← New search

2013 Chevrolet Spark

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Spark years

Owner complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark are substantially higher than the model-year median of 23.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

112 reports with mileage · 34 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 35 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports1 fire reports4 injury reports

Interior Lighting complaints

3 reports
Clear category filter
200 miles · May 27, 2013
Interior LightingStructure

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 MANUFACTURE…

Read full complaint

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

NHTSA ODI #10513705

300 miles · Mar 4, 2013
Electrical SystemExterior LightingInterior Lighting

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…

Read full complaint

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

NHTSA ODI #10501213

Mileage unknown · Jan 8, 2013
Exterior LightingInterior Lighting

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…

Read full complaint

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

NHTSA ODI #10491809

Official recalls

5

22V640000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

Aug 25, 2022

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark EV vehicles. The secondary hood latch may corrode at the latch pivot, preventing the hood latch from properly engaging.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A hood latch failure can result in the vehicle's hood opening unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the hood striker assembly and hood latch assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 12, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A222359300. This recall supersedes and expands NHTSA recall number 14V-593. Vehicles previously repaired under 14V-593 will need to have the new remedy performed.

16V422000 · Electrical System:software; Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.

Jun 10, 2016

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:software

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."

Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.

Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."

Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.

16V257000 · Electrical System:software; Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.

Apr 28, 2016

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:software

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."

Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.

Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."

Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.

14V593000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

Sep 24, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured January 17, 2012, to July 29, 2014. The secondary hood latch may prematurely corrode at the latch pivot causing the striker to get stuck out of position, preventing it from properly engaging the hood latch.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the secondary hood latch corrodes causing the latch to be stuck out of position, and the primary hood latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the striker with a new part which has superior corrosion protection, free of charge. The recall began on January 7, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14456.

14V298000 · Air Bags

Jun 6, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured April 10, 2013, to May 8, 2013, and Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured December 30, 2012, to March 1, 2013. In the affected vehicles, an improper weld on the passenger side front air bag inflator may result in the air bag not deploying.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the air bag does not to deploy in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the front passenger.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side front air bag, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick) or 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14211.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.