Chevrolet Spark reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Chevrolet Spark is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 74 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 416 of 442, and 44.5% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is position lamp (8.7% of tests).
Ranked 416 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 14,726 Chevrolet Sparks aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 44.5% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Chevrolet Spark is 35% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
44.5%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
5,700
Typical age at test: 12 years
Chevrolet Spark MOT failure rate by age
Most common Chevrolet Spark MOT faults
- Position lamp: not working8.7% of tests
- Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded6.9% of tests
- Stop lamp: not working6.7% of tests
- Service brake performance: excessively binding6.5% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.7% of tests
- Headlamp: not working on dipped beam4.3% of tests
What the Chevrolet Spark fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 22.9% | ▲ 1.7× as often |
| Brakes | 17.4% | ▲ 2.4× as often |
| Suspension | 13.6% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Visibility | 8.3% | ▲ 1.7× as often |
| Tyres | 6.9% | 1.1× as often |
| Body and structure | 5.1% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 2.9% | About average |
| Steering | 1.9% | ▼ 16% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.4% | ▲ 1.8× as often |
| Wheels | 0.2% | ▼ 58% less often |
What MPG does the Chevrolet Spark do?
Official economy for the Chevrolet Spark ranges from 55.4 to 55.4mpg across the 14 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2010–2012). A typical petrol version manages 55.4mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Chevrolet Spark?
Any Chevrolet Spark first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Chevrolet Spark registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £35 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carChevrolet Spark specs and running costs
Official figures for 14 versions sold in the UK between 2010 and 2012.
Fuel types
Petrol
Official economy
55.4 mpg
CO2
119 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spark MY2010 1.0 5 Door Hatchback5MT · listed 2012 | Petrol | 55.4 mpg | 119g | £35 |
| Spark MY2010 1.0 LS 5 Door Hatchback5MT · listed 2012 | Petrol | 55.4 mpg | 119g | £35 |
| Spark MY2010 1.0+ 5 Door Hatchback5MT · listed 2012 | Petrol | 55.4 mpg | 119g | £35 |
| Spark MY2010 1.2 LS 5 Door Hatchback5MT · listed 2012 | Petrol | 55.4 mpg | 119g | £35 |
| Spark MY2010 1.2 LS+ 5 Door Hatchback5MT · listed 2012 | Petrol | 55.4 mpg | 119g | £35 |
| Spark MY2010 1.2 LT 5 Door Hatchback5MT · listed 2012 | Petrol | 55.4 mpg | 119g | £35 |
| Spark MY2012 1.05MT · listed 2012 | Petrol | 55.4 mpg | 119g | £35 |
| Spark MY2012 1.25MT · listed 2012 | Petrol | 55.4 mpg | 119g | £35 |
| Spark 1.0 5 Door Hatchback5MT · listed 2010 | Petrol | 55.4 mpg | 119g | £35 |
| Spark 1.0+ 5 Door Hatchback5MT · listed 2010 | Petrol | 55.4 mpg | 119g | £35 |
| Spark 1.0 LS 5 Door Hatchback5MT · listed 2010 | Petrol | 55.4 mpg | 119g | £35 |
| Spark 1.2 LS 5 Door Hatchback5MT · listed 2010 | Petrol | 55.4 mpg | 119g | £35 |
| Spark 1.2 LS+ 5 Door Hatchback5MT · listed 2010 | Petrol | 55.4 mpg | 119g | £35 |
| Spark 1.2 LT 5 Door Hatchback5MT · listed 2010 | Petrol | 55.4 mpg | 119g | £35 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement.
What a Chevrolet Spark costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 55.4mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Chevrolet SparkBuying a used Chevrolet Spark?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other Chevrolet models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Chevrolet Spark reliable?
Its MOT record is worse than average: the Chevrolet Spark is 35% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 74 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Chevrolet Spark?
The most common MOT fault is “Position lamp: not working”, found in 8.7% of tests. It fails on brakes and seat belts and airbags more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Chevrolet Spark do?
Official economy for the Chevrolet Spark ranges from 55.4 to 55.4mpg across the 14 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2010–2012). A typical petrol version manages 55.4mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Chevrolet Spark?
Any Chevrolet Spark first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Chevrolet Spark registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £35 a year.
›How many Chevrolet Sparks fail their MOT?
44.5% of Chevrolet Sparks aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Chevrolet Spark combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.