2016 Chevrolet Spark EV

The 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV is a subcompact electric vehicle designed for city driving. It’s powered by a 140 horsepower electric motor producing 327 lb-ft of torque, paired with a single-speed direct drive transmission. It was only offered with the electric motor and single-speed transmission. Owners often praise its nimble handling, quick acceleration (especially in low-speed city environments), and efficient electric range. Criticisms typically revolve around its small size (limiting passenger and cargo space), limited range compared to newer EVs, and some concerns about battery degradation over time.

Electric Motor

Electric Motor

• Reduced Range/Battery Degradation
  • Description/Symptoms: Over time, the battery capacity can diminish, resulting in a noticeable decrease in the vehicle’s overall range. Drivers may report that they can no longer travel as far on a single charge as they could when the car was newer. Also, the battery may display incorrect charge levels or take longer to charge than usual.
  • Solution: Battery replacement or reconditioning, though reconditioning may only provide a temporary fix.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $10,000+ (battery replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Motor Control Module (MCM) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunction of the MCM can lead to a variety of problems including reduced power, inability to charge, or complete failure to start. Diagnostic codes related to the MCM are often present.
  • Solution: Replacement of the Motor Control Module
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Single-Speed Transmission

Single-Speed Transmission

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Charging Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty initiating or completing a charging session, either at home or at public charging stations. This can manifest as the car not recognizing the charging cable, the charging process stopping prematurely, or error messages displayed on the dashboard.
  • Solution: The potential causes are many, including a faulty charging port, damaged charging cable, or problems with the car’s onboard charger. A diagnostic check is required to pinpoint the issue. Depending on the cause, replacement of the charging port, charging cable, or onboard charger is necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ depending on the component.
  • Recalls: None Found
• 12V Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The 12V auxiliary battery (used for starting and running accessories) can experience premature drain, leading to starting issues or malfunctioning electrical components. This can result in the vehicle not starting or various error messages being displayed.
  • Solution: Replacement of the 12V battery and diagnosis of any parasitic drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Infotainment System Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system (MyLink) can experience freezing, slow response times, or unexpected shutdowns. This can affect the functionality of the navigation system, radio, and other connected services.
  • Solution: Software updates or replacement of the infotainment unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+ depending on complexity of the repair
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Heater Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat heaters may stop working, either on one or both seats.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the heating element or related wiring in the seat.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV, while generally reliable, does have a few potential problem areas. The most significant concerns relate to battery degradation and potential issues with the motor control module, which can be expensive to repair. Charging issues and 12V battery drain are also common complaints. While not overwhelmingly frequent, these issues should be considered by potential buyers. The severity of these issues can range from minor inconveniences to significant financial burdens, particularly if the battery needs replacement.