2016 Chevrolet Spark problems: engine and transmission complaints and recalls
NO ELEVATED SIGNAL
22%
8 of 36 relevant owner complaints are about the engine, transmission or fuel system
No elevated drivetrain complaint concentration in the available NHTSA records for the 2016 Chevrolet Spark. Engine, transmission and fuel system account for 22% of relevant complaints.
Better than 84% of the 1,789 model years we track (2010–2023).
Excludes 6 airbag, lighting and seat-belt recall complaints that would otherwise mask the signal (unadjusted: 19%).
Does the 2016 Chevrolet Spark have engine or transmission problems?
Not as a pattern, going by owner complaints. 8 of 36 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2016 Chevrolet Spark concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (22%). For comparison, the 2015 scores 57% and the 2017 scores 50%. This describes the model year, not any one car: a well-maintained or already-repaired example can be fine, and a clean model year can still have a bad car in it.
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 towin…
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM05/11/2025
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 had…
POWER TRAIN07/20/2022
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 fa…
Three of 8 drivetrain complaints. The full report shows more, with quotes about the engine in the car you are looking at first.
Recall campaigns on the 2016 Chevrolet Spark (1)
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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 be…
This does not say whether a particular car has an open, unrepaired recall. That depends on the VIN.
Before you buy a 2016 Chevrolet Spark
No elevated drivetrain pattern for this model year. That describes the model, not the car in front of you.
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
1 recall campaign on this model year. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on the VIN; the report checks that.
Ask for service records. A transmission already replaced under warranty is a different car from one that was not.
Questions people ask about the 2016 Chevrolet Spark
Does the 2016 Chevrolet Spark have engine or transmission problems?
Not as a pattern, going by owner complaints. 8 of 36 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2016 Chevrolet Spark concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (22%). It describes the model year, not any one car, so an inspection still matters.
Are there engine or transmission recalls on the 2016 Chevrolet Spark?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign on the 2016 Chevrolet Spark. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
Which Chevrolet Spark years are better?
The 2016 has the lowest engine and transmission complaint share of the Chevrolet Spark years we track (22%). The other years run higher.
Should I buy a 2016 Chevrolet Spark?
That depends on the car in front of you, not just the model year. The 2016 Chevrolet Spark shows no elevated engine or transmission pattern in owner complaints, which is a good starting point. It is still one car with its own history, so get an independent pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you commit.
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Experimental model-level information. This is not a vehicle inspection, vehicle-history
report, financial advice or purchase recommendation. It describes patterns across a model year, not the condition
of any individual vehicle.