repaired · 2025 Q4
Hood: latch
Risk. A hood latch failure can result in the vehicle's hood opening unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
2013 Chevrolet SparkProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 146 owner complaints about the 2013 Chevrolet Spark, most often about the engine. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-640 the manufacturer reports only 30% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 16, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Cutlass, CC0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2013 Chevrolet Spark has problems
146 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
35Engine2 crash/fire/injury
34Power train
34Electrical system
14Vehicle speed control3 crash/fire/injury
13Air bags5 crash/fire/injury
10Fuel/propulsion system
10Latches/locks/linkages
9Service brakes
9Structure
3613 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 35 | 2 |
| Power train | 34 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 34 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 14 | 3 |
| Air bags | 13 | 5 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 10 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 10 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 9 | 5 |
| Structure | 9 | 2 |
| 13 other systems | 36 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2013 Chevrolet Spark recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2017 Q4
Electrical system: software
Risk. Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
repaired · 2017 Q3
Electrical system: software
Risk. Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
repaired · 2016 Q2
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…
Show 1 more recall
repaired · 2015 Q4
Air bags
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.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
31kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 31 engine complaints. 97% were reported before 100,000 miles.
14under 30k miles30under 100k miles1100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2013 vs. every other Spark year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Spark median. How we score
'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2013 Chevrolet Spark safety ratings
2013 Chevrolet Spark 5 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Spark owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
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…
Own a 2013 Spark?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.