2013 Chevrolet Spark Problems

Severe Issues

Used CHEVROLET SPARK shoppers should review this model-year complaint and recall record before making an offer. Based on 146 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Engine Problems the most reported area.

older10 years2014

Before you buy

This 2013 Chevrolet Spark has 146 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Engine Problems.

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146
Complaints
10
Crashes
1
Fires
4
Injuries
β€”
Fatalities
5
Recalls

2013 Chevrolet Spark Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2013 Chevrolet Spark trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

31
MPG City
28–31 range
37
MPG Hwy
36–37 range
34
MPG Combined
31–34 range
265
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
πŸ’°Saves $2,000 vs. avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.

2013 Chevrolet Spark Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated
βœ“Stability Control: Standardβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Noβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2013 Chevrolet Spark has 146 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2013 Chevrolet Spark β€” key reliability facts
Make
Chevrolet
Model
Spark
Model year
2013
NHTSA owner complaints
146
Crash-related complaints
10
Safety recall campaigns
5
Top reported component
Engine Problems
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
34
EPA MPG city / highway
31 / 37
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
Electronic stability control
Standard

Common problems

Most common 2013 Chevrolet Spark problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
43
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:2
Fires:1
#2
34
complaints

Electrical Faults

#3
34
complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Electrical Faults, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Buyer verdict

Should you buy a used 2013 Chevrolet Spark?

This CHEVROLET SPARK year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.

Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.

May Suit

This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.

May Want to Avoid

Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.

Pre-purchase

What to check before buying a used 2013 Chevrolet Spark

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
  • Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
  • Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN

Before You Close the Deal

  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase

Check the exact car

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2013 Chevrolet Spark, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

AI verdict

What the complaint data suggests

Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

The CHEVROLET SPARK has 146 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. 10 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Recall context: 5 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.

Key Findings
  • 146 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 5 federal recall campaigns
  • 10 crash-related complaints on record
Top Concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume β€” popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Full breakdown

All 2013 Chevrolet Spark complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Engine Problems4321β€”
Electrical Faults34β€”β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain34β€”β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues203β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration142β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions1351β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System10β€”β€”β€”
Door Lock Issues10β€”β€”β€”
Brake System103β€”β€”
Structural Problems921β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures8β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects41β€”β€”
Interior Lighting3β€”β€”β€”
Equipment2β€”β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)2β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Fuel System2β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline2β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper1β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures1β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic1β€”β€”β€”
Traction Control System1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

In their words

Real owner complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 146 most recent complaints

Uncategorized IssuesJun 16, 2025

I got the recall done but it still shows not done on the NHTSA website

Electrical FaultsFeb 12, 2025

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…

Transmission / DrivetrainNov 12, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle was not able to accelerate above 30 MPH. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated.…

Electrical FaultsOct 7, 2024

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 "CHIM…

Electrical FaultsJun 13, 2024

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.

Electrical FaultsMay 17, 2024

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 quic…

Uncategorized IssuesFeb 17, 2024

Passenger front spring broken.

Structural ProblemsOct 20, 2023

See attached document from complainant

Door Lock IssuesJun 5, 2023

2013 CHEVEROLET SPARK- Consumer doesn't feel safe driving vehicle. Consumer received safety recall letter- GM Recall # A222359300- Hood Striker & Hood Latch Assembly. Consumer contacted Chevrolet and was told the part is not available and they do not know when it will available…

Uncategorized IssuesMar 7, 2023

The secondary hood latch lever problem was discovered in August 2022. I received a letter at the beginning of October 2022. I called to have my vehicle repaired but was advised that the parts were not available. I called again in late February 2023 and the parts were still not …

Door Lock IssuesMar 6, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that after having an oil change performed on the vehicle, the mechanic was unable to properly close the hood. The contact was previously mailed a NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V640000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the par…

Structural ProblemsJan 15, 2023

I have not experienced an incident YET but the recall of the hood latch was first brought to my attention in August 2022 and it is now January 2023 with NO remedy being proposed. It still says "recall incomplete, remedy not available" -- meanwhile it's been more than 6 months, w…

Electrical FaultsJan 12, 2023

I'm coming to a stop or slowing down the car shuts off. Even when making a turn in front of another car across traffic my car has turned off in the middle of crossing the street and I almost got hit twice now. This affects the cruise control coming on as well the speedometer fluc…

Door Lock IssuesNov 29, 2022

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Spark. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V640000 (Latches, Locks, Linkages) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time f…

Unintended AccelerationDec 31, 2021

I do not know what system affects the problem my car is having it stalls in front of oncoming traffic on left turns it's done this to me 3 to 4 times and it scares me. It will start right back up and go but it'll still continuously throughout the day when I slow down or come to a…

Electrical FaultsAug 11, 2021

The key is a problem. Personally mine has broken 4 times. The fob & base of the key is too big for the key itself. I know other Chevrolet models have had key recalls for the same reason, so I am not sure why they have not recalled the Chevy Spark keys because they are the same fo…

Transmission / DrivetrainFeb 8, 2021

VEHICLE GETS CODE P0700 TRANNY GOES TO LIMP MODE WONT MOVE OR SHIFT UNTIL CAR IS RESTARTED DOES THIS A FEW TIMES A WEEK

Structural ProblemsNov 6, 2020

THE HOOD LATCH IS CORRODED AND DOESN'T ALLOW THE HOOD TO STAY FULLY CLOSED AND TRUNK LATCH STICKS AND DOES NOT CLOSE PROPERLY WHILE BEING STATIONARY AND IN MOTION. I'M SCARED THAT THE HOOD WILL FLY UP WHILE MY SON OR I ARE DRIVING.

Transmission / DrivetrainSep 22, 2020

WHILE DRIVING OUR 2010 CHEVROLET SPARK, THE CLUTCH PEDAL SNAPPED OFF, WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION.

Transmission / DrivetrainJun 1, 2020

WHEN COMING OUT OF A STOP (RED LIGHT, STOP SIGN, ETC.,) THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE. I HAVE TO PULL OFF TO SIDE AND SHUT THE CAR OFF, WAIT A MINUTE, AND START IT AGAIN. ONLY THEN WILL IT DRIVE. IT DOES NOT DO THIS ALL THE TIME. HOWEVER, WHEN IT DOES, IT DOES IT MULTIPLE TIMES IN …

Page 1 of 8

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark.

Safety recalls

2013 Chevrolet Spark recalls

5 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark. 5 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

#16V422000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWAREOct 6, 2016
Safety recall

AIR BAGS

#14V298000AIR BAGSJun 6, 2014
Safety recall

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

#14V593000LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH24/09/2014
Safety recall

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

#16V257000EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.28/04/2016
Safety recall

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

#22V640000LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH25/08/2022

Across model years

Compare Chevrolet Spark model years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2013 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

Questions

2013 Chevrolet Spark buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2013 Chevrolet Spark reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 146 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. This CHEVROLET SPARK year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Chevrolet Spark?β–Ύ

#1: Engine Problems (43 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (34 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (34 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Chevrolet Spark?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2013 Chevrolet Spark?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2013 Chevrolet Spark, NHTSA complaints include 10 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 146 total complaints. 4 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2013 Chevrolet Spark have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Chevrolet Spark. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. 5 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2013 Chevrolet Spark?β–Ύ

This CHEVROLET SPARK year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.

Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Spark reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2013 Chevrolet Spark based on your ownership experience.

Add your rating:

Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Before you buy

Check the exact vehicle history before you buy

Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.