2013 Chevrolet Spark 1.0L Petrol · SA13 LWS
2013 Chevrolet Spark (1.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Mar 2013. Recorded mileage 86,642 miles. MOT valid until 21 May 2027. Taxed until 01 Mar 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- CHEVROLET SPARK
- Year / Origin
- 2013 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 21 May 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Mar 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 86,642 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
SA13 LWS Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 16/05/2026
- 86,642 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 6 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
SA13 LWS MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2013 Chevrolet Spark (SA13 LWS) between May 2024 and May 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 16 May 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (5 issues), Bodywork (3 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 10 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Rear Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))”; “Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e))”; “Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))”.
SA13 LWS Mileage History
- 21/05/202464,517 mi
- 22/05/202464,519 mi+2 mi
- 23/05/202570,974 mi+6,455 mi
- 23/05/202570,974 mi
- 16/05/202686,642 mi+15,668 mi
Average of roughly 11,147 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Chevrolet Spark
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 2013 Chevrolet Spark shows significant corrosion and repeated mechanical issues, making it a cautious purchase unless major repairs are addressed.
Prioritise a thorough inspection of the underbody and chassis for corrosion, which has been flagged multiple times. Check service records for repairs related to wheel bearings, exhaust leaks, and tire maintenance. Negotiate heavily given the history of failures, and consider a professional pre-purchase inspection. Be wary of hidden rust damage, which can be costly to repair.
The 995cc petrol engine offers decent fuel economy, likely around 50-60 mpg, but this may drop with age. Tax for 2013 models is £140 annually (pre-2017 petrol cars). Insurance group is likely mid-range (estimated £800-£1,000 annually). Maintenance costs will rise due to corrosion and mechanical issues, with exhaust repairs, tire replacements, and rust treatment likely required. Estimated annual running cost: £1,200-£1,500.
Focus on the underbody and chassis for severe corrosion, particularly around mounting points and the rear brake pipe. Check the front wheel bearings for noise and play, and inspect tires for uneven wear. Verify that all registration plate lamps function correctly. Look for signs of exhaust system leaks and ensure the windscreen wiper is fully functional. A mechanic should assess the extent of rust damage, which can affect structural integrity.
The vehicle has a mixed MOT history with recurring corrosion issues, tire wear, and minor mechanical faults. At 86,642 miles, the mileage is above average for a 13-year-old car, and multiple failures suggest potential long-term reliability concerns. While the recent MOT passed, the pattern of issues indicates ongoing maintenance needs.
No aggregate data available for the Chevrolet Spark, but this vehicle's history suggests vulnerability to corrosion and mechanical wear typical of older small cars.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
Common Problems: CHEVROLET SPARK
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- Coolant Expansion Tank Cracks(Moderate)
The plastic coolant tank can develop hairline cracks, leading to slow coolant loss and potential overheating.
- CVT Transmission Shudder and Hesitation(Serious)
The CVT automatic transmission develops shuddering during acceleration, particularly between 20-40 mph. The belt can slip and the transmission may eventually fail completely.
- Ignition Coil and Spark Plug Failure(Moderate)
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.
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CHEVROLET SPARK Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2013 model year cars.
- Coolant Expansion Tank CracksModerate
The plastic coolant tank can develop hairline cracks, leading to slow coolant loss and potential overheating.
- CVT Transmission Shudder and HesitationSerious
The CVT automatic transmission develops shuddering during acceleration, particularly between 20-40 mph. The belt can slip and the transmission may eventually fail completely.
- Ignition Coil and Spark Plug FailureModerate
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.
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