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ProblemsByVin File / 2017-CHEVROLET-SPARK NHTSA data synced 4 days ago
2017 · Chevrolet

Chevrolet Spark problems

Light NHTSA footprint — 27 owner complaints and 1 active recall campaign. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.

0 5 10
Reliability score
8.2 / 10

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

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Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2017 Spark?
Generally reliable

Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 3 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
7 reports · fails ~66,667 mi · avg $2,500
moderate
airbags
5 reports · fails ~13,435 mi · avg $1,100
severe
brakes
4 reports · fails ~48,030 mi · avg $450
severe
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2017 Spark's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2017 Spark?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2017 Spark · brakes
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet spark. While driving 35 MPH, the brakes seized without warning. The contact pulled over and stopped the vehicle. When the vehicle was turned off and restarted, it resumed normal operation and was driven home. Capital Chevrolet Buick GMC of…
12/26/2019 · at 54,990 mi · NHTSA ODI #11291355.0 · see brakes pattern →
2017 Spark · steering Crash
At railway parking lot, first car blocked when backing out of space. After 3 tries, able to move on, exiting lot and about to turn right into street, car swerved hard right by itself and loudly hit curb. Passenger side wheel and tire totally damaged. I had to get it towed to…
10/24/2020 · at 5,400 mi · NHTSA ODI #11366149.0
2017 Spark · engine
As I was idling up behind the car in front of me at a 4-way stop, and braking gently, my engine puttered out and turned off. I was able to restart the car after putting it in park and turning the ignition off then back on.
10/15/2018 · at 8,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11140442.0
2017 Spark · powertrain
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…
10/14/2020 · at 40,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11364356.0 · see powertrain pattern →
View all 27 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2017 Chevrolet Spark? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

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

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

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.

Common questions

Is the 2017 Chevrolet Spark reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.2 out of 10 based on 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 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.

Should you avoid the 2017 Chevrolet Spark?

On the NHTSA data, the 2017 Chevrolet Spark does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.2/10 — above the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2017 Chevrolet Spark?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 7 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 66,667 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 66,667 miles. 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 2017 Chevrolet Spark?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 27 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, 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 are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Chevrolet/Spark. 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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