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2015 Chevrolet Spark problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2015 Chevrolet Spark has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 7safety recalls
- 84owner complaints
- 4crash reports
- 1fire report
- 8injuries reported
84 complaints, against an average of 49 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 2015 Chevrolet Spark?
The components named most often in the 84 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2015 Chevrolet Spark owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 84 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2015 Chevrolet Spark stall, lose power or shut off while driving?11 owners · 13.1%
- Has the 2015 Chevrolet Spark had transmission failures?10 owners · 11.9%
- Why do the brakes feel soft, fail or make noise on my 2015 Chevrolet Spark?7 owners · 8.3%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2015 Chevrolet Spark?6 owners · 7.1%
- Why does the infotainment screen freeze, reboot or go black in my 2015 Chevrolet Spark?5 owners · 6%
- Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2015 Chevrolet Spark?5 owners · 6%
Has the 2015 Chevrolet Spark been recalled?
7 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.
Air Bags: Frontal General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
Air Bags: Frontal General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
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.
Equipment: Electrical: Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 20, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured June 18, 2014, to June 10, 2015. In the affected vehicles, equipped with the base radio and OnStar, the radio may lock up due to a software issue, causing the display to go blank and all audio functions to cease. Because of this, there may be no warning chimes such as the reminder to buckle the seat belt and the key being left in ignition when the driver goes to exit the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208 "Occupant Crash Protection", and 114 "Theft Protection."
Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft. If a driver or front passenger does not buckle their seat belt, there would be no chime to remind them to fasten their seat belts. If a driver or passenger does not buckle their seat belt there is an increased risk that they will be injured in a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15504.
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.
Is the 2015 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 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.
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
What do 2015 Chevrolet Spark owners report?
12 of the 84 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.
This vehicle was serviced 3 different times. The first being a complete new transmission (so they said) being put in. A few days later same thing like it was running in limp mode. 2 nd trip back to a GM dealership(Same one) set for weeks. Called said it was fixed. Said the battery was dead. Charged me for a new battery. Same thing git home started jerking very unsafe. Cleared GM Corporate. They said they would contact the dealership for another assessment. This time they charged me for a Mass Sir Flow repair. Started home. Same exact thing. Called GM today and they said take it back. I said…
INCIDENT SUMMARY In February 2025, while driving on the freeway, my vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of power. The battery rapidly depleted without warning, causing the vehicle to decelerate dangerously in moving traffic. A Stabilitrak warning appeared on the display. I was fortunate to reach the shoulder safely, but this failure created an extremely hazardous situation that could have resulted in serious injury or death. Following this incident, the vehicle became completely inoperable and required towing to Stewart Chevrolet for diagnosis. DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSIS Stewart Chevrolet…
Vehicle: 2015 Chevrolet Spark, odometer 79,000 miles Component that failed: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) – pulley damage causing complete loss of propulsion.What happened: While driving, the vehicle suddenly lost all motive power with no ability to accelerate. The transmission would not engage in any gear and the car became inoperable in traffic. This is the exact failure described in GM Special Coverage Bulletin N192271110 (pulley damage in 2014–2015 Spark CVT). Safety risk: Complete and unexpected loss of propulsion created an immediate safety hazard. The vehicle could not…
This report concerns a known CVT defect and subsequent TCM failure that left the vehicle unsafe and inoperable. The vehicle suffered internal CVT failure consistent with GM Special Coverage N192271110. After the first transmission failed in May 2024 (and the second time October 5 2025), the TCM failed again shortly after the second failure—consistent with GM Preliminary Information Bulletin PIP5525A. Critical Safety Details: Both failures occurred while driving on highways with heavy traffic, where speed limits were 75 mph. On each occasion, the vehicle lost power and became unable to…
Vehicle began slipping out of gear between 1st & 2nd, then started losing power at 74,760 miles. Extended service coverage has been issued for model for CVT transmission pulley system, however only covers 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Mine apparently timed out in February, so they are trying to make me get a new transmission which basically totals out the car I spent a fortune on to buy & in repairs at under 75,000 miles. This is unacceptable.
My 2015 Chevy Spark has had repeated transmission failures related to GM Special Coverage N192271110. The first failure happened in May 2024, I was driving on 1-25 when the transmission went out and I lost all speed and my car was in the shop for five months before I finally got it back in October 2024. Unfortunately, on October 5, 2025, the transmission failed again. I was driving on I-76 speed limit of 75 MPH when my car transmission went out and I lost speed.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Spark. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V257000 (Equipment, Electrical Systems). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the radio software needed to be updated. The dealer informed the contact that to complete the software upgrade, the dealer had to reprogram the radio USB portion to complete the upgrade. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the radio image was inoperable. The contact stated that the radio image appeared blank. Additionally, the…
Without warning, vehicle loses power and ability to accelerate is greatly reduced. The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (aka "check engine light"), the Reduced Engine Power light, and the Traction Control System/Stabilitrak light all illuminate at the same time and are not flashing. Using a diagnostic tool from a local auto parts store, code P2138 is reported as follows: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor Switch 'D/E' Voltage Correlation, and Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensors 1-2 Not Plausible. Incident has occured multiple times since owning the vehicle (approx. 13 months). This creates a safety…
Brake system fails while driving. Brakes go soft on car while in use and unable to brake properly. Warning lights and abs brake light comes on the dashboard. This has occurred 4 different times. Each occurrence was followed with several months long repair visits to the dealer who says it’s the brake pump malfunctioning. I have lost control of brakes while driving. Two cases have been directly reported to General Motors.
RANDOMLY WHILE PARKED ON INCLINE, START THE CAR, PUT IN REVERSE, AND START BACKING DOWN THE DRIVE WAY THE BRAKES WOULD TOTALLY FAIL AND NO AMOUNT OF PRESSING ON THE BRAKES WOULD STOP THE CAR. THE CAR GAVE NO BRAKE FAILURE WARNINGS.
'SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT' COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. WARNING FLASHES UP ON MY DISPLAY, THEN WILL GO AWAY, THEN SOMETIMES RETURN. VEHICLE CAN BE STATIONARY, OR IN MOTION.
MY RADIO DASH AND AUDIO INDICATORS BLACKOUT WITHOUT WARNING THIS WEEKEND WHEN I TURNED MY CAR ON. NO BLINKER SOUND, NO RADIO, NO KEYS IN IGNITION WARNING. NOTHING. IT'S THE SAME CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 2016 RECALL THAT WAS ISSUED BUT GM WILL NOT FIX IT BECAUSE MY VIN DOES NOT APPEAR ON THE RECALL LIST
2015 Chevrolet Spark: questions owners ask
Is the 2015 Chevrolet Spark reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 84 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 Chevrolet Spark; the most common categories were power train (27, 32.1%), engine (11, 13.1%), electrical system (9, 10.7%). There are 7 safety recalls. 4 complaints mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 8 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Chevrolet Spark?
Across 84 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are power train (32.1% of complaints), engine (13.1% of complaints), electrical system (10.7% of complaints), service brakes (10.7% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (8.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2015 Chevrolet Spark have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2015 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 2015 Chevrolet Spark stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
11 of the 84 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Chevrolet Spark (13.1%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Ever since I bought the vehicle in 2021, I have had problems with the car jerking and air conditioning problems, mostly during the colder months. I took the car in multiple times on different occasions throughout the years." (NHTSA complaint 11650007, March 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.
Has the 2015 Chevrolet Spark had transmission failures?
10 of the 84 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Chevrolet Spark (11.9%) describe transmission failure, slipping or a replaced transmission. One owner wrote: "Vehicle began slipping out of gear between 1st & 2nd, then started losing power at 74,760 miles. Extended service coverage has been issued for model for CVT transmission pulley system, however only covers 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first." (NHTSA complaint 11695334, October 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 do the brakes feel soft, fail or make noise on my 2015 Chevrolet Spark?
7 of the 84 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Chevrolet Spark (8.3%) describe brakes feeling soft, failing, grinding or squealing. One owner wrote: "Randomly while parked on incline, start the car, put in reverse, and start backing down the drive way the brakes would totally fail and no amount of pressing on the brakes would stop the car. the car gave no brake failure warnings." (NHTSA complaint 11329876, June 2020). 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 2015 Chevrolet Spark?
6 of the 84 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Chevrolet Spark (7.1%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Transmission issue. During heavy traffic at stop lights car wouldn't shift into drive to move forward. Was stuck in the middle of the road with a passenger. Engine light came on but it's not an engine problem. Car was smoking under the hood." (NHTSA complaint 11670713, July 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 the infotainment screen freeze, reboot or go black in my 2015 Chevrolet Spark?
5 of the 84 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Chevrolet Spark (6%) describe the infotainment or touch screen freezing, rebooting or going black. One owner wrote: "My radio which controls everything regarding charging and bluetooth, it has a touch screen which has now become completely unresponsive. the only time it will ever let you touch like normal is if the car sits under the hot summer sun." (NHTSA complaint 11377971, December 2020). 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 2015 Chevrolet Spark?
5 of the 84 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Chevrolet Spark (6%) describe ABS, traction or stability control warnings or faults. One owner wrote: "Brake system fails while driving. Brakes go soft on car while in use and unable to brake properly. Warning lights and abs brake light comes on the dashboard. This has occurred 4 different times." (NHTSA complaint 11484871, September 2022). 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 vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2015 only; combines NHTSA's entries for SPARK and SPARK EV.