repaired · 2018 Q4
Passenger side: inflator module
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.
2016 Chevrolet SparkProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 29 owner complaints about the 2016 Chevrolet Spark, most often about the service brakes. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 17V-307 the manufacturer reports only 80% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 30, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Chevrolet Spark has problems
29 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
10Service brakes
6Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
4Power train
2Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
2Engine
2Fuel/propulsion system
2Steering
2Visibility/wiper
1Electronic stability control (ESC)
22 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 10 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 6 | 1 |
| Power train | 4 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 1 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 2 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 1 | 0 |
| 2 other systems | 2 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2016 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.
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.
Best & worst years
2016 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
2016 Chevrolet Spark safety ratings
2016 Chevrolet Spark 5 HB FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2016 Chevrolet Spark, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What Spark owners report
Recent service brakes complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
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/…
Own a 2016 Spark?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.