THAN A MINUTE IN PARKING LOT! MOTHER TELLS ME TURN OFF ENGINE. SAID CHECK TO SEE IF FUEL IS DRIPPING UNDER CAR. IT IS NOT.

5/28/2017

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I LIVE IN FLORIDA FIRST OF ALL. IT RAINS LIKE EVERY DAY. I PURCHASED A 2013 CHEVY SPARK ON 10/19/2015 WITH ONLY 11,053 MILES. NOW IT IS 8/14/2017 WITH ONLY 27,273 MILES AND THE FRONT WIPER BLADES STOPPED WORKING. I CHECKED ALL THE FUSES AND EVEN REPLACED THEM STILL DOES NOT WORK. THE MOTOR FOR THE WIPER BLADES SHOULD LAST LONGER THAN 27,000 MILES. TRIED TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY WANT ME TO PAY 89.99 JUST TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM IT IS MOST LIKELY THE MOTOR FOR THE FRONT WIPER BLADES. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS TO BE FIXED. IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN AND SHOULD NOT HAVE STOPPED WORKING THIS EARLY. I CAN'T EVEN ORDER THIS PART FROM THE PARTS STORES I HAVE TO GO TO THE DEALER. IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO DRIVE AROUND WITH NO WINDSHIELD WIPERS. I WAS ABOUT A MILE AWAY FROM HOME WHEN THE FRONT WIPERS STOPPED WORKING.

8/14/2017

SEAT BELTS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AT A STOP SIGN AND THE SEAT BELT LOCKED UP. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JOHN HIESTER CHEVROLET (3100 N MAIN ST, FUQUAY VARINA, NC 27526) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECALL WAS NOT DUE TO A FAILURE AND THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,214.

4/25/2018

EQUIPMENT

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

6/13/2024

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark?

The most reported complaint category for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark is ENGINE, with 35 owner reports. That is about 16% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Are complaints about the 2013 Chevrolet Spark a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 117 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2013 Chevrolet Spark severe?

117 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Chevrolet Spark: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
224
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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