2013 Chevrolet Spark Problems
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.
Before you buy
This 2013 Chevrolet Spark has 146 NHTSA complaints β top issue: Engine Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2013 Chevrolet Spark Fuel Economy
β EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2013 Chevrolet Spark trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
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 ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
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.
- 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.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
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.
- 146 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 5 federal recall campaigns
- 10 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
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.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 43 | 2 | 1 | β | |
| Electrical Faults | 34 | β | β | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 34 | β | β | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 20 | 3 | β | β | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 14 | 2 | β | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 13 | 5 | 1 | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 10 | β | β | β | |
| Door Lock Issues | 10 | β | β | β | |
| Brake System | 10 | 3 | β | β | |
| Structural Problems | 9 | 2 | 1 | β | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 8 | β | β | β | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | 1 | β | β | |
| Interior Lighting | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Equipment | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Fuel System | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Gasoline | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | β | 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. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
I got the recall done but it still shows not done on the NHTSA website
Vehicle stalls when started, after vehicle is up to temp the rpmβs fluctuate and vehicle misfires. I was driving down the road when all of a sudden the car went into limp mode I couldnβt do anything and me and my son almost got run off the road but after a few minutes of pressingβ¦
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.β¦
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 "CHIMβ¦
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.
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 quicβ¦
Passenger front spring broken.
See attached document from complainant
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 availableβ¦
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 β¦
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 parβ¦
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, wβ¦
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 flucβ¦
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 fβ¦
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 aβ¦
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 foβ¦
VEHICLE GETS CODE P0700 TRANNY GOES TO LIMP MODE WONT MOVE OR SHIFT UNTIL CAR IS RESTARTED DOES THIS A FEW TIMES A WEEK
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.
WHILE DRIVING OUR 2010 CHEVROLET SPARK, THE CLUTCH PEDAL SNAPPED OFF, WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION.
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 β¦
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark.
Safety recalls
2013 Chevrolet Spark recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
AIR BAGS
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
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?βΎ
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?βΎ
#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?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2013 Chevrolet Spark?βΎ
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?βΎ
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?βΎ
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
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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.