This service bulletin provides information on the proper Reflective High Temperature Heat and/or Insulating Tape to use for certain repairs, such as Wiring Harness Repairs.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Chevrolet Spark electrical problems
moderate 27 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
27
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
When does it fail?
Of the 27 electrical complaints filed for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 27 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 5 model years of Chevrolet Spark in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Chevrolet Spark electrical system shows persistent defects across multiple systems. Windshield wiper relay failures (KR12B) are misdiagnosed as motor problems, requiring fuse-block replacement with limited parts availability. Door locks cycle rapidly on their own without input, creating child safety risks. A failed security module once locked out the engine in a parked vehicle, leaving an owner stranded. Radio hardware fails after the dealer performs software recalls and drains the battery when powered off.
Engine stalling occurs daily at stops and during turns despite multiple dealership visits where technicians cannot replicate the issue. Speedometer and RPM fluctuate constantly. The air conditioning only cools above 40 mph—useless at idle or in traffic. One owner spent $7,000 across seven service visits without a successful repair for cold stalls and limp-mode failures. Steering wheel controls lack illumination in pre-November 2012 models, forcing drivers to look away from the road at night; GM fixed this in later production but refuses to retrofit earlier units. Dealerships frequently cannot diagnose problems, and when they do, GM sometimes denies warranty coverage or claims engineers are "still working on repairs" with no timeline. One owner's key broke four times in two years due to design where the fob base is oversized relative to the key itself.
Same Chevrolet Spark electrical reports on nearby years: 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Windshield wiper relay failure
KR12B windshield wiper relay internal to the UHFB fuse-block becomes inoperable, often misdiagnosed as a wiper motor failure. Owner reports replacing a wiper motor unnecessarily after testing showed it was bad, only to learn the relay was the actual cause.
When: 27,661 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield wipers non-functional
Repairs/costs cited: Requires fuse-block replacement; parts availability extremely limited. Owner paid over $100 diagnostic fee plus parts markup and labor.
Radio hardware failure after safety recall
Radio develops hardware issues following completion of a safety recall for software updates. Buttons stop responding to touch; dealership could not identify the specific hardware failure despite the issue occurring immediately after recall work. Owner had to use extended warranty to cover replacement.
When: Post-recall, approximately 1 month after service
Symptoms owners cite: Radio buttons not responding to touch; radio unresponsive
Repairs/costs cited: Radio replacement required; owner paid $100 deductible out of pocket. Extended warranty covered remainder. GM refused reimbursement citing expired bumper-to-bumper warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM stated the recall was for software issues only, not safety-related; declined to reimburse owner.
Multiple electrical system faults with cascading symptoms
Complex electrical fault affecting multiple vehicle systems simultaneously—speedometer fluctuation, tire pressure warning, check engine light, power steering dropout, acceleration surging—triggered by a failed OnStar module. Vehicle entered limp mode with 30 mph speed restriction and all dashboard warning lights flashing. Problem recurred repeatedly after multiple dealership visits and engineer involvement; brake warning light cycles on and off unpredictably.
When: Occurred after approximately one month of ownership; recurred four times over several weeks
Symptoms owners cite: Odometer fluctuation and speed display failure; low tire pressure warning light illuminated; check engine light on; power steering intermittent; acceleration surges and fluctuation; all dashboard lights flashing; speedometer non-functional; speed limited to 30 mph; brake warning light cycles on/off repeatedly
Codes mentioned: Check engine light triggered
Repairs/costs cited: OnStar module replacement attempted; engineer consultation required. Problem unresolved after four service visits totaling weeks without the vehicle.
Door locks cycling on and off rapidly
Door locks cycle between locked and unlocked rapidly without owner input, creating a child safety hazard. Owner was unable to keep vehicle unlocked, with child locked inside in a car seat. Locks continued cycling immediately after unlocking.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Door locks engage and disengage rapidly without input; inability to keep doors unlocked
Steering wheel control illumination absent
Steering wheel-mounted controls (cruise control, audio, hands-free phone) do not illuminate when headlights are on at night, creating a visibility and safety hazard. GM remedied this issue in models manufactured after November 2012, but refused to fix pre-November 2012 units. Owners must turn on dome lights or take eyes off road to locate buttons.
When: Vehicles manufactured prior to November 2012; GM began illuminating controls for November 12 and later builds
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel controls not illuminated at night; cruise control buttons not visible in dark; inability to see audio controls in low light
Repairs/costs cited: No factory repair available for pre-November 2012 models; GM refuses to retrofit.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledged the problem and corrected it in newer production but will not fix earlier models.
Engine stalling at stops and during turns
Engine shuts off while coming to a stop or slowing down, including mid-turn in traffic. Speed and RPM fluctuate throughout driving. Cruise control function affected. Occurs daily, particularly at traffic lights, forcing owner to monitor throttle before crossing intersections to avoid stalling in traffic.
When: Recurring daily during normal operation
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls during deceleration; engine stalls during turns; RPM fluctuation; speedometer fluctuation; cruise control malfunction; power loss at stops
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to duplicate the condition despite two service attempts.
A/C ineffective at idle and low speeds
Air conditioning fails to cool the cabin when vehicle is at idle or traveling below approximately 40 mph, only functioning when sustained highway speeds are reached. Stops cooling immediately when vehicle slows or stops. Dealership suggested cabin filter blockage and recommended service; neither resolved the issue. GM engineers reportedly still working on a repair with no timeline.
When: First noticed at first oil change (approximately 15,000 miles); issue persisted into September with no resolution
Symptoms owners cite: A/C blows warm air at idle; A/C blows warm air below 40 mph; A/C cooling only above 40 mph; lack of cooling at red lights and stop signs
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced cabin filter; performed 15,000-mile service—neither helped. No repair available.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM engineers reportedly working on a repair; no solution provided.
Security module lockout
Vehicle security module failed while parked and locked, triggering anti-theft engine lockout as if the vehicle had been stolen. Owner stranded 60 miles from home; replacement module obtained quickly but could not be reprogrammed due to key availability issues. Vehicle remained disabled for six days.
When: Occurred unexpectedly while parked; vehicle relatively new at time of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Engine locked out by security module; vehicle unable to start
Repairs/costs cited: Module replacement needed; key reprogramming delayed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership advised no prior incidents of this type on any GM vehicle; provided loaner only to owner, not to 20-year-old driver.
Vehicle starts independently while in park
Vehicle engine starts on its own without key input while vehicle is in park. All interior lights illuminate during event. Requires manual key insertion and ignition shut-off to stop. Recurred on numerous occasions. Dealership unable to diagnose or repair.
When: At 32,800 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cranks and starts without key input; all interior lights illuminate; engine starts in park
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to diagnose or repair.
Alarm system and door lock failures
Door locks open and close independently without driver input while alarm system fails. Dealership unable to determine root cause.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Door locks open and close without input; alarm system failure
Repairs/costs cited: Cause could not be determined; vehicle not repaired.
Radio drains battery when vehicle is off
Radio turns itself on after vehicle is shut off and driver exits, draining the battery. Owner attempts to power off radio before exiting but it continues to activate, resulting in dead battery on subsequent startup. Dealership diagnostics cost over $90 with no resolution offered.
When: At 45,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Radio self-activates when car is off; radio will not remain off; battery drain overnight
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership quoted over $90 for diagnostic work only.
Broken key fob and base
Key fob and base are oversized relative to the key itself, causing repeated breakage. Owner has had key replaced and repaired super-glued multiple times. Similar issue exists on other Chevrolet models with recalls; Spark has not been recalled for the same defect.
When: Broke four times over two-year ownership period
Symptoms owners cite: Key fob breaks repeatedly; key base separates from key; fob too large for key
Repairs/costs cited: Key currently held together with super glue; on backorder for replacement at dealership.
Power loss on bumpy roads
Vehicle loses power for approximately five seconds when encountering bumps or rough road surfaces while pulling out or at normal speeds. Traction control light illuminates during event. Occurs even when pulling out from parking lots or side streets. Owner nearly hit twice; dealership unable to duplicate despite two service attempts. Blamed on vehicle's light weight.
When: Recurring during normal operation
Symptoms owners cite: Power loss on rough surfaces; traction control light illuminates; power loss at low speeds; power dropout on bumps
Codes mentioned: Traction control light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to replicate; stated issue is characteristic of light vehicle.
Engine stalling, misfiring, and limp mode with rough idle
Engine stalls on cold start; after reaching operating temperature, RPMs fluctuate and engine misfires. Vehicle suddenly entered limp mode during highway driving at 70 mph with no way to recover power; engine light flashed on and off and traction control light remained on. Vehicle would not shift into higher gears. Owner and passenger nearly struck by other vehicles. Dealership unable to diagnose across seven service visits; $7,000 spent without resolution.
When: Cold starts and recurring throughout operation
Symptoms owners cite: Hard cold start; RPM fluctuation after warm-up; engine misfire; limp mode engagement; engine light flashing; traction control light on; inability to shift gears; loss of acceleration
Codes mentioned: Engine light on, Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: $7,000 spent at dealership with no successful diagnosis or repair.
Rear brake lights non-functional
Both rear brake lights fail to illuminate. Owner pulled over by police and issued fix-it ticket. Officer observed vehicle at multiple stops (4+) before stopping owner, indicating consistent brake light failure.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Both rear brake lights out; no brake light illumination
Unintended acceleration with clutch engaged
Vehicle accelerates on its own even when clutch pedal is fully engaged. Engine sounds rough as if it will fail and exhibits stop-and-go acceleration surges. Occurs at 53,000 miles after multiple dealership visits.
When: At 53,000 miles; recurring after multiple service visits
Symptoms owners cite: Unintended acceleration with clutch in; rough engine noise; surging acceleration; stop-and-go power delivery
Engine light and traction control malfunction during highway driving
While driving on interstate at 70 mph, engine light flashes on and off and traction control light remains on. Vehicle loses speed and will not shift into higher gears; remains in low RPM, high-load state. Owner nearly involved in serious accident.
When: During highway driving at speed
Symptoms owners cite: Engine light flashing; traction control light on; loss of speed; inability to shift gears; stuck in low gear
Codes mentioned: Engine light, Traction control light
A/C compressor failure
Air conditioning unit fails while stopped at traffic light. Dealership diagnosis indicated compressor replacement required; vehicle not repaired.
When: At approximately 5,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: A/C stops cooling while at stop; A/C unit failure
Repairs/costs cited: A/C compressor replacement needed per dealership diagnosis.
Speedometer display malfunction
Speedometer fails to display correct vehicle speed during various driving conditions. Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired.
When: At 14,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer does not display correct speed; speed display inaccurate
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired.
Engine noise with hesitation on gear change
Loud noise from engine; vehicle slow to start and hesitates when changing gears. Ventilation controls fail to activate heating and air conditioning. Dealership unable to replicate failures across five service visits.
When: At approximately 4,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud engine noise; slow to start; hesitation on gear change; ventilation controls non-functional
Repairs/costs cited: Taken to dealer five times; failures could not be replicated.
Airbag control module failure
Airbag system control module failed. Error code 95 displayed on message board indicating need for replacement. Vehicle not repaired.
When: At 59,441 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Error code 95 on display; airbag system warning
Codes mentioned: Code 95
Repairs/costs cited: Airbag control module replacement required per dealership diagnosis; not completed.
Computer failure during recall service
Vehicle's computer failed as a direct result of work performed during NHTSA recall campaign 16V422000 (electrical system). Reprogramming needed during recall repair caused computer to fail.
When: During recall service work
Symptoms owners cite: Computer failure; computer requires reprogramming
Repairs/costs cited: Computer failure occurred during recall repair work requiring reprogramming.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failure.
Synthesized from 27 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
About a month ago my car, while driving, started acting up. My odometer would fluctuate and not give me my speed, my lower tire pressure came on, my check engine light came on, power steering would go in and out, and acceleration would fluctuate. I brought it in to be looked at, after 3 days of hearing nothing I called and they told me something was wrong with the onstar module. After 4 days of…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet spark. The contact stated that a warning error message (code 95) displayed across the message board. The vehicle was taken to the dealer were it was diagnosed that the control module for the air bag system failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,441.
Had electrical trouble with your 2013 Chevrolet Spark?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2013 Chevrolet Spark?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 27 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 5,000 and 45,000 miles, with the median around 24,163. A quarter of owners report trouble before 5,000; a quarter make it past 45,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Chevrolet/Spark.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.