DecodedCars2016 Chevrolet Spark
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Hatchback Ls/Lt, EV 4dr Hatchback Ls/Lt
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- EV, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 34 combined · 31 city / 40 hwy
- EV range
- 82 mi · 7 h on 240 V
- Length
- 143.3–146.5 in
- Curb weight
- 2,247–2,866 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 34 MPG combined — 43% better than the average 2016 subcompact car (23.7 MPG).
- Electric version availableOffered as a electric as well as gas.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 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 Ls/Lt).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 34 MPG combined (31 city / 40 highway), 43% better than the 2016 subcompact car average of 23.7 MPG, for an estimated $650 a year in fuel.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 82 miles and takes about 7 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 42 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2016
- Engine added: 1.4L 4-cyl
- Engine dropped: 1.2L 4-cyl
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Spark →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Hatchback Ls/Lt | 143.3 in | 63 in | 58.3 in | 94.1 in | 54.3 / 54.3 in | 2,247 lb | 64/36 |
| EV 4dr Hatchback Ls/Lt | 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 EV EV | 105 kW ACPM | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 82 mi · 28.3449 kWh/100mi | – | $650 | – |
| Spark | 1.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 / 40 / 34 | +43% | $1,950 | 259 |
| Spark | 1.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 39 / 33 | +39% | $2,050 | 266 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Chevrolet Spark.
Similar 2016 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Chevrolet Spark (this car) | 34 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Toyota Mirai | – | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV | 62 mi | Not rated | 2 |
| 2016 Scion iA | 36 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 MINI John Cooper Works | 27 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (3)
Air Bags › Frontal · Jul 10, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V437000 · 40,683 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
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.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · Sep 8, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V651000 · 3,640,162 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
Not every 2016 Chevrolet Spark is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Chevrolet Spark buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 20 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Electrical System — 5 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- 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 11,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 82 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 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 |
| 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 →