2015 Chevrolet Spark Safety Report

The 2015 Chevrolet Spark presents a mixed safety profile. While its NHTSA crash test ratings are generally good, with 4 stars overall, 4 stars for frontal, 5 stars for side, and 4 stars for rollover, indicating solid performance in controlled crash scenarios, the vehicle has a notable number of owner complaints. With 83 total complaints, including 4 crashes, 1 fire, and 8 injuries, there are clear areas of concern outside of crashworthiness. A significant pattern of issues revolves around the POWER TRAIN, particularly the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which accounts for 18 complaints and is frequently cited for sudden loss of power and complete failure, often at mileages between 30,000 and 80,000. This can lead to dangerous situations on the road, as described in multiple complaints where vehicles lost propulsion in traffic. Recall history for the 2015 Spark includes five separate campaigns. Two recalls address a critical safety issue with the secondary hood latch, which can corrode and fail, potentially causing the hood to open unexpectedly while driving, increasing crash risk. The remaining three recalls are related to the 'Bring Your Own Media' radio system, specifically concerning the failure to provide audible indicators for seatbelt warnings and key-in-ignition warnings. While these radio-related recalls don't directly impact vehicle control, the lack of seatbelt reminders can increase injury risk in a crash, and the absence of key-in-ignition warnings can lead to theft. The hood latch recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V640000) has also been noted by owners for long delays in parts availability, leaving some vehicles unrepaired for extended periods. In summary, while the 2015 Chevrolet Spark performs well in official crash tests, its real-world safety is significantly impacted by recurring mechanical failures, especially with the CVT transmission, which poses a direct risk of loss of control or stranding. The hood latch recall is also a serious concern, compounded by repair delays. Buyers should be aware of these mechanical vulnerabilities despite the favorable crash test scores.

Our recommendation: Despite decent crash test ratings, potential buyers should be wary of the 2015 Chevrolet Spark's documented CVT transmission failures and critical hood latch recall, which significantly impact its real-world reliability and safety.