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Model-year record

2017 Chevrolet Spark
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2017 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

28

Reports to NHTSA, 2017

Safety recalls

1

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Not rated

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

33

EPA estimate

Known issues

Power Train issues lead owner complaints (25% of 28 reports), followed by air bags (18%).

Power Train25% · 7 reports
Air Bags18% · 5 reports
Service Brakes14% · 4 reports
Electrical System7% · 2 reports
Engine7% · 2 reports
Exterior Lighting4% · 1 report
Seat Belts4% · 1 report
Seats4% · 1 report

+ 5 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 28 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11676086, ODI 11608093, ODI 11516782, ODI 11515699, ODI 11364356.

Individual complaint reports(28)

Showing the 28 most recent reports
VisibilityJun 2026 · ODI 11747404Details +

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked or while driving at various speeds, the A/C was blowing out hot air. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the air conditioning hose was leaking and the condenser needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to another dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the freon was low and that the compressor needed to be replaced. The hoses and the condenser were replaced three times. The contact stated that the failures had occurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and suggested that the vehicle be taken to the dealer to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Reported
Jun 2026
Incident date
Jun 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11747404 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJul 2025 · ODI 11676086Details +

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.

Reported
Jul 2025
Incident date
Jan 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11676086 at NHTSA →
Power TrainAug 2024 · ODI 11608093Details +

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 about whether to upshift or downshift. Sometimes violent jerking back and forth. Normally. Especially bad between 4th and 5th and 5th and 6th in the upper gears. But in the lower gears more recently it has become more pronounced. This has been going on for quite some time and is getting worse. The car is not that old. First. Noticed it when the car was at 40,000, mi. It is now recently went past 100 and the problem at sometimes is horrible. It does feel unsafe to a high degree. It is a sealed system so there is no way to do routine maintenance, which is unfortunate. I am a person who is usually up on routine maintenance and with a sealed system such as this transmission made by Daewoo in Korea, there's no way to ensure fluid levels are correct and changed in intervals. I feel like reporting just because it should be checked out. I do not know if this is an issue with other people who have spark 2019, but I wanted to send this out because the car's transmission has aged horribly over a short period of time. If I knew then what I know now I would have never owned the spark. Otherwise a great car. This is my only complaint but a big one.

Reported
Aug 2024
Incident date
Aug 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11608093 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesMay 2023 · ODI 11520650 · crashDetails +

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 pump needs to be diagnosed...they came back with a 'caution on file #pip5598a which advised of known issue but no recall... they came back with a 479$ fee to diagnose exactly what's wrong (those pics enclosed) they are now staring they will not guarantee week or warranty and say engine must be replaced...they are still working up quote to repair vacuum pump, camshaft and timing chain but now are saying will be well over 2k to just SEE if will work and wont guarantee

Reported
May 2023
Incident date
May 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 11520650 at NHTSA →
Power TrainApr 2023 · ODI 11516782Details +

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 intermittently illuminated. An independent mechanic arrived at the residence and diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved fault codes for the transmission pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Reported
Apr 2023
Incident date
Apr 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11516782 at NHTSA →
Power TrainApr 2023 · ODI 11515699Details +

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 which the my did and now the car is not shifting properly and it engine revs up and does not accelerate almost got in accident when making a turn because of this problem the car running good prior to the recall

Reported
Apr 2023
Incident date
Apr 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11515699 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJan 2023 · ODI 11504019Details +

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: Repeatedly theft mode, flickering dashboard, and dead battery issues. Battery was good charged, alternator charging right. To lead with fusebox circuit board needed to be re-soldered. Have no idea how it happened but no problem since. I still have all factory parts on car. This is a stick shift 5 speed. Get 40ish bit more miles a gallon. Keep oil changed as normal. I float gears when putting around. Leaving less stress for clutch issues. As I’m 208000 so miles still have few miles before replacing factory clutch brake pads belts plugs etc… I keep check at all wear clean up dust collected grease all joints every season. So can’t say much about car being a problem.

Reported
Jan 2023
Incident date
Mar 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11504019 at NHTSA →
SuspensionJul 2022 · ODI 11473537Details +

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 concern is this occurs and causing an accident. Suspension: First instance in 2021: The vehicle has less than 50K miles. The car rattles loudly. Service request Aug 2021. I went into the dealership and was told that the suspension on the driver side right needed replacement with another part. I had to go to the dealership three times for correction. Was told the car was safe to drive at the time. June 2022, the car is making the same cricket noises, and is unstable. It is my concern that the strut mounts/ suspension are defective and poses a risk. This may be a structural issue, since I though this was corrected last year for a young vehicle with under 50K mileage is not a normal occurrence. I am concerned something will dislodge and I may loose control on the road. I have routine maintenance and i am diligent, there is a structural and electrical issue with this vehicle make.

Reported
Jul 2022
Incident date
Jul 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11473537 at NHTSA →
SeatsFeb 2022 · ODI 11449720Details +

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 that she bought used messes up her back and my neck has been getting progressively worse over the two years of owning my 2017 Chevy spark.(picture attached of my 2017 chevy spark seat vs headrest angle). If I drive any longer than about 20 minutes in my spark I find myself tilting my head to the left or the right of the headrest and pushing it back just to get some relief. But my 2011 Infiniti G37 has a perfect headrest, it keeps the distance between it and my head to a minimum while keeping the angle from the flat of the back on the chair up to my neck and head in line making it comfortable. So why are the cars so different since the new rule in 2008? I have reached out to the manufacturers Toyota and Chevrolet and a refer me to the NHTSA. I argue with them that they aren't consistent with the rule and I've even gone as far as to drive my Infinity down to the Chevy dealership and argue with the manager that told me it's a law straight across the board and everybody's the same. I clearly showed him he was incorrect. You may have come up with a rule for minimum distances and dimensions for headrests but what you did wrong is not come up with a maximum for those angles because I've been forced to turn our headrests around and find velcro pillows on amazon just so it doesn't feel like our necks are going to break when we're driving. Recently I've also been going to manufacturers and trying different headrests to see if the posts match up to my chair and I found a couple at this point I'm just looking for the right color and style for my car. So this whole regulation has made it more unsafe than it was before. I hope my comments don't fall on deaf ears? No more room to comment....

Reported
Feb 2022
Incident date
Feb 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11449720 at NHTSA →
SteeringOct 2020 · ODI 11366149 · crashDetails +

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 COLLISION SHOP. IT IS STILL AT THE SHOP WHERE AM TOLD REPAIR AT MINIMUM WILL COST OVER $ 1400.00! I FOUND 2 RECALLS EMAILS THAT SAME NIGHT AND TRUL Y BELIEVE THE CAR MALFUNCTIONED. AM JUST THANKFUL NO ONE WAS INVOLVED BUT ME. COULD HAVE BEEN DRAMATIC IF CAR WAS ON THE ROAD AND MALFUNCTION MADE ME HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE INSTEAD OF A CURB. HAVE HAD TO RENT A CAR, AND COST IS MOUNTING. FOUND THRU ONLINE RESEARCH THAT OTHER SPARK OWNERS HAD SAME PROBLEM. THIS COULD CAUSE FATAL ACCIDENT. EVEN WHEN FIXED, I WILL BE PETRIFIED TO DRIVE THIS CAR AGAIN WITH FEAR OF RECURRENCE OF SAME PROBLEM.

Reported
Oct 2020
Incident date
Oct 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 11366149 at NHTSA →
Power TrainOct 2020 · ODI 11364356Details +

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 ON THE HIGHWAY AND HAS NOT HAPPENED ON STREET DRIVING YET. THE CAR POWER TURNS OFF AND THIS CAN BE VERY DISORIENTING TO AN UNSKILLED DRIVER. IT REQUIRES THAT I PUT MY CAR IN NEUTRAL (MY CAR IS A STICK SHIFT), TURN OFF THE IGNITION AND THEN TURN IT ON AND RESTART IT, WHILE MOVING AT 55MPH AT NIGHT ON A WET HIGHWAY. THE LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED IT WAS AT NIGHT AND RAINING. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES OVER THE PAST 6 MONTHS.

Reported
Oct 2020
Incident date
Oct 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11364356 at NHTSA →
Power TrainSep 2020 · ODI 11354902Details +

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 AND NOTHING BUT ISSUES FIXING THIS. THE DEALERSHIPS SAY THAT THEY FIXED THE RECALL BY REPROGRAMMING IT, BUT THE LIGHT STAYS ON, THE RPMS DROP SUDDENLY AND CAUSE THE CAR TO JERK WHEN YOU TRY TO GIVE IT GAS. THIS NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO FURTHER. I WOULD NEVER RECOMMEND THUS CAR TO ANYONE I KNOW, MUCH LESS NOW I'M TRYING TO GET RID OF IT BECAUSE OF THE TRANSMISSION ISSUE

Reported
Sep 2020
Incident date
Aug 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11354902 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJul 2020 · ODI 11338463Details +

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 TRAFFIC IS ALWAYS BUSY OVER THERE. SO SCARY WHEN YOUR CAR DOESN'T STOP AT ALL!!!! WE WERE DRIVING MOSTLY STRAIGHT UNTIL WE COULD SAGELY SLOW DOWN ENOUGH TO GET OFF ON AN EXIT. ( WHICH WE HAD TO LET IT COAST DOWN TO BE ABLE TO MANEUVER THE CAR) THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ALERT, I'M SCARED TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE.

Reported
Jul 2020
Incident date
Jul 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11338463 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJun 2020 · ODI 11331148 · crash · 3 injuriesDetails +

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 EMERGENCY LANE TO AVOID AN IMPACT. WITH BOTH OF MY FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, MY CAR KEPT SLIDING LIKE IT WAS ON ICE FOR AROUND 80 FEET, BECAUSE THE ABS SYSTEM FAILED. THE ONLY THING THAT STOPPED ME WERE THE 2 VEHICLES THAT WERE ILLEGALLY PARKED IN THE EMERGENCY LANE. WHILE SKIDDING, I HIT THE CEMENT HIGHWAY DIVIDER (ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE). I THEN SLAMMED INTO THE 1ST PARKED CAR, WHICH WAS PUSHED INTO THE 2ND VEHICLE. I WAS SUBSEQUENTIALLY REAR-ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, WHICH FOLLOWED MY SAME PATH. ONLY THE STEERING WHEEL AND KNEE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE LEFT SIDE AIRBAG (1ST IMPACT) NEVER DEPLOYED, WHICH LEFT SIGNIFICANT BRUISING ON MY LEFT SHOULDER AND LEFT EAR. MY CAR WAS TOTALED, BUT THE CABIN REMAINED MOSTLY INTACT. I WAS LUCKY TO HAVE WALKED AWAY WITH ONLY A BROKEN THUMB AND BRUISING THROUGHOUT MY BODY. IF THE ABS HADN'T FAILED, I WOULD'VE BEEN ABLE TO STOP SAFELY AND AVOID MULTI CAR COLLISION. *TR

Reported
Jun 2020
Incident date
Oct 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 3 injuries
Open ODI 11331148 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesDec 2019 · ODI 11291355Details +

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 LEXINGTON (96 RADIO DR, LEXINGTON, NC 27292, (336) 248-5108) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT AN INVESTIGATION WOULD BE STARTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 54,990.

Reported
Dec 2019
Incident date
Dec 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11291355 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMar 2019 · ODI 11187376Details +

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 UN SAFE SINCE YOU CAN NOT DEPEND ON THIS VEHICLE TO GO FORWARD WHEN NEEDED. I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THERE WAS AN SOFTWARE UPLOAD TO THE TRANSMISSION THAT SHOULD HELP. IT DID NOT HELP AND I HAVE RESEARCHED THAT THIS IS PRETTY COMMON WITH THESE CVT TRANSMISSIONS. I WILL TAKE IT IN AGAIN THIS WEEK FOR THEM TO POSSIBLY CHANGE OUT TRANSMISSION. THE COMPLAINTS THAT ARE ON THIS VEHICLE ARE THE SAME HAVING TO DO WITH ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. GM NEEDS TO LOOK AT THIS ISSUE AS A RECALL TO HELP SAVE LIVES.

Reported
Mar 2019
Incident date
Jan 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11187376 at NHTSA →
EngineOct 2018 · ODI 11140442Details +

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.

Reported
Oct 2018
Incident date
Oct 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11140442 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherAug 2018 · ODI 11122469Details +

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 OUTSIDE AND GOING UP AN INCLINE, EVEN SLIGHTLY. ANOTHER PROBLEM I AM HAVING IS THAT WHEN I COME TO A STOP, SOMETIMES THE CAR SHUDDERS AND JERKS. ALSO IF I AM RUNNING THE AC ON THE VEHICLE IN PARK, SOMETIMES THE AC CUTS OUT ITSELF. IN ORDER TO START IT AGAIN I NEED TO TURN THE KNOB TO OFF AND TURN THE KNOB BACK ON TO GET AC WORKING AGAIN. THESE ISSUES ALL OCCURRED RANDOMLY, MULTIPLE TIMES

Reported
Aug 2018
Incident date
Jul 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11122469 at NHTSA →
Air BagsMay 2018 · ODI 11097314 · 1 injuriesDetails +

SWIRVED TO SHOULDER OF THE ROAD CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND CURTIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED IN STANDING POSITION.

Reported
May 2018
Incident date
Mar 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
1 injuries
Open ODI 11097314 at NHTSA →
EngineJan 2018 · ODI 11057800Details +

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 TO TAKE THIS CAR OUT ON A INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WITH HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC BECAUSE THIS WILL REALLY STRESS THE ENGINE. THE 1ST 80 DRIVEN MILES WAS ON CITY STREETS IN ORLANDO, FLA. WHAT I DON'T UNDERSTAND IS THAT NHTSA HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS GM ENGINE PROBLEM SINCE 2014, SO WHY HASN'T SOMETHING BEEN DONE TO GET GM TO PUT SAFE, RELIABLE ENGINES IN THEIR CARS? THEIR OPEL CARS HAVE EXCELLENT REPUTATION FOR ENGINES WHICH DO NOT LOSE OIL BETWEEN OIL CHANGES.I ALSO AM AWARE THE DAEWOO BLOCK HAS BEEN RE-WORKED AND GM WANTS TO GET ITS INVESTMENT BACK, USING ULTRA CHEAP KOREAN LABOR, WHERE THE ENGINE IS MADE. WHAT I DON'T KNOW, AND CAN'T FIND OUT IS IF THESE ENGINES HAVE A SMALL TURBO TO BOOST POWER, WHICH IN TURN WOULD BE A REASON FOR A SMALL INCREASE OIL CONSUMPTION, BUTT, DEFINITELY NOT AS DRASTIC AS THE 1% EVERY 20 DRIVEN MILES I AM CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING. I EXPECT AUTO NATION CHEVROLET IN ORLANDO TO DEMAND THAT GM SEND THEM A 2018 MADE ENGINE TO INSTALL IN MY CAR TO SEE IF THE OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE HAS BEEN RESOLVED. WHAT I DEMAND IS A TOTAL RECALL OF THESE SPARK ENGINES AND REPLACE THEM WITH NEW RELIABLE ENGINES WHICH OTHER GM SUBSIDIARIES LIKE OPEL MAKE. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE IN AN ACCIDENT BEFORE THIS UNSAFE ENGINE IS REPLACED,

Reported
Jan 2018
Incident date
Dec 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11057800 at NHTSA →
Visibility/WiperSep 2017 · ODI 11030414Details +

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 IN THE OTHER LANE.)

Reported
Sep 2017
Incident date
Aug 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11030414 at NHTSA →
Air BagsSep 2017 · ODI 11023644Details +

THERE IS A RECALL INCLUDING MY SPARK TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. I TOOK MY SPARK TO THE DEALER (BY APPOINTMENT) ON 1 SEPTEMBER TO HAVE THE RECALL AIRBAG CHANGEOVER MADE. IT COULD NOT BE DONE BECAUSE A COUPLER IN THE NEW INSTALLATION WAS FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE. ANOTHER COUPLER WAS ORDERED, IT ARRIVED AND WAS ALSO FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE (8 SEPTEMBER). ACCORDING TO THE DEALER AND CHEVROLET CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE, THERE ARE NO OTHER COUPLERS TO BE HAD AND THE ETA FOR A CORRECTLY-MADE COUPLER IS UNKNOWN. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT MY CAR, WHICH WAS DISASSEMBLED AND NOW SITS AT THE DEALERSHIP, CANNOT BE REASSEMBLED UNTIL THE NEW AIRBAG IS INSTALLED. WHEN THAT CAN HAPPEN IS, OF COURSE, UNKNOWN. IF THE POINT OF A RECALL IS TO MAKE THE CAR DRIVEABLE, CHEVY HAS FAILED UTTERLY. AS A CONSUMER, I HAD THE EXPECTATION THAT WHEN A RECALL WAS ORDERED, THE DEALER WAS EXPECTED TO CORRECT THE SITUATION IN A TIMELY MANNER. I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA WHEN MY SPARK'S PROBLEM WILL BE CORRECTED.

Reported
Sep 2017
Incident date
Sep 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11023644 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemSep 2017 · ODI 11021144Details +

MY FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS DON'T WORK WHEN THE WINDSHIELD GETS WET. AFTER THE SUN DRIES THE CAR, THE WIPERS WORK FINE. I HAD TO KEEP STOPPING ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WIPING OFF THE WINDSHIELD SO I COULD SEE WHERE I WAS GOING. I ALSO TURNED ON THE DEFROSTER TO HELP DRY THE WINDSHIELD. THE AUTOMATIC DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS ONLY COME ON AT NIGHT. I HAVE TO MANUALLY TURN THEM ON DURING THE DAY.

Reported
Sep 2017
Incident date
Aug 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11021144 at NHTSA →
Air BagsAug 2017 · ODI 11020218Details +

I HAD TAKEN MY SPARK FOR A OIL CHANGE IN APRIL 2017, I HAD ASKED TO CHECK , REPLACE FILTERS, CHECK AND TOP OFF ALL FLUIDS, TIRE ROTATION. AFTER ALL THIS , I NOTICED MY BRAKES WERE SQUEAKING WHEN I MOVE FORWARD SLOWLY. IT WAS RECENTLY RECALL FOR IT'S PASSENGER AIR BAG. I'M AFRAID MY BRAKES WILL BE DEFECTED.

Reported
Aug 2017
Incident date
Jul 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11020218 at NHTSA →
Exterior LightingAug 2017 · ODI 11019065Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO ENGAGE TO CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD AS NEEDED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHT ALSO FAILED TO OPERATE AS INTENDED. THE FAILURES OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,044.

Reported
Aug 2017
Incident date
Aug 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11019065 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJul 2017 · ODI 11010588 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 CHEVROLET SPARK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE BRAKES SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO A PARKED BULLDOZER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A LEFT KNEE INJURY, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.

Reported
Jul 2017
Incident date
Jul 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 11010588 at NHTSA →
Air BagsFeb 2017 · ODI 10956035 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE TORSO, HEAD AND NECK. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,240. UPDATED 05/09/17*LJ *CN

Reported
Feb 2017
Incident date
Jan 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 10956035 at NHTSA →
Seat BeltsFeb 2017 · ODI 10956193Details +

I JUST RETURNED A LEASED SPARK EV AND PURCHASED A 1LT SPARK. THE 2017 MODEL YEAR HAD CHANGES, BUT THE ISSUE IS THAT THE SEAT BELT HEIGHT IS NO LONGER ADJUSTABLE! I AM VERY SHORT, AND THE SEATBELT CROSSES MY THROAT OR COLLAR BONE AREA, WHICH WOULD INJURE ME UNDULY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. I ORDERED THE CAR, AND STILL WANT IT... BUT I WANT A FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM FROM CHEVROLET. THIS IS VERY UPSETTING -- I HAVE NEVER HAD A CAR WITHOUT SOME SORT OF MANUFACTURER'S ADJUSTMENTS FOR SHORT AND TALL DRIVERS. ONE SIZING DOESN'T SAFELY FIT EVERYONE. I AM UPLOADING A PICTURE OF THE NON-HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE SAFETY BELT, AND ONE OF HOW IT FITS A SHORT PERSON (ME....62 INCHES TALL) WHICH I BELIEVE IS UNSAFE. FOR ALL THE SAFETY RECALLS I HAVE RETURNED CARS FOR IN THE PAST, THIS IS AS GOOD OR BETTER A REASON FOR A RECALL AS ANY OTHER.

Reported
Feb 2017
Incident date
Feb 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10956193 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

0 NHTSA investigations on record

No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.

Crash-test ratings

2017 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 Drive293833
Spark1.4L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive303833

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

Before you buy

Useful next checks

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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.

2017 Chevrolet Spark: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2017 Chevrolet Spark?

Owners filed 28 NHTSA complaints about the 2017 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 2017 Chevrolet Spark?

The most-reported problem areas are Power Train (25% of complaints) and air bags (18%).

How many recalls does the 2017 Chevrolet Spark have?

1 recall has been issued that affect the 2017 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 2017 Chevrolet Spark get?

The EPA rates the 2017 Chevrolet Spark at 33 mpg combined.