At a Glance
The Chevrolet Spark has 23 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Spark (2010-2015) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 183K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Chevrolet Spark common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Chevrolet Spark generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Help other Chevrolet Spark owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Chevrolet Spark Generations
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Most Common Chevrolet Spark MOT Failures
Every reason Chevrolet Spark vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 13.30% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 11.19% |
| 3 | Tyre condition | 7.71% |
| 4 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 7.32% |
| 5 | Windscreen washer not working | 5.26% |
| 6 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.16% |
| 7 | Brake pads or linings worn | 4.20% |
| 8 | Exhaust system fault | 4.15% |
| 9 | Front lamp not working | 4.09% |
| 10 | Headlamp aim defect | 4.08% |
| 11 | Brake performance below minimum | 3.03% |
| 12 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.98% |
| 13 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 2.24% |
| 14 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 2.17% |
| 15 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.89% |
| 16 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.59% |
| 17 | Wheel bearing worn | 1.55% |
| 18 | Track rod end worn | 1.53% |
| 19 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.29% |
| 20 | Driveshaft fault | 1.02% |
| 21 | Airbag warning light on | 1.00% |
| 22 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.96% |
| 23 | Indicator fault | 0.87% |
| 24 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.74% |
| 25 | Position lamp not working | 0.67% |
| 26 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.66% |
| 27 | ABS fault | 0.61% |
| 28 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.58% |
| 29 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.55% |
| 30 | Horn not working | 0.47% |
| 31 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.45% |
| 32 | Fog lamp not working | 0.39% |
| 33 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.37% |
| 34 | Engine oil leak | 0.36% |
| 35 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.31% |
| 36 | Rear lamp not working | 0.27% |
| 37 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.26% |
| 38 | Stop lamp not working | 0.24% |
| 39 | Brake lever fault | 0.24% |
| 40 | Rear suspension fault | 0.24% |
| 41 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.22% |
| 42 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.20% |
| 43 | Steering rack fault | 0.20% |
| 44 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.18% |
| 45 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.16% |
| 46 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.15% |
| 47 | Parking brake condition | 0.15% |
| 48 | Headlamp fault | 0.14% |
| 49 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.13% |
| 50 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.13% |
| 51 | Front suspension fault | 0.12% |
| 52 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.12% |
| 53 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.10% |
| 54 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.10% |
| 55 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.09% |
| 56 | Seat belt condition | 0.09% |
| 57 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.08% |
| 58 | Chassis condition | 0.08% |
| 59 | Brake pedal fault | 0.07% |
| 60 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.07% |
| 61 | Driver airbag fault | 0.07% |
| 62 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.07% |
| 63 | Brake caliper fault | 0.06% |
| 64 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.06% |
| 65 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.05% |
| 66 | Passenger airbag fault | 0.05% |
| 67 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.05% |
| 68 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.05% |
| 69 | Transmission oil leak | 0.05% |
| 70 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 71 | Electrical switch fault | 0.04% |
| 72 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.04% |
| 73 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.04% |
| 74 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 75 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.03% |
| 76 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.03% |
| 77 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.03% |
| 78 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.03% |
| 79 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 80 | Access panel damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 81 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.03% |
| 82 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 83 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.03% |
| 84 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.03% |
| 85 | Propshaft fault | 0.02% |
| 86 | Body security fault | 0.02% |
| 87 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 88 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.02% |
| 89 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.02% |
| 91 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 92 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.02% |
| 93 | Driver seat fault | 0.02% |
| 94 | Steering lock fault | 0.01% |
| 95 | Brake fluid leak | 0.01% |
| 96 | Driver door fault | 0.01% |
| 97 | Power steering pump fault | 0.01% |
| 98 | Dip switch fault | 0.01% |
| 99 | Reversing lamp switch fault | 0.01% |
| 100 | Window damaged or won't operate | 0.01% |
| 101 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 102 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 103 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 104 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 105 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 106 | Brake fluid warning light on | <0.01% |
| 107 | Drag link end worn | <0.01% |
| 108 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 109 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 110 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 111 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 113 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 115 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 116 | Steering arm worn | <0.01% |
| 117 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 118 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Handbrake cable fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 123 | Steering operation fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 125 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 127 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 128 | Bonded suspension condition | <0.01% |
| 129 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 132 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 136 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 140 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Steering free play excessive | <0.01% |
| 144 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 145 | Subframe mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 146 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 147 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 148 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Chevrolet Spark MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Chevrolet Spark, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Chevrolet Spark problems?
Based on analysis of 183K Chevrolet Spark MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 23 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake performance below minimum". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Chevrolet Spark generation has the most problems?
The Chevrolet Spark Spark (2010-2015) (2010–2015) has the highest number of identified common problems (27). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Chevrolet Spark?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Chevrolet Spark owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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