The Chevrolet Spark spans 2008–2026 with 24 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.0/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2014, 2013, 2015 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2008, 2011, 2012. It delivers up to 119 mpg combined and 4-star NHTSA safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Chevrolet Spark is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2008 to 2026 across multiple generations.
How to read a Chevrolet Spark VIN — every digit explained
Every Chevrolet Spark carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Chevrolet and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Spark.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Spark, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Chevrolet Spark have?
The Chevrolet Spark has 24 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2008–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2019 Chevrolet Spark recalls 1
Air Bags
What's wrong. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles. The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) on these vehicle may not have been turned off of "manufacturing mode," preventing the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
Risk. If the air bags do not deploy in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM module to the correct mode, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18365.
2017 Chevrolet Spark recalls 1
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. 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.
2016 Chevrolet Spark recalls 1
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. 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.
2015 Chevrolet Spark recalls 5
Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch
What's wrong. 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.
Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch
What's wrong. 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.
Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.
What's wrong. 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.
Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.
What's wrong. 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.
Electrical System:software
What's wrong. 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.
2014 Chevrolet Spark recalls 6
Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch
What's wrong. 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.
Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.
What's wrong. 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.
Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.
What's wrong. 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
What's wrong. 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.
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm
What's wrong. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Spark vehicles manufactured from May 7, 2014, to May 26, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the left and right lower control arm attaching bolts in the front suspension may not be tightened to specification.
Risk. If the lower control arm bolts are not tightened properly, the lower control arm may separate from the steering knuckle while driving, causing a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Owners are instructed NOT to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Owners should call a Chevrolet dealer immediately to arrange for their vehicle to be transported free of charge for servicing. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left and right lower control arm attaching bolts to make sure that they are tightened to the proper specification, free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14453. Note: Owners are advised not to drive the vehicle until the repairs have been completed.
Electrical System:software
What's wrong. 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.
2013 Chevrolet Spark recalls 5
Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch
What's wrong. 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.
Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.
What's wrong. 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
What's wrong. 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
What's wrong. 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.
Electrical System:software
What's wrong. 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.
Best and worst years for the Chevrolet Spark
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 17 tracked years, the worst years are 2014, 2013, 2015 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2008, 2011, 2012.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Spark | — | Best | |
| 2011 Spark | — | Best | |
| 2012 Spark | — | Best | |
| 2013 Spark | Engine | Avoid | |
| 2014 Spark | Engine | Avoid | |
| 2015 Spark | Power Train | Avoid | |
| 2016 Spark | Service Brakes | Average | |
| 2017 Spark | Power Train | Average | |
| 2018 Spark | Vehicle Speed Control | Average | |
| 2019 Spark | Air Bags | Average | |
| 2020 Spark | Air Bags | Average | |
| 2021 Spark | Air Bags | Average | |
| 2022 Spark | Structure | Average | |
| 2023 Spark | — | Average | |
| 2024 Spark | — | Average | |
| 2025 Spark | — | Average | |
| 2026 Spark | — | Average |
What are the most common Chevrolet Spark problems?
The most-reported Chevrolet Spark problems are Seats (6 reports), Tires (4 reports) and Engine (111 reports) — out of 525 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Chevrolet Spark specifications & dimensions
The 2017–2023 Chevrolet Spark measures 143″ long on a 94″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 2,247 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Chevrolet Spark window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–2023 | 143″ | 63″ | 58″ | 94″ | 2,247 lb |
| 2014 | 144″ | 63″ | 60″ | 94″ | 2,315 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Chevrolet Spark cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Spark holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 107 cu ft of passenger volume and 31 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Chevrolet Spark tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Chevrolet Spark get?
The Chevrolet Spark returns up to 119 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $650/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2022 Chevrolet Spark (1.4L 4-cyl) gets 33 mpg combined and costs about $1,900/yr to fuel, emitting 266 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 7/10, smog 5/10) — that's about $1,500 saved over 5 years versus the average new vehicle.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Spark | 30 | 38 | $1,900 | 266 | 5/10 | 1.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2021 Spark | 30 | 38 | $1,900 | 266 | 5/10 | 1.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2020 Spark | 30 | 38 | $1,900 | 269 | 5/10 | 1.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2019 Spark | 30 | 38 | $1,900 | 271 | 5/10 | 1.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2018 Spark | 30 | 38 | $1,900 | 269 | 5/10 | 1.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2017 Spark | 30 | 38 | $1,900 | 268 | 7/10 | 1.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2016 Spark | 31 | 40 | $1,850 | 259 | 7/10 | 1.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2015 Spark | 31 | 38 | $1,850 | 264 | 6/10 | 1.2L 4-cyl | |
| 2014 Spark | 31 | 38 | $1,850 | 264 | 6/10 | 1.2L 4-cyl | |
| 2013 Spark | 31 | 37 | $1,850 | 265 | 6/10 | 1.2L 4-cyl |
The 2016 Chevrolet Spark gets 119 MPGe and costs about $650/yr to fuel — that's about $7,750 saved over 5 years versus the average new vehicle.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Spark | 128 | 109 | $650 | — | 10/10 | Electric | |
| 2015 Spark | 128 | 109 | $650 | — | 10/10 | Electric | |
| 2014 Spark | 128 | 109 | $650 | — | 10/10 | Electric |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Spark stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this Spark's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Chevrolet Spark have? Power & range
The Chevrolet Spark is offered with 2 powertrains — 1.4L 4-cyl, Electric. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-cyl | 1.4L · 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | Regular |
| Electric | Electric motor | Single-speed | FWD | Electricity |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Chevrolet Spark cost to own?
A used Chevrolet Spark sells for a median of about $8,995 for a 2022 — most listed between $8,995 and $10,988, from 194 real US listings we track. That real market price is what depreciation eats into, so it's the true anchor of the cost to own:
| Year | Typical price | Market range | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Spark | $8,995–$10,988 | 3 | |
| 2021 Spark | $7,500–$12,500 | 13 | |
| 2020 Spark | $3,000–$8,000 | 14 | |
| 2019 Spark | $4,995–$10,995 | 14 | |
| 2018 Spark | $4,990–$8,988 | 4 | |
| 2017 Spark | $3,999–$7,950 | 15 |
For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a Spark is worth today, or browse used-market prices for sedans.
A Chevrolet Spark holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Spark loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $3,250 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Spark ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
How much is a Chevrolet Spark to insure?
A Chevrolet Spark costs about $1,960 a year to insure for a typical driver on full coverage — roughly 36% above the average car. That's from its real HLDI insurance-loss index (136, where 100 = average car); your own rate moves with state, age, record and coverage.
Estimate = US-average premium × the Spark's HLDI loss index. See Chevrolet insurance cost by model, cost by state, or compare any car.
Is the Chevrolet Spark safe?
The Chevrolet Spark earns up to 4-star NHTSA overall safety — real government crash-test data. Ratings by year:
| Year | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Spark | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2014 Spark | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested model years.
Want the safest pick? Compare crash-test scores across the safest cars.
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How many miles does a Chevrolet Spark last?
A well-maintained Chevrolet Spark typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.0/5.
Check your Chevrolet Spark’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Spark’s VIN free →All Chevrolet Spark model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Chevrolet Spark — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Spark | 0 | — | |
| 2025 Spark | 0 | — | |
| 2024 Spark | 0 | — | |
| 2023 Spark | 0 | — | |
| 2022 Spark | 1 recall | — | |
| 2021 Spark | 1 recall | — | |
| 2020 Spark | 1 recall | — | |
| 2019 Spark | 1 recall | — | |
| 2018 Spark | 1 recall | — | |
| 2017 Spark | 1 recall | — | |
| 2016 Spark | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2015 Spark | 5 recalls | ★★★★☆ | |
| 2014 Spark | 6 recalls | ★★★★☆ | |
| 2013 Spark | 5 recalls | — | |
| 2012 Spark | 0 | — | |
| 2011 Spark | 0 | — | |
| 2008 Spark | 0 | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Spark?
By owner-complaint volume, 2014, 2013, 2015 drew the most reports. 2008, 2011, 2012 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Spark have?
24 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2008–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Chevrolet recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the Spark get?
Up to 119 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
Is the Spark safe?
The Spark earns up to 4-star NHTSA overall crash-test safety; ratings vary by model year.
How many miles does a Spark last?
A well-maintained Spark typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Spark reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Spark is 4.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Chevrolet Spark warranty?
New Chevrolet models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Chevrolet dealer.
Where is the Chevrolet Spark made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Spark's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Chevrolet may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Spark have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.