Here Are The Chevy Spark Years To Avoid
Chevy Spark by Pete Broster — CC-BY-SA-4.0
The Chevrolet Spark is the most affordable model that the company sells. While it’s not breaking any ground, the Chevy Spark is a relatively popular city slicker due to its affordable price tag, comfortable cabin, agile handling, and solid build quality. The Chevy Spark proves that affordable transportation doesn’t have to be barebones and soulless.
Unfortunately, another one bites the dust as Chevy decides to cease the production of the Spark, which is a shame. In August 2022, the cheapest new car in the States will depart from Chevy’s lineup after a good 10-year run.
If you’re planning to buy a Chevy Spark, there’s no better time than now. But if you’re buying, you should know which model years to avoid. For this post, we walk you through the Chevy Spark years to avoid due to mechanical and reliability issues.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE CHEVY SPARK
Read on to learn more about the most reliable years of the Chevy Spark, the least reliable choices, the issues that appear most often in the Spark, and anything else you need to know about the dependability of this Chevy option.
Which Chevy Spark Years To Avoid?
If you’re just here for the list of model years to avoid, here’s the list for your quick reference:
- 2013 Chevrolet Spark
- 2014 Chevrolet Spark
- 2015 Chevrolet Spark
- 2016 Chevrolet Spark
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2013 Chevrolet Spark
The 2013 Spark is at the top of our list of Chevy Spark years to avoid because it has the most number of complaints. According to CarComplaints.com, the 2013 Spark has 315 NHTSA complaints, and 4 recalls.
The number one sore spot of the 2013 Spark is the excessive oil consumption. According to numerous reports, the Spark burns through its oil abnormally fast. Some owners claimed to encounter the check engine light coming on just a few thousand miles after a routine oil change. Apparently, the issue lies with the engine, which causes excessive oil consumption.
Some owners claimed that they lost power while driving, and then the engine just stopped working. Several reports also claimed that the Spark’s engine died on them. The most common fix is to replace the engine, which is far from cheap.
2014 Chevrolet Spark
The following year isn’t that much better for the Chevy Spark. As per CarComplaints, the 2014 Chevrolet Spark has 304 complaints, and 5 recalls on its belt. The 2014 Spark struggles with several issues, including the dreaded transmission problem.
Owners of the 2014 Spark reported that their little hatchback has a transmission system that’s prone to slip or outright fail. In some reports, the transmission doesn’t change gear properly or doesn’t stay in gear. The sudden, uncontrolled shifting is undoubtedly a safety hazard, especially when driving at highway speeds. The transmission issues occur at around 80,000+ miles and have a typical repair cost of $2,680.
Another issue that owners of the 2014 Spark have to deal with is the hesitation while accelerating. The Spark reportedly doesn’t engage when accelerating from a complete stop, and it sometimes happens when slowly turning a corner. This is one problem you don’t want to experience in heavy traffic.
2015 Chevrolet Spark
The next iteration of the Chevy Spark is more reliable than the first two years we’ve just highlighted. However, the 2015 Spark does have some concerning issues, making it one of the Chevy Spark Years To Avoid. CarComplaints logged 76 NHTSA complaints, and 4 recalls for the 2015 Chevrolet Spark.
Several owners have reported that their 2015 Spark has a busted A/C system. There are numerous culprits for a faulty A/C, including a refrigerant leak (the most common), electrical issues, and a defective compressor. This is particularly frustrating because the problem reared its ugly head at the low mileage of 8,000 miles. If you’re in a state with severe weather systems, a faulty A/C is simply unacceptable.
Unfortunately, the 2015 Spark also struggled with transmission issues, although it’s a lot less prevalent this time. A few reports claimed that their Spark would vibrate or buckle as they accelerate to highway speeds. Some owners have even experienced a loss of power or acceleration speed due to transmission woes.
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2016 Chevrolet Spark
Out of all the Chevy Spark years to avoid on this list, the 2016 Chevrolet Spark is perhaps the most reliable model. At this point, Chevy succeeded in ironing out the kinks that plagued the earlier years. However, the 2016 Spark does have a decent number of complaints that would-be buyers need to know.
One area of concern with the 2016 Spark is its airbags and seat belts. Apparently, a software glitch causes the airbag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate. Once the system goes into diagnostic mode, the frontal airbags and the seat belt pretensioners won’t deploy, which is obviously bad during accidents. GM had to issue a recall for many of its vehicles, including the 2016 Spark.
Another issue that you may experience with the 2016 Spark is brake-related problems. The Spark’s braking system has received numerous complaints from complete brake failure to stuttering. The brake issues are few and far between, but still worth mentioning as it’s a huge safety issue.
Which Chevy Spark Years are Safe to Buy Used?
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR BRAKES?
Unless you’re a mechanic or super-dedicated car enthusiast, you might not know much about the brakes on your car. How long do they typically last? How often should you replace your brakes? We’ve got answers.
Below are some of the best Chevy Spark years that you can buy confidently.
2017 Chevrolet Spark
If you’re looking for a perfectly serviceable compact car with a budget-friendly price tag, the 2017 Chevy Spark is a great option. It has very few complaints, mainly about excessive oil consumption and acceleration issues. It’s not the fastest nor the most energetic small car out there, but its reliability and affordability are reasons enough to buy it.
2019 Chevrolet Spark
The 2019 Chevrolet Spark is another solid option for a used subcompact with excellent in-city maneuverability. It still has the dreaded transmission issue, but it’s way less pronounced in this iteration of the Spark. Aside from its easy maneuverability, the 2019 Spark features a well-equipped infotainment system and a roomier interior than its size suggests.
2021 Chevrolet Spark
The 2021 Spark is another excellent low-dollar motoring effort from Chevy. It doesn’t have the most outstanding performance and is even downright sluggish, but it has good handling and top-notch fuel economy. Again, Chevy managed to cram in a decent infotainment system on the 2021 Spark, which is always a good thing.
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