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Model-year record

2016 Chevrolet Spark
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2016 Chevrolet Spark

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

42

Reports to NHTSA, 2016

Safety recalls

1

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Not rated

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

33.5

EPA estimate

Known issues

Service Brakes issues lead owner complaints (45% of 42 reports), followed by air bags (12%).

Service Brakes45% · 19 reports
Air Bags12% · 5 reports
Electrical System10% · 4 reports
Power Train7% · 3 reports
Unknown Or Other7% · 3 reports
Steering5% · 2 reports
Visibility/Wiper5% · 2 reports
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)2% · 1 report

+ 3 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 42 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 10940366, ODI 11549067, ODI 11472968, ODI 11452434, ODI 11388919.

Individual complaint reports(42)

Showing the 42 most recent reports
Electrical SystemDec 2025 · ODI 11704345Details +

While driving in early 2025, my 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV suddenly lost all ability to accelerate. The vehicle remained powered on but would not respond to the accelerator, and I was unable to fully shut it off. This created a safety hazard because I could not properly control or secure the vehicle, and it required towing. I replaced the 12V battery at my own expense. The issue briefly disappeared, but the same failure occurred again within weeks. The replacement 12V battery also failed to hold a charge, indicating the problem was not related to the 12V system. I brought the vehicle to Harbor Chevrolet. Their technicians confirmed the problem was caused by a failure of the high-voltage battery system. They also informed me that the required EV battery is unavailable from the manufacturer with no estimated availability. Because this component is essential for basic propulsion and safety, the vehicle has been completely inoperable since early 2025. The vehicle is available for inspection, but it cannot be driven due to the propulsion failure. The defect has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealership. There were no warning lamps or early indicators prior to the sudden loss of propulsion. I am reporting this because sudden propulsion loss and inability to shut the vehicle down properly present significant safety concerns, especially if this issue affects additional Spark EV vehicles without an available manufacturer remedy.

Reported
Dec 2025
Incident date
Jan 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11704345 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherMay 2025 · ODI 11660265Details +

I am the owner of a 2016 Spark EV, and the driver was my family member. The vehicle was charged and had a remaining driving range of 51 miles when the vehicle suddenly shut down on a major city road without any prior warning or symptoms of a problem. The vehicle did not restart immediately, and other drivers behind had to push the vehicle to the side of the road. The driver experienced the shutdown of the vehicle while driving again on another day. Since the sudden shutdown of the propulsion power while driving happened without any prior warning light, message, or symptom, the incident could put the safety of the driver and others at risk, especially if the shutdown happened at a higher speed on a highway. Failure of a specific component or system has not been identified, but the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The service department of a Chevrolet dealer initially provided an estimated diagnostic fee of $170, but the service department raised the diagnostic fee by double upon check-in when the vehicle was brought in on the scheduled appointment. I canceled the appointment in frustration.

Reported
May 2025
Incident date
Apr 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11660265 at NHTSA →
Air BagsOct 2023 · ODI 11550953 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

The contact owned a 2016 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was T-bone crashed into on the driver's side by a second vehicle. During the crash, the driver-side curtain air bags did not immediately deploy. The contact indicated that the air bag deployed approximately one minute after the crash had occurred. The driver sustained torso bruises and lower back pain which later required medical treatment. A Police report was taken at the scene. The vehicle was destroyed and towed away. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The local dealer was contacted but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed of the incomplete recall for NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V307000(Air Bag). The failure mileage was 44,813.

Reported
Oct 2023
Incident date
Sep 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 11550953 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesOct 2023 · ODI 11549067Details +

I was driving downhill with the car in L on a highway and brakes failed. I could not engage the brakes at all but somehow the car slowed to a stop and I managed to pull into a parking spot and park. Two lights came on: Service Intellitrak and Service Brake Assist. The car has been inspected by the Chevrolet dealership that sold the car to me as well as an independant shop. One technician at the Chevrolet dealership reported he got zero brake pressure and claims that the car needs a new brake pressure modulator. The independant shop reported that they could not replicate the poor brake performance. Two technicians from this shop reported that the car is working as intended.

Reported
Oct 2023
Incident date
Oct 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11549067 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJul 2022 · ODI 11474938Details +

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the transmission was slipping, and the cruise control was not operating correctly. Additionally, the RPM was elevated with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed; however, no failure was determined. The contact stated that the transmission fluid was flushed and replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

Reported
Jul 2022
Incident date
Jun 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11474938 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJul 2022 · ODI 11472968Details +

Both Brake Assist and stabilitrack go out in conjunction with failure lights (no fore-warning). The vehicle was repaired by a Chevrolet dealership with qualified EV tech. Within two weeks that same brake system failures occurred. The issue greatly increases the force needed to press the brake pedal and lengthens braking distance significantly. it also causes a failure in the braking system while at a stop. so after about 16 seconds braking power is reduced to the point of the car rolling forward / backward while the brake pedal is fully depressed.

Reported
Jul 2022
Incident date
Jun 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11472968 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesFeb 2022 · ODI 11452434Details +

I have had my 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV in for repairs to three Chevy dealers for issues regarding random brake stuttering and complete brake failure resulting in running stop lights and stop signs going 30> MPH. Failure and issues are intermittent, but it appears to be an overly sensitive ABS/ regenerative braking system locking up the wheels and causing my brake peddle to become ineffective at stopping the car for brief periods of time. All dealerships have been at a loss for how to resolve this and have put me back on the road only to run more red lights after approaching at safe speeds. The rear right wheel makes odd clicking while this happens, leading the techs to believe it was a faulty sensor issue. However, all parts are out of stock for this car in the US and therefore I cannot get the vehicle repaired.

Reported
Feb 2022
Incident date
Feb 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11452434 at NHTSA →
SteeringMar 2021 · ODI 11398554Details +

RANDOMLY WHEN I GET INTO MY CAR AND CRANK THE LIGHTS ON MY DASH,SCREEN WILL APPEAR- OTHER TIMES THEY WILL NOT. RANDOMLY WHEN DRIVING SHE WILL JUST BE DRIVING NORMAL AND IMMEDIATELY SHE SHUTS DOWN AND OFF WITH NO WARNING SIGNS AND NO WARNING LIGHTS ON DASH. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE THE PURCHASE OF HER. IT HAS BEEN ON A INTERSTATE HIGHWAY IN 5PM TRAFFIC, A VERY SMALL TOWN IN NON ON SUNDAY AFTER CHURCH.

Reported
Mar 2021
Incident date
Feb 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11398554 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJan 2021 · ODI 11388919Details +

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE EITHER A 'SERVICE STABILITRAK' OR 'SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST' WARNING LIGHT GOES ON ALONG WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT AND THE BRAKES LOSE THEIR POWER. IT FEELS LIKE THE POWER STEERING HAS GONE OUT ONLY IT'S THE BRAKES. YOU HAVE TO PUSH WITH ALL OF YOUR POWER TO GET THE CAR TO STOP. ONCE YOU STOP AND TURN THE CAR OFF AND THEN BACK ON THE WARNING LIGHT DISAPPEARS AND YOU CAN KEEP DRIVING. AFTER THIS HAPPENED A COUPLE OF TIMES WE BROUGHT THIS INTO PUTNAM CHEVROLET IN BURLINGAME AND SPENT $1583.97 TO HAVE THE BRAKES COMPLETELY REPLACED. THE MORNING AFTER WE PICKED THE CAR UP THE 'CHECK ENGINE LIGHT' WENT ON AND WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO PUTNAM CHEVROLET WHO SAID, 'ONE OF THE MODULES THAT WE REPLACED WENT BAD,' AND STATED THAT THEY HAD TO REDO THE BRAKES. THEY ALSO TRIED TO CHARGE ME FOR ADDITIONAL ISSUES THAT WERE NOT FOUND IN THE INITIAL DIAGNOSTIC AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE 'BODY CONTROL MODULE'. WE PICKED THE CAR UP IN OCTOBER. ON DECEMBER 9TH, 2020 THE 'SERVICE STABILITRAK' AND 'SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST' LIGHTS CAME ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. HERE IS A VIDEO OF THE EVENT: [XXX]. EACH TIME THIS HAPPENS CHEVY RISKS MY LIFE, MY PASSENGER'S LIFE, AND OTHER PEOPLE ON THE ROAD. PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Reported
Jan 2021
Incident date
Dec 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11388919 at NHTSA →
Visibility/WiperDec 2020 · ODI 11383516Details +

THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED OPERATING WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY IN THE RAIN. THE CAR WAS AT HIGHWAY SPEED. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THE MECHANIC FOUND THE WIPER MOTOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND PULLED TOO MUCH AMPERAGE THAT IT BURNED INTERNAL FUSE BOX RELAY. WIPER MOTOR AND FUSE BOX HAD TO BE REPLACED.

Reported
Dec 2020
Incident date
Nov 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11383516 at NHTSA →
Air BagsAug 2020 · ODI 11343557Details +

FEB 2018 I RECEIVED AN ERROR MESSAGE WHILE DRIVING FOR A CODE 95. AFTER REVIEW I DETERMINED IT WAS AN AIR BAG ERROR MESSAGE. I TOOK IT TO MK SMITH IN CHINO, CA AND THEY REPLACED THE PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULE. JULY 2020 I RECEIVED THE SAME CODE 95 AIR BAG WARNING MESSAGE. I TOOK IT BACK TO MK SMITH IN CHINO, CA AND THEY TOLD ME THE SAME PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I ASKED IF THEY REPLACED A FAULTY PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULE WITH A FAULTY PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULE AND THE RESPONSE WAS 'YES'. BUT BECAUSE I DIDN'T RECEIVE THE WARNING MESSAGE UNTIL AFTER 12 MONTHS IT'S MY PROBLEM TO FIX IT. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND A KNOWN RECALL EVEN THOUGH THE INITIAL RECALL WAS SUPPOSEDLY FIXED.

Reported
Aug 2020
Incident date
Aug 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11343557 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJul 2020 · ODI 11339557Details +

I OWN A 2016 CHEVY SPARK BOUGHT ON JANUARY 2020. OVER THE LAST WEEK (JULY 15) AT 36,569 MILES MY BRAKES HAVE BECOME SIGNIFICANTLY WEAKER WHERE I'M PUSHING MY FOOT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR TO STOP THE VEHICLE. BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY WHICH IS FAIRLY STEEP, MY BRAKES WON'T STOP MY CAR UNLESS PRESSED AS FAR POSSIBLE TO THE FLOOR. I THOUGHT MY PADS NEEDED CHANGING BUT UPON INSPECTION THEY STILL HAD 90 PERCENT OF LIFE LEFT IN MY PADS. MY BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR IS FULL AND I HAVE NO SIGNS OF OIL LEAKS ANYWHERE ON MY BRAKE LINES OR HOUSING. I HEAR ALMOST A GRINDING NOISE WHEN I TRY TO APPLY MY BRAKES BUT MY ROTORS SHOW NO SIGNS OF GASHING OR SCRAPING. I DID RECEIVE AN ABS MALFUNCTION WARNING LIGHT THAT WENT AWAY ON ITS OWN WITHIN THE FIRST MONTH I OWNED THIS VEHICLE. THE WEATHER CONDITIONS ON THAT DAY WAS HEAVY RAIN, BUT THAT NOTICE HAS YET TO RETURN ON MY DASH. I FEEL LIKE THERE IS SOME SORT OF PROBLEM WITH EITHER THE COMPUTER OR ELECTRICAL PART OF THE BRAKING OR POSSIBLE DEFECTIVE CALIPERS. THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED URGENTLY AS THIS CAN LEAD TO FUTURE WRECKS AND POSSIBLE DEATHS.

Reported
Jul 2020
Incident date
Jul 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11339557 at NHTSA →
SteeringJun 2020 · ODI 11327712Details +

STEERING WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING AT AROUND 50 MPH. NO WARNING WAS GIVEN BY THE CAR'S MONITORING SYSTEMS UNTIL THE EVENT HAPPEN AND THERE WAS NO OTHER PREVIOUS STEERING ISSUES PRIOR TO THIS EVENT. ERROR CODES DID ILLUMINATE ONLY AFTER STEERING WAS GONE AND SHOWED A P 68 ERROR CODE. THE VEHICLE HAS 32,331 MILES ON IT, HAS NO ACCIDENT HISTORY OR MECHANICAL/ELECTRICAL REPAIR HISTORY. *TR

Reported
Jun 2020
Incident date
May 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11327712 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJun 2020 · ODI 11327030Details +

TRANSMISSION. *TR

Reported
Jun 2020
Incident date
Jun 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11327030 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherSep 2019 · ODI 11258676Details +

I DID MY RECALL FOR TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE BY CHEVEROLET DEALERSHIP AND ALL OF SUDDEN MY CAR SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING IN BUSY TRAFFIC ON A BUSY ROAD. WOULD NOT TURN ON AT ALL, WOULD NOT GO OUT OF GEAR AT ALL. HAD TO HAVE TOAD BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. BUT BC GM IS ON STRIKE RECEIVED NO LOANER CAR. I'M DISABLED AND SO IS HUSBAND WHO HAS SEVERE BRAIN INJURY. I LIVE WAY OUT IN COUNTRY.

Reported
Sep 2019
Incident date
Sep 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11258676 at NHTSA →
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)Aug 2019 · ODI 11245144Details +

2016 CHEVY SPARK EV - 35,233 MILES. DRIVING STRAIGHT ON DOWNHILL CITY STREET. STABILITRAK FAILURE MESSAGE APPEARED, THEN BRAKES STOPPED RESPONDING. STEERED CAR INTO CURB TO FORCE IT TO STOP. BRAKE ALARM SYMBOL DISPLAYED ON SCREEN. CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP SAID BRAKE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE WAS FAULTY & NEEDED REPLACEMENT AND REPROGRAMMING. THIS IS 2ND BRAKE RELATED ISSUE. PRIOR ISSUE WAS LESS THAN 1 MONTH AFTER LEASING IN OCT 2016. BRAKES ALSO FAILED COMPLETELY.

Reported
Aug 2019
Incident date
Aug 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11245144 at NHTSA →
EngineJun 2019 · ODI 11218293Details +

I HAD JUST LEFT THE HOUSE AND THE CAR WAS FINE. I GOT TO A DANGEROUS INTERSECTION WHERE WRECKS HAPPEN ALL THE TIME AND I PRESSED ON MY BREAKS AND MY CAR DID NOT WANT TO STOP SO I KEPT PRESSING HARDER AND HARDER FINALLY I STOPPED. WHEN I DID THE CAR CUT OFF. IT CONTINUED TO DO THIS FOR THE 15 MINUTE DRIVE AND IT CUT OFF ON THE BUSH BYPASS IN THE CITY. MY HUSBAND LOOKED AT IT AND THE VACUUM PUMP BLEW UP AFFECTING THE CAMSHAFT. WE HAVE REPLACED THOSE PARTS AND THE SENSOR. NOW, I AM LOOKING FOR A CAMSHAFT EXHAUST ROD THAT NO CHEVY DEALER IN THE US HAS AND THEY SAID IT IS IN EXTREME BACKORDER. WHY IS THAT? I DID FIND ONE IN NORTH CAROLINA BUT IT WAS TAGGED FOR ANOTHER CUSTOMER. MY CAR HAS BEEN DOWN FOR A MONTH! I'M PAYING 300.00 A MONTH FOR A NEWER CAR AND 200.00 FOR FULL COVERAGE FOR SOMETHING I CAN'T EVEN GET A PART ON. IT MUST BE A COMMON PROBLEM. SOMETHING NEEDS TO CHANGE!!! IF YOU LOOK UP THE COMPLAINTS ONLINE YOU WILL SEE THIS CAR IS NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. I SAY IT NEEDS MORE THAN A PART RECALL. THE WHOLE CAR NEEDS TO BE RECALLED!!! THIS IS AN INCONVENIENCE!! I JUST ASK YOU TO PUT YOURSELF IN MY SHOES.

Reported
Jun 2019
Incident date
May 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11218293 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesMay 2019 · ODI 11207908Details +

THERE WERE TWO INCIDENTS INVOLVING THE SAME PROBLEM. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY AND THEN ON A MAIN ROAD THE BRAKES LOCKED AND I HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO COMPLETE STOP. MY MECHANIC REPLACED THE ENGINE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP AFTER BOTH INCIDENTS. THE PUMP WAS BROKEN IN PIECES ON BOTH OCCASIONS LEADING TO METAL PARTS FALLING INTO THE ENGINE DURING REPAIR AND NEEDING TO BE RETRIEVED TO PREVENT ENGINE DAMAGE.

Reported
May 2019
Incident date
May 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11207908 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesMay 2019 · ODI 11205125Details +

AS I WAS DRIVING MY BRAKES GOT HARD PREVENTING ME FROM STOPPING ,I WAS DRIVING ON MY WAY TO PICK MY SISTER UP AND AS I WENT TO STOP TO TURN INTO HER DRIVEWAY MY BRAKES ARE SUPER HARD AND I WAS UNABLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP FOR ABOUT A QUARTER OF A MILE WHEN I TOOK MY CAR IN TO GET IT INSPECTED THEY SAID MY BRAKE BOOSTER WAS OUT AND WHEN THEY TOOK IT OFF THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED THEY SAID THIS RARELY EVER HAPPENS BUT THERE IS ALSO BEEN MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS OF IT AND THAT THERE IS NO WARNING SIGNS

Reported
May 2019
Incident date
Apr 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11205125 at NHTSA →
Exterior LightingMar 2019 · ODI 11185504Details +

THE FRONT LIGHTS APPEAR TO HAVE A DEFECT IN THEM. WHEN I HAVE A BULB REPLACE IT GOES RIGHT OUT. I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR ON 11/19/2018. I HAD THE OIL CHANGED TWICE ALREADY AND THE OIL INDICATOR CONTINUES TO COME ON.

Reported
Mar 2019
Incident date
Jan 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11185504 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesSep 2018 · ODI 11128544Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET SPARK. WHILE BEING OPERATED AT A LOW SPEED, THE BRAKES MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CLASSIC CHEVROLET (LOCATED AT 1101 W STATE HIGHWAY 114, GRAPEVINE, TX) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE ADJUSTED AND THE BRAKE WHEEL CYLINDER WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 9,659.

Reported
Sep 2018
Incident date
Jan 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11128544 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJun 2018 · ODI 11099255Details +

I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND HIT A POT HOLE WHICH RESULTED IN THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG CURTAINS DEPLOYING. THERE IS NO VISIBLE DAMAGE TO TIRE OR CAR

Reported
Jun 2018
Incident date
May 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11099255 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemMar 2018 · ODI 11078277 · fireDetails +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 CHEVROLET SPARK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45-50 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SMOKE ODOR IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE STARTED FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT THAT THE FIRE MIGHT HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO SUBSTANTIATE THE CLAIM. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BAKER'S RECOVERY AND TOWING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. PAUL-RICHARD GMC (769 W MAIN ST, PERU, IN 46970, (765) 323-4317) WAS NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000. *TT *TR

Reported
Mar 2018
Incident date
Mar 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Fire
Open ODI 11078277 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesOct 2017 · ODI 11034167Details +

I WAS DRIVING A 2016 CHEVROLET SPARK EV ON A CITY ROADWAY WHEN I HAD A COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE AND ALMOST WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. AT THE START OF MY COMMUTE, I TURNED THE VEHICLE ON WHICH WAS PARKED ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE GARAGE. I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT LEFT PORTION OF THE VEHICLE AS THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS PULSATING. AS I PULLED OUT ONTO THE ROADWAY THE PULSATING AND THE LOUD SOUND CONTINUED AS A SET OF WARNING LIGHTS TURNED ON. THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE (ABS WARNING, STABILITRAK AND SERVICE BRAKES). I BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN TO APPROX. 30 MPH IN A 50 MPH ZONE AS I CAME TO AN INTERSECTION. AS I CAME TO A BUSY INTERSECTION I APPLIED THE BRAKE TO STOP FOR A RED LIGHT AS THE VEHICLE WAS NOT STOPPING. I FORCEFULLY PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH MAXIMUM FORCE POSSIBLE AS THE VEHICLE BARELY SLOWED DOWN. I ALSO HAD TO PUT THE SELECTOR TO "L" WHICH HELPED THE VEHICLE SLOW AS I STOPPED APPROX. 3 FEET PAST THE LIMIT LINE. IF I WERE GOING 10MPH FASTER AND IF THERE WAS A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME AT THE RED LIGHT I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN A TRAFFIC COLLISION DUE TO THE COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. AFTER, I DROVE THE VEHICLE (5MPH) INTO A PARKING LOT AS THE LIGHTS AND BRAKES WERE STILL NOT OPERATING. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF FOR 5 MINUTES THEN TURNED THE VEHICLE BACK ON. WHEN I TURNED THE VEHICLE ON EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL AS THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS AND THE BRAKES WORKED LIKE THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO. CONDITIONS DURING THIS TIME WAS A TYPICAL CALIFORNIA SUNNY DAY AND THERE WERE NO UNUSUAL CONDITIONS. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME EXPERIENCING A COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE, HOWEVER, THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME TAKING THE CHEVY SPARK IN FOR BRAKE PROBLEMS. ON 10/3/2016 THE BRAKE MODULES WERE REPLACED DUE TO THE PULSATING PROBLEMS HOWEVER THE BRAKES DID NOT FAIL THE FIRST TIME. MY VEHICLE IS STILL AT THE DEALER AS OF THE DATE OF THIS COMPLAINT.

Reported
Oct 2017
Incident date
Oct 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11034167 at NHTSA →
SeatsOct 2017 · ODI 11033389Details +

THE CAR WAS STOPPED AND WAS HIT FROM THE REAR ON A CITY STREET. THE IMPACT SPEED WAS APPROXIMATELY 15MPH (ESTIMATED). THE DRIVER SEAT SLID BACK UPON IMPACT AND APPEARED TO DERAIL AND WAS STOPPED BY THE REAR SEAT. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THE SEAT WOULD NOT SLIDE FORWARD. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS IS A MAJOR VEHICLE SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE DOCUMENTED..

Reported
Oct 2017
Incident date
Oct 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11033389 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesSep 2017 · ODI 11022827Details +

SUDDEN AND STRONG BRAKE PEDAL APPLICATIONS OCCASIONALLY RESULTED IN SIGNIFICANTLY MORE PEDAL TRAVEL, SIGNIFICANTLY LESS BRAKING FORCE, AND SIGNIFICANTLY LONGER STOPPING DISTANCES THAN TYPICALLY EXPERIENCED DURING SIMILAR BRAKE PEDAL APPLICATIONS. EACH EVENT OCCURRED ON WARM, DRY SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA STREETS DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS, TRAVELING BETWEEN 30-40 MPH. ON EACH OCCASION, THE BRAKES -- INCLUDING REGENERATION -- FUNCTIONED AS EXPECTED JUST PRIOR TO AND JUST AFTER THE EVENT, AND THE BATTERY WAS IN A STATE OF PARTIAL DISCHARGE, BUT DURING EACH EVENT THE PEDAL FEEL WAS SIMILAR TO THE FEEL EXPERIENCED JUST AFTER CHARGING TO 100% (WHEN REGENERATIVE BRAKING IS NOT YET AVAILABLE.) I SUSPECT THAT ON EACH OF THESE OCCASIONS, THE CAR'S REGENERATIVE BRAKING WAS UNEXPECTEDLY DEACTIVATED FOR REASONS UNKNOWN, AND THE SUBSEQUENT MECHANICAL-ONLY BRAKE APPLICATION (ON COLD PADS) RESULTED IN THE PEDAL FEEL/BRAKING FORCE/STOPPING DISTANCE CHANGES. NOTE THAT I NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS IN TWO YEARS OF DRIVING A FIAT 500E ON THE SAME ROUTE, IN THE SAME WAY, YET THIS HAS OCCURRED WITH MY CHEVROLET SPARK EV ON AT LEAST THREE OCCASIONS AS OF SEPTEMBER 1ST 2017.

Reported
Sep 2017
Incident date
Sep 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11022827 at NHTSA →
Power TrainSep 2017 · ODI 11022737Details +

CLUTCH WORE OUT ON 2016 CHEVROLET SPARK LS IN LESS THAN 11,000 MILES (JUST OVER 1 YEAR OLD). I AM AN EXPERIENCED MANUAL TRANSMISSION DRIVER WHO HAS DRIVEN OTHER CARS TO OVER 125,000 MILES WITHOUT NEEDING A NEW CLUTCH. CLEARLY DEFECTIVE CLUTCH BUT THEY WOULDN'T COVER IT UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE IT WAS A "WEAR ITEM". NO, IT WAS A DEFECTIVE ITEM. DON'T BUY CHEVROLET SINCE THEY DON'T STAND BY THEIR VEHICLES AND YOU WILL PAY HUGE REPAIR COSTS FOR THEIR DEFECTS/PROBLEMS.

Reported
Sep 2017
Incident date
Sep 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11022737 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJan 2017 · ODI 10947068Details +

TL-

Reported
Jan 2017
Incident date
Oct 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10947068 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJan 2017 · ODI 10947113Details +

4 TIMES WHILE DRIVING, 1 TIME WHILE STATIONARY, THE CAR'S BRAKE ASSIST (POWER BRAKING SYSTEM) HAS GONE OUT. EACH TIME, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO SLOW THE VEHICLE AND BRING IT TO A STOP. THERE WAS A "SERVICE STABILITRAK" WARNING FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY BY A "SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST" WARNING. CONCURRENTLY, THE ABILITY TO BRAKE IS EXTREMELY DIMINISHED. THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES MOST OF THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WITH VERY LITTLE BRAKING CAPACITY. IT FEELS LIKE THERE ARE NO POWER BRAKES, ONLY MANUAL BRAKES THAT REQUIRE A GREAT DEAL OF EFFORT. EACH OF THE FIRST THREE TIMES IT WENT INTO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY TOLD ME THEY FULLY REPLACED THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY. AS OF THE FOURTH TIME IT WENT IN (JAN 13), WHERE IT STILL IS NOW (JAN 23), THEY WERE STILL UNSURE WHAT THE PROBLEM IS OR HOW TO FIX IT. #1: OCT 23, 2016 ~7:51PM LIGHT RAIN, ~50+ DEGREES, MAIN BOULEVARD BUT NOT DURING HEAVY TRAFFIC TIME, CAR IN MOTION, ESTIMATED SPEED ~10-15MPH #2: DEC 9, 2016 ~7:51PM LIGHT RAIN, ~50+ DEGREES, MAIN BOULEVARD BUT NOT DURING HEAVY TRAFFIC TIME, CAR IN MOTION, ESTIMATED SPEED ~10-15MPH #3: DEC 21, 2016 ~11:37AM LIGHT SPRINKLING, ~50+ DEGREES, HIGHWAY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, CAR IN MOTION, ESTIMATED SPEED ~25-30MPH #4: JAN 12, 2016 ~2:50PM SUNNY AFTER RAIN EARLIER IN THE DAY, ~60 DEGREES, MAIN BOULEVARD COMING TO STOP AT INTERSECTION TO TURN LEFT AT GREEN LIGHT, CAR IN MOTION, ESTIMATED SPEED ~5-10 MPH #5: JAN 12, 2016 ~3:07PM SUNNY AFTER RAIN EARLIER IN THE DAY, ~60 DEGREES, MAIN BOULEVARD. THIS IS THE MOST DIFFERENT, AS THE CAR WAS STATIONARY. AFTER MANEUVERING THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHEN THE CAR MALFUNCTIONED, I TURNED THE CAR OFF, THEN BACK ON. THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE OFF, AND SO I MOVED THE CAR INTO DRIVE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES. AT THIS POINT, THE ALARMS TURNED ON AGAIN, AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD UNTIL I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR BRINGING THE CAR TO A STOP. *TR

Reported
Jan 2017
Incident date
Jan 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10947113 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJan 2017 · ODI 10947104Details +

4 TIMES WHILE DRIVING, 1 TIME WHILE STATIONARY, THE CAR'S BRAKE ASSIST (POWER BRAKING SYSTEM) HAS GONE OUT. EACH TIME, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO SLOW THE VEHICLE AND BRING IT TO A STOP. THERE WAS A "SERVICE STABILITRAK" WARNING FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY BY A "SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST" WARNING. CONCURRENTLY, THE ABILITY TO BRAKE IS EXTREMELY DIMINISHED. THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES MOST OF THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WITH VERY LITTLE BRAKING CAPACITY. IT FEELS LIKE THERE ARE NO POWER BRAKES, ONLY MANUAL BRAKES THAT REQUIRE A GREAT DEAL OF EFFORT. EACH OF THE FIRST THREE TIMES IT WENT INTO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY TOLD ME THEY FULLY REPLACED THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY. AS OF THE FOURTH TIME IT WENT IN (JAN 13), WHERE IT STILL IS NOW (JAN 23), THEY WERE STILL UNSURE WHAT THE PROBLEM IS OR HOW TO FIX IT. #1: OCT 23, 2016 ~7:51PM LIGHT RAIN, ~50+ DEGREES, MAIN BOULEVARD BUT NOT DURING HEAVY TRAFFIC TIME, CAR IN MOTION, ESTIMATED SPEED ~10-15MPH #2: DEC 9, 2016 ~7:51PM LIGHT RAIN, ~50+ DEGREES, MAIN BOULEVARD BUT NOT DURING HEAVY TRAFFIC TIME, CAR IN MOTION, ESTIMATED SPEED ~10-15MPH #3: DEC 21, 2016 ~11:37AM LIGHT SPRINKLING, ~50+ DEGREES, HIGHWAY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, CAR IN MOTION, ESTIMATED SPEED ~25-30MPH #4: JAN 12, 2016 ~2:50PM SUNNY AFTER RAIN EARLIER IN THE DAY, ~60 DEGREES, MAIN BOULEVARD COMING TO STOP AT INTERSECTION TO TURN LEFT AT GREEN LIGHT, CAR IN MOTION, ESTIMATED SPEED ~5-10 MPH #5: JAN 12, 2016 ~3:07PM SUNNY AFTER RAIN EARLIER IN THE DAY, ~60 DEGREES, MAIN BOULEVARD. THIS IS THE MOST DIFFERENT, AS THE CAR WAS STATIONARY. AFTER MANEUVERING THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHEN THE CAR MALFUNCTIONED, I TURNED THE CAR OFF, THEN BACK ON. THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE OFF, AND SO I MOVED THE CAR INTO DRIVE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES. AT THIS POINT, THE ALARMS TURNED ON AGAIN, AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD UNTIL I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR BRINGING THE CAR TO A STOP. *TR

Reported
Jan 2017
Incident date
Oct 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10947104 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJan 2017 · ODI 10947106Details +

4 TIMES WHILE DRIVING, 1 TIME WHILE STATIONARY, THE CAR'S BRAKE ASSIST (POWER BRAKING SYSTEM) HAS GONE OUT. EACH TIME, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO SLOW THE VEHICLE AND BRING IT TO A STOP. THERE WAS A "SERVICE STABILITRAC" WARNING FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY BY A "SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST" WARNING. CONCURRENTLY, THE ABILITY TO BRAKE IS EXTREMELY DIMINISHED. THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES MOST OF THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WITH VERY LITTLE BRAKING CAPACITY. IT FEELS LIKE THERE ARE NO POWER BRAKES, ONLY MANUAL BRAKES THAT REQUIRE A GREAT DEAL OF EFFORT. EACH OF THE FIRST THREE TIMES IT WENT INTO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY TOLD ME THEY FULLY REPLACED THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY. AS OF THE FOURTH TIME IT WENT IN (JAN 13), WHERE IT STILL IS NOW (JAN 23), THEY WERE STILL UNSURE WHAT THE PROBLEM IS OR HOW TO FIX IT. #1: OCT 23, 2016 ~7:51PM LIGHT RAIN, ~50+ DEGREES, MAIN BOULEVARD BUT NOT DURING HEAVY TRAFFIC TIME, CAR IN MOTION, ESTIMATED SPEED ~10-15MPH #2: DEC 9, 2016 ~7:51PM LIGHT RAIN, ~50+ DEGREES, MAIN BOULEVARD BUT NOT DURING HEAVY TRAFFIC TIME, CAR IN MOTION, ESTIMATED SPEED ~10-15MPH #3: DEC 21, 2016 ~11:37AM LIGHT SPRINKLING, ~50+ DEGREES, HIGHWAY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, CAR IN MOTION, ESTIMATED SPEED ~25-30MPH #4: JAN 12, 2016 ~2:50PM SUNNY AFTER RAIN EARLIER IN THE DAY, ~60 DEGREES, MAIN BOULEVARD COMING TO STOP AT INTERSECTION TO TURN LEFT AT GREEN LIGHT, CAR IN MOTION, ESTIMATED SPEED ~5-10 MPH #5: JAN 12, 2016 ~3:07PM SUNNY AFTER RAIN EARLIER IN THE DAY, ~60 DEGREES, MAIN BOULEVARD. THIS IS THE MOST DIFFERENT, AS THE CAR WAS STATIONARY. AFTER MANEUVERING THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHEN THE CAR MALFUNCTIONED, I TURNED THE CAR OFF, THEN BACK ON. THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE OFF, AND SO I MOVED THE CAR INTO DRIVE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES. AT THIS POINT, THE ALARMS TURNED ON AGAIN, AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD UNTIL I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR BRINGING THE CAR TO A STOP. *TR

Reported
Jan 2017
Incident date
Dec 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10947106 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJan 2017 · ODI 10947110Details +

4 TIMES WHILE DRIVING, 1 TIME WHILE STATIONARY, THE CAR'S BRAKE ASSIST (POWER BRAKING SYSTEM) HAS GONE OUT. EACH TIME, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO SLOW THE VEHICLE AND BRING IT TO A STOP. THERE WAS A "SERVICE STABILITRAK" WARNING FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY BY A "SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST" WARNING. CONCURRENTLY, THE ABILITY TO BRAKE IS EXTREMELY DIMINISHED. THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES MOST OF THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WITH VERY LITTLE BRAKING CAPACITY. IT FEELS LIKE THERE ARE NO POWER BRAKES, ONLY MANUAL BRAKES THAT REQUIRE A GREAT DEAL OF EFFORT. EACH OF THE FIRST THREE TIMES IT WENT INTO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY TOLD ME THEY FULLY REPLACED THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY. AS OF THE FOURTH TIME IT WENT IN (JAN 13), WHERE IT STILL IS NOW (JAN 23), THEY WERE STILL UNSURE WHAT THE PROBLEM IS OR HOW TO FIX IT. #1: OCT 23, 2016 ~7:51PM LIGHT RAIN, ~50+ DEGREES, MAIN BOULEVARD BUT NOT DURING HEAVY TRAFFIC TIME, CAR IN MOTION, ESTIMATED SPEED ~10-15MPH #2: DEC 9, 2016 ~7:51PM LIGHT RAIN, ~50+ DEGREES, MAIN BOULEVARD BUT NOT DURING HEAVY TRAFFIC TIME, CAR IN MOTION, ESTIMATED SPEED ~10-15MPH #3: DEC 21, 2016 ~11:37AM LIGHT SPRINKLING, ~50+ DEGREES, HIGHWAY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, CAR IN MOTION, ESTIMATED SPEED ~25-30MPH #4: JAN 12, 2016 ~2:50PM SUNNY AFTER RAIN EARLIER IN THE DAY, ~60 DEGREES, MAIN BOULEVARD COMING TO STOP AT INTERSECTION TO TURN LEFT AT GREEN LIGHT, CAR IN MOTION, ESTIMATED SPEED ~5-10 MPH #5: JAN 12, 2016 ~3:07PM SUNNY AFTER RAIN EARLIER IN THE DAY, ~60 DEGREES, MAIN BOULEVARD. THIS IS THE MOST DIFFERENT, AS THE CAR WAS STATIONARY. AFTER MANEUVERING THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHEN THE CAR MALFUNCTIONED, I TURNED THE CAR OFF, THEN BACK ON. THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE OFF, AND SO I MOVED THE CAR INTO DRIVE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES. AT THIS POINT, THE ALARMS TURNED ON AGAIN, AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD UNTIL I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR BRINGING THE CAR TO A STOP. *TR

Reported
Jan 2017
Incident date
Dec 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10947110 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJan 2017 · ODI 10947111Details +

4 TIMES WHILE DRIVING, 1 TIME WHILE STATIONARY, THE CAR'S BRAKE ASSIST (POWER BRAKING SYSTEM) HAS GONE OUT. EACH TIME, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO SLOW THE VEHICLE AND BRING IT TO A STOP. THERE WAS A "SERVICE STABILITRAC" WARNING FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY BY A "SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST" WARNING. CONCURRENTLY, THE ABILITY TO BRAKE IS EXTREMELY DIMINISHED. THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES MOST OF THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WITH VERY LITTLE BRAKING CAPACITY. IT FEELS LIKE THERE ARE NO POWER BRAKES, ONLY MANUAL BRAKES THAT REQUIRE A GREAT DEAL OF EFFORT. EACH OF THE FIRST THREE TIMES IT WENT INTO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY TOLD ME THEY FULLY REPLACED THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY. AS OF THE FOURTH TIME IT WENT IN (JAN 13), WHERE IT STILL IS NOW (JAN 23), THEY WERE STILL UNSURE WHAT THE PROBLEM IS OR HOW TO FIX IT. #1: OCT 23, 2016 ~7:51PM LIGHT RAIN, ~50+ DEGREES, MAIN BOULEVARD BUT NOT DURING HEAVY TRAFFIC TIME, CAR IN MOTION, ESTIMATED SPEED ~10-15MPH #2: DEC 9, 2016 ~7:51PM LIGHT RAIN, ~50+ DEGREES, MAIN BOULEVARD BUT NOT DURING HEAVY TRAFFIC TIME, CAR IN MOTION, ESTIMATED SPEED ~10-15MPH #3: DEC 21, 2016 ~11:37AM LIGHT SPRINKLING, ~50+ DEGREES, HIGHWAY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, CAR IN MOTION, ESTIMATED SPEED ~25-30MPH #4: JAN 12, 2016 ~2:50PM SUNNY AFTER RAIN EARLIER IN THE DAY, ~60 DEGREES, MAIN BOULEVARD COMING TO STOP AT INTERSECTION TO TURN LEFT AT GREEN LIGHT, CAR IN MOTION, ESTIMATED SPEED ~5-10 MPH #5: JAN 12, 2016 ~3:07PM SUNNY AFTER RAIN EARLIER IN THE DAY, ~60 DEGREES, MAIN BOULEVARD. THIS IS THE MOST DIFFERENT, AS THE CAR WAS STATIONARY. AFTER MANEUVERING THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHEN THE CAR MALFUNCTIONED, I TURNED THE CAR OFF, THEN BACK ON. THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE OFF, AND SO I MOVED THE CAR INTO DRIVE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES. AT THIS POINT, THE ALARMS TURNED ON AGAIN, AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD UNTIL I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR BRINGING THE CAR TO A STOP. *TR

Reported
Jan 2017
Incident date
Jan 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10947111 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJan 2017 · ODI 10945280Details +

THE BRAKES FAILED WHILE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET. PRECEDING THE BRAKE FAILURE THERE A WARNING FLASHED STATING TO "SERVICE THE STABILITRAC" AND "SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST." IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND WE WERE UNABLE TO STOP.

Reported
Jan 2017
Incident date
Jan 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10945280 at NHTSA →
Visibility/WiperJan 2017 · ODI 10944321Details +

2016 SPARK VEHICLES BUILD WITH CONVEX MIRROR IN THE DRIVER SIDE. THIS GIVE YOU A FALSE IMAGE OF VEHICLES, AND WHEN YOU SWITCH LANE VEHICLES ARE CLOSER THAT THEY APPEAR. ALSO PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR DON'T HAVE THE LEGEND: "OBJECTS IN MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR".

Reported
Jan 2017
Incident date
Sep 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10944321 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJan 2017 · ODI 10940366 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY DURING EVENING RUSH HOUR, SO IT WAS STOP-AND-GO TRAFFIC. I ALWAYS LEAVE PLENTY OF ROOM BETWEEN MYSELF AND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE CAR AHEAD STOPPED SUDDENLY, AND I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES WITH A CAR AND A HALF LENGTH DISTANCE BETWEEN MYSELF AND THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS GOING ABOUT 15 MILES PER HOUR AND MY CAR DID NOT STOP - I SLID STRAIGHT INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. IT WAS NOT ICY AND THERE WAS PLENTY OF ROOM TO STOP. THE BRAKES FAILED. WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, I REMEMBER HITTING THE BRAKES AND SAYING TO MYSELF AND MY FRIEND AT THE TIME, "MAN, IT DOESN'T FEEL LIKE THIS THING WANTS TO STOP ALL OF THE WAY." WELL, IT DOESN'T STOP ALL OF THE WAY AND IT IS A MAJOR HAZARD.

Reported
Jan 2017
Incident date
Jan 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 10940366 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemDec 2016 · ODI 10936779Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET SPARK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ENTERTAINMENT SCREEN AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.

Reported
Dec 2016
Incident date
Oct 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10936779 at NHTSA →
Air BagsOct 2016 · ODI 10910935Details +

MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN RECALLED, AND MY LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP HAS SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR 2 WEEKS FROM NOW. IT IS UNACCEPTABLE TO ALLOW YOUR CUSTOMERS TO DRIVE A VEHICLE THAT YOU DESIGNED WITH DANGEROUS FLAWS FOR ANY AMOUNT OF TIME. IT IS INCOMPREHENSIBLE THAT THIS RECALL IS NOT BEING TAKEN WITH URGENCY AND CARE. SOMEONE HAS DIED BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. IN ADDITION, GM APPEARS TO NOT FEEL ANY AMOUNT REMORSE FOR SELLING DEATHTRAP VEHICLES TO THE AMERICAN PUBLIC.

Reported
Oct 2016
Incident date
Oct 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10910935 at NHTSA →
Air BagsSep 2016 · ODI 10908345 · crashDetails +

GOTTEN INTO A MINOR ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER DID NOT WORK. NO INJURIES SINCE IT WAS UNDER 15MPH, BUT I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS WAS CAUSED FROM THE DEFECT BEFORE THE RECALL EFFORT.

Reported
Sep 2016
Incident date
Jul 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 10908345 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesSep 2016 · ODI 10908309Details +

BRAKING SYSTEM INCONSISTENT PERFORMANCE. TRANSITION FROM REGENERATIVE BRAKING TO MECHANICAL BRAKING IS SLOPPY AND ABRUPT. WHEN THE MECHANICAL BRAKING SYSTEM KICKS IN, IT KICKS IN TOO STRONG CAUSING THE ABS SYSTEM TO ACTIVATE AS THE WHEELS SUDDENLY LOCK UP.

Reported
Sep 2016
Incident date
Sep 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10908309 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJul 2016 · ODI 10885413Details +

ON THE WAY BACK TO MY SAN FRANCISCO HOME FROM THE NOVATO CHEVROLET DEALER WHERE I HAD JUST PURCHASED A NEW BLACK 2016 CHEVROLET SPARK EV MY BRAKES STOPPED FUNCTIONING. JUST COMING OFF THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE, ON A SIGNIFICANT DOWNHILL GRADE, MY BRAKES STOPPED FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. AT FIRST THE BRAKES STARTED TO BE HARDER TO PUSH AND THEN WITH MY FOOT TO THE FLOOR, PROVIDED ALMOST NO STOPPING POWER. THE STOPPING DISTANCE WAS DANGEROUSLY LONG. VERY DANGEROUS! JUST OVER 2 MILES.THERE WAS NO WAY FOR ME TO STOP THE CAR IMMEDIATELY. ONLY MINIMALLY . WITH MY FOOT TO THE FLOOR, I WAS ABLE TO SLOW THE CAR ENOUGH THAT 2 MILES LATER, I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO PULL OVER AND COME TO A STOP. ON THE DISPLAY PANEL, THERE WERE WARNING LIGHTS CONTINUOUSLY ON: - "SERVICE BREAK ASSIST" - "BRAKE" WARNING LIGHT - "ABS" WARNING LIGHT - "TCS" WARNING LIGHT I WAS LUCKY TO PULL OVER WITH NO (FATAL) ACCIDENT, AND THEN WAITED ALMOST 3 HOURS FROM DUSK TO NIGHT IN THE DARK TO HAVE GM TOW IT BACK TO THE DEALER, THEN GET A CAB, PAYING OUT OF POCKET TO GO HOME. THE ODOMETER READ 37 MILES.

Reported
Jul 2016
Incident date
Jul 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10885413 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJun 2016 · ODI 10873642Details +

THE HEAD RESTRAINTS ARE TOO FAR FORWARD. IF I ADJUST THE SEAT TO SIT UP STRAIGHT, THEN MY HEAD IS TOO FAR FORWARD. SO I HAVE TO LEAN BACK IN MY SEAT IN ORDER FOR MY HEAD TO BE STRAIGHT. AFTER ONLY ONE MONTH OF DRIVING, MY BACK IS KILLING ME!

Reported
Jun 2016
Incident date
Jun 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10873642 at NHTSA →

Recalls(1)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

Air BagsSep 2017 · 17V307000Details +

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Chevrolet Spark vehicles. In the event of a crash, if a young child is seated improperly and not wearing a seat belt while in the front passenger seat, deployment of the front passenger air bag may injure the occupant's neck. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: In the event of a crash with a frontal air bag deployment, an unbelted child in the front passenger seat has an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2017. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17199.

Open full NHTSA recall record →

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

1 NHTSA investigation on record

Investigations are agency reviews, not findings that a vehicle is defective.

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Crash-test ratings

2016 Chevrolet Spark 5 HB FWD NHTSA source

Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Not rated
Side
Not rated
Rollover
Not rated

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
Spark1.4L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive314034
Spark1.4L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive303933

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.

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Compare the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

2016 Chevrolet Spark: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2016 Chevrolet Spark?

Owners filed 42 NHTSA complaints about the 2016 Chevrolet Spark. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2016 Chevrolet Spark?

The most-reported problem areas are Service Brakes (45% of complaints) and air bags (12%).

How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Spark have?

1 recall has been issued that affect the 2016 Chevrolet Spark, covering components such as air bags. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2016 Chevrolet Spark get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Chevrolet Spark between 33 and 34 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.