IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2013 Chevrolet Spark

The Paris 2012 facelift brought a revised grille, bumpers and headlamp covers to the M300, so Sparks sold in the UK from 2013 look fresher while keeping the 1.0 and 1.2 petrol engines.

What changed for 2013

  • •Revised dual-port grille, front bumper and headlamp covers with restyled fog lamps from the 2012 Paris Motor Show facelift.
  • •Equipment updates on higher trims, so check the specific car's audio and Bluetooth fitment.
  • •Mechanicals unchanged, with 1.0 and 1.2 S-TEC II engines carried over until UK sales ended in 2015.

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Front suspension bush and drop link wear that can show up as play in the steering and an MOT advisory.
  • !Corroded rear brake drums and wheel cylinders on cars from damp storage or short-trip use.
  • !Failed number plate lamps, which are a frequent cause of a simple MOT failure.
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 2013 Chevrolet Spark

  • Check the cambelt service history on the 1.2, as the maintenance interval is easy to miss on budget cars.
  • Facelifted cars look newer, so confirm the audio and Bluetooth pairing on the specific car before purchase.
  • Check the service book against the 5-year warranty terms, as missed services can weaken a claim.
  • Check the air conditioning blows cold and that the condenser has no stone-chip leaks.
2011–20122014–2015
Check a 2013 Chevrolet Spark by Registration