2013 CHEVROLET SPARK Complaints and Recall Information
The 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK has 4 complaints and 8 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report engine stalling, fluctuating RPMs, and misfires. One complaint describes the vehicle entering limp mode unexpectedly, creating a dangerous driving condition, with a dealership unable to diagnose or fix the problem after costly repairs. Another complaint notes a completed recall that still shows as incomplete on the NHTSA website.
- Engine stalling. The vehicle stalls when started and while driving, leading to sudden limp mode activation.
- RPM fluctuation. RPMs fluctuate once the vehicle reaches operating temperature.
- Engine misfire. Misfires occur alongside RPM fluctuations and stalling incidents.
- Limp mode activation. The vehicle enters limp mode unexpectedly and temporarily loses throttle response.
- Diagnostic challenges. Dealerships report being unable to identify or resolve the cause despite expensive repairs.
- Recall completion status. Owner states a recall was performed but remains recorded as incomplete on official records.
The 2013 CHEVROLET SPARK has 8 recalls affecting various systems including airbags, hood latches, and radio software. These recalls address safety defects related to airbag deployment, hood latch corrosion risking unexpected hood opening, and warning chime failures tied to theft protection and seatbelt reminders.
- Passenger airbag inflator (14V298000). A defective weld may prevent airbag deployment in 61 vehicles manufactured between December 2012 and March 2013. The risk is increased injury to the front passenger. GM will replace the airbag free of charge.
- Hood latch corrosion (14V593000). Approximately 89,294 vehicles from 2013 to 2015 have a secondary hood latch that may corrode and fail to engage, increasing crash risk. GM will replace the striker with improved corrosion protection.
- Hood latch corrosion expansion (22V640000). A revised recall covering 120,688 vehicles expands the previous hood latch recall, with dealers replacing both hood striker and latch assemblies free of charge. It supersedes recall 14V593000.
- Radio warning chime failure (16V257000). In 317,572 vehicles with Bring Your Own Media radios, the chime warning for leaving keys in the ignition after 10 minutes may fail, increasing theft risk. Dealers will update radio software at no cost.
- Radio warning chime failure repeat (16V257000). The same chime failure recall also addresses FMVSS 114 theft protection compliance across Chevrolet Spark and similar models.
- Seatbelt and key-in-ignition chime failure (16V422000). In 18,780 vehicles, radios may fail to emit audible warnings for unfastened seatbelts or keys left in ignition. This violates FMVSS 208 and 114. GM will notify owners and update software.
- Seatbelt and key-in-ignition chime failure repeat (16V422000). This recall duplicates the previous software update recall for compliance issues related to occupant protection and theft protection.
Owners who face repeated repairs for unresolved stalling and limp mode issues, or those affected by multiple safety recalls, may have rights under their state’s lemon law. Consulting an attorney specializing in consumer protection can help determine eligibility for legal remedies.
2013 CHEVROLET SPARK Summary
2013
Model Year
4
Total Complaints
5
Total Recalls
546395
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2013 CHEVROLET SPARK
120688 vehicles affected
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark EV vehicles. The secondary hood latch may corrode at the latch pivot, preventing the hood latch from properly engaging.
Risk: A hood latch failure can result in the vehicle's hood opening unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
2013 CHEVROLET SPARK
18780 vehicles affected
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
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 leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."
Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
2013 CHEVROLET SPARK
317572 vehicles affected
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
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 leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."
Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
2013 CHEVROLET SPARK
89294 vehicles affected
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
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 hood latch.
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 vehicle crash.
2013 CHEVROLET SPARK
61 vehicles affected
AIR BAGS
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 result in the air bag not deploying.
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.
Complaints
2013 CHEVROLET SPARK
ID: 2100561UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I got the recall done but it still shows not done on the NHTSA website
2013 CHEVROLET SPARK
ID: 2064424FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 almost got run off the road but after a few minutes of pressing the gas pedal it finally started to move. Dealership is unable to fix problem because they can’t even figure out what it is $7000.00 later and no one can figure out the problem. This is a lemon and Chevy should be recalling all Chevy spark before someone gets hurt.
2013 CHEVROLET SPARK
ID: 2064423ENGINE
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 almost got run off the road but after a few minutes of pressing the gas pedal it finally started to move. Dealership is unable to fix problem because they can’t even figure out what it is $7000.00 later and no one can figure out the problem. This is a lemon and Chevy should be recalling all Chevy spark before someone gets hurt.
2013 CHEVROLET SPARK
ID: 2064422ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 almost got run off the road but after a few minutes of pressing the gas pedal it finally started to move. Dealership is unable to fix problem because they can’t even figure out what it is $7000.00 later and no one can figure out the problem. This is a lemon and Chevy should be recalling all Chevy spark before someone gets hurt.