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ProblemsByVin File / 2016-CHEVROLET-SPARK
2016 · chevrolet

chevrolet Spark problems

0 safety recalls. 42 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
8.2 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

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Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 4 categories with 3+ complaints

brakes
19 reports · avg $450
severe
airbags
5 reports · avg $1,100
severe
electrical
4 reports · avg $850
severe
powertrain
3 reports · avg $2,500
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2016 Spark · electrical
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET SPARK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ENTERTAINMENT SCREEN AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE…
12/21/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10936779.0
2016 Spark · visibility
THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED OPERATING WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY IN THE RAIN. THE CAR WAS AT HIGHWAY SPEED. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THE MECHANIC FOUND THE WIPER MOTOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND PULLED TOO MUCH AMPERAGE THAT IT BURNED INTERNAL FUSE BOX RELAY. WIPER MOTOR AND FUSE BOX…
12/15/2020 · NHTSA ODI #11383516.0
2016 Spark · electrical
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…
12/10/2025 · NHTSA ODI #11704345.0
2016 Spark · airbags Crash
The contact owned a 2016 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was T-bone crashed into on the driver's side by a second vehicle. During the crash, the driver-side curtain air bags did not immediately deploy. The contact…
10/20/2023 · NHTSA ODI #11550953.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Common questions

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Spark reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.2 out of 10 based on 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Chevrolet Spark is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2016 Chevrolet Spark?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is brakes, with 19 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The brakes is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Chevrolet Spark has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 Chevrolet Spark?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 42 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $450, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 14 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with chevrolet. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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