IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2010 Chevrolet Spark

The all-new M300 Spark replaced the Matiz in UK showrooms in early 2010 on GM's global small-car platform, with a five-door body, 1.0 and 1.2 petrol engines and a bold angular design.

What changed for 2010

  • •Entirely new GM Global Small Vehicles platform with a five-door body only, replacing the old Suzuki-derived Matiz architecture.
  • •1.0 and 1.2-litre S-TEC II petrol engines with a 5-speed manual; check the specific car's gearbox as automatic availability was limited.
  • •Rear door handles hidden in the C-pillar and a motorbike-style digital instrument panel were headline styling features.

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Worn front anti-roll bar drop links and lower arm bushes causing knocks on potholed roads.
  • !Rear brake drum corrosion and seized handbrake cables on lightly used cars.
  • !Dim or failed headlamp bulbs due to the sealed housings and limited access.
4
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

CVT Transmission Shudder and Hesitation

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

The CVT automatic transmission develops shuddering during acceleration, particularly between 20-40 mph. The belt can slip and the transmission may eventually fail completely.

Est. Repair Cost: £1,000–£3,500
Warning Signs:

Shuddering during acceleration, Hesitation from stops, Whining noise from transmission, Check engine light with transmission codes

What to Inspect:
  • Test the car through acceleration ranges
  • Listen for whining from the transmission
  • Check for transmission fault codes
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Coolant Expansion Tank Cracks

ModerateCooling System

The plastic coolant tank can develop hairline cracks, leading to slow coolant loss and potential overheating.

Est. Repair Cost: £60–£120
Warning Signs:

Coolant level dropping, Pink crusty residue on the tank, Sweet smell from engine bay

What to Inspect:
  • Visual inspection of the expansion tank seams
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Ignition Coil and Spark Plug Failure

ModerateEngine

The 1.0L and 1.2L engines are prone to premature ignition coil failure, causing misfires. Heat soak in the tight engine bay accelerates coil degradation.

Est. Repair Cost: £100–£300
Warning Signs:

Rough idle, Misfire under acceleration, Check engine light flashing, Reduced power and fuel economy

What to Inspect:
  • Check for engine misfire codes
  • Inspect ignition coils for cracks or damage
  • Ask about recent coil or plug replacements
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Suspension Bush and Link Wear

MinorSuspension & Chassis

The front suspension components, particularly drop links and wishbone bushes, wear prematurely on UK roads.

Est. Repair Cost: £80–£200
Warning Signs:

Knocking noise over bumps, Vague steering feel, Uneven tyre wear

What to Inspect:
  • Drive over uneven surfaces
  • Inspect front tyres for inner edge wear
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2010 Chevrolet Spark

  • Check whether the car has a full service book, as many were bought cheaply on finance and then only lightly maintained.
  • Test the instrument cluster and trip computer thoroughly; faults here need replacement of the whole unit.
  • If the car is an automatic, ask for gearbox service evidence and test for shudder between 20 and 40mph.
  • Inspect the underside of the front bumper for kerb damage, as low front lips are easily torn.
2011–2012
Check a 2010 Chevrolet Spark by Registration