Does the 2016 Chevrolet Spark have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Spark, the most recent reported on May 9, 2017 (Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Spark?

Owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is service brakes (10 complaints), followed by electrical system (5).

How many 2016 Chevrolet Spark complaints mention a crash or fire?

1 of 28 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2016 Chevrolet Spark recalls and problems

1 recall and 28 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Chevrolet Spark.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2016 Chevrolet Spark recalls

Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module

NHTSA campaign 17V307000 · reported May 9, 2017 · General Motors LLC · 55,068 vehicles potentially affected

The 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."
The 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Service brakes10
Electrical system5
Unknown or other5
Power train4
Air bags2
Engine2
Fuel/propulsion system2
Steering2
Visibility/wiper2
Electronic stability control (ESC)1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Dec 10, 2025 · Electrical system
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…

May 11, 2025 · Unknown or other
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…

Oct 20, 2023 · Air bags · 44,813 miles · crash reported
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…

Oct 9, 2023 · Service brakes
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…

Jul 20, 2022 · Power train · 85,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the transmission was slipping, and the cruise control was not operating correctly. Additionally, the RPM was elevated with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed; however, no…

Spark model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2013	5	146	10	1
2014	6	172	13	0
2015	5	77	4	1
2016	1	28	1	1
2017	1	29	5	0
2018	0	9	0	0
2019	1	14	4	0

Across all years, the 2014 Spark has the most complaints (172). All Chevrolet Spark years →

Questions

Does the 2016 Chevrolet Spark have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Spark, the most recent reported on May 9, 2017 (Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Spark?: Owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is service brakes (10 complaints), followed by electrical system (5).
How many 2016 Chevrolet Spark complaints mention a crash or fire?: 1 of 28 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received December 10, 2025.