Model year record

2015 Chevrolet Spark recalls & problems

The 2015 Chevrolet Spark has 5 safety recalls and 77 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is power train (26 complaints).

Recalls5safety recalls

Complaints77filed by owners

Crashes · fires4 · 1reported in complaints

NHTSA overall4 ★crash-test stars

2015 Chevrolet Spark in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Latches/locks/linkagesAug 25, 2022

Hood › Latch

Recall 22V640000120,688 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: Dealers will replace the hood striker assembly and hood latch assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 12, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A222359300. This recall supersedes and expands NHTSA recall number 14V-593. Vehicles previously repaired under 14V-593 will need to have the new remedy performed.

Electrical systemJun 10, 2016

Software

Recall 16V42200018,780 vehicles

Problem: 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.
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 for this recall is 45340.

Components: Electrical system › Software; Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.

Electrical systemApr 28, 2016

Software

Recall 16V257000317,572 vehicles

Problem: 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.
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 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.

Components: Electrical system › Software; Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.

EquipmentJun 30, 2015

Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.

Recall 15V41600045,785 vehicles

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 20, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured June 18, 2014, to June 10, 2015. In the affected vehicles, equipped with the base radio and OnStar, the radio may lock up due to a software issue, causing the display to go blank and all audio functions to cease. Because of this, there may be no warning chimes such as the reminder to buckle the seat belt and the key being left in ignition when the driver goes to exit the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208 "Occupant Crash Protection", and 114 "Theft Protection."
Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft. If a driver or front passenger does not buckle their seat belt, there would be no chime to remind them to fasten their seat belts. If a driver or passenger does not buckle their seat belt there is an increased risk that they will be injured in a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15504.

Latches/locks/linkagesSep 24, 2014

Hood › Latch

Recall 14V59300089,294 vehicles

Problem: 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.
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 customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14456.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2015 Chevrolet Spark 5 HB FWD

Overall★★★★★

Frontal crash	★★★★★
Side crash	★★★★★
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	17.9%

2015 Chevrolet Spark NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

2015 Chevrolet Spark NHTSA side pole crash test — NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Spark

34mpg combined

City / highway	31 / 38 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $1,950/year to fuel

Spark

33mpg combined

City / highway	30 / 37 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,050/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Power trainAutomatic transmission › Internal › Gears	26	0	0	0	60,000 mi
Engine	11	0	0	1	21,291 mi
Electrical system	9	0	0	0	78,652 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	7	0	0	0	29,050 mi
Vehicle speed control	7	2	0	2	39,000 mi
Unknown or other	6	0	1	0	—
Air bags	5	2	0	1	28,000 mi
StructureBody	4	0	0	3	—
Service brakes	4	0	0	0	21,770 mi
Latches/locks/linkages	4	0	0	0	—
Seat beltsFront	4	0	0	0	—
Exterior lighting	2	0	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Power train
This vehicle was serviced 3 different times. The first being a complete new transmission (so they said) being put in. A few days later same thing like it was running in limp mode. 2 nd trip back to a GM dealership(Same one) set for weeks. Called said it was fixed. Said the battery was dead. Charged me for a new battery. Same thing git home started jerking very unsafe. Cleared GM Corporate. They said they would contact the dealership for another assessment. This time they charged me for a Mass Sir Flow repair. Started home. Same exact thing. Called GM today and they said take it back. I said not there. They said for me to tow it to another dealership on my dime. At this point I called the WV…
Nov 24, 2024
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Spark. The vehicle was purchased from a private seller. The contact became nauseated after driving the vehicle for the second time. The contactâs throat, chest, and eyes hurt, and his head was pulsating; the contact was unable to think clearly. No medical attention was received. The contact used an air quality meter to test the inside of the vehicle, which showed "Seriously bad air quality,â but there was no odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle had not been driven since experiencing the symptoms. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The…
Feb 18, 2026 · 59,392 miles
Vehicle speed control
INCIDENT SUMMARY In February 2025, while driving on the freeway, my vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of power. The battery rapidly depleted without warning, causing the vehicle to decelerate dangerously in moving traffic. A Stabilitrak warning appeared on the display. I was fortunate to reach the shoulder safely, but this failure created an extremely hazardous situation that could have resulted in serious injury or death. Following this incident, the vehicle became completely inoperable and required towing to Stewart Chevrolet for diagnosis. DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSIS Stewart Chevrolet performed a diagnostic evaluation (cost: $700) and provided the following official findings:…
Feb 11, 2025
Power train
Vehicle: 2015 Chevrolet Spark, odometer <79,000 miles Component that failed: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) â pulley damage causing complete loss of propulsion.What happened: While driving, the vehicle suddenly lost all motive power with no ability to accelerate. The transmission would not engage in any gear and the car became inoperable in traffic. This is the exact failure described in GM Special Coverage Bulletin N192271110 (pulley damage in 2014â2015 Spark CVT). Safety risk: Complete and unexpected loss of propulsion created an immediate safety hazard. The vehicle could not accelerate from a stop or maintain speed, placing my 15-year-old son and other motorists at risk of…
Oct 8, 2025
Engine
This report concerns a known CVT defect and subsequent TCM failure that left the vehicle unsafe and inoperable. The vehicle suffered internal CVT failure consistent with GM Special Coverage N192271110. After the first transmission failed in May 2024 (and the second time October 5 2025), the TCM failed again shortly after the second failureâconsistent with GM Preliminary Information Bulletin PIP5525A. Critical Safety Details: Both failures occurred while driving on highways with heavy traffic, where speed limits were 75 mph. On each occasion, the vehicle lost power and became unable to accelerate safely, presenting a serious safety risk to me and other drivers. GM is refusing coverage…
Oct 5, 2025
Engine
Vehicle began slipping out of gear between 1st & 2nd, then started losing power at 74,760 miles. Extended service coverage has been issued for model for CVT transmission pulley system, however only covers 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Mine apparently timed out in February, so they are trying to make me get a new transmission which basically totals out the car I spent a fortune on to buy & in repairs at under 75,000 miles. This is unacceptable.
Sep 26, 2025
Power train
My 2015 Chevy Spark has had repeated transmission failures related to GM Special Coverage N192271110. The first failure happened in May 2024, I was driving on 1-25 when the transmission went out and I lost all speed and my car was in the shop for five months before I finally got it back in October 2024. Unfortunately, on October 5, 2025, the transmission failed again. I was driving on I-76 speed limit of 75 MPH when my car transmission went out and I lost speed.
Oct 5, 2025
Electrical system
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Spark. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V257000 (Equipment, Electrical Systems). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the radio software needed to be updated. The dealer informed the contact that to complete the software upgrade, the dealer had to reprogram the radio USB portion to complete the upgrade. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the radio image was inoperable. The contact stated that the radio image appeared blank. Additionally, the Bluetooth feature failed to function properly. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed…
Aug 8, 2025 · 129,173 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.