2017 Chevrolet Spark: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2017 Chevrolet Spark? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 27 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2017 Chevrolet Spark Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2017 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. 4 trims analysed.
2017 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 2017 Chevrolet Spark has 27 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Spark
- Model year
- 2017
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 27
- Crash-related complaints
- 5
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 33
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 29 / 38
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2017 Chevrolet Spark Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Brake System
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Brake System, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2017 Chevrolet Spark?
The 2017 Chevrolet Spark shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2017 Chevrolet Spark
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain for any signs of issues or previous repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake system and electrical components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain for any signs of issues or previous repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake system and electrical components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2017 Chevrolet Spark, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
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
Based on 27 NHTSA complaints for the 2017 Chevrolet Spark, issues appear concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain and brake system. There is also a notable number of electrical and airbag complaints. However, with low confidence due to limited data, these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints are the most reported issue with 8 complaints.
- Brake system complaints total 7, making it the second most common concern.
- There are 5 crash-related complaints out of 27 total.
- Transmission / Drivetrain issues are the most frequently reported component.
- Brake System problems are the second most common complaint.
- Electrical Faults and Airbag Malfunctions each have 5 complaints.
All 2017 Chevrolet Spark Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Chevrolet Spark. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 7 | 3 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 Chevrolet Spark. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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.
I feel that there are issues with the transmissions on the 2017 Chevy spark. I noticed that there have been complaints in years such as 2014 and 2019. I find that my 2017 exhibits exact same transmission issues as years that came before or after. Lots of indecision with the car a…
vehicle brakes went out suddenly after hearing a loud POP sound...brakes wouldn't respond and pedal hard, ran off road and could only glide to a roll stop and not really then...fortunately a repair shop adjacent so drove their and rolled stop. initial look shop advised vacuum pum…
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…
Took the Car to Emissions wouldn’t pass because the check engine wouldn’t illuminate they gave me a recall paper related to the check engine light not illuminating MFR#N192268880/ Took car to Gateway Chevrolet at 9901 W Papago Freeway Avondale AZ, 85323 to get the recall done wh…
105000 miles: Lost Brakes extremely hard to push brake pedal. Lost vacuum, enabling to stop car safely. Took brake vacuum line off vacuum pump and plug pump so oil don’t leak out pump. Then join the line to an existing vacuum line. Problem solved no issues since. 205000 miles: Re…
Electrical : First instance in 2020. There are instances when you stop the car, and it appears the vehicle has no electrical charge (it is a gas vehicle). Happened once while parked (2020)- service request August 2020, and another while waiting for a green light (2021). My conc…
Headrest angle is hurting me and my Wife, to the point where we really want to turn them around and add velcrow strapped pillows! Something's got to be done about the standard. Headrests are way too far forward. They're nit safe. My wife has minor scoliosis and her 2012 Prius C …
AT RAILWAY PARKING LOT, FIRST CAR BLOCKED WHEN BACKING OUT OF SPACE. AFTER 3 TRIES, ABLE TO MOVE ON, EXITING LOT AND ABOUT TO TURN RIGHT INTO STREET, CAR SWERVED HARD RIGHT BY ITSELF AND LOUDLY HIT CURB. PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL AND TIRE TOTALLY DAMAGED. I HAD TO GET IT TOWED TO COLL…
THE FOLLOWING HAS NOW HAPPENED ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHEN DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY: WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (50 -55 MPH) AND HITTING A BUMP THAT JOLTS THE CAR (NOT NECESSARILLY A HUGE BUMP), THE ENTIRE ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CUTS OFF AND SHUTS DOWN. THIS HAPPENS ONLY…
THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE CHEVY SPARK TO REPROGRAM THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE, HOWEVER THAT DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. IT DOES NOT NEED TO BE REPROGRAMMED , BECAUSE ALL THAT DID WAS LEAVE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. THEY HAVE FAULT CONTROL MODULES. MY CAR IS 3 YEARS OLD AN…
MY FIANCE AND I WERE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN OUT OF NO WHERE (NO WARNING LIGHTS, NOTHING)... THE BRAKES WOULD NOT STOP. THE PEDAL WAS HARD TO PUSH DOWN, IT WOULDN'T GO DOWN AT ALL. NO WAY TO STOP. WE WERE ON FREEWAY DOING ABOUT 65/70 MPH IN CHICAGO!! THEY TRAF…
DURING MORNING RUSH HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY, (I WAS DRIVING IN THE LEFT LANE), TRAVELING AROUND 50MPH. I WAS ABOUT 3 CAR LENGTHS BEHIND, WHEN THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED ABRUPTLY, AND PROMPTLY DROVE AWAY. I SLAMMED MY BRAKES TO THE FLOOR AND SIMULTANEOUSLY SWERVED TO THE EMERG…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET SPARK. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKES SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND STOPPED THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED, IT RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION AND WAS DRIVEN HOME. CAPITAL CHEVROLET BUICK GMC OF LE…
WE PURCHASED A 2017 CHEVY SPARK WITH 40,000 MILES ON IT AND WITHIN THE FIRST TWO WEEKS THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE FOR ABOUT 2 SECONDS AND THEN WILL LEAP FORWARD. WHEN YOU COME TO A COMPLETE STOP THE ENGINE WILL REV UP AND NOT GO FORWARD FOR ABOUT 2-3 SECONDS. THIS BECOMES VERY U…
AS I WAS IDLING UP BEHIND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AT A 4-WAY STOP, AND BRAKING GENTLY, MY ENGINE PUTTERED OUT AND TURNED OFF. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR AFTER PUTTING IT IN PARK AND TURNING THE IGNITION OFF THEN BACK ON.
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY UP A SLIGHT INCLINE, IT WAS OVER 100 DEGREES OUTSIDE, HAD AC WORKING AND HAD CRUISE CONTROL SET TO 70 MPH, THE CRUISE CONTROL SUDDENLY CANCELED ITSELF OUT AND MY SPEED RAPIDLY DROPPED. THIS ALWAYS SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN THE WEATHER IS OVER 100 DEGREES O…
SWIRVED TO SHOULDER OF THE ROAD CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND CURTIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED IN STANDING POSITION.
THE ENGINE LOSES 1% OF ITS OIL EVERY 20 DRIVEN MILES. GM KNOWS ABOUT THIS EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION AND REFUSES TO RESOLVE THE CAUSE. I BOUGHT THIS AS A NEW CAR, WITH 2059 MILES ON IT. RIGHT NOW MY OIL GAUGE READS 96%, OR A 4 % OIL LOSS, AFTER 80 DRIVEN MILES. I AM DEATHLY AFRAID…
THE INTERIOR TRIM ON THE DASH AND DOORS IS SO SHINY IT CAUSES REFLECTIONS IN THE SIDE MIRRORS. THE REFLECTION IS SO BAD IT OBSTRUCTS YOUR VIEW OF THE OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD BEHIND YOU. (IF YOU LOOK CLOSELY AT THE UPLOADED PICTURE YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO SEE THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Chevrolet Spark.
2017 Chevrolet Spark Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Chevrolet Spark. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2017 Chevrolet Spark Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Spark reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 27 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2017 Chevrolet Spark shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. 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 2017 Chevrolet Spark?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (8 complaints). #2: Brake System (7 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (5 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Chevrolet Spark?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Chevrolet Spark?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Chevrolet Spark, NHTSA complaints include 5 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 27 total complaints. 6 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Chevrolet Spark have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2017 Chevrolet Spark. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2017 Chevrolet Spark?▾
The 2017 Chevrolet Spark shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain 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 VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Spark reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2017 Chevrolet Spark based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
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.