2016 Chevrolet Spark
Only 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 146 |
| 2014 | 171 |
| 2015 | 76 |
| 2016 | 28 |
| 2017 | 28 |
| 2018 | 9 |
| 2019 | 14 |
| 2020 | 19 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 28 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
10 of 28 total reports mention: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET SPARK. WHILE BEING OPERATED AT A LOW SPEED, THE BRAKES MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180910
ON THE WAY BACK TO MY SAN FRANCISCO HOME FROM THE NOVATO CHEVROLET DEALER WHERE I HAD JUST PURCHASED A NEW BLACK 2016 CHEVROLET SPARK EV MY BRAKES STOPPED FUNCTIONING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160718
5 of 28 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 CHEVROLET SPARK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45-50 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SMOKE ODOR IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180309
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET SPARK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ENTERTAINMENT SCREEN AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20161221
3 of 28 total reports mention: power train.
2 of 28 total reports mention: visibility/wiper.
2 of 28 total reports mention: steering.
SAFETY TIMELINE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Chevrolet Spark vehicles.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 17V307000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Chevrolet Spark — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 17V307000 (air bags) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Spark reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Spark?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Spark have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.