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Chevrolet · Known Issues

2013-2022 Chevrolet Spark Problems: 4 Known Issues

2013-2022 model years · 415+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 415+ owner reports, the 2013-2022 Chevrolet Spark has 4 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are CVT Transmission Shudder and Failure ($200-$4,500 repair) and Sensing Diagnostic Module Left in Manufacturing Mode - Air Bags May Not Deploy (Recall 18V774000). The most commonly reported issue is CVT Transmission Shudder and Failure with 220 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $4,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Spark Transmission1
  • Spark Safety/Recalls1
  • Spark Engine1
  • Spark Other1
  • Recalls1
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Transmission1
  • Safety/Recalls1
  • Engine1
  • Other1
  • Recalls1
  • FAQ

All 4 Known Issues

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Community reported
220 owners

The Spark's CVT (continuously variable transmission) develops shuddering during acceleration, particularly between 20-40 mph. The transmission can eventually fail completely, leaving the vehicle unable to move. The issue is linked to belt wear and pulley degradation.

This issue also affects: Buick Encore GX, Buick Envision, Cadillac CT6

Common Symptoms

  • Shuddering during light acceleration
  • Hesitation when pulling away from stops
  • Whining noise from transmission
  • Check engine light with transmission codes
  • Vehicle jerking at low speeds
  • RPM fluctuation during steady speed

How to Fix

Minor shudder may be temporarily improved with CVT fluid change using genuine GM fluid. Severe cases require transmission replacement as the CVT is not practically rebuildable.

Typical repair cost:$200 - $4,500

Research This Issue

Based on 220 owner reports

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Community Reported
High Confidence220 owner reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

GM recalled certain 2019 Chevrolet Spark hatchbacks because the Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) was not switched out of "manufacturing mode" before the car was delivered. In that state the SDM will not command the air bags to deploy in a crash, which GM says increases the risk of injury to occupants. This is a build/programming defect rather than a wear item - there is no mileage or driving condition that brings it on, and an affected Spark gives the owner no warning during normal driving. The recall covers 12 vehicles in total across all four models included in the campaign (Spark, Trax, Traverse and Buick Encore); that total is for the campaign as a whole.

Common Symptoms

  • Air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash

How to Fix

Dealers reprogram the SDM to the correct mode at no charge to the owner. Notification letters went out starting November 6, 2018, so if you bought your Spark used you may never have received one - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or call Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (GM recall number 18365) to confirm whether the repair was completed.

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
Community reported
195 owners

The 1.4L engine in the Spark is prone to premature ignition coil failure, often causing misfires and rough running. Individual coil packs fail due to heat soak in the tight engine bay. Spark plugs also wear faster than the recommended interval suggests.

This issue also affects: Buick LeSabre, Buick Park Avenue, Buick Cascada

Common Symptoms

  • Rough idle
  • Misfire under acceleration
  • Check engine light flashing
  • Reduced power and poor fuel economy
  • Engine stumbling at highway speed
  • Hard starting in cold weather

How to Fix

Replace the failed ignition coil pack. Recommended to replace all four coils and spark plugs at once since labor overlaps and remaining coils are likely near end of life.

Typical repair cost:$100 - $350

Research This Issue

Based on 195 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence195 owner reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

The Spark is notorious for inadequate A/C cooling in hot climates. The small 1.4L engine barely keeps up with accessory loads, and the undersized condenser and compressor struggle to cool the cabin above 90F ambient temperatures. This is partly a design limitation of the subcompact platform.

Common Symptoms

  • A/C blows lukewarm in hot weather
  • A/C struggles at idle
  • A/C works better at highway speed
  • Cabin takes very long to cool down

How to Fix

Verify refrigerant charge is at the correct level (do not overcharge). Replace the cabin air filter. Ensure the condenser is clean and free of debris. Aftermarket solutions include adding a condenser fan or upgrading to a slightly larger condenser. Using recirculate mode instead of fresh air helps significantly.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Cabin Air Filter
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Typical repair cost:$50 - $500

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium Confidence
NHTSA Recalls1 recall

AIR BAGS

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles. The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) on these vehicle may not have been turned off of "manufacturing mode," preventing the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.

Campaign #18V77400001/11/2018

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

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Other Chevrolet Models

Chevrolet Silverado 150078Chevrolet Corvette59Chevrolet Equinox58Chevrolet Malibu44Chevrolet Camaro40Chevrolet Traverse37

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chevrolet Spark problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 415+ owner reports, the 2013-2022 Chevrolet Spark has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Transmission Shudder and Failure, Sensing Diagnostic Module Left in Manufacturing Mode - Air Bags May Not Deploy (Recall 18V774000), Ignition Coil and Spark Plug Failure. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Chevrolet Spark reliable?

The 2013-2022 Chevrolet Spark has 4 known issues documented across 415+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: CVT Transmission Shudder and Failure and Sensing Diagnostic Module Left in Manufacturing Mode - Air Bags May Not Deploy (Recall 18V774000). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Chevrolet Spark problems?

Repair costs for known Chevrolet Spark issues range from $50 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, CVT Transmission Shudder and Failure, typically costs $200-$4,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Chevrolet Spark is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Chevrolet Spark. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2013-2022 Chevrolet Spark with 4 documented issues documented across 415+ owner reports.

What is the 2016-2022 Chevrolet Spark CVT Transmission Shudder and Failure?

The Spark's CVT (continuously variable transmission) develops shuddering during acceleration, particularly between 20-40 mph. The transmission can eventually fail completely, leaving the vehicle unable to move. The issue is linked to belt wear and pulley degradation. Repairs typically run $200-$4,500. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 415+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

What is the 2019 Chevrolet Spark Sensing Diagnostic Module Left in Manufacturing Mode - Air Bags May Not Deploy (Recall 18V774000)?

GM recalled certain 2019 Chevrolet Spark hatchbacks because the Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) was not switched out of "manufacturing mode" before the car was delivered. In that state the SDM will not command the air bags to deploy in a crash, which GM says increases the risk of… Severity: high.

What is the 2013-2022 Chevrolet Spark Ignition Coil and Spark Plug Failure?

The 1.4L engine in the Spark is prone to premature ignition coil failure, often causing misfires and rough running. Individual coil packs fail due to heat soak in the tight engine bay. Spark plugs also wear faster than the recommended interval suggests. Repairs typically run $100-$350. Severity: medium.

What is the 2013-2022 Chevrolet Spark Weak A/C Performance in Hot Weather?

The Spark is notorious for inadequate A/C cooling in hot climates. The small 1.4L engine barely keeps up with accessory loads, and the undersized condenser and compressor struggle to cool the cabin above 90F ambient temperatures. This is partly a design limitation of the subcompa… Repairs typically run $50-$500. Severity: low.