Own a Chevrolet Spark in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Chevrolet Spark for model years 2013 to 2022. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help Spark owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 529 owner complaints on file for the Spark and 11 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are power train (128), engine (112), electrical system (100).
Most-Reported Chevrolet Spark Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Spark (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 128 | 24% | |
| Engine | 112 | 21% | |
| Electrical System | 100 | 18% | |
| Service Brakes | 64 | 12% | |
| Air Bags | 60 | 11% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 50 | 9% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 41 | 7% | |
| Structure | 26 | 4% |
Power Train
128 of the 529 complaints (24%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Engine
112 of the 529 complaints (21%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Electrical System
100 of the 529 complaints (18%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Chevrolet Spark Complaints by Model Year
The Spark model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2014, 2013, 2015. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 146 | |
| 2014 | 176 | |
| 2015 | 84 | |
| 2016 | 42 | |
| 2017 | 29 | |
| 2018 | 9 | |
| 2019 | 14 | |
| 2020 | 20 | |
| 2021 | 6 | |
| 2022 | 3 |
Most Common Chevrolet Spark Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the Spark. The most-cited is P0700 (transmission control system malfunction), mentioned in 3 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| P0700 | Transmission control system malfunction The transmission computer stored its own code. A scan of the transmission module shows the real fault. | 3 |
| P0324 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 2 |
| P0871 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 2 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Chevrolet Spark Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the Spark in these model years, most often involving air bags, latches/locks/linkages, equipment. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2022 recall, Latches/Locks/Linkages (campaign 22V640000): 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.
- 2018 recall, Air Bags (campaign 18V774000): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles.
- 2017 recall, Air Bags (campaign 17V307000): 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...
- 2017 recall, Air Bags (campaign 17V437000): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016...
- 2016 recall, Electrical System (campaign 16V422000): 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.
- 2016 recall, Equipment (campaign 16V257000): 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.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Spark, 48 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, 46 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Chevrolet Spark Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Chevrolet will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Spark that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Spark owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Chevrolet Spark, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Chevrolet Spark Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Chevrolet Spark repair service, or choose a service below.
Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Chevrolet Spark FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Chevrolet Spark?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Chevrolet Spark are power train (128), engine (112), electrical system (100). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Spark model years have the most complaints?
The Spark model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2014, 2013, 2015. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Chevrolet Spark?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Chevrolet Spark, the codes cited most often are P0700 (transmission control system malfunction), P0324 (powertrain code), P0871 (powertrain code). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Chevrolet Spark have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the Chevrolet Spark across model years 2013 to 2022. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Chevrolet Spark in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Chevrolet vehicles including the Spark, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Chevrolet Spark?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Chevrolet Spark in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Chevrolet Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.