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2013 Chevrolet Spark problems

The most common problem on the 2013 Chevrolet Spark is engine and cooling, typically around 28,000 miles. It has 5.0 times the complaints of a typical Spark model year.

Year to avoid5.0x the typical complaints
Year score
14/100
Owner complaints
146
Recalls
5
Service bulletins
1,449
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
31-34mpg

The worst 2013 Chevrolet Spark problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2013 Chevrolet Spark

Check engine light 15Won't shift 9Stalling 8Adaptive cruise 7Sudden acceleration 6Engine failure 5

Recalls 5

Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latchReported August 25, 2022 · 120,688 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
A hood latch failure can result in the vehicle's hood opening unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the hood striker assembly and hood latch assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 12, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is A222359300. This recall supersedes and expands the federal safety agency recall number 14V‑593. Vehicles previously repaired under 14V‑593 will need to have the new remedy performed.

Recall number 22V640000 · Recall details

Electrical system: softwareReported June 10, 2016 · 18,780 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."
Risk
Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.

Recall number 16V422000 · Recall details

Electrical system: softwareReported April 28, 2016 · 317,572 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."
Risk
Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.

Recall number 16V257000 · Recall details

Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latchReported September 24, 2014 · 89,294 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured January 17, 2012, to July 29, 2014. The secondary hood latch may prematurely corrode at the latch pivot causing the striker to get stuck out of position, preventing it from properly engaging the hood latch.
Risk
If the secondary hood latch corrodes causing the latch to be stuck out of position, and the primary hood latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the striker with a new part which has superior corrosion protection, free of charge. The recall began on January 7, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is 14456.

Recall number 14V593000 · Recall details

Air bagsReported June 6, 2014 · 61 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured April 10, 2013, to May 8, 2013, and Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured December 30, 2012, to March 1, 2013. In the affected vehicles, an improper weld on the passenger side front air bag inflator may result in the air bag not deploying.
Risk
If the air bag does not to deploy in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the front passenger.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side front air bag, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300 (Buick) or 1‑800‑222‑1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14211.

Recall number 14V298000 · Recall details

See all 5 recalls for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark

Technical service bulletins for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark 1,449

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 1,449 bulletins for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark

2013 Chevrolet Spark fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.2L 4‑cylFWD28-3136-3731-34

What 2013 Chevrolet Spark owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 16, 2025 · GA

I got the recall done but it still shows not done on the federal safety agency website

Filed Feb 12, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · FL

Vehicle stalls when started, after vehicle is up to temp the rpm’s fluctuate and vehicle misfires. I was driving down the road when all of a sudden the car went into limp mode I couldn’t do anything and me and my son almost got run off the road but after a few minutes of pressing the gas pedal it finally started to move. Dealership is unable to fix problem because they can’t even figure out what it is $7000.00 later and no one can figure out the problem. This is a lemon and Chevy should be recalling all Chevy spark before someone gets hurt.

Filed Nov 12, 2024 · Transmission · 178,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle was not able to accelerate above 30 MPH. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.

Filed Oct 7, 2024 · Electrical · MO

My Spark's alarm kept going off. They replaced a module, Bob McCosh Dealer. They also said my radio was bad and had to be replaced. 615$. I said "Just disconnect the radio, I don't need it". Problem solved...I thought. When they did disconnected it, I noticed that I lost my "CHIME"...for Seat belt, keys left in ignition and lights left on. They reprogrammed the car to the new module, and the radio was working, and chimes were present. Next day, my battery is dead, because of the radio drained it. I am taking it to the dealer again, after I get a jump.THE ONLY OPTION IS, TO DISCONNECT THE RADIO they said. After researching, According to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard: These (2) FAILED. * 208 (occupant crash protection) * 114 (Theft protection) the federal safety agency ID # : 16V422000 #: 16V257000 GM RECALL(s) : #45340 # 17130 I thank you for your Review! It's Important to me, and I'm sure Chevrolet, that these Safety Features CANNOT BE IGNORED! I am praying that after your Reviewing, You are able to Provide a Recall for the Radio Software on my 2013 Chevy Spark! I bought the car last year, and it's getting very expensive to keep it running Safely. Thank you

Filed Jun 13, 2024 · Electrical · HI

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Spark. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V257000 (Equipment, Electrical System) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.

Filed May 17, 2024 · Electrical · TX

The locks will lock and unlock very quickly. I got out of the vehicle but the vehicle quickly locked back locking my son([XXX] who was strapped in his carseat) in there. i pressed unlock but it immediately kept locking back as soon as i pressed unlock. i was finally able to quickly open it and get him out. my concern would be what if the day was hotter? time is of the essence and my son could have been stuck in there and likely killed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Feb 17, 2024 · MI

Passenger front spring broken.

Filed Oct 20, 2023 · Body · GA

See attached document from complainant

Filed Jun 5, 2023 · Locks · OH

2013 CHEVEROLET SPARK- Consumer doesn't feel safe driving vehicle. Consumer received safety recall letter- GM Recall # A222359300- Hood Striker & Hood Latch Assembly. Consumer contacted Chevrolet and was told the part is not available and they do not know when it will available. Recall notice attached.

Filed Mar 7, 2023 · PA

The secondary hood latch lever problem was discovered in August 2022. I received a letter at the beginning of October 2022. I called to have my vehicle repaired but was advised that the parts were not available. I called again in late February 2023 and the parts were still not available. The recall was issued because the secondary latch striker may become stuck out of position and fail to properly engage. If the striker becomes stuck out of position and both the primary and secondary hood latch fail to engage, the vehicle’s hood may open unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash. The last sentence is an understatement to say the least. My daughter drives the Chevy Spark from our home in Beaver Falls, Pa to college in Edinboro, Pa. Approximately a 2 hour drive on Route 79, a major highway for semi trucks from Pa to NY. If the hood opens unexpectedly, there Will be a crash not the risk will be increased. When I asked Chevy about a loaner, I was advised that I could not get 1. I asked if I’m supposed to keep driving since I have no other options, I was advised that I could not get a loaner. I asked for a supervisor to call me back. I was advised that a supervisor would call me back within 24-48 hours. She gave me Case # 9-9494938162. 2 days later, the same women called me back and advised me that I could not get a loaner. I asked why supervisor did not call me back. Said he was not available. I am filing a complaint because it has been 5 months (October 2022) since I received the recall letter and it’s been 7 months since the problem has been known (August 2022). The contact stated his daughter was in an accident because the part was not available from August 2022 to at least the date of his daughter’s accident on 6/2/23. The hood opened while she was driving 65 mph on the Pa turnpike. It has now been almost 2 months since the accident and Chevy reached out to his wife and advised her the claim would be turned down because of 2 prior accidents that the vehicle was involved in prior to owning the vehicle. He

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Questions about the 2013 Chevrolet Spark

Is the 2013 Chevrolet Spark reliable?

Owners have filed 146 complaints about the 2013 Chevrolet Spark, 5.0 times a typical Spark model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2013 Chevrolet Spark year score?

The 2013 Chevrolet Spark scores 14 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Spark: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Chevrolet Spark?

Engine and cooling, with 43 complaints, typically around 28,000 miles. Next is electrical (34).

How many recalls does the 2013 Chevrolet Spark have?

5 recalls, covering latches/locks/linkages, electrical system and air bags.

What year does the Chevrolet Spark have bad engine?

The Chevrolet Spark model years with the most engine complaints are 2014 (54 complaints), 2013 (43 complaints) and 2015 (12 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2013 Chevrolet Spark get?

Official estimates for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark range from 31 to 34 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.2L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 28-31 city and 36-37 highway.

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