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2013 Chevrolet Spark

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

Chevrolet Spark
Pictured: 2020 Chevrolet Spark LS, front right, 09-07-2024. Photo: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Hatchback Ls/Lt143.7 in63 in59.8 in93.7 in55.5 / 55.5 in2,315 lb63/37

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Spark1.2L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive31 / 37 / 34+55%$1,950265
Spark1.2L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive28 / 36 / 31+41%$2,150284
9/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
9/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $2,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
22 MPG2013 Subcompact Cars average

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

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2013 Chevrolet Spark (this car)34 MPGNot rated5
2013 Toyota Yaris33 MPGNot rated1
2013 MINI Clubman30 MPGNot rated0
2013 Mitsubishi i-MiEV62 miNot rated2
2013 CODA Automotive CODA88 miNot rated0

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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2013 Chevrolet Spark is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

87Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
4Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
1Injuries reported
45,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine22
Power Train21
Unknown Or Other19
Electrical System16
Air Bags10
Vehicle Speed Control6
Fuel/Propulsion System6
Structure › Body5
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
18/12: 219/04: 119/06: 219/09: 119/11: 120/04: 120/06: 120/09: 120/11: 121/02: 121/08: 121/12: 122/11: 123/01: 223/03: 223/06: 123/10: 124/02: 124/05: 124/06: 124/10: 124/11: 125/02: 125/06: 118/1219/0920/0621/0222/1123/0624/0524/11max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2013 Chevrolet Spark buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 22 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Power Train — 21 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  4. Electrical System — 16 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 45,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. 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 →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2022 Spark33143.3 inNot rated03
2021 Spark33143.3 inNot rated06
2020 Spark33143.3 inNot rated020
2019 Spark33143.3 inNot rated114
2018 Spark33143.3 inNot rated09
2017 Spark33143.3 inNot rated129
2016 Spark34143.3 inNot rated342
2015 Spark34143.7 inNot rated784
2014 Spark34143.7 inNot rated8152

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →