Is the 2017 Chevrolet SPARK reliable?

The 2017 Chevrolet SPARK has 42 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.2x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: TRANSMISSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2017 Chevrolet SPARK?

Top problems: TRANSMISSION (8 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (7 complaints, avg repair $500); AIR BAGS (5 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2017 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 2017 Chevrolet SPARK?

The 2017 Chevrolet SPARK gets 33 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1455. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2017 Chevrolet SPARK?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2017 Chevrolet SPARK is approximately $1,607/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.

2017 Chevrolet SPARK

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2017 Chevrolet SPARK has 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.2x the segment average of 36. The most common issue is transmission problems (19% of all complaints), specifically: we purchased a 2017 chevy spark with 40,000 miles on it and within the first two weeks the car will not accelerate for about 2 seconds and then will leap forward. when you come to a complete stop the engine will rev up and not go forward for about 2-3 seconds. this becomes very un safe since you can. There is 1 recall issued for this model year.

6 crash reports 9 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.2x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

TRANSMISSION

8 complaints

19%

• WE PURCHASED A 2017 CHEVY SPARK WITH 40,000 MILES ON IT AND WITHIN THE FIRST TWO WEEKS THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE FOR ABOUT 2 SECONDS AND THEN WILL LEAP FORWARD. WHEN YOU COME TO A COMPLETE STOP THE ENGINE WILL REV UP AND NOT GO FORWARD FOR ABOUT 2-3 SECONDS. THIS BECOMES VERY UN SAFE SINCE YOU CAN
• THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE CHEVY SPARK TO REPROGRAM THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE, HOWEVER THAT DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. IT DOES NOT NEED TO BE REPROGRAMMED , BECAUSE ALL THAT DID WAS LEAVE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. THEY HAVE FAULT CONTROL MODULES. MY CAR IS 3 YEARS OLD AND NOTHING BUT ISSUES
• THE FOLLOWING HAS NOW HAPPENED ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHEN DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY: WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (50 -55 MPH) AND HITTING A BUMP THAT JOLTS THE CAR (NOT NECESSARILLY A HUGE BUMP), THE ENTIRE ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CUTS OFF AND SHUTS DOWN. THIS HAPPENS ONLY ON THE HIGHWAY AND

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

“WE PURCHASED A 2017 CHEVY SPARK WITH 40,000 MILES ON IT AND WITHIN THE FIRST TWO WEEKS THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE FOR ABOUT 2 SECONDS AND THEN WILL LEAP FORWARD. WHEN YOU COME TO A COMPLETE STOP THE ENGINE WILL REV UP AND NOT GO FORWARD FOR ABOUT 2-3 SECONDS. THIS BECOMES VERY UN SAFE SINCE YOU CAN”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2017 Chevrolet SPARK

Based on 30 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 14K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 34K mi · 5 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 2017 Chevrolet SPARK

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,455

Per month

$121

Per mile

12.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$1,656/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,263/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 2017 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

$1,607

Full coverage / month

$134

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-4%

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 age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1607

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 2017 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

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 42 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
TRANSMISSION: WE PURCHASED A 2017 CHEVY SPARK WITH 40,000 MILES ON IT AND WITHIN THE FIRST TWO WEEKS THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE FOR ABOUT 2 SECONDS AND THEN WILL LEAP FORWARD. WHEN YOU COME TO A COMPLETE STOP THE ENGINE WILL REV UP AND NOT GO FORWARD FOR ABOUT 2-3 SECONDS. THIS BECOMES VERY UN SAFE SINCE YOU CAN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 CHEVROLET SPARK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE BRAKES SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO A PARKED BULLDOZER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A LEFT KNEE INJURY, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE TORSO, HEAD AND NECK. MEDICA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: MY FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS DON'T WORK WHEN THE WINDSHIELD GETS WET. AFTER THE SUN DRIES THE CAR, THE WIPERS WORK FINE. I HAD TO KEEP STOPPING ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WIPING OFF THE WINDSHIELD SO I COULD SEE WHERE I WAS GOING. I ALSO TURNED ON THE DEFROSTER TO HELP DRY THE WINDSHIELD. THE AUTOMAT
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)