Chevrolet Spark Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy

Q: What year Spark should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, the 2015 Chevrolet Spark has the most documented problems with a problem score of 98 — driven primarily by 0 recalls, 82 complaints, and issues with POWER TRAIN.

Q: What is the best year Spark to buy?

The 2013 Chevrolet Spark is the best-scoring year in our analysis with a problem score of only 0, meaning 0 recalls and 0 complaints on record.

Q: Which Spark has the fewest problems?

The 2013, 2014, 2016 model years have the fewest reported problems in the NHTSA database. Always verify a specific vehicle's history with a VIN report before purchasing.

Every Chevrolet Spark model year (2013–2022) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, injuries, and deaths. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.

Chevrolet Spark Years to Avoid

#1 WORST

2015

0 recalls · 82 complaints

8 reported injuries

Top issue: POWER TRAIN

Problem score: 98

#2 WORST

2013

0 recalls · 0 complaints

Top issue: No complaints on record

Problem score: 0

#3 WORST

2014

0 recalls · 0 complaints

Top issue: No complaints on record

Problem score: 0

Best Chevrolet Spark Years to Buy

#1 BEST

2013

0 recalls · 0 complaints

Main area: No significant complaints

Problem score: 0

#2 BEST

2014

0 recalls · 0 complaints

Main area: No significant complaints

Problem score: 0

#3 BEST

2016

0 recalls · 0 complaints

Main area: No significant complaints

Problem score: 0

Found the right year? Verify that specific Spark with a free VIN report.

Chevrolet Spark — Year-by-Year Problem Report

Year	Complaints	Problem Score	Verdict
2022	0	0	Excellent
2021	0	0	Excellent
2020	0	0	Excellent
2019	0	0	Excellent
2018	0	0	Excellent
2017	0	0	Excellent
2016	0	0	Excellent
2015	82	98	Avoid
2014	0	0	Excellent
2013	0	0	Excellent

Higher scores indicate more reported safety issues across recalls, complaints, and injury data.

Chevrolet Spark Shopping Guide by Era

2018–Present

Best: 2022

Recent Spark models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. Lower problem scores typically appear in this era. The 2022 stands out with just 0 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.

2013–2017

Best: 2017

Mid-decade Spark units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2017 shows the lowest problem count for this era.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year Spark should I avoid?+

Avoid the 2015 Chevrolet Spark if possible. It has 0 recalls, 82 owner complaints, and the most common complaint category is POWER TRAIN. The overall problem score is 98 — the highest in our dataset.

What is the best year Spark to buy?+

The 2013 Chevrolet Spark is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 0. It has only 0 recalls and 0 complaints on record with NHTSA.

Which Spark has the fewest problems?+

The 2013, 2014, 2016 model years have the fewest documented problems across recall and complaint databases. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.

More Chevrolet Spark Research

Reliability Score

Overall reliability rating and score breakdown for the Chevrolet Spark.

Common Problems

Full breakdown of every reported defect for the Chevrolet Spark.

Check a Specific Chevrolet Spark VIN

Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.

Run a Free VIN Report →