Is the 2016 Chevrolet SPARK reliable?

The 2016 Chevrolet SPARK has 36 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: BRAKES problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet SPARK?

Top problems: BRAKES (10 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (5 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (5 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Chevrolet SPARK?

Yes, there are 1 recall(s): AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Contact any Chevrolet dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2016 Chevrolet SPARK?

The 2016 Chevrolet SPARK gets 34 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1412. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2016 Chevrolet SPARK?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Chevrolet SPARK is approximately $1,478/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2016 Chevrolet SPARK

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2016 Chevrolet SPARK has 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 36. The most common issue is brakes problems (28% of all complaints), specifically: on the way back to my san francisco home from the novato chevrolet dealer where i had just purchased a new black 2016 chevrolet spark ev my brakes stopped functioning. just coming off the golden gate bridge, on a significant downhill grade, my brakes stopped functioning properly. at first the brakes. There is 1 recall issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report 1 crash report 1 injury

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

BRAKES

10 complaints

28%

• ON THE WAY BACK TO MY SAN FRANCISCO HOME FROM THE NOVATO CHEVROLET DEALER WHERE I HAD JUST PURCHASED A NEW BLACK 2016 CHEVROLET SPARK EV MY BRAKES STOPPED FUNCTIONING. JUST COMING OFF THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE, ON A SIGNIFICANT DOWNHILL GRADE, MY BRAKES STOPPED FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. AT FIRST THE BRAKES
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET SPARK. WHILE BEING OPERATED AT A LOW SPEED, THE BRAKES MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CLASSIC CHEVROLET (LOCATED AT 1101 W STATE HIGHWAY 114, GRAPEVINE, TX) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE ADJUSTED AND THE BR
• AS I WAS DRIVING MY BRAKES GOT HARD PREVENTING ME FROM STOPPING ,I WAS DRIVING ON MY WAY TO PICK MY SISTER UP AND AS I WENT TO STOP TO TURN INTO HER DRIVEWAY MY BRAKES ARE SUPER HARD AND I WAS UNABLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP FOR ABOUT A QUARTER OF A MILE WHEN I TOOK MY CAR IN TO GET IT INSPECTED T

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“ON THE WAY BACK TO MY SAN FRANCISCO HOME FROM THE NOVATO CHEVROLET DEALER WHERE I HAD JUST PURCHASED A NEW BLACK 2016 CHEVROLET SPARK EV MY BRAKES STOPPED FUNCTIONING. JUST COMING OFF THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE, ON A SIGNIFICANT DOWNHILL GRADE, MY BRAKES STOPPED FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. AT FIRST THE BRAKES”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2016 Chevrolet SPARK

Based on 27 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 44K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 35K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (1)

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE09/05/2017

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Chevrolet Spark vehicles. In the event of a crash, if a young child is seated improperly and not wearing a seat belt while in the front passenger seat, deployment of the front passenger air bag may injure the occupant's neck. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: In the event of a crash with a frontal air bag deployment, an unbelted child in the front passenger seat has an increased risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2017. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17199.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2016 Chevrolet SPARK

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,412

Per month

$118

Per mile

11.8¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$1,600/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,200/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Chevrolet SPARK

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,478

Full coverage / month

$123

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-12%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1478

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Chevrolet SPARK Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

45K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

23K mi

Engine air filter

45K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

45K mi

GM Oil Life System dynamically calculates oil change interval. DEXOS-approved oil required.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Chevrolet New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2016 SPARK, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chevrolet dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 36 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
BRAKES: ON THE WAY BACK TO MY SAN FRANCISCO HOME FROM THE NOVATO CHEVROLET DEALER WHERE I HAD JUST PURCHASED A NEW BLACK 2016 CHEVROLET SPARK EV MY BRAKES STOPPED FUNCTIONING. JUST COMING OFF THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE, ON A SIGNIFICANT DOWNHILL GRADE, MY BRAKES STOPPED FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. AT FIRST THE BRAKES
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: THE HEAD RESTRAINTS ARE TOO FAR FORWARD. IF I ADJUST THE SEAT TO SIT UP STRAIGHT, THEN MY HEAD IS TOO FAR FORWARD. SO I HAVE TO LEAN BACK IN MY SEAT IN ORDER FOR MY HEAD TO BE STRAIGHT. AFTER ONLY ONE MONTH OF DRIVING, MY BACK IS KILLING ME!
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET SPARK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ENTERTAINMENT SCREEN AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: CLUTCH WORE OUT ON 2016 CHEVROLET SPARK LS IN LESS THAN 11,000 MILES (JUST OVER 1 YEAR OLD). I AM AN EXPERIENCED MANUAL TRANSMISSION DRIVER WHO HAS DRIVEN OTHER CARS TO OVER 125,000 MILES WITHOUT NEEDING A NEW CLUTCH. CLEARLY DEFECTIVE CLUTCH BUT THEY WOULDN'T COVER IT UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE IT WAS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)