2017 Chevrolet Spark Safety Report

The 2017 Chevrolet Spark presents a mixed safety picture, primarily due to a lack of comprehensive crash test ratings from NHTSA and a notable recall. With only 27 total complaints, the volume is relatively low, but these complaints include 5 crashes, 0 fires, and 6 injuries, indicating that reported issues can have serious consequences. A significant concern is the single recall (NHTSA ID: 17V010000) concerning the passenger side frontal airbag inflator module, which increases the risk of injury for unbelted children in a crash. This recall directly addresses a critical safety component. Common complaint patterns reveal issues with the service brakes (4 complaints), air bags (3 complaints), and power train (2 complaints). Several complaints describe sudden brake failure, with drivers reporting a hard pedal and inability to stop, leading to crashes in at least two instances. Power train complaints frequently mention the vehicle jerking, shuddering, or failing to accelerate, often accompanied by a check engine light. Airbag complaints include non-deployment in crashes and issues related to the recall. Despite the low overall complaint count, the nature of the reported problems, particularly sudden brake loss and airbag non-deployment, is severe. The absence of NHTSA's overall, frontal, side, and rollover safety ratings makes it difficult to fully assess the vehicle's crashworthiness compared to its peers. However, the existing recall and the pattern of critical component failures in complaints suggest potential safety vulnerabilities that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Our recommendation: Given the critical safety complaints regarding brakes and airbags, and the lack of comprehensive crash test ratings, exercise caution. Thoroughly check if the airbag recall has been addressed and consider a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the braking system and powertrain.