2016 Chevrolet Spark Safety Report

2016 Chevrolet Spark plagued by severe brake failures and airbag recall, lacking NHTSA crash test ratings.

42Complaints
1Recalls
35/100Reliability Score
3Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
2Injuries
Most reported components: Service Brakes (18)Air Bags (5)Electrical System (3)Power Train (2)Visibility/Wiper (2)Unknown Or Other (2)Electrical System,Fuel/Propulsion System (1)Unknown Or Other,Fuel/Propulsion System (1)Steering,Power Train,Electrical System (1)Steering (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Chevrolet Spark

The 2016 Chevrolet Spark presents a mixed safety picture, primarily due to significant concerns raised by consumer complaints, particularly regarding its braking system. With 42 total complaints, 3 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries reported to NHTSA, the vehicle has demonstrated several critical safety issues. The most prominent concern is the 'SERVICE BRAKES' component, accounting for 18 of the 42 complaints (43%). These complaints frequently describe sudden loss of braking power, increased pedal travel, complete brake failure, and issues with 'Service Stabilitrak' and 'Service Brake Assist' warnings, which are extremely hazardous and have led to near-collisions and difficulty stopping the vehicle. Beyond braking, the vehicle has a notable recall concerning its airbag system. General Motors LLC recalled certain 2016-2017 Chevrolet Spark vehicles due to a defect where, in the event of a crash with a frontal airbag deployment, an unbelted child in the front passenger seat has an increased risk of injury. This recall directly addresses a critical safety component. Additionally, 5 complaints are related to 'AIR BAGS', with one specific complaint detailing a driver-side curtain airbag not deploying immediately during a T-bone crash, and another where airbags deployed after hitting a pothole, indicating potential sensor or deployment issues. Crash test performance data from NHTSA is not available for the 2016 Chevrolet Spark, making it difficult to assess its structural integrity and occupant protection in a controlled environment. However, the high volume of brake-related complaints, including multiple instances of complete failure, and the airbag recall, suggest that potential buyers should exercise caution. The reported fire incident and multiple instances of the vehicle suddenly shutting down while driving (under 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' and 'POWER TRAIN' complaints) further underscore significant reliability and safety concerns.

Reliability Score

The 2016 Chevrolet Spark receives a reliability score of 35 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.

Known Issues for the 2016 Chevrolet Spark

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Chevrolet Spark:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Brake System Failure
Frequent reports of sudden loss of braking power, increased pedal travel, complete brake failure, and 'Service Stabilitrak'/'Service Brake Assist' warnings, leading to difficulty stopping the vehicle.		 High Common unknown miles
Airbag Deployment Issues
Recall for increased injury risk to unbelted children in frontal passenger seat during airbag deployment. Complaints also mention non-deployment in crashes and deployment from minor impacts.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Sudden Vehicle Shutdown
Vehicle unexpectedly loses power and shuts down while driving, creating a significant safety hazard, with no prior warning or ability to restart immediately.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Transmission Slipping/Failure
Reports of transmission slipping, cruise control malfunction, elevated RPMs, and complete transmission failure leading to the vehicle shutting down.		 High Occasional 30000-60000 miles
Steering Loss
Sudden loss of power steering while driving at highway speeds, without prior warning.		 High Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Chevrolet Spark:

Service Brakes 43% of complaints

Frequent reports of brake failure, loss of power assist, and associated warning lights ('Service Stabilitrak', 'Service Brake Assist').

Air Bags 12% of complaints

Concerns regarding airbag deployment, including a recall for passenger side risk and complaints of non-deployment or unintended deployment.

Electrical System 7% of complaints

Issues such as random vehicle shutdowns, dashboard light malfunctions, and wiper motor failures.

Power Train 5% of complaints

Problems including transmission slipping, elevated RPMs, and complete vehicle shutdown related to power train components.

Visibility/Wiper 5% of complaints

Wiper motor failure leading to loss of windshield wipers while driving in rain.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Chevrolet Spark

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Spark safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 Chevrolet Spark has significant safety concerns, particularly with its braking system, which accounts for 43% of complaints and includes reports of complete brake failure. There is also an airbag recall and multiple complaints of sudden vehicle shutdowns. NHTSA crash test ratings are not available for this model year.

What are common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Spark?

The most reported issues for the 2016 Chevrolet Spark are related to the SERVICE BRAKES (18 complaints), including sudden loss of braking power and 'Service Stabilitrak' warnings. AIR BAGS (5 complaints) are also a concern, alongside ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3 complaints) issues like sudden shutdowns, and POWER TRAIN (2 complaints) problems such as transmission slipping.

Has the 2016 Chevrolet Spark been recalled?

Yes, the 2016 Chevrolet Spark has had one recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 16V-643) concerning the AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. This recall addresses an increased risk of injury to an unbelted child in the front passenger seat during a frontal airbag deployment.

Are there any issues with the brakes on the 2016 Chevrolet Spark?

Yes, the brakes are a major concern. 'SERVICE BRAKES' is the top complaint component with 18 reports, detailing issues such as complete brake failure, significantly increased stopping distances, loss of power assist, and 'Service Stabilitrak' or 'Service Brake Assist' warning lights illuminating.

What is the reliability score for the 2016 Chevrolet Spark?

Given the 42 total complaints, including 3 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries, coupled with critical issues like brake failure and sudden vehicle shutdowns, the reliability score for the 2016 Chevrolet Spark is estimated to be 35 out of 100.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the high number of critical brake system failures, airbag recall, and reports of sudden vehicle shutdowns, potential buyers should approach the 2016 Chevrolet Spark with extreme caution and thoroughly investigate the vehicle's service history, especially regarding brake and electrical system repairs.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Chevrolet Spark

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Chevrolet Spark. The data includes 42 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

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.