2018 Chevrolet Spark Safety Report
2018 Chevrolet Spark Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Chevrolet Spark
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 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 | Low (0) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (7) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 0 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Service Brakes | Compare service brakes issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Chevrolet Spark with 6 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Chevrolet Spark | 12 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2017 Chevrolet Spark | 27 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Chevrolet Spark | 19 | 0 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2016 Chevrolet Spark | 42 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Chevrolet Spark | 6 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Chevrolet Spark | 83 | 5 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2018 Chevrolet Spark Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 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.
Service Brakes
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Chevrolet onlyService Brakes, Hydraulic
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes, Hydraulic issues Chevrolet onlyPower Train
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Chevrolet onlyPower Train,Vehicle Speed Control,Engine
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Vehicle Speed Control,Engine issues Chevrolet onlyVehicle Speed Control,Fuel/Propulsion System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Vehicle Speed Control,Fuel/Propulsion System issues Chevrolet onlyEngine,Fuel/Propulsion System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System issues Chevrolet onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Chevrolet Spark
Reliability Score
The 2018 Chevrolet Spark receives a reliability score of 78 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
Known Issues for the 2018 Chevrolet Spark
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Chevrolet Spark:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brake Booster Failure The brake booster has failed multiple times, leading to sudden loss of braking power, especially at various speeds. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Inconsistent Acceleration The vehicle has experienced inconsistent acceleration, causing delays and nearly resulting in accidents. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Gear Shifting Issues The car has difficulty deciding which gear to be in, leading to dangerous delays and safety concerns. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Thumping Sound In Rear Drum Brakes A thumping sound in the rear drum brakes has been reported, indicating potential brake system issues. |
Low | 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 2018 Chevrolet Spark:
Issues with the service brakes have been reported, leading to unexpected brake failure.
Power train issues, including vehicle speed control and engine problems, have been reported.
Gear shifting problems have caused delays and safety concerns.
A thumping sound in the rear drum brakes has been noted, indicating potential brake system issues.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2018 Chevrolet Spark
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Spark with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The contact's husband owns a 2018 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that the brake booster failed while driving at various speeds on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer yearly for the brake booster repair since the initial failure; however, the most recent failure occurred within six months. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of failure but offered no assi...
This is the third time while driving that my brakes have simply just gone out. It’s usually on the freeway while at high speeds and I’m nearly not able to stop. This is the third time in three years. No lights come on on the dashboard and no warnings happened at all the brakes just simply stopped working. It takes extreme pressure to try to stop and I’m usually told that it’s some part of the vacu...
AT A COMPLETE STOP.. IT SEEMS LIKE IT DOESN'T WANT ACCELERATE
WHEN I TRY TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE CAR CAN'T DECIDE IF IT WANTS TO MOVE OR NOT AND IT WILL JUST SIT AND REV AND HAS ALMOST CAUSED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS AS I AM PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC
FROM TIME TO TIME WHEN BRAKING, A THUMPING SOUND IS HEARD IN THE REAR DRUM BRAKES OF MY BRAND NEW CHEVY SPARK. I CANNOT DECIDE WHICH ONE THE NOISE IS COMING FROM, OR BOTH. IT WILL GO AWAY AFTER A WHILE. IT OCCURS MORE FREQUENTLY WHEN I NEED TO BRAKE HARD, BUT NOT ALWAYS. AND IT DOES NOT HAPPEN EVERY DAY. THE CAR IS NEW. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR THE VERY FIRST OIL CHANGE, I ASKED THEM TO LO...
MY CHEVROLET SPARK CANNOT DECIDE WHAT GEAR IT WANTS TO BE IN, CAUSING DELAYS THAT ARE DANGEROUS WHEN PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC OR TURNING ACROSS LINES OF TRAFFIC. FOR INSTANCE, I SLOW DOWN TO GET INTO THE CENTER TURNING LANE OF A 5-LANE STREET AND THEN WHEN CLEAR, I ACCELERATE TO MAKE THE TURN. THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT MAKES A SHORT STALL AS IT CAN'T DECIDE IF IT NEEDS TO GET INTO A HIGHER OR LOWER GEAR...
THIS IS A PERIODIC OCCURANCE WHEN GOING STARTING AT 0MPH AT ANY POINT DURING A TRIP. NORMALLY THE ENGINE WILL REV SMOOTHLY BUT THERE ARE TIMES WHEN GOING FROM A COMPLETE STOP TO GETTING TO AT LEAST 30MPH IT FEELS AS IF THE ENGINE IS JUST TAKING IN AIR AND IT JUST REVS UP AND THE CAR STARTS TO ROLL BUT DOESNT ACTUALLY ACCELLERATE PROPERLY AND THIS CAN RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT IF YOU HAVE TO MOVE SUDDE...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Chevrolet Spark
Has the 2018 CHEVROLET SPARK been recalled?
No, the 2018 CHEVROLET SPARK has no recalls on record with NHTSA as of our latest data update.
How many complaints does the 2018 CHEVROLET SPARK have?
The 2018 CHEVROLET SPARK has 7 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 CHEVROLET SPARK?
The 2018 CHEVROLET SPARK does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 CHEVROLET SPARK?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 CHEVROLET SPARK involve service brakes (2 complaints), service brakes, hydraulic (1 complaints), power train (1 complaints). Other affected components include power train,vehicle speed control,engine, vehicle speed control,fuel/propulsion system, engine,fuel/propulsion system.
How many crash reports does the 2018 CHEVROLET SPARK have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2018 CHEVROLET SPARK in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2018 CHEVROLET SPARK have?
There are no fire reports for the 2018 CHEVROLET SPARK in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 CHEVROLET SPARK?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 CHEVROLET SPARK.
How many injuries are reported for the 2018 CHEVROLET SPARK?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 CHEVROLET SPARK.
Should I buy a 2018 CHEVROLET SPARK?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 CHEVROLET SPARK is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 7 complaints, 0 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2018 CHEVROLET SPARK?
The components with the most failures on the 2018 CHEVROLET SPARK are: 1. SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints), 2. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC (1 complaints), 3. POWER TRAIN (1 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE (1 complaints), 5. VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints). SERVICE BRAKES is the single most-reported problem area with 2 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2018 CHEVROLET SPARK?
Be cautious of brake and power train issues, as they can lead to unexpected failures and safety concerns. The 2018 CHEVROLET SPARK has 7 NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2018 CHEVROLET SPARK?
The 2018 CHEVROLET SPARK receives a reliability score of 78/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 7 owner complaints, 0 recalls, and 0 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Brake Booster Failure and Inconsistent Acceleration.
What are the known issues with the 2018 CHEVROLET SPARK?
Known issues with the 2018 CHEVROLET SPARK include: Brake Booster Failure, Inconsistent Acceleration, Gear Shifting Issues, Thumping Sound in Rear Drum Brakes. These are based on patterns found across 7 NHTSA complaints.
What are the most common issues with the 2018 Chevrolet Spark?
The most common issues are brake failures and inconsistent acceleration.
Can the thumping sound in the rear drum brakes be fixed?
Yes, the thumping sound may indicate a need for brake maintenance or replacement.
What should I do if I experience gear shifting problems?
Have the vehicle checked by a mechanic to diagnose and fix the gear shifting issues.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of brake and power train issues, as they can lead to unexpected failures and safety concerns.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Chevrolet Spark
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Chevrolet Spark. The data includes 7 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 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.
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