The Lemon Index2013 Chevrolet Spark.
The 2013 Chevrolet Spark is worse than average by owner complaints: 96 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 166, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 31 to 34 mpg combined. The best Chevrolet Spark year is 2021.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 146 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Spark year. 2013 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 10K to 49K miles on the car (112 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 15K–47K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 11K–51K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 2K–30K miles
Recalls 5
- latches/locks/linkages 2022
The secondary hood latch may corrode at the latch pivot, preventing the hood latch from properly engaging.
- electrical 2016
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.
- equipment 2016
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.
Show all 5 recalls
- latches/locks/linkages 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.
- airbags 2014
In the affected vehicles, an improper weld on the passenger side front air bag inflator may result in the air bag not deploying.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Chevy told dealers about
Chevy sent dealers 1450 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Dtc code p0705 this causes intermittent lack of power
- On some trucks and passenger vehicles, accessory power outlets (apo) and trailer lighting are
- Due to premature wear of positive crankcase ventilation (pcv) valve, excessive engine oil
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Spark 5 DR FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1900–2050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.2L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Under emergency braking from 45mph the gear shifter slit forward to neutral without operator input.
2013 Chevrolet Spark owner · NHTSA complaint 10850916
More owner reports
Had to add almost 3 quarts of oil... 2,000 prior to scheduled service. 2,00 miles before warranty expires.
NHTSA complaint 10615649
Started hard then when driving it wouldn't shift gears. This is the second time it has done this.
NHTSA complaint 10667842
Quick answers
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Spark reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.7× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 166; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Chevrolet Spark year by this measure is 2021.
What are the most common 2013 Chevrolet Spark problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (27%), transmission & drivetrain (25%) and electrical (25%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 Chevrolet Spark have?
5 safety recalls (latest: latches/locks/linkages). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Chevrolet Spark get?
31 to 34 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2013 Chevrolet Spark problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 10,000 and 49,500 miles. The middle report was at 28,200 miles, from 112 complaints.
Does the 2013 Chevrolet Spark have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 25% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2013 Chevrolet Spark cost in fuel a year?
About $1900 to $2050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 Chevrolet Spark have?
1.2L 4-cyl.
What Chevrolet Spark year is better than the 2013?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2021, 2018 and 2019.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works