Is the 2020 Chevrolet SPARK reliable?

The 2020 Chevrolet SPARK has 26 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.7x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: AIR BAGS problems.

What are common problems with the 2020 Chevrolet SPARK?

Top problems: AIR BAGS (7 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (6 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (5 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2020 Chevrolet SPARK?

No recalls have been issued for the 2020 Chevrolet SPARK.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2020 Chevrolet SPARK?

The 2020 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 2020 Chevrolet SPARK?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2020 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.

2020 Chevrolet SPARK

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2020 Chevrolet SPARK has 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.7x the segment average of 36. The most common issue is air bags problems (27% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owned a 2020 chevrolet spark. the contact stated while her husband was driving at unknown speed when he had a medical event which caused him to crashed into a tree. the air bags did not deploy. the driver sustained a fractured back and head injuries and sought medical attention for h. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.

3 fire reports 8 crash reports 14 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

AIR BAGS

7 complaints

27%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2020 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEED WHEN HE HAD A MEDICAL EVENT WHICH CAUSED HIM TO CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A FRACTURED BACK AND HEAD INJURIES AND SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR H
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2020 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE INTERSECTED HIS LANE AND HE T-BONED THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES ON HIS RIGHT KNEE, LOW AND UPPER BACK AND NECK. THE CON
• VEHICLE #1 HEADING SOUTHBOUND THEN CROSS LANES AND TURE ABRUPTLY EASTWARD INTO ONGOING TRAFFIC OF VEHICLE #2 NORTHBOUND LANE. BOTH VEHICLE'S COLLIDED AND VEHICLE #2 AIR BAG'S DID NOT DEPLOY DURING IMPACT.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 6 crashes

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2020 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEED WHEN HE HAD A MEDICAL EVENT WHICH CAUSED HIM TO CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A FRACTURED BACK AND HEAD INJURIES AND SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR H”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2020 Chevrolet SPARK

Based on 14 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 25K 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+

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2020 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 2020 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 2020 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

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 26 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
AIR BAGS: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2020 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEED WHEN HE HAD A MEDICAL EVENT WHICH CAUSED HIM TO CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A FRACTURED BACK AND HEAD INJURIES AND SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR H
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: I SENT THIS UNIT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE A KEY PROGRAMMED BUT THEY CAN'T PROGRAM THE KEY. THEY SAID THEY NEED FURTHER INFORMATION TO PROGRAM A KEY. PLEASE ADVISE.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: I SENT THIS UNIT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE A KEY PROGRAMMED BUT THEY CAN'T PROGRAM THE KEY. THEY SAID THEY NEED FURTHER INFORMATION TO PROGRAM A KEY. PLEASE ADVISE.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that after the vehicle was idle at a red light, while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle several times before the vehicle restarted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The cont
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)