DecodedCars2018 Chevrolet Spark
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Hatchback, EV 4dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 33 combined · 30 city / 39 hwy
- Length
- 143.3–146.5 in
- Curb weight
- 2,247–2,866 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 33 MPG combined — 39% better than the average 2018 subcompact car (23.7 MPG).
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 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 / 39 highway), 39% better than the 2018 subcompact car average of 23.7 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 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 Spark — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Spark →
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 | +39% | $2,050 | 269 |
| Spark ACTIV | 1.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 37 / 33 | +39% | $2,050 | 269 |
| Spark | 1.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 39 / 33 | +39% | $2,050 | 267 |
| Spark ACTIV | 1.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 38 / 32 | +35% | $2,100 | 278 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 Chevrolet Spark.
Similar 2018 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Chevrolet Spark (this car) | 33 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage | 39 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2018 Toyota Mirai | – | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Karma Revero | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2018 Buick Cascada | 24 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2018 Chevrolet Spark.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2018 Chevrolet Spark is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Chevrolet Spark buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 3 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 2 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 2,000 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 2018 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 |
| 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 | Not rated | 7 | 84 |
| 2014 Spark | 34 | 143.7 in | Not rated | 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 →