2019 Chevrolet Spark Safety Report

2019 Chevrolet Spark: Airbag recall and transmission failures raise safety concerns amidst unrated crash performance.

12Complaints
1Recalls
45/100Reliability Score
4Crash Reports
3Injuries
Most reported components: Air Bags (3)Unknown Or Other (1)Power Train (1)Air Bags,Seat Belts,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Vehicle Speed Control (1)Power Train,Air Bags (1)Electrical System (1)Service Brakes (1)Air Bags,Service Brakes,Engine (1)Air Bags,Structure (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Chevrolet Spark

The 2019 Chevrolet Spark presents a mixed safety picture, primarily due to concerns surrounding its airbag system and powertrain. With a total of 12 NHTSA complaints, including 4 crashes and 3 injuries, the vehicle's safety performance is concerning, especially given the lack of official NHTSA crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover are all N/A). A significant recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 19V826000) addresses a critical issue where the Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) may not have been properly configured, potentially preventing airbag deployment in a crash and increasing the risk of injury. This recall directly correlates with multiple owner complaints detailing airbag non-deployment during collisions. Beyond the airbag issues, a pattern of powertrain problems, specifically related to the CVT transmission, is evident. Several complaints describe the car hesitating, locking up, and experiencing transmission failure at relatively low mileages (e.g., 'only 6 years old and should not have Transmission problems'). One owner explicitly states, 'after doing research it appears that the Spark has a high transmission failure.' This suggests a potential design or manufacturing flaw in the transmission system. Other reported issues, though less frequent, include service brake problems (loud noises, feeling like the car won't stop), electrical system malfunctions (alarm going off, 'I code 95' indicating airbag/seatbelt issues), and even instances of unintended acceleration. The combination of unrated crash test performance, a critical airbag recall, and recurring powertrain complaints indicates that potential buyers should exercise caution and thoroughly investigate the vehicle's maintenance and recall completion status.

Reliability Score

The 2019 Chevrolet Spark receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2019 Chevrolet Spark

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Chevrolet Spark:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Airbag Non-Deployment
Multiple complaints and a recall (19V826000) indicate airbags may not deploy in a crash due to a faulty Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM), increasing injury risk.		 High Common all miles
Cvt Transmission Failure/Hesitation
Owners report the car hesitating, locking up, and transmission control module (TCM) failures, sometimes at low mileage.		 High Common 18000-60000 miles
Brake System Issues
Loud noises when braking and a feeling of inadequate stopping power, requiring booster and other part replacements.		 Medium Occasional 0-18000 miles
Unintended Acceleration
Accelerator pedal sticking to the floor, causing uncontrollable acceleration.		 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 2019 Chevrolet Spark:

Air Bags 25% of complaints

Multiple complaints about airbags not deploying in crashes, directly linked to a recall regarding the Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM).

Power Train 17% of complaints

Issues with the CVT transmission, including hesitation, locking up, and transmission control module (TCM) failures.

Service Brakes 8% of complaints

Reports of loud braking noises and reduced stopping effectiveness, requiring repairs.

Electrical System 8% of complaints

Problems like the alarm going off randomly and 'I code 95' indicating airbag/seatbelt system faults.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Chevrolet Spark

Is the 2019 Chevrolet Spark safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Chevrolet Spark has significant safety concerns. It has no official NHTSA crash test ratings, and there's a critical recall (19V826000) for the airbag system that may prevent deployment in a crash. Multiple owner complaints corroborate airbag non-deployment during collisions, leading to injuries.

What are common problems with the 2019 Chevrolet Spark?

The most reported issues are related to the AIR BAGS (25% of complaints), primarily non-deployment during crashes, and POWER TRAIN (17%), specifically CVT transmission failures, hesitation, and locking up. Other problems include SERVICE BRAKES and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues.

Has the 2019 Chevrolet Spark been recalled?

Yes, the 2019 Chevrolet Spark has had one recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 19V826000) concerning the AIR BAGS. The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) may not have been properly configured, which could prevent airbags from deploying in a crash and increase the risk of injury.

Are there transmission problems with the 2019 Chevrolet Spark?

Yes, there are several complaints regarding the transmission. Owners report the car hesitating from a stop, locking up, and experiencing transmission control module (TCM) failures, sometimes at relatively low mileage. This is a recurring issue highlighted in the complaint data.

What should I look for if buying a used 2019 Chevrolet Spark?

If considering a used 2019 Chevrolet Spark, ensure the airbag recall (19V826000) has been completed. Thoroughly check the transmission for any signs of hesitation, slipping, or unusual noises during a test drive. Also, inquire about any past brake system repairs.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the critical airbag recall, lack of crash test ratings, and recurring powertrain issues, proceed with extreme caution. Verify all recalls are completed and have a pre-purchase inspection specifically checking the transmission and airbag system.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Chevrolet Spark

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Chevrolet Spark. The data includes 12 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 reported crashes, 3 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.