Electrical System Problems of Chevrolet Spark - part 1

Transmission issues.

See all problems of the 2014 Chevrolet Spark 🔎.

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Spark. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v257000 (equipment, electrical systems). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the radio software needed to be updated. The dealer informed the contact that to complete the software upgrade, the dealer had to reprogram the radio usb portion to complete the upgrade. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the radio image was inoperable. The contact stated that the radio image appeared blank. Additionally, the bluetooth feature failed to function properly. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was concerned about the failure of the vehicle and that it was related to the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,173.

See all problems of the 2015 Chevrolet Spark 🔎.

I lease a car through carvana, and they informed me that the car was safe and properly inspected. In the first 2 weeks, I took the Chevrolet to a certified dealership for a routine inspection. I was informed that the vehicle has severe mechanical and electrical issues. The enginee needs to be completed replace they found shred metal pieces in the engine oil. The car also needs a completely new steering and alignment system. It also needs a new heating system. The total cost is 7500, which is close to the current value of the car. I have informed carvan and silver rock third party insurance. They failed to inspect the vehicle and follow dot safety requirements. This car shouldn't be available or purchased. This car requires several weeks of repair and puts me at risk for driving. I could have easily ended in deadly accident because of the condition of the vehicle. This company has committed gross deglience and promotes a car that is unsafe with false advertising and promises. Carvana is liability however they refuse to follow proper safety guidelines and take responsibility for the issue they created. I am paid for a vehicle I can't legally drive. There gross deglience put all customers at risk; if they were honest about there inspection this issue would never occur. Please help me expose this corrupt company. We the people deserve better. This company needs to be held accountable with an fcc and dot audit.

See all problems of the 2021 Chevrolet Spark 🔎.

Incident summary in February 2025, while driving on the freeway, my vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of power. The battery rapidly depleted without warning, causing the vehicle to decelerate dangerously in moving traffic. A stabilitrak warning appeared on the display. I was fortunate to reach the shoulder safely, but this failure created an extremely hazardous situation that could have resulted in serious injury or death. Following this incident, the vehicle became completely inoperable and required towing to stewart Chevrolet for diagnosis. Dealership diagnosis stewart Chevrolet performed a diagnostic evaluation (cost: $700) and provided the following official findings: problem identified: battery 1 with voltage variance beyond specifications variance measured: in excess of 0. 07v discrepancy in battery cells gm document referenced: #17-na-131 recommended repair: labor operation 9102972 - drive motor replacement and shipping preparation (high voltage battery replacement) estimated cost: $10,000-12,000.

While driving in early 2025, my 2016 Chevrolet Spark ev suddenly lost all ability to accelerate. The vehicle remained powered on but would not respond to the accelerator, and I was unable to fully shut it off. This created a safety hazard because I could not properly control or secure the vehicle, and it required towing. I replaced the 12v battery at my own expense. The issue briefly disappeared, but the same failure occurred again within weeks. The replacement 12v battery also failed to hold a charge, indicating the problem was not related to the 12v system. I brought the vehicle to harbor Chevrolet. Their technicians confirmed the problem was caused by a failure of the high-voltage battery system. They also informed me that the required ev battery is unavailable from the manufacturer with no estimated availability. Because this component is essential for basic propulsion and safety, the vehicle has been completely inoperable since early 2025. The vehicle is available for inspection, but it cannot be driven due to the propulsion failure. The defect has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealership. There were no warning lamps or early indicators prior to the sudden loss of propulsion. I am reporting this because sudden propulsion loss and inability to shut the vehicle down properly present significant safety concerns, especially if this issue affects additional Spark ev vehicles without an available manufacturer remedy.

See all problems of the 2016 Chevrolet Spark 🔎.

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Spark m300. The contact stated that the air bag and the seat belts warning lights were illuminated, and a message stating that the air bags would not deploy in the event of a crash was displayed. The contact stated while at a complete stop at the traffic light, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer by roadside assistance, who purchased a new battery for the vehicle from the dealer; however, the dealer informed the contact that roadside assistance could not install the battery because it would interfere with the business operations. The dealer advised the contact that she would need to pay the battery installation and diagnostic testing fee. The contact declined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

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.

See all problems of the 2013 Chevrolet Spark 🔎.

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) NHTSA 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.

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Spark. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v257000 (equipment, electrical system) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.

The locks will lock and unlock very quickly. I got out of the vehicle but the vehicle quickly locked back locking my son(a one year old 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.

The gm bulletin n19227110 indicates that they are aware of over 10% of Chevrolet Spark models from the years 2014-2015 experiencing transmission problems. Although this bulletin expired last year, it is important to note that they do not provide coverage for vehicles purchased used with fewer than 120,000 miles. This situation poses a significant danger, as the transmission may potentially be contaminated with dirt and debris, leading to unexpected jerking or complete failure, and in some cases, vehicles have caught fire. Furthermore, unless the vehicle is taken to a gm service center, the issue may remain undetected. According to my research, this problem is similar to the one that Nissan faced with their cvt transmissions, which were subject to a recall for the same reason.

There are many electrical failures in this vehicle from the door alarm not sounding when the car has been turned off to the radio staying on and burning down the battery and the radio making changes to the stations volume, volume freezes and lowers or is totally unresponsive while the driver is driving, this is a major distracting. Also overhead light is unresponsive and flickers when it wants to. Subsequently these issues have required me to have 5 new batteries replaced since owning this car. A dealer wants to charge $225 to check this I have seen and heard other complaints. I can’t possibly be the only one having these problems. My VIN number is not part of it. Previous recalls for some unknown reason. There has never been a battery failure, or warning light it just dies. I have video of the occurrence on most recently on January 11, 2020 for what has been occurring for years and very frequently.

When the car reaches a certain speed (50 mph plus) it jerks and jolts. The engine light is on and a p-code is present. Each mechanic says something different.

See all problems of the 2017 Chevrolet Spark 🔎.

Key bob breaking can not get repared or replaced.

Key fob broke will not repair or replace.

Vehicle caught on fire from the inside somewhere towards the driver side in dash. Instrument cluster and dash completely burnt. Entire inside interior of car burnt.

See all problems of the 2020 Chevrolet Spark 🔎.

I'm coming to a stop or slowing down the car shuts off. Even when making a turn in front of another car across traffic my car has turned off in the middle of crossing the street and I almost got hit twice now. This affects the cruise control coming on as well the speedometer fluctuates back and forth the whole time I'm driving. This happens every day and at most times when I'm coming to a stop or coming out of a stop. I just have to test the gas before I make a turn in front of oncoming traffic to cross the road to make sure that I have power and then I go as fast as I can across so that hopefully I'll gain enough speed so that the car doesn't shut off again. So usually it's every time I come to a red light which is at least at the very least from my work to home is four lights and at every light it will do it. Oftentimes I cross traffic and it will do it. I just had to be very careful.

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that while driving 45 mph, the vehicle began to shake uncontrollably and veered off the road. The contact was able to take control of the vehicle and placed the vehicle in park. The contact stated that there was no audio or visual warning at the time of the failure. The contact alerted onstar who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the contact was unaware of the diagnostic result. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was repaired, however, the contact was concerned about an onstar software update. The contact became aware of NHTSA campaign number: 15v416000 (equipment) and related the failure to the recall. Additionally, on several occasions while the vehicle was parked, the contact was unable to enter or exit the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure could not able to duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Electrical : first instance in 2020. There are instances when you stop the car, and it appears the vehicle has no electrical charge (it is a gas vehicle). Happened once while parked (2020)- service request August 2020, and another while waiting for a green light (2021). My concern is this occurs and causing an accident. Suspension: first instance in 2021: the vehicle has less than 50k miles. The car rattles loudly. Service request Aug 2021. I went into the dealership and was told that the suspension on the driver side right needed replacement with another part. I had to go to the dealership three times for correction. Was told the car was safe to drive at the time. June 2022, the car is making the same cricket noises, and is unstable. It is my concern that the strut mounts/ suspension are defective and poses a risk. This may be a structural issue, since I though this was corrected last year for a young vehicle with under 50k mileage is not a normal occurrence. I am concerned something will dislodge and I may loose control on the road. I have routine maintenance and I am diligent, there is a structural and electrical issue with this vehicle make.

Si my cars been having issues for about a couple of weeks now with speed and it’s been driving rough, it hadn’t given me any check engine lights so I went to a mechanic he changed the throttle body thinking that was the issue however the issue persisted and even got worse. I’ve noticed it doesn’t seem to go into gear when I’m driving then when it finally does it looses power, it’s also really high on the rpm’s and when it’s in park it’ll seem like it wants to turn off.

On or about may 31, 2021 the car alarm began to randomly go off on the vehicle. I took the car to the local dealership on July 20, 2021 and was advised that "hood latch ajar signal showing hood open randomly" was causing alarm to go off. On Aug 21, the part arrived and the hood latch was replaced. Immediately upon leaving the dealership, the radio went blank. I lost all audible sounds and alerts in the car including: seat belt alerts, key in ignition alert, blinker alert, onstar, and radio power. I returned to the dealership with the vehicle on sept 21, 2021 and the car was again repaired. I was advised that "relay and battery saver relayed" was replaced. Additionally, the service tech called gm tac and was advised that "due to the issue being intermit. Most likely cause is fuse block overloading circuit and shorting relays. If relay goes out again, will need to replace fuse block. " on oct 30, 2021 I returned to the dealership with the vehicle. At this point the alarm was going off again and the radio (all interior sounds/alarms) had gone out again. I was advised that the fuse block needs to be replaced and that this issue is not caused by normal wear and tear or maintenance. I have reached out to gm for assistance with this matter as it is obviously a manufacturer defect. They have refused to help.

Our car broke down on 07/08/2021 and went into the shop on 07/12/2021. It was eventually determined the engine had to be replaced. The car was in the shop until 09/02/2021. The following day during a test drive I noticed some minor, unusual response, almost unnoticeable, from the brakes, but there were no warning lights or messages. I connected a code reader and received the following codes: u0422, u0151, and c0800. I think all of them are sent by the ecu and involve communication problems with the abs and the restraint systems, but yet, no warnings. I took it back to the shop. They found a shorted or bad body control module, probably caused during the engine swap. If I hadn’t found those codes, perhaps the brakes or restraint systems may not have performed correctly in an accident. Obviously, the bcm can be defective and no warning lights are displayed, yet the car seems to perform almost normal. My wife did not detect the unusual braking response. We have parked the car. It seems to me, if the bcm goes defective, there should be a red light, stop immediately warning. I think every system in the car has to communicate with it. Could it be a problem created in the factory?.

The key is a problem. Personally mine has broken 4 times. The fob & base of the key is too big for the key itself. I know other Chevrolet models have had key recalls for the same reason, so I am not sure why they have not recalled the chevy Spark keys because they are the same format as other models. It would be convenient if they separated the fob and the key. Currently my key is super glued because the dealership has this key on back order. I just replaced this key two years ago and it just keeps breaking.

Randomly when I get into my car and crank the lights on my dash,screen will appear- other times they will not. Randomly when driving she will just be driving normal and immediately she shuts down and off with no warning signs and no warning lights on dash. This issue has been ongoing since the purchase of her. It has been on a interstate highway in 5pm traffic, a very small town in non on Sunday after church.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that after the vehicle was idle at a red light, while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle several times before the vehicle restarted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who was unable to identify the cause of the failure. The contact then took the vehicle to another dealer who stated that the battery might have failed. The battery and battery cables were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,719.

The following has now happened on 3 separate occasions when driving on a highway: when driving at highway speeds (50 -55 mph) and hitting a bump that jolts the car (not necessarilly a huge bump), the entire engine and electrical system cuts off and shuts down. This happens only on the highway and has not happened on street driving yet. The car power turns off and this can be very disorienting to an unskilled driver. It requires that I put my car in neutral (my car is a stick shift), turn off the ignition and then turn it on and restart it, while moving at 55mph at night on a wet highway. The last time this happened it was at night and raining. This has happened 3 times over the past 6 months.

Vehicle alert system shows water temperature alert then stopped them the traction alert came on then went off and the transmission light stays on all the time. Drives fine but jolts if on an incline and you put it in gear. The others came on while driving.

The alarm goes off for no reason when parked and no one around.

See all problems of the 2019 Chevrolet Spark 🔎.

I sent this unit to the dealership to have a key programmed but they can't program the key. They said they need further information to program a key. Please advise.

I recently purchased a 2014 chevy Spark with 49,000 miles. Within a week of using the vehicle the radio, chimes and warnings stopped working. I was driving and touched the rear window defroster. The radio went off and would not turn back on. I thought maybe a fuse had blown so I checked all related fuses. Then I did some research on line. I found numerous articles and recalls for this very same issue. I am the third owner of this Spark. The first owner had a recall service performed on the Spark that was related to the radio. Just a week before I purchase the Spark the second owner had the radio "repaired" at a chevy dealership. Chevrolet at this point does not recognize that the problem is recall related because the recall service was performed once.

Car was working fine and shut off in parking lot. Then an attempt to restart it a couple of minutes later lead to failure to turn over (cranking was heard). Console lights were lighting intermittently and varied, including check engine and safety lock. Wipers started occasionally. Could not put in neutral to push it. Over a few hours, the battery was completely drained.

On 8/6/2019 around five in the morning as I was leaving work on a city street, my right signal light just came on and hasn't cut off yet, no matter what I do it won't cut off. I checked all fuses and checked the whole car and found nothing.

While parked all of my vehicles warning lights came on at once. My car was still running but it would not go into any other gear. I could not lock my car or operate anything in the vehicle. I had to have it towed over two hours to a dealership. They replaced the bcm and relearn these deterrent module. Left me stranded over six hours away from home. I had 33,146 miles on it. It's been about a year later and I went to start my car and it repeated the same thing. I am still under 50,000 miles on my car and these are just the last two issues I've had with it. My car has been in and out of the shop continuously since the day I bought it. Leaving me unable to get to work, stranded in 100 degree weather, and costing me almost what I have paid for the car. I have always been a faithful chevy customer but now I can't trust them. I've included what a regular bill looks like from 11/01/2018. My car had to be towed again yesterday morning and is currently in the shop while I miss work yet again. Smh.

In August 2019, as I was driving on a major highway my vehicle check engine light became illuminated and my brake, gas, steering column, and vehicle loss complete function. This incident almost cost me my life. Thank goodness I was able to exit the highway in time. After weeks and months of failed repair attempts, I contacted gm hoping to gain some resolution. After filing a complaint in December 2019 there was no response until last week. I received a letter in the mail from ,mrs. Neelie o�connor-global executive director customer experience operations, stating that my mechanical issues may indeed be at the fault of gm. They would pay for damages ,only if my car was under 120,000 miles ,and their mechanic confirms the damages.

Takata recall. My �14 Spark has gotten the coolant tank replaced twice. Also my rpms are shooting up and back down once I hit 50mph or faster . Also makes a high pitched noise when this happens . It's causing my car to jerk at faster speeds, also my car jerks at point of acceleration from 0mph when I'm making turns. Also the battery is continually being drained and it's not worn out .