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2016 Chevrolet Spark airbags problems

severe Owners of the 2016 Chevrolet Spark have filed 5 NHTSA complaints about the airbags at roughly $1,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See airbags across all vehicles →

Complaints
5
Recalls
1
Avg fix
$1,100
airbags complaints on the Chevrolet Spark, by model year
Model yearairbags complaints
2013 Spark 12
2014 Spark 9
2015 Spark 4
2016 Spark (this page) 5
2017 Spark 5
2019 Spark 6
2020 Spark 6
2crashes
1injury

When does it fail?

Of the 5 airbags complaints filed for the 2016 Chevrolet Spark, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.

0-25k
2 (50%)
25-50k
1 (25%)
50-75k
1 (25%)
75-100k
0 (0%)
100-125k
0 (0%)
125-150k
0 (0%)
150k+
0 (0%)

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.

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 17V307000 May 9, 2017

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Chevrolet Spark vehicles

In the event of a crash with a frontal air bag deployment, an unbelted child in the front passenger seat has an increased risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2017. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17199.

Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins

The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags 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.

Service Bulletin PIC5650J Jul 2021

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin 16NA246 Aug 2016

THIS INFORMATIONAL BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION ON LOCATING AND RECONNECTING AIRBAG CONNECTORS THAT ARE NOT FULLY SEATED TO CORRECT A CUSTOMER CONCERN OF AN AIRBAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED, OR ONE, OR MORE, AIRBAG DTC(S) SET.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.

What owners are reporting 4 most recent

airbags · 44,813 mi · filed 10/20/2023

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 indicated that the air bag deployed approximately one minute after the crash had occurred. The driver sustained torso bruises…

airbags · 2,000 mi · filed 10/01/2016

My vehicle has been recalled, and my local Chevrolet dealership has scheduled an appointment for 2 weeks from now. It is unacceptable to allow your customers to drive a vehicle that you designed with dangerous flaws for any amount of time. It is incomprehensible that this recall is not being taken with urgency and care. Someone has died because of this issue. In addition, gm appears to not feel…

airbags · 4,500 mi · filed 09/21/2016

Gotten into a minor accident and the airbags did not deploy and the seat belt tensioner did not work. No injuries since it was under 15mph, but I am concerned that this was caused from the defect before the recall effort.

airbags · 53,500 mi · filed 08/05/2020

Feb 2018 I received an error message while driving for a code 95. After review I determined it was an air bag error message. I took it to mk smith in chino, ca and they replaced the passenger air bag module. July 2020 I received the same code 95 air bag warning message. I took it back to mk smith in chino, ca and they told me the same passenger air bag module needs to be replaced. I asked if they…

Had airbags trouble with your 2016 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 airbags problem on the 2016 Chevrolet Spark?

It's a meaningful issue. 5 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.

At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?

Based on the 5 complaints filed, airbags issues most often appear around 24,569 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags 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 airbags?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover airbags issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.

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/2016/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.
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