Chevrolet Spark Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Chevrolet Spark model year (2013–2022) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Chevrolet Spark Years to Avoid
1 recall · 134 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 143
1 recall · 116 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 125
1 recall · 68 complaints
7 reported injuries
Top issue: POWER TRAIN
Problem score: 85
Best Chevrolet Spark Years to Buy
0 recalls · 1 complaint
Main area: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 3
0 recalls · 12 complaints
Main area: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Problem score: 12
0 recalls · 8 complaints
Main area: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 12
Found the right year? Verify that specific Spark with a free VIN report.
Chevrolet Spark — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 1 | 1 | — | 3 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 0 | 9 | 5 | — | 19 | Good |
| 2020 | 0 | 11 | 7 | — | 25 | Good |
| 2019 | 0 | 8 | 2 | — | 12 | Excellent |
| 2018 | 0 | 12 | — | — | 12 | Excellent |
| 2017 | 0 | 21 | 8 | — | 37 | Good |
| 2016 | 0 | 20 | — | — | 20 | Good |
| 2015 | 1 | 68 | 7 | — | 85 | Caution |
| 2014 | 1 | 134 | 3 | — | 143 | Avoid |
| 2013 | 1 | 116 | 3 | — | 125 | Avoid |
All 10 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Chevrolet Spark Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2022Recent Spark models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2022 stands out with just 3 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2016Mid-decade Spark units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2016 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Spark should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2014 Chevrolet Spark if possible. It has 1 recall, 134 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 143 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Spark to buy?+
The 2022 Chevrolet Spark is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 3. It has only 0 recalls and 1 complaint on record with NHTSA.
Which Spark has the fewest problems?+
The 2022, 2018, 2019 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Chevrolet Spark Research
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 →