Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 146 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Chevrolet Spark, and it carries 5 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 19 | 13% |
| Unknown or other | 13 | 9% |
| Engine | 13 | 9% |
| Electrical system | 9 | 6% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 8 | 5% |
| Air bags | 7 | 5% |
| Structure | 6 | 4% |
| Service brakes | 5 | 3% |
| Power train | 5 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 3 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
I got the recall done but it still shows not done on the NHTSA website
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
Vehicle stalls when started, after vehicle is up to temp the rpm’s fluctuate and vehicle misfires. I was driving down the road when all of a sudden the car went into limp mode I couldn’t do anything and me and my son alm
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle was not able to accelerate above 30 MPH. The c
NHTSA complaint: Power train
My Spark's alarm kept going off. They replaced a module, Bob McCosh Dealer. They also said my radio was bad and had to be replaced. 615$. I said "Just disconnect the radio, I don't need it". Problem solved...I thought. W
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Spark. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V257000 (Equipment, Electrical System) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local deal
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The locks will lock and unlock very quickly. I got out of the vehicle but the vehicle quickly locked back locking my son([XXX] who was strapped in his carseat) in there. i pressed unlock but it immediately kept locking
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
2013 CHEVEROLET SPARK- Consumer doesn't feel safe driving vehicle. Consumer received safety recall letter- GM Recall # A222359300- Hood Striker & Hood Latch Assembly. Consumer contacted Chevrolet and was told the part
NHTSA complaint: Latches/locks/linkages
The secondary hood latch lever problem was discovered in August 2022. I received a letter at the beginning of October 2022. I called to have my vehicle repaired but was advised that the parts were not available. I call
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leave
Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number fo
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured April 10, 2013, to May 8, 2013, and Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured December 30, 2012, to March 1, 2013. In the affected vehicles, an improper weld on the passenger side front air bag inflator may
Risk: If the air bag does not to deploy in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the front passenger.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side front air bag, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured January 17, 2012, to July 29, 2014. The secondary hood latch may prematurely corrode at the latch pivot causing the striker to get stuck out of position, preventing it from properly engaging the
Risk: If the secondary hood latch corrodes causing the latch to be stuck out of position, and the primary hood latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the striker with a new part which has superior corrosion protection, free of charge. The recall began on January 7, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and
Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-8
| Reliability raw | 54 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 66 | good |
| Maintenance | 84 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 78 | good |
| Performance | 36 | below average |
| Efficiency | 57 | average |
Percentile ranks against other compact cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 146 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and power train is the most reported area with 19 of them (13%). There are 5 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 54/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 66/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2013 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 65/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.