Problem Lookup › Chevrolet › Spark › 2013
Car problem report
2013 Chevrolet Spark problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2013 Chevrolet Spark has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 5safety recalls
- 146owner complaints
- 10crash reports
- 1fire report
- 45%fail the UK MOT
146 complaints, against an average of 42 for the other 9 Chevrolet Spark model years.
Every Chevrolet Spark model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2013 Chevrolet Spark?
The components named most often in the 146 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2013 Chevrolet Spark owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 146 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2013 Chevrolet Spark stall, lose power or shut off while driving?12 owners · 8.2%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2013 Chevrolet Spark?10 owners · 6.8%
- Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2013 Chevrolet Spark?10 owners · 6.8%
- Why is the air conditioning not blowing cold in my 2013 Chevrolet Spark?7 owners · 4.8%
- Why does my 2013 Chevrolet Spark idle rough, misfire or hesitate?6 owners · 4.1%
- Why does my 2013 Chevrolet Spark accelerate unexpectedly or surge?5 owners · 3.4%
Has the 2013 Chevrolet Spark been recalled?
5 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Latches/Locks/Linkages: Hood: Latch 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.
Risk: A hood latch failure can result in the vehicle's hood opening unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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."
Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: 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 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."
Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
Fix: 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.
Latches/Locks/Linkages: Hood: Latch 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Air Bags 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Spark recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAChevrolet UK Spark Hood Striker Replacement
Risk: On affected vehicles the secondary hood latch lever may prematurely corrode at the pivot. If severely corroded the secondary latch striker may become stuck out of position and fail to properly engage.
Fix: Replace hood striker assembly with one that has improved corrosion resistance.
UK DVSAClutch pedal may fail
Risk: Spark vehicles may in some instances experience breakage on clutch pedal pivot area due to inaccurate height adjustment of clutch pedal
Fix: Adjust clutch pedal height and where required fit reinforcing bracket.
UK DVSASecondary bonnet catch may not engage
Risk: The Hood Striker Secondary Latch may suffer from a build-up of corrosion. If this condition occurs the Hood Striker Secondary Latch may not return to the correct position when released. In such an event and especially when the primary locking device is not engaged correctly there is a potential the hood can open while the vehicle is being driven.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the Hood Striker Secondary Latch.
UK DVSALoss of transmission
Risk: It has been identified that the transmission mounting could fail. This may allow the transmission to drop and cause the drive-shaft to disconnect resulting in loss of drive to the road wheels.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the transmission mountings.
UK DVSATransmission mount failure may cause loss of drive
Risk: It is possible under certain conditions that the gearbox mounting may fail and allow the transmission to drop. This can result in the loss of drive due to the disconnection of the drive shaft.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to check and if required replace the transmission mountings.
EU Safety GateDue to a software problem, the frontal airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy correctly, which may increase the risk of injury…Due to a software problem, the frontal airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy correctly, which may increase the risk of injury to occupants in the event of a crash.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe bonnet striker secondary latch may suffer from a build-up of corrosion.Consequently, it may not return to the correct position when released. In such an event, and especially when the primary locking device is not engaged correctly, there is a possibility that the bonnet could open while the vehicle is being driven.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateVehicles may in some instances experience transmission mount failure, which may cause the transmission to drop.The torque transfer to the road wheels from the transmission will be lost due to driveshaft disconnection.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 11/11/2014
EU Safety GateVehicles may experience transmission mount failure which could result in a loss of drive due to disconnection of the driveshaft.This could cause the driver of the vehicle to lose control.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 10/02/2014
How often does the 2013 Chevrolet Spark fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2013, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2013 Chevrolet Spark owners report?
12 of the 146 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
Vehicle stalls when started, after vehicle is up to temp the rpm’s fluctuate and vehicle misfires. I was driving down the road when all of a sudden the car went into limp mode I couldn’t do anything and me and my son almost got run off the road but after a few minutes of pressing the gas pedal it finally started to move. Dealership is unable to fix problem because they can’t even figure out what it is $7000.00 later and no one can figure out the problem. This is a lemon and Chevy should be recalling all Chevy spark before someone gets hurt.
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle was not able to accelerate above 30 MPH. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.
My Spark's alarm kept going off. They replaced a module, Bob McCosh Dealer. They also said my radio was bad and had to be replaced. 615$. I said "Just disconnect the radio, I don't need it". Problem solved...I thought. When they did disconnected it, I noticed that I lost my "CHIME"...for Seat belt, keys left in ignition and lights left on. They reprogrammed the car to the new module, and the radio was working, and chimes were present. Next day, my battery is dead, because of the radio drained it. I am taking it to the dealer again, after I get a jump.THE ONLY OPTION IS, TO DISCONNECT THE RADIO…
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Spark. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V257000 (Equipment, Electrical System) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.
2013 CHEVEROLET SPARK- Consumer doesn't feel safe driving vehicle. Consumer received safety recall letter- GM Recall # A222359300- Hood Striker & Hood Latch Assembly. Consumer contacted Chevrolet and was told the part is not available and they do not know when it will available. Recall notice attached.
I'm coming to a stop or slowing down the car shuts off. Even when making a turn in front of another car across traffic my car has turned off in the middle of crossing the street and I almost got hit twice now. This affects the cruise control coming on as well the speedometer fluctuates back and forth the whole time I'm driving. This happens every day and at most times when I'm coming to a stop or coming out of a stop. I just have to test the gas before I make a turn in front of oncoming traffic to cross the road to make sure that I have power and then I go as fast as I can across so that…
I do not know what system affects the problem my car is having it stalls in front of oncoming traffic on left turns it's done this to me 3 to 4 times and it scares me. It will start right back up and go but it'll still continuously throughout the day when I slow down or come to a red light. The speed control sensor went out and I replaced it and there seem to be middle or something on that. I've read different reports or seen on YouTube that people have reported the same problem with their cars it is definitely a safety issue had it not started up or had I panicked like I did the first time…
VEHICLE GETS CODE P0700 TRANNY GOES TO LIMP MODE WONT MOVE OR SHIFT UNTIL CAR IS RESTARTED DOES THIS A FEW TIMES A WEEK
UNAVAILABLE TO BUY PART DORMAN 916-806, CANNOT PASS SAFETY INSPECTION AND REGISTER CAR
ABOUT A MONTH AGO MY CAR, WHILE DRIVING, STARTED ACTING UP. MY ODOMETER WOULD FLUCTUATE AND NOT GIVE ME MY SPEED, MY LOWER TIRE PRESSURE CAME ON, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, POWER STEERING WOULD GO IN AND OUT, AND ACCELERATION WOULD FLUCTUATE. I BROUGHT IT IN TO BE LOOKED AT, AFTER 3 DAYS OF HEARING NOTHING I CALLED AND THEY TOLD ME SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE ONSTAR MODULE. AFTER 4 DAYS OF HAVING MY CAR BACK, SAME PROBLEMS. BROUGHT IT BACK IN, THEY CALLED AN ENGINEER IN SINCE THEY HAD NO IDEA WHAT WAS GOING ON AND A WEEK LATER I GOT MY CAR BACK. 4 DAYS LATER I AGAIN HAD TO BRING IT IN FOR…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AT A STOP SIGN AND THE SEAT BELT LOCKED UP. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JOHN HIESTER CHEVROLET (3100 N MAIN ST, FUQUAY VARINA, NC 27526) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECALL WAS NOT DUE TO A FAILURE AND THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,214.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SHOTTENKIRK CHEVROLET (755 W HICKMAN ROAD, WAUKEE, IA 50263 (515) 987-8575) TO HAVE A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE SERVICE. THE TECHNICIAN WAS PERFORMING THE TASK OF BLEEDING THE BRAKES AND NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE BLEEDER VALVE WAS INOPERABLE. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE BLEEDER VALVE ON THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
2013 Chevrolet Spark: questions owners ask
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Spark reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 146 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Chevrolet Spark; the most common categories were engine (35, 24%), electrical system (34, 23.3%), power train (34, 23.3%). There are 5 safety recalls. 10 complaints mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 4 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Chevrolet Spark?
Across 146 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (24% of complaints), electrical system (23.3% of complaints), power train (23.3% of complaints), vehicle speed control (9.6% of complaints), air bags (8.9% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2013 Chevrolet Spark have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark; the most recent (campaign 22V640000, 2022-08-25) concerns Latches/Locks/Linkages: Hood: Latch. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2013 Chevrolet Spark stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
12 of the 146 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark (8.2%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Vehicle stalls when started, after vehicle is up to temp the rpm’s fluctuate and vehicle misfires. I was driving down the road when all of a sudden the car went into limp mode I couldn’t do anything and me and my son almost got run off the road but after a…" (NHTSA complaint 11642223, February 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2013 Chevrolet Spark?
10 of the 146 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark (6.8%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "My engine started shaking with the check engine light flashing and traction control light on. the car wouldn't let me get out of gear." (NHTSA complaint 11133186, October 2018). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2013 Chevrolet Spark?
10 of the 146 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark (6.8%) describe ABS, traction or stability control warnings or faults. One owner wrote: "After start up the engine light is flashing and the traction control light is on. this is followed by a clunk. after a min or so has passed the lights go away. if you go in reverse after this has occurred, switching the gears, there will be a clunk." (NHTSA complaint 11204312, April 2019). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the air conditioning not blowing cold in my 2013 Chevrolet Spark?
7 of the 146 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark (4.8%) describe the air conditioning not cooling or failing. One owner wrote: "The air conditioning system does not work. i've had it to the dealers 6 times since july. it does not blow cold air. the compressor has been replaced; the expansion valve has been replaced; the system was drained and recharged. nothing has fixed the problem." (NHTSA complaint 10548279, October 2013). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2013 Chevrolet Spark idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
6 of the 146 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark (4.1%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "Vehicle stalls when started, after vehicle is up to temp the rpm’s fluctuate and vehicle misfires. I was driving down the road when all of a sudden the car went into limp mode I couldn’t do anything and me and my son almost got run off the road but after a…" (NHTSA complaint 11642223, February 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2013 Chevrolet Spark accelerate unexpectedly or surge?
5 of the 146 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark (3.4%) describe unexpected or sudden acceleration, or surging. One owner wrote: "This car accelerates on its own even when clutch is on. also the motor sounds like it going to blow out on its own and stops and goes as fast it came. this cars has only 53000 miles and has been to dealer several times." (NHTSA complaint 10957964, March 2017). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Spark
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2013 only.