Model year guide

2021 Chevrolet spark

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2021 Chevrolet spark is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 136 on record.

2021 Chevrolet spark — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2021 Chevrolet spark at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints6
Combined33 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2021 Chevrolet spark recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2021 Chevrolet spark.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2021 Chevrolet spark common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

2021 Chevrolet spark MPG & running costs

Combined33 mpg
City30 mpg
Highway38 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,050
EPA size classSubcompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic (variable gear ratios) or Manual 5-spd
Passenger volume86 cu ft
Cargo volume11 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$1,750 less

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2021 Chevrolet spark costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$10,250
Fuel only$10,250
Per mile$0.14

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
143.3 in
Width
63.0 in
Height
58.3 in
Wheelbase
94.1 in
Curb weight
2,247 lb
Front track
54.3 in
Rear track
54.3 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2021 Chevrolet spark. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 453

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 453.

This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.

Bulletin PIT5698F · Sep 2026

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

Bulletin PIP4902W · Sep 2026

This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues

Bulletin PIC6551C · Aug 2026

PI to help diagnose A/C concern

Bulletin PIT5099J · Jul 2026

This Preliminary information communicates an issue with an OTA pending message still displayed after an OTA event and how to reset/clear the message.

Bulletin PIT5966F · Jun 2026

Pi created to provide GM dealers with information on gathering information for projection issue

Bulletin PIC6423A · May 2026

This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues

Bulletin PIC6551B · May 2026

This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.

Bulletin PIT3271Q · Apr 2026

This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.

Bulletin PIP6104 · Mar 2026

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

Bulletin PIP4902V · Mar 2026

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the SPARK FWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

About the Chevrolet spark

The Chevrolet Spark is a city car manufactured by General Motors's subsidiary GM Korea from 1998 to 2022. The vehicle was developed by Daewoo and introduced in 1998 as the Daewoo Matiz. In 2002, General Motors purchased Daewoo Motors, which was marketing the vehicle with several GM marques and nameplates.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2021 Chevrolet spark trims & engines on record

Trims
1LT · LS
Engines
1.4L 4-cyl

2021 Chevrolet spark vehicles on record

Other Chevrolet spark model years

2021 Chevrolet spark — frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Chevrolet spark have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 2021 Chevrolet spark. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet spark?

Across all 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, engine, fuel/propulsion system.

What gas mileage does the 2021 Chevrolet spark get?

The 2021 Chevrolet spark has a U.S. EPA estimate of 33 mpg combined (30 city / 38 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.