2013 Chevrolet Spark
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Hatchback Ls/Lt
- Engines
- 1.2L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 34 combined · 31 city / 37 hwy
- Length
- 143.7 in
- Curb weight
- 2,315 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 34 MPG combined — 55% better than the average 2013 subcompact car (22 MPG).
Watch out for
- 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Chevrolet Spark is a subcompact car offered with a 1.2L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 144 inches long and 63 inches wide on a 94-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,315 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 34 MPG combined (31 city / 37 highway), 55% better than the 2013 subcompact car average of 22 MPG, for an estimated $1,950 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 87 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Hatchback Ls/Lt | 143.7 in | 63 in | 59.8 in | 93.7 in | 55.5 / 55.5 in | 2,315 lb | 63/37 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spark | 1.2L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 / 37 / 34 | +55% | $1,950 | 265 |
| Spark | 1.2L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 36 / 31 | +41% | $2,150 | 284 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark.
Similar 2013 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Chevrolet Spark (this car) | 34 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2013 Toyota Yaris | 33 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2013 MINI Clubman | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Mitsubishi i-MiEV | 62 mi | Not rated | 2 |
| 2013 CODA Automotive CODA | 88 mi | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (5)
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch · Aug 25, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V640000 · 120,688 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A hood latch failure can result in the vehicle's hood opening unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Electrical System › Software · Jun 10, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V422000 · 18,780 vehicles
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Electrical System › Software · Apr 28, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V257000 · 317,572 vehicles
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
- Fix
- 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.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch · Sep 24, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V593000 · 89,294 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Air Bags · Jun 6, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V298000 · 61 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2013 Chevrolet Spark is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Chevrolet Spark buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 22 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 21 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 16 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 45,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Spark years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Spark | 33 | 143.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 3 |
| 2021 Spark | 33 | 143.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 6 |
| 2020 Spark | 33 | 143.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 20 |
| 2019 Spark | 33 | 143.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 14 |
| 2018 Spark | 33 | 143.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 9 |
| 2017 Spark | 33 | 143.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 29 |
| 2016 Spark | 34 | 143.3 in | Not rated | 3 | 42 |
| 2015 Spark | 34 | 143.7 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 84 |
| 2014 Spark | 34 | 143.7 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 152 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →