2015 Chevrolet Spark Safety Report
2015 Chevrolet Spark Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2015 Chevrolet Spark
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2015 Chevrolet Spark. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (5) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (83) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 5 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Power Train | Compare power train issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Chevrolet Spark with 6 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2016 | Check the 2016 Chevrolet Spark before buying across this generation. |
Chevrolet Spark Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Chevrolet Spark years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Chevrolet Spark | 42 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Chevrolet Spark | 27 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Chevrolet Spark | 7 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Chevrolet Spark | 12 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Chevrolet Spark | 19 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Chevrolet Spark | 6 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2015 Chevrolet Spark Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2015 Chevrolet Spark, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Power Train
18 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Chevrolet onlyEngine
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Chevrolet onlyService Brakes
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Chevrolet onlyElectrical System
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Chevrolet onlyLatches/Locks/Linkages
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Latches/Locks/Linkages issues Chevrolet onlyFuel/Propulsion System
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Chevrolet onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2015 Chevrolet Spark
Reliability Score
The 2015 Chevrolet Spark receives a reliability score of 5 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2015 Chevrolet Spark
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2015 Chevrolet Spark
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2015 Chevrolet Spark:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cvt Defect Internal CVT failure leading to complete transmission failure, causing the vehicle to become inoperable. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Issues Problems with the radio, tape deck, and CD player, including software issues. |
Medium | Common | 0-100k miles |
| Latch And Lock Issues Hood latch problems, requiring a recall by General Motors. |
Medium | Common | 0-100k miles |
| Transmission Failures Repeated transmission failures, including pulley damage causing complete transmission failure. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2015 Chevrolet Spark:
Transmission issues, including CVT defects and TCM failures, are a significant concern.
Electrical system problems, particularly with the radio and tape deck, are frequently reported.
Hood latch issues are a known problem, requiring a recall by General Motors.
Power train issues, including sudden loss of power, are a concern.
Recall Details for the 2015 Chevrolet Spark
The following 5 recalls have been issued for the 2015 Chevrolet Spark by NHTSA:
Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark EV vehicles. The secondary hood latch may corrode at the latch pivot, preventing the hood latch from properly engaging.
Consequence: A hood latch failure can result in the vehicle's hood opening unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the hood striker assembly and hood latch assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 12, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A222359300. This recall supersedes and expands NHTSA recall number 14V-593. Vehicles previously repaired under 14V-593 will need to have the new remedy perfo...
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protect...
Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114...
Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 20, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured June 18, 2014, to June 10, 2015. In the affected vehicles, equipped with the base radio and OnStar, the radio may lock up due to a software issue, causing the display to go blank and all audio functions to cease. Because of this, there may be no warning chimes such as the reminder to buckle the seat belt and the ...
Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft. If a driver or front passenger does not buckle their seat belt, there would be no chime to remind them to fasten their seat belts. If a driver or passenger does not buckle their seat belt there is an increased risk that they will be injured in a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15504.
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured January 17, 2012, to July 29, 2014. The secondary hood latch may prematurely corrode at the latch pivot causing the striker to get stuck out of position, preventing it from properly engaging the hood latch.
Consequence: If the secondary hood latch corrodes causing the latch to be stuck out of position, and the primary hood latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the striker with a new part which has superior corrosion protection, free of charge. The recall began on January 7, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14456.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2015 Chevrolet Spark
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2015 Chevrolet Spark with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 1 involved fires. 2 reported injuries or fatalities.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Spark. The vehicle was purchased from a private seller. The contact became nauseated after driving the vehicle for the second time. The contact’s throat, chest, and eyes hurt, and his head was pulsating; the contact was unable to think clearly. No medical attention was received. The contact used an air quality meter to test the inside of the vehicle, which showed ...
INCIDENT SUMMARY In February 2025, while driving on the freeway, my vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of power. The battery rapidly depleted without warning, causing the vehicle to decelerate dangerously in moving traffic. A Stabilitrak warning appeared on the display. I was fortunate to reach the shoulder safely, but this failure created an extremely hazardous situation that could ha...
Vehicle: 2015 Chevrolet Spark, odometer 79,000 miles Component that failed: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) – pulley damage causing complete loss of propulsion.What happened: While driving, the vehicle suddenly lost all motive power with no ability to accelerate. The transmission would not engage in any gear and the car became inoperable in traffic. This is the exact failure described in ...
This report concerns a known CVT defect and subsequent TCM failure that left the vehicle unsafe and inoperable. The vehicle suffered internal CVT failure consistent with GM Special Coverage N192271110. After the first transmission failed in May 2024 (and the second time October 5 2025), the TCM failed again shortly after the second failure—consistent with GM Preliminary Information Bulletin PIP552...
Vehicle began slipping out of gear between 1st & 2nd, then started losing power at 74,760 miles. Extended service coverage has been issued for model for CVT transmission pulley system, however only covers 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Mine apparently timed out in February, so they are trying to make me get a new transmission which basically totals out the car I spent a fortune ...
My 2015 Chevy Spark has had repeated transmission failures related to GM Special Coverage N192271110. The first failure happened in May 2024, I was driving on 1-25 when the transmission went out and I lost all speed and my car was in the shop for five months before I finally got it back in October 2024. Unfortunately, on October 5, 2025, the transmission failed again. I was driving on I-76 speed l...
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Spark. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V257000 (Equipment, Electrical Systems). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the radio software needed to be updated. The dealer informed the contact that to complete the software upgrade, the dealer had to reprogram the radio USB portion to complete the upgrade...
Transmission issue. During heavy traffic at stop lights car wouldn't shift into drive to move forward. Was stuck in the middle of the road with a passenger. Engine light came on but it's not an engine problem. Car was smoking under the hood. I burned my hand when popping the hood. When the car cooled the engine light went out and car would shift gears and it's drivable again. This has happened ...
Ever since I bought the vehicle in 2021, I have had problems with the car jerking and air conditioning problems, mostly during the colder months. I took the car in multiple times on different occasions throughout the years. They would "fix" the problems with the transmission, then a month or two down the line the issues would come back. This last time, the car started stalling on the and turned of...
Compass car center LLC 3433 Brooklyn Ave Fort Wayne Indiana 46809 is unsafe vehicles with suspension noise and broken parts know transmission control system mil problems eont addressed the issue either
UNKNOWN—My car’s been doing this thing where it feels like the wheels "stick" for a second every so often while driving, but yesterday it was the worst it's been, doing it every few seconds. I thought maybe my gearshift was stuck between gears or something so I tried to make sure it was in Drive, but it slipped into Neutral for a second, & after that, my check engine light came on & my car starte...
See attached document for complaint.
Hello, I submitted a complaint to a local GM dealership requesting an investigation be placed into the seat belt bucks failing. I am being informed that the car is out of warranty, which is understandable. However, this is a huge safety concern as the seatbelts were not sewn into the car but rather glued or clamped. This could have resulted in serious injury and/or death to my young child who rout...
Car fire in the engine compartment. Columbus fire inspector called it an electrical fire. On July 10 around 1:30 am, owner heard car alarm honking, saw big orange flames rising from the right front wheel well, called 911. Fire extinguished by F.D. upon arrival. The entire engine compartment burned out, everything not metal burnt away or remains as melted plastic slag on the driveway. Car was last...
In the past I had a 2013 Chevy Spark LS. But in 2017 an idiot who was TEXTING and DRIVING RAN A STOP SIGN, crossed through FOUR LANES and T-BONED MY car injuring me and totaling my car. I am blessed to have survived. Until that day the only issue with my Spark was a failure of the "ignition / safety security chime". Prior to the accident it was addressed and fixed. Now I have a 2015 Chevy Spa...
Without warning, vehicle loses power and ability to accelerate is greatly reduced. The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (aka "check engine light"), the Reduced Engine Power light, and the Traction Control System/Stabilitrak light all illuminate at the same time and are not flashing. Using a diagnostic tool from a local auto parts store, code P2138 is reported as follows: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor ...
On [XXX], the back seat bottom belt came apart from the base strap while my 9-year-old child was in the back seat and the car was in motion. We were able to pull over to the side of the road for her to switch to the other back seat. On [XXX], the second back seat belt bottom part came apart as well while the car was in motion and my 9-year-old child was buckled in the back seat. At this time, I am...
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle began to shake uncontrollably and veered off the road. The contact was able to take control of the vehicle and placed the vehicle in park. The contact stated that there was no audio or visual warning at the time of the failure. The contact alerted OnStar who was unable to diagnose the failure. The ve...
Transmission is failing and slipping very bad. Car will jerk when shifting in and out of 2nd gear. Car will jerk back and forth when brakes are applied. When coasting at or around 20-25mph (right around when car shifts into second gear normally,) car will jerk back and forth repeatedly. Chevy/GMC is still refusing to honor an extended coverage to fix their mistakes. This is going to lead to an acc...
The transmission has gone bad and the car has low mileage. I took it to a chevy dealership and they couldn't find the problem now it is completely broken and I can't drive it. I was told there is a recall on the 2015 chevy spark transmission.
Showing 20 of 83 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2015 Chevrolet Spark
Has the 2015 CHEVROLET SPARK been recalled?
Yes, the 2015 CHEVROLET SPARK has 5 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2015 CHEVROLET SPARK have?
The 2015 CHEVROLET SPARK has 83 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 4 involved crashes. 8 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2015 CHEVROLET SPARK?
The 2015 CHEVROLET SPARK received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 CHEVROLET SPARK?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2015 CHEVROLET SPARK involve power train (18 complaints), engine (8 complaints), service brakes (8 complaints). Other affected components include electrical system, latches/locks/linkages, fuel/propulsion system.
How many crash reports does the 2015 CHEVROLET SPARK have?
There are 4 crash reports associated with the 2015 CHEVROLET SPARK out of 83 total complaints (4.8% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2015 CHEVROLET SPARK have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2015 CHEVROLET SPARK out of 83 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2015 CHEVROLET SPARK?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2015 CHEVROLET SPARK.
How many injuries are reported for the 2015 CHEVROLET SPARK?
8 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2015 CHEVROLET SPARK. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2015 CHEVROLET SPARK?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2015 CHEVROLET SPARK is acceptable with caveats. It has 83 complaints, 5 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2015 CHEVROLET SPARK?
The components with the most failures on the 2015 CHEVROLET SPARK are: 1. POWER TRAIN (18 complaints), 2. ENGINE (8 complaints), 3. SERVICE BRAKES (8 complaints), 4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4 complaints), 5. LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (3 complaints). POWER TRAIN is the single most-reported problem area with 18 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2015 CHEVROLET SPARK?
Be cautious of transmission and electrical system issues, and ensure the vehicle has been serviced for known defects. The 2015 CHEVROLET SPARK has 83 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).
How reliable is the 2015 CHEVROLET SPARK?
The 2015 CHEVROLET SPARK receives a reliability score of 5/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 83 owner complaints, 5 recalls, and 5 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include CVT Defect and Electrical System Issues.
What are the known issues with the 2015 CHEVROLET SPARK?
Known issues with the 2015 CHEVROLET SPARK include: CVT Defect, Electrical System Issues, Latch and Lock Issues, Transmission Failures. These are based on patterns found across 83 NHTSA complaints. 5 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2015 Chevrolet Spark?
Common issues include transmission failures, electrical system problems, and latch and lock issues with the hood.
Are there any recalls for the 2015 Chevrolet Spark?
Yes, there are recalls for hood latch issues and electrical system software problems.
What should I do if I experience transmission issues in my 2015 Chevrolet Spark?
Contact a GM dealership for an inspection and potential repair, as extended service coverage may be available.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of transmission and electrical system issues, and ensure the vehicle has been serviced for known defects.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2015 Chevrolet Spark
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2015 Chevrolet Spark. The data includes 83 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 8 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2015 Chevrolet Spark an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-14