2016 Chevrolet Spark recalls
Reported May 9, 2017 · 55,068 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC
Problem: 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."
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
2016 Chevrolet Spark problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Service Brakes | 10 | |
| Electrical System | 6 | |
| Unknown or Other | 5 | |
| Power Train | 4 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | |
| Engine | 2 | |
| Steering | 2 | |
| Air Bags | 2 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 1 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Fluid/Lubricant — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 42,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2016 Chevrolet Spark complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Electrical System · at 55,000 miles · reported Oct 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated an abnormal, rotten egg like smell began to emit from the fuel pump. The fuel gauge began to show false fuel readings and the fuel pump was replaced by an independent mechanic. The contact then stated that the check engine light appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where the OBD II sensor gave a code for P0461(Fuel Level Sensor "A" Circuit Range/Performance). The contact had the fuel pump and exhaust system replaced. Despite the repair, the contact stated that the fuel gauge…
Electrical System · reported Dec 10, 2025
While driving in early 2025, my 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV suddenly lost all ability to accelerate. The vehicle remained powered on but would not respond to the accelerator, and I was unable to fully shut it off. This created a safety hazard because I could not properly control or secure the vehicle, and it required towing. I replaced the 12V battery at my own expense. The issue briefly disappeared, but the same failure occurred again within weeks. The replacement 12V battery also failed to hold a charge, indicating the problem was not related to the 12V system. I brought the vehicle to Harbor…
Unknown or Other · reported May 11, 2025
I am the owner of a 2016 Spark EV, and the driver was my family member. The vehicle was charged and had a remaining driving range of 51 miles when the vehicle suddenly shut down on a major city road without any prior warning or symptoms of a problem. The vehicle did not restart immediately, and other drivers behind had to push the vehicle to the side of the road. The driver experienced the shutdown of the vehicle while driving again on another day. Since the sudden shutdown of the propulsion power while driving happened without any prior warning light, message, or symptom, the incident could…
Air Bags · at 44,813 miles · reported Oct 20, 2023
The contact owned a 2016 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was T-bone crashed into on the driver's side by a second vehicle. During the crash, the driver-side curtain air bags did not immediately deploy. The contact indicated that the air bag deployed approximately one minute after the crash had occurred. The driver sustained torso bruises and lower back pain which later required medical treatment. A Police report was taken at the scene. The vehicle was destroyed and towed away. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The…
Service Brakes · reported Oct 9, 2023
I was driving downhill with the car in L on a highway and brakes failed. I could not engage the brakes at all but somehow the car slowed to a stop and I managed to pull into a parking spot and park. Two lights came on: Service Intellitrak and Service Brake Assist. The car has been inspected by the Chevrolet dealership that sold the car to me as well as an independant shop. One technician at the Chevrolet dealership reported he got zero brake pressure and claims that the car needs a new brake pressure modulator. The independant shop reported that they could not replicate the poor brake…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2016 Chevrolet Spark have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Spark: 17V-307 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Chevrolet Spark?
Owners report service brakes problems most often (10 reports), followed by electrical system (6). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 42,000 miles.
Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.