Chevrolet Spark recalls
19 official safety recalls for the Chevrolet Spark from NHTSA (United States), DVSA (United Kingdom) and the EU Safety Gate, newest first. Recall repairs are normally free at the maker’s dealers.
Whether your car is affected and still needs the repair depends on its VIN or registration. Check it on the official site for your country:
- United States: nhtsa.gov/recalls
- United Kingdom: check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk
Hood latch striker may fail to engage
Corrosion may cause the secondary hood latch lever to stick, preventing the striker from engaging properly. The hood striker assembly will be replaced with one with improved corrosion resistance.
Official DVSA recall text
- Component
- Chevrolet UK Spark Hood Striker Replacement
- Defect
- On affected vehicles the secondary hood latch lever may prematurely corrode at the pivot. If severely corroded the secondary latch striker may become stuck out of position and fail to properly engage.
- Remedy
- Replace hood striker assembly with one that has improved corrosion resistance.
Corroded hood latch may not engage
The secondary hood latch may corrode at its pivot and fail to engage, allowing the hood to open unexpectedly and increasing crash risk. Dealers will replace the hood striker and latch assemblies free of charge.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
- Defect
- 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 performed.
- Notes
- Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Air bags may not deploy in a crash
The sensing diagnostic module may remain in manufacturing mode and prevent the air bags from deploying in a crash, increasing injury risk. Dealers will reprogram the module to the correct mode free of charge.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
- Defect
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles. The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) on these vehicle may not have been turned off of "manufacturing mode," preventing the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
- Consequence
- If the air bags do not deploy in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM module to the correct mode, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18365.
- Notes
- Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Airbags and seat belt pretensioners may not deploy
Some vehicles may not have received the complete software update. During certain driving conditions, a diagnostic test may prevent the front airbags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Dealers will update the software or replace the module if there has been a previous airbag deployment, free of charge.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
- Defect
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
- Consequence
- A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
- Notes
- Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Passenger air bag may injure an unbelted child
In a crash, deployment of the front passenger air bag may injure the neck of a young child seated improperly and without a seat belt. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Defect
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Chevrolet Spark vehicles. In the event of a crash, if a young child is seated improperly and not wearing a seat belt while in the front passenger seat, deployment of the front passenger air bag may injure the occupant's neck. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Consequence
- In the event of a crash with a frontal air bag deployment, an unbelted child in the front passenger seat has an increased risk of injury.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2017. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17199.
- Notes
- Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Air bags and seat belt pretensioners may not deploy
Under certain driving conditions, a software diagnostic test may prevent the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying in a crash. Dealers will update the software free of charge; vehicles with a previous air bag deployment will have the module replaced.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
- Defect
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
- Consequence
- A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
- Notes
- Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Radio may fail to sound warning chimes
The radio may not sound a warning if the driver is unbelted or leaves the key in the ignition. Without the seatbelt warning, the driver may not buckle up, increasing injury risk in a crash. Dealers will update the radio software free of charge.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
- Defect
- 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 Protection."
- 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.
- Notes
- Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Radio may fail to sound key warning chime
The radio may not sound a warning chime if the key is left in the ignition after it is switched off and the driver opens the door 10 minutes or more later. The driver may leave the key behind, increasing theft risk. Dealers will update the radio software free of charge.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
- Defect
- 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 "Theft Protection."
- 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.
- Notes
- Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Radio may fail and disable warning chimes
A software issue may lock up the radio, blank its display and stop audio, including warning chimes. Drivers may miss seat belt reminders or leave the key in the ignition, increasing injury or theft risk. Dealers will update the radio software free of charge.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
- Defect
- 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 key being left in ignition when the driver goes to exit the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208 "Occupant Crash Protection", and 114 "Theft Protection."
- 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.
- Notes
- Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Clutch pedal pivot may break
The clutch pedal pivot area may break because the pedal height was adjusted incorrectly. The pedal height will be adjusted and a reinforcing bracket fitted if needed.
Official DVSA recall text
- Component
- CLUTCH PEDAL MAY FAIL
- Defect
- Spark vehicles may in some instances experience breakage on clutch pedal pivot area due to inaccurate height adjustment of clutch pedal
- Remedy
- Adjust clutch pedal height and where required fit reinforcing bracket.
Corrosion may stop the secondary bonnet latch engaging
Corrosion may stop the secondary bonnet latch returning to position. If the primary lock is not engaged correctly, the bonnet could open while driving. The secondary latch will be replaced.
Official DVSA recall text
- Component
- SECONDARY BONNET CATCH MAY NOT ENGAGE
- Defect
- The Hood Striker Secondary Latch may suffer from a build-up of corrosion. If this condition occurs the Hood Striker Secondary Latch may not return to the correct position when released. In such an event and especially when the primary locking device is not engaged correctly there is a potential the hood can open while the vehicle is being driven.
- Remedy
- Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the Hood Striker Secondary Latch.
ABS valve may reduce braking performance
A sticking ABS valve may make the brake pedal feel spongy or travel too far, though the brakes will still function. The ABS system will be checked; the brake fluid will be replaced, and the valve will also be replaced if it fails the check.
Official DVSA recall text
- Component
- BRAKING PERFORMANCE MAY BE REDUCED
- Defect
- On affected vehicles the ABS valve may stick. The brakes will still function but the driver may experience a spongy feel when operating the brake pedal or excessive pedal travel.
- Remedy
- Carry out diagnostic check on ABS system. If outcome is within manufacturers specification drain and replace brake fluid. If outcome is not within manufacturer's specification replace ABS valve and drain and replace brake fluid.
Transmission mounting may fail
A failed transmission mounting could let the transmission drop and disconnect the drive-shaft, causing loss of drive to the wheels. The transmission mountings will be replaced.
Official DVSA recall text
- Component
- LOSS OF TRANSMISSION
- Defect
- It has been identified that the transmission mounting could fail. This may allow the transmission to drop and cause the drive-shaft to disconnect resulting in loss of drive to the road wheels.
- Remedy
- Recall all affected vehicles and replace the transmission mountings.
Secondary hood latch may corrode and stick
Corrosion may cause the secondary hood latch striker to stick out of position and fail to engage. If the primary latch is also not engaged, the hood could open while driving and increase crash risk. Dealers will replace the striker free of charge.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
- Defect
- 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.
- Notes
- Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Front control arm bolts may be loose
Do not drive: the maker advises not to drive affected vehicles until they are repaired.
Loose lower control arm bolts may let an arm separate from the steering knuckle, causing loss of steering and increasing crash risk. Dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts to specification free of charge. Arrange free transport to a dealer and do not drive the vehicle until repaired.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
- Defect
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Spark vehicles manufactured from May 7, 2014, to May 26, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the left and right lower control arm attaching bolts in the front suspension may not be tightened to specification.
- Consequence
- If the lower control arm bolts are not tightened properly, the lower control arm may separate from the steering knuckle while driving, causing a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Owners are instructed NOT to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Owners should call a Chevrolet dealer immediately to arrange for their vehicle to be transported free of charge for servicing. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left and right lower control arm attaching bolts to make sure that they are tightened to the proper specification, free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14453. Note: Owners are advised not to drive the vehicle until the repairs have been completed.
- Notes
- Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Passenger air bag may not deploy
An improper weld in the passenger front air bag inflator may prevent the air bag from deploying in a crash, increasing the risk of passenger injury. Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag free of charge.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- AIR BAGS
- Defect
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured April 10, 2013, to May 8, 2013, and Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured December 30, 2012, to March 1, 2013. In the affected vehicles, an improper weld on the passenger side front air bag inflator may result in the air bag not deploying.
- Consequence
- If the air bag does not to deploy in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the front passenger.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side front air bag, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick) or 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14211.
- Notes
- Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Transmission mount may fail and cause loss of drive
A gearbox mounting may fail and let the transmission drop, disconnecting the drive shaft and causing loss of drive. The mountings will be checked and replaced if required.
Official DVSA recall text
- Component
- TRANSMISSION MOUNT FAILURE MAY CAUSE LOSS OF DRIVE
- Defect
- It is possible under certain conditions that the gearbox mounting may fail and allow the transmission to drop. This can result in the loss of drive due to the disconnection of the drive shaft.
- Remedy
- Recall all affected vehicles to check and if required replace the transmission mountings.
Clutch pedal pivot may fail and prevent gear selection
The clutch pedal pivot may fail, preventing gear changes or selection. Braking and steering will not be affected. A reinforcement bracket will be fitted to the pivot.
Official DVSA recall text
- Component
- CLUTCH AND GEAR SELECTION MAY BE LOST
- Defect
- The clutch pedal pivot may fail which will render the vehicle unable to change and or select gear. Braking and directional control will not be affected.
- Remedy
- Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to install a reinforcement support bracket to the clutch pedal pivot.
Brake corrosion may reduce braking performance
Incorrect brake fluid may corrode the ABS module and cause gel to affect a valve, increasing brake pedal travel and potentially reducing braking performance. Dealers will inspect the fluid, replace it and the reservoir cap where specified, and update the owner's manual.
Official DVSA recall text
- Component
- BRAKING EFFICIENCY MAY BE AFFECTED
- Defect
- Incorrect type of brake fluid installed at production could cause internal corrosion of the ABS module. This corrosion can lead to a gel build up inside the module which may affect the closing motion of one of the valves. There will be no external loss of fluid or reduction in fluid level but it is possible the driver could feel excessive brake pedal travel. In some circumstances there may be reduced braking performance.
- Remedy
- Inspection of the brake fluid using a scan tool. Drain and replace the fluid and replace the brake fluid reservoir cap (All models except Captiva & Epica/Tosca). Erase ''DOT 3'' text from the customers Owner's Manual (All models except Captiva & Epica/Tosca). Add information regarding the use of DOT 4 brake fluid.
Sources: NHTSA (US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), DVSA (UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and the EU Safety Gate (European Commission) recall data. Each recall covers vehicles sold in that market; models sold elsewhere may differ.