There are 4 owner-reported electrical system complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Sparkin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
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 towing. I replaced the 12V battery at my own expense. The issue briefly disappeared, but the same failure occurred again within weeks. The replacement 12V battery also failed to hold a charge, indicating the problem was not related to the 12V system. I brought the vehicle to Harbor Chevrolet. Their technicians confirmed the problem was caused by a failure of the high-voltage battery system. They also informed me that the required EV battery is unavailable from the manufacturer with no estimated availability. Because this component is essential for basic propulsion and safety, the vehicle has been completely inoperable since early 2025. The vehicle is available for inspection, but it cannot be driven due to the propulsion failure. The defect has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealership. There were no warning lamps or early indicators prior to the sudden loss of propulsion. I am reporting this because sudden propulsion loss and inability to shut the vehicle down properly present significant safety concerns, especially if this issue affects additional Spark EV vehicles without an available manufacturer remedy.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 CHEVROLET SPARK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45-50 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SMOKE ODOR IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE STARTED FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT THAT THE FIRE MIGHT HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO SUBSTANTIATE THE CLAIM. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BAKER'S RECOVERY AND TOWING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. PAUL-RICHARD GMC (769 W MAIN ST, PERU, IN 46970, (765) 323-4317) WAS NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000. *TT *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET SPARK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ENTERTAINMENT SCREEN AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.
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Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 25, 2026