Research · Subcompact Cars
2018 Chevrolet SparkRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 9 owner complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Spark. Most complaints involve vehicle speed control (3) and engine (3). The EPA rates it 32–33 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
32–33mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
9
Top: vehicle speed control
Fuel cost / yr
$1,900est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2018 Chevrolet Spark as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
9 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2018 – Jul 2026
- Vehicle speed control3
- Engine3
- Service brakes2
- Power train2
- Fuel/propulsion system2
- Air bags1
- Lane departure1
- Service brakes, hydraulic1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Vehicle speed control
3 reports
“Okay, I can press the gas and try to go one speed.And my car will go either way, too slow for that gear or way too fast.For that gear , I have almost been several wrecks , because it's either going too slow , went when i'm supposed to be going to certain speed or it's going to fast one supposed to be going to certain speed”
Engine
3 reports
“WHEN I TRY TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE CAR CAN'T DECIDE IF IT WANTS TO MOVE OR NOT AND IT WILL JUST SIT AND REV AND HAS ALMOST CAUSED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS AS I AM PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC”
Service brakes
2 reports
“This is the third time while driving that my brakes have simply just gone out. It’s usually on the freeway while at high speeds and I’m nearly not able to stop. This is the third time in three years. No lights come on on the dashboard and no warnings happened at all the brakes just simply stopped working. It takes extreme pressure to try to stop and I’m usually told that it’s some part of the vacuum.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
4 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Manual 5-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spark Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 38 | 33 | $1,900 | 269 |
| Spark Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 39 | 33 | $1,900 | 267 |
| Spark ACTIV Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 37 | 33 | $1,900 | 269 |
| Spark ACTIV Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 38 | 32 | $1,950 | 278 |
- 33mpg comb.
- 33mpg comb.
- 33mpg comb.
- 32mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 Chevrolet Spark as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 12011
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2018 Spark questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Chevrolet Spark have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 2018 Chevrolet Spark problems?
Owners filed 9 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are vehicle speed control (3), engine (3), service brakes (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2018 Chevrolet Spark get?
The EPA rates the 2018 Chevrolet Spark at 32–33 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026