See attached document from complainant
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Spark years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
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.
Structure complaints
9 reportsI 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, which should be plenty of time to make these arrang…
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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, which should be plenty of time to make these arrangements! I don't drive on the freeway very often but every time I do I worry about my hood opening while I'm driving 60+ mph. WHEN is this going to be fixed??
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.
LATELY I HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WHERE THE HOOD LATCH STAYS IN THE OPEN POSITION. ACCORDING TO A VIN CHECK THIS SUPPOSED TO BE REPLACED AND THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS ACCORDING TO THE GM DATABASE, BUT I DON'T THINK IT EVER WAS REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP WANTS TO CHARGE ME TO FIX SOMETHING THAT GM NEVER REPAIRED IN THE RECALL…
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LATELY I HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WHERE THE HOOD LATCH STAYS IN THE OPEN POSITION. ACCORDING TO A VIN CHECK THIS SUPPOSED TO BE REPLACED AND THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS ACCORDING TO THE GM DATABASE, BUT I DON'T THINK IT EVER WAS REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP WANTS TO CHARGE ME TO FIX SOMETHING THAT GM NEVER REPAIRED IN THE RECALL.
THIS VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR A SECONDARY HOOD LATCH WHICH WAS REPAIRED IN EARLY FALL, SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2016. THE PART WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE SAME PART FAILED A SECOND TIME, FIRST WEEK OF JANUARY 2017. I RETURNED THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE REPAIRS. I WAS TOLD AT THE DEALERSHIP IT WAS THE SAME PART THAT FAILED. AFT…
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THIS VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR A SECONDARY HOOD LATCH WHICH WAS REPAIRED IN EARLY FALL, SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2016. THE PART WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE SAME PART FAILED A SECOND TIME, FIRST WEEK OF JANUARY 2017. I RETURNED THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE REPAIRS. I WAS TOLD AT THE DEALERSHIP IT WAS THE SAME PART THAT FAILED. AFTER THREE DAYS AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY CALLED TO LET ME KNOW THAT THE PLASTIC AT THE END OF THE CABLE WAS ALSO BROKEN. WHEN I ASKED HOW THIS COULD HAPPEN THEY HAD NO ANSWERS. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP TALKED TO A MECHANIC AND HAD HIM SHOW ME EXACTLY WHAT WAS BROKEN. THIS CAR HAD NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OF ANY KIND, ALSO THE PART THAT HE SHOWED ME WAS NOT BROKEN WHEN I DROPPED IT OFF. I WAS TOLD THAT A MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP HAD BROKE IT, BUT THIS PARTICULAR MECHANIC WAS AFRAID OF LOSING HIS JOB. THIS DEALER WANTS ME TO PAY $100 FOR THE REPAIR. IT HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR FOUR WEEKS WITH NO ETA ON THE PART. IF THERE IS NOT A REPLACEMENT PART IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY HOW COULD THIS POSSIBLY BE A WHERE AND TEAR ITEM? THIS IS A SERIOUS DEFECT THE HOOD LATCH COULD LET GO AND THE HOOD COULD FLY UP AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING. THANKFULLY I WAS NOT ON A HIGHWAY WHEN THE HOOD LATCH LET GO. WHEN I SHOWED UP AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD ORDER THE PARTS AND INSTRUCTED ME TO COME BACK WHEN THE PART CAME IN. I WAS HORRIFIED THAT THEY WANTED ME TO DRIVE AWAY WITH THIS CAR AND REQUESTED A LOANER VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP DID GIVE ME A LOANER CAR. THEY ARE NOT GOOD ABOUT ANSWERING THE PHONE AND DO NOT CALL ME BACK. I'VE HAD TO PHYSICALLY SHOW UP TO EVEN SPEAK TO SOMEBODY.
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…
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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
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 …
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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
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…
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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
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…
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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
Official recalls
522V640000 · 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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
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