Chevrolet Spark research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide
The Spark is one of the smallest and least expensive cars of its era, ideal for city driving and tight parking. The 2013-2015 models use an 84-hp 1.2L engine; the redesigned 2016-2022 models have a 98-hp 1.4L, a quieter cabin, and around 38-41 mpg highway with the CVT. Later trims offer Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and, from 2019, low-speed automatic braking. It was discontinued after 2022.
Model years covered: 2013–2022. The Spark was sold in the U.S. for 2013-2022 and was discontinued after 2022 (production ended August 2022). There are no 2011-2012 or 2023-and-later U.S. Sparks.
Last updated 2026-10-15.
Strengths
- Very low purchase price
- Easy to park
- Good fuel economy
- Apple carplay and android auto 2016 and later
- Manual transmission available
- Low running costs
Things to know before you buy
- Limited highway power
- Tight rear seat and small cargo area
- CVT condition and service history matter
- 2014 2015 CVT program check by VIN
- 2016 is a full redesign
- 2019 is a refresh year
- Discontinued after 2022
- Recall status should be checked by VIN
Generations
Generation 1 (2013–2015)
The first U.S. Spark (2013-2015) used an 84-hp, 83 lb-ft 1.2L four with a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic for 2013, replaced by a CVT for 2014-2015. LT trims offered the MyLink touchscreen. The Spark EV electric version joined for 2014. Hood-latch and radio recalls and a CVT coverage program apply to many of these cars.
Buyer takeaway: These are the cheapest Sparks, best for short city trips. A manual or a CVT car with documented software updates and completed recalls is the safest choice.
Generation 2 (2016–2022)
The 2016-2022 Spark is a full redesign with a 98-hp, 94 lb-ft 1.4L four, a 5-speed manual or CVT, and a smartphone-friendly touchscreen. Forward collision and lane departure alerts were available on the 2LT, the 2019 refresh added a new face and available low-speed automatic braking, and production ended in August 2022.
Buyer takeaway: For the most refinement and safety tech, pick a 2019-2022 2LT; a 2016-2018 offers the same engine for less. Test the CVT carefully on any automatic.
Chevrolet Spark by model year
2022 Chevrolet Spark
The 2022 Spark is the last one sold in the U.S.; GM ended production in Korea in August 2022 without a direct replacement. It keeps the 98-hp 1.4L four and CVT, about 30/38 mpg, smartphone integration, and available low-speed automatic braking. Parts and service remain available through Chevrolet dealers.
- Engines: 1.4 liter I4 98 hp 94 lb ft
- Transmissions: 5 speed manual availability verify by VIN; CVT continuously variable
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door hatchback
What changed:
- Final model year in the US
- Production ended august 2022 in changwon south korea
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; CVT shudder slipping or harsh engagement; CVT fluid and software update history; Driver assistance sensors and warnings; Ignition coils and spark plugs if misfiring; Air conditioning performance; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Radio and infotainment operation; Maintenance history.
2021 Chevrolet Spark
The 2021 Spark is mechanically unchanged: a 98-hp 1.4L four with a 5-speed manual or CVT, rated around 30/38 mpg. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain, and the 2LT offers low-speed automatic braking. It suits city drivers who want low payments, but rear seat and highway passing power are limited.
- Engines: 1.4 liter I4 98 hp 94 lb ft
- Transmissions: 5 speed manual; CVT continuously variable
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door hatchback
What changed:
- Largely carryover from 2020
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; CVT shudder slipping or harsh engagement; CVT fluid and software update history; Driver assistance sensors and warnings; Ignition coils and spark plugs if misfiring; Air conditioning performance; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Radio and infotainment operation; Maintenance history.
2020 Chevrolet Spark
The 2020 Spark carries over the refreshed 2019: a 98-hp, 94 lb-ft 1.4L four, 5-speed manual or CVT, LS, 1LT, 2LT and Activ trims, about 30/38 mpg, and available low-speed automatic braking on the 2LT. It remains one of the cheapest new cars of its time and an easy city car to park.
- Engines: 1.4 liter I4 98 hp 94 lb ft
- Transmissions: 5 speed manual; CVT continuously variable
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door hatchback
What changed:
- Largely carryover from 2019
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; CVT shudder slipping or harsh engagement; CVT fluid and software update history; Driver assistance sensors and warnings; Ignition coils and spark plugs if misfiring; Air conditioning performance; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Radio and infotainment operation; Maintenance history.
2019 Chevrolet Spark
The 2019 refresh brought a new nose with projector headlamps, LED daytime running lights on LT trims, an updated infotainment system, and available Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking on the 2LT with the CVT. The crossover-styled Activ rides about 10 mm higher. The 98-hp 1.4L carries on, rated about 30/38 mpg (30/37 for the Activ).
- Engines: 1.4 liter I4 98 hp 94 lb ft
- Transmissions: 5 speed manual; CVT continuously variable
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door hatchback
What changed:
- New front fascia grille and headlamps
- LED daytime running lights on 1lt and 2lt
- Available low speed forward automatic braking on 2lt with CVT
- New chevrolet infotainment 3 system
- Activ trim with raised ride height offered
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; CVT shudder slipping or harsh engagement; CVT fluid and software update history; Driver assistance sensors and warnings; Ignition coils and spark plugs if misfiring; Air conditioning performance; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Radio and infotainment operation; Maintenance history.
2018 Chevrolet Spark
The 2018 Spark is the last year before the 2019 refresh, with the same 98-hp 1.4L four, 5-speed manual or CVT, and about 30-31 mpg city and around 40 mpg highway with the CVT. It lacks the later available low-speed automatic braking, so pick a 2019 or newer if that matters.
- Engines: 1.4 liter I4 98 hp 94 lb ft
- Transmissions: 5 speed manual; CVT continuously variable
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door hatchback
What changed:
- Largely carryover from 2017
- Last year before the refresh
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; CVT shudder slipping or harsh engagement; CVT fluid and software update history; Infotainment and smartphone integration; Ignition coils and spark plugs if misfiring; Air conditioning performance; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Radio and infotainment operation; Maintenance history.
2017 Chevrolet Spark
The 2017 Spark carries over the redesigned 2016 car: a 98-hp 1.4L four with a 5-speed manual or CVT, LS, 1LT and 2LT trims, smartphone integration, and available driver alerts on the 2LT. The Spark EV was gone after 2016, so every 2017 is gas-powered. A well-kept 2016-2018 is the value pick of the newer design.
- Engines: 1.4 liter I4 98 hp 94 lb ft
- Transmissions: 5 speed manual; CVT continuously variable
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door hatchback
What changed:
- Largely carryover from 2016
- Spark EV no longer offered
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; CVT shudder slipping or harsh engagement; CVT fluid and software update history; Infotainment and smartphone integration; Ignition coils and spark plugs if misfiring; Air conditioning performance; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Radio and infotainment operation; Maintenance history.
2016 Chevrolet Spark
The redesigned 2016 Spark is lower, sleeker and quieter, with a new 98-hp, 94 lb-ft 1.4L four and a 5-speed manual or CVT rated about 31/41 mpg city/highway. A 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was offered, and the 2LT added available forward collision and lane departure alerts. It is noticeably more refined than 2013-2015.
- Engines: 1.4 liter I4 98 hp 94 lb ft
- Transmissions: 5 speed manual; CVT continuously variable
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door hatchback
What changed:
- All new second generation
- New 1.4 liter engine with 98 hp and 94 lb ft
- Available forward collision alert and lane departure warning on 2lt
- Touchscreen with apple carplay and android auto
- Spark EV continues on the previous design
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; CVT shudder slipping or harsh engagement; CVT fluid and software update history; Infotainment and smartphone integration; Ignition coils and spark plugs if misfiring; Air conditioning performance; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Radio and infotainment operation; Maintenance history.
2015 Chevrolet Spark
The 2015 Spark is the last of the first generation: an 84-hp 1.2L four with a 5-speed manual or CVT (about 30/39 mpg). Like the 2014, its CVT was covered by GM programs for harsh shifts and belt damage, and some cars had radio lock-up and hood-latch recalls. Confirm all three by VIN before buying.
- Engines: 1.2 liter I4 84 hp 83 lb ft
- Transmissions: 5 speed manual; CVT continuously variable
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door hatchback
What changed:
- Last year of the first generation
- Radio software recall on some cars
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; Hood latch recall completion; Radio software recall completion; CVT shudder slipping or harsh engagement; CVT fluid and software update history; Ignition coils and spark plugs if misfiring; Air conditioning performance; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Radio and infotainment operation; Maintenance history.
2014 Chevrolet Spark
For 2014 a CVT automatic replaced the 4-speed automatic, raising fuel economy to about 30/39 mpg city/highway with the same 84-hp 1.2L engine. GM later reprogrammed and extended coverage on certain 2014-2015 Spark CVTs for harsh shifts and internal belt damage, so service records matter. The separate Spark EV electric model also debuted.
- Engines: 1.2 liter I4 84 hp 83 lb ft
- Transmissions: 5 speed manual; CVT continuously variable
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door hatchback
What changed:
- CVT replaces the 4 speed automatic
- Fuel economy rises to about 30 39 mpg with the CVT
- Spark EV electric version launched in select states
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; Hood latch recall completion; CVT shudder slipping or harsh engagement; CVT fluid and software update history; Ignition coils and spark plugs if misfiring; Air conditioning performance; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Radio and infotainment operation; Maintenance history.
2013 Chevrolet Spark
The 2013 Spark was Chevrolet's first U.S. minicar: a tiny five-door hatchback with an 84-hp, 83 lb-ft 1.2L four and a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic (about 28/36 mpg city/highway with the automatic). It is easy to park and cheap to run, but slow on the highway. 2013-2015 Sparks were recalled for a secondary hood latch that can corrode, so confirm the fix by VIN.
- Engines: 1.2 liter I4 84 hp 83 lb ft
- Transmissions: 5 speed manual; 4 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door hatchback
What changed:
- All new minicar for the US market
- Built in changwon south korea
- Mylink touchscreen on lt trims
- Ten standard air bags
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; Hood latch recall completion; Automatic transmission shift quality; Ignition coils and spark plugs if misfiring; Air conditioning performance; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Radio and infotainment operation; Maintenance history.
Known issues and what to check
- 2014-2015 CVT Harsh Shift and Belt Damage Programs (2014–2015)
GM first offered a transmission software update for certain 2014-2015 Spark CVTs to prevent harsh shifts, then issued special coverage (N192271110, January 2020) extending CVT coverage to 10 years or 120,000 miles because a harsh shift could damage the drive pulleys and belt. Many cars are now past that window, so confirm status by VIN.
What to do: Ask a Chevrolet dealer to check the VIN for the CVT update and any remaining coverage, and road test carefully. - Secondary Hood Latch Corrosion Recall (2013–2015)
NHTSA campaigns 14V593 and its 2022 expansion 22V640 cover 2013-2015 Sparks (including the Spark EV) whose secondary hood latch can corrode and fail to hold the hood if the primary latch is not engaged.
What to do: Confirm by VIN that both hood-latch campaigns are complete. - Radio Software and Warning Chime Recalls (2013–2015)
Some 2013-2015 Sparks were recalled because radio software could fail to sound required warning chimes (seat belt, key left in ignition) or lock up the display (some 2014-2015 cars).
What to do: Have any open radio recall completed; it is a software fix. - CVT Shudder and Drivability Check (2014–2022)
Owners of CVT-equipped Sparks across both generations report shudder at light acceleration, often between about 20 and 40 mph, and some transmission failures at higher mileage. It is not universal, but a CVT replacement can be expensive relative to the car's value.
What to do: Road test gently through low speeds; walk away from or price in a CVT that shudders. - Ignition Coil and Spark Plug Misfires (2013–2022)
A commonly reported Spark repair is a failed ignition coil or worn spark plugs, causing a rough idle, flashing check-engine light or misfire codes. It is usually an inexpensive fix when caught early.
What to do: Scan for codes and check idle quality; budget for plugs and coils if records show none. - Power and Highway Suitability (2013–2022)
With 84 hp (2013-2015) or 98 hp (2016-2022), the Spark is built for city driving. It can cruise on the highway but needs planning to merge or pass, especially loaded or uphill, and the rear seat is tight for adults.
What to do: Take a highway test drive with the passengers you usually carry. - Spark, Spark EV, and Generation Disambiguation (2013–2022)
The 2013-2015 Spark has an 84-hp 1.2L; the 2016-2022 Spark has a 98-hp 1.4L. The Spark EV (2014-2016, sold in California, Oregon and later Maryland) is an electric model with 140 hp and an EPA range of about 82 miles and very different service needs. The Sonic is a larger, separate car.
What to do: Confirm the generation, transmission, and whether it is the gas Spark or the Spark EV.
Recalls
Recall applicability varies by model year, production date, engine, transmission, equipment, and VIN. Check the VIN for current open recalls and completed remedies. For 2014-2015 CVT cars, also ask a dealer about transmission program status.
Similar vehicles to consider
- Mitsubishi Mirage
- Nissan Versa Note
- Kia Rio
- Hyundai Accent
- Fiat 500
- Honda Fit
- Toyota Yaris
- Chevrolet Sonic
Questions this guide answers
- Which Spark generation is this?
- Does this Spark have the 1.2L or 1.4L engine?
- Is the Spark's CVT reliable, and was my 2014-2015 covered by GM's program?
- What changed in the 2016 and 2019 Spark?
- Which Sparks have Apple CarPlay and automatic braking?
- Is the Spark good on the highway?
- What fuel economy does the Spark get?
- What is the Spark EV?
- What recalls should I check by VIN?
- What similar cars should I consider?