DecodedCars2017 Chevrolet Spark
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Hatchback, EV 4dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl
- Transmission
- automatic, manual
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 4
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 33 combined · 30 city / 38 hwy
- Length
- 143.3–146.5 in
- Curb weight
- 2,247–2,866 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 33 MPG combined — 43% better than the average 2017 subcompact car (23 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Chevrolet Spark is a subcompact car offered with a 1.4L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 143 inches long and 63 inches wide on a 94-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,247 lb (4dr Hatchback).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 33 MPG combined (30 city / 38 highway), 43% better than the 2017 subcompact car average of 23 MPG, for an estimated $2,050 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 29 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2017
- No all-electric version any more
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 Spark →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Changwon, South Korea · Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2017 Spark configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Hatchback | 143.3 in | 63 in | 58.3 in | 94.1 in | 54.3 / 54.3 in | 2,247 lb | 64/36 |
| EV 4dr Hatchback | 146.5 in | 64.2 in | 62.6 in | 93.7 in | 55.5 / 55.5 in | 2,866 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 | 1.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 38 / 33 | +43% | $2,050 | 268 |
| Spark | 1.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 38 / 33 | +43% | $2,050 | 271 |
| Spark ACTIV | 1.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 37 / 33 | +43% | $2,050 | 269 |
| Spark ACTIV | 1.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 37 / 32 | +39% | $2,100 | 278 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2017 Chevrolet Spark.
Similar 2017 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Chevrolet Spark (this car) | 33 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage | 39 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Toyota Mirai | – | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV | 59 mi | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · May 9, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V307000 · 55,068 vehicles
- 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.
Not every 2017 Chevrolet Spark is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Chevrolet Spark buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 9 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Service Brakes — 8 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Air Bags — 5 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 13,000 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 2017 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 |
| 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 |
| 2013 Spark | 34 | 143.7 in | Not rated | 5 | 87 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →