This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Chevrolet Spark engine problems
moderate 21 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
21
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 21 engine complaints filed for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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 service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to oil in system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to oil in system.
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
Owners describe the 2013 Spark as prone to sudden engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with no warning. Between 7,000 and 15,000 miles, several owners report the engine simply stops on highways and won't restart without towing. Check engine lights come on, sometimes with shaking and loss of power. Dealers have ordered replacement engines in multiple cases, but one owner reports the replacement engine failed again within 10 miles. Other owners note engine knocking, excessive oil consumption (one owner lost 3 quarts in 2,000 miles), and cylinders out of round requiring replacement.
A/C malfunction is consistent across multiple narratives: the system cools while driving but blows warm air at idle—a serious issue in hot climates. Owners have visited dealerships four to six times with no fix. GM acknowledged the problem under case number PIC5858A and told at least one dealership the vehicle was designed to operate that way, even after compressor and expansion valve replacement.
Additional complaints include a loud humming or buzzing from the fuel pump, excessive fuel consumption (24.9 mpg instead of expected 34 mpg), and an engine that continues running after the ignition is shut off. One used-car buyer got the vehicle running immediately after purchase and had it towed within six days.
Same Chevrolet Spark engine reports on nearby years: 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling/loss of power
Engine shuts down without warning while driving, sometimes with hesitation and sluggish acceleration beforehand. Check engine light frequently illuminates. Vehicle may restart after stalling or may require towing.
When: Between 7,000 and 15,000 miles; some cases after highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts down without warning; Loss of power while driving; Engine hesitation; Check engine light illumination; Engine warning indicator on startup; Sluggish acceleration; Shaking engine
Codes mentioned: PCV recall-related damage suspected (narrative #2)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; one owner reported second engine failure within 10 miles of replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: PCV recall performed on some vehicles; GM engineers investigating via case numbers; no permanent fix identified
Engine mechanical failure / cylinder damage
Engine develops internal defects requiring replacement. One case reports cylinder #4 out of round; excessive oil consumption and knocking sounds reported. Engine seizing mentioned by owners as common complaint.
When: 15,000 to 40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Knocking sound from engine; Excessive oil consumption; Engine requiring replacement; Engine seizing
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement; one case had repeated failure on replacement engine
Fuel pump noise / humming buzzing whistling
Persistent humming, buzzing, or whistling noise emanating from rear of vehicle when running. Noise audible inside and outside vehicle, whether stationary or moving. Owner reports it has worsened over time.
When: From day of purchase (vehicle had 56k miles); noise present continuously
Symptoms owners cite: Humming noise from rear of vehicle; Buzzing noise; Whistling noise; Noise audible at idle and while driving; Noise gets worse over time
Repairs/costs cited: Faulty fuel pump identified; estimated repair cost $500
A/C inoperative at idle
Air conditioning fails to cool when vehicle is idling but functions normally while driving. Multiple warranty service calls and multiple part replacements (expansion valve, compressor, system recharge) have not resolved the issue. GM acknowledged as engineering problem with case number PIC5858A.
When: Starting June 2013 for some vehicles; affects multiple model years in cluster
Symptoms owners cite: A/C blows warm air at idle; A/C cools when driving; A/C stops cooling at traffic lights and stop signs; A/C cycles off for 30-40 seconds during operation
Codes mentioned: PIC5858A: INSUFFICIENT A/C PERFORMANCE AT IDLE
Repairs/costs cited: Expansion valve replaced; compressor replaced; system drained and recharged; compressor replaced again in another case (6 dealer visits); none resolved issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledged engineering problem PIC5858A; engineers working on repair; GM designed system to operate this way per one dealership
Excessive oil consumption
Engine consumes oil at abnormal rate between service intervals. Owner noted significant oil loss (3 quarts in 2,000 miles) occurring before scheduled service.
When: 2,000 miles prior to scheduled service; ongoing since February 2014 for one owner
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive oil loss between services; No visible oil leakage at dealer inspection
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; owner reports dealer found no visible leakage
Excessive fuel consumption
Vehicle burns fuel at abnormal rate, achieving significantly lower fuel economy than expected. Two owners report identical consumption figure (24.9 mpg) when 34 mpg expected for mixed city/highway driving.
When: Ongoing issue for affected vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive gas consumption; Lower than expected fuel economy; Strong sulfur odor from exhaust occasionally
Engine continues running after ignition off
Engine remains running after ignition key is turned off. Occurs after highway driving of more than 20 miles.
When: After highway driving trips of 20+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine runs after ignition turned off; Growling noise from engine while driving
Synthesized from 21 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet spark. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 7,000.
Our daughter was driving home on the interstate for a visit from college. Warning lights came on and the car began to shake so she pulled over just as the car's engine turned itself off. She tried to re-start the car and after several attempts it started but was shaky and all lights were flashing. We had car towed to nearest dealer, they told us the engine failed and it would have to be…
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2013 Chevrolet Spark?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 21 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 21 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 10,492 and 42,000 miles, with the median around 28,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 10,492; a quarter make it past 42,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.