Who manufactures the Chevy Spark?
The Chevy Spark is manufactured by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand. Its lineage traces back to Daewoo’s Matiz, and production has been centered in GM Korea in South Korea, with occasional assembly in other GM facilities to serve regional markets.
Origins and Brand
The Spark functions as Chevrolet’s entry-level city car and represents the modern continuation of the Daewoo Matiz lineage. After GM acquired Daewoo, the model continued under the Chevrolet banner in many markets, preserving the compact, economical design that defined the Matiz family.
Manufacturing footprint
Key points about where the Spark is built and by whom are summarized here:
- Primary manufacturer: General Motors, Chevrolet brand, built on the Daewoo Matiz platform
- Main production base: GM Korea (formerly Daewoo Motors) in South Korea
- Global footprint: In some markets, Spark units have been assembled or distributed through GM plants in other regions to meet local demand
These points illustrate the Spark’s GM heritage and its flexible global manufacturing footprint.
Markets and regional variations
Across different regions, the Spark has been marketed in various forms. In North America, Chevrolet offered the Spark during the mid-2010s, with production tied to GM Korea. In Europe and Latin America, Spark variants were adapted for local preferences, sometimes relying on regional assembly networks to support supply. Over time, GM adjusted the model’s availability in certain markets as part of broader small-car strategy.
Current status
As market strategies and regulatory environments evolve, the Spark remains part of GM’s portfolio in some regions, though its prominence has fluctuated with shifting consumer demand and the introduction of newer compact models. The model’s global presence now tends to be concentrated where GM maintains a focused small-car lineup and local production capabilities.
Summary
The Chevy Spark is a General Motors product, rooted in the Daewoo Matiz lineage and primarily produced by GM Korea in South Korea. Its global manufacturing footprint has included additional assembly in various GM facilities to serve regional markets, reflecting GM’s approach to supplying a compact city car across multiple regions.
What is the common problem with Chevrolet Spark?
Common Chevy Spark problems include transmission issues (slipping, delays, or noise), engine troubles (stalling, rough idling, or overheating), and electrical problems (like issues with the alarm, dashboard lights, or infotainment system). Other reported concerns involve AC system failures, particularly with the compressor, and steering issues, such as stiffness or noises.
This video explains common problems with the Chevy Spark: 59sNexologyYouTube · Sep 18, 2025
Transmission
- Slipping gears and delays: The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) can sometimes slip or be slow to shift.
- Unusual noises: Some owners report noises like humming, especially at certain RPMs.
- Overheating: The transmission can overheat, particularly in hot weather or during long drives.
Engine
- Stalling: The engine may stall, particularly when slowing down or stopping, often due to a faulty idle air control (IAC) valve or a dirty throttle body.
- Rough idle and poor acceleration: Some owners report rough idling and a lack of power, especially at highway speeds.
- Overheating: The engine can also overheat, which may be related to cooling fan performance.
Electrical
- Faulty alarms: The car alarm may go off randomly while parked.
- Dashboard and infotainment issues: Problems with dashboard lights or the infotainment system can occur, often due to faulty wiring or fuses.
- Airbag problems: There have been recalls related to airbag performance and the car's compliance with safety regulations.
This video discusses the issues with Chevy Spark's engine and airbags: 59sNotYourAverageEVYouTube · Dec 27, 2023
Other common problems
- AC system: The AC may not blow cold, frequently due to a faulty compressor or refrigerant leaks.
- Steering: Stiffness or clicking noises can develop from the power steering system.
- Brakes: Issues with the brakes, such as the ABS warning light coming on, have been reported.
Why was the Chevy Spark discontinued?
The Chevy Spark was discontinued primarily due to declining sales and shifting consumer demand toward larger vehicles like crossovers and SUVs. Chevrolet chose to focus on more popular and profitable models, which aligns with a broader industry trend away from small cars.
- Shifting market demand: Consumers increasingly preferred subcompact crossovers and SUVs over smaller hatchbacks and sedans.
- Declining sales: Sales for the Spark had been declining since around 2017, indicating it was no longer meeting Chevrolet's sales expectations.
- Focus on profitable models: By discontinuing the low-cost Spark, Chevrolet could shift its resources and production to more profitable vehicles like its lineup of crossovers and future electric vehicles.
- No direct replacement: Chevy did not plan to replace the Spark with a direct successor, instead guiding customers toward its Trax and Trailblazer models.
How many miles will a Chevy Spark last?
What is Chevrolet Spark lifespan? The estimated lifespan of a Chevrolet Spark is 183,000 miles, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Factors such as ULEZ compliance and BHP are major when looking into a vehicle's lifespan/life expectancy.
Who actually makes the Chevy Spark?
General Motors
The Chevrolet Spark (Korean: 쉐보레 스파크) is a city car manufactured by General Motors's subsidiary GM Korea from 1998 to 2022.
