2015 CHEVROLET SPARK Engine Problems

This report concerns a known CVT defect and subsequent TCM failure that left the vehicle unsafe and inoperable. The vehicle suffered internal CVT failure consistent with GM Special Coverage N192271110. After the first transmission failed in May 2024 (and the second time October 5 2025), the TCM failed again shortly after the second failure—consistent with GM Preliminary Information Bulletin PIP5525A. Critical Safety Details: Both failures occurred while driving on highways with heavy traffic, where speed limits were 75 mph. On each occasion, the vehicle lost power and became unable to accelerate safely, presenting a serious safety risk to me and other drivers. GM is refusing coverage despite widely documented cases and their own bulletins describing this exact failure chain.

Vehicle began slipping out of gear between 1st & 2nd, then started losing power at 74,760 miles. Extended service coverage has been issued for model for CVT transmission pulley system, however only covers 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Mine apparently timed out in February, so they are trying to make me get a new transmission which basically totals out the car I spent a fortune on to buy & in repairs at under 75,000 miles. This is unacceptable.

Transmission issue. During heavy traffic at stop lights car wouldn't shift into drive to move forward. Was stuck in the middle of the road with a passenger. Engine light came on but it's not an engine problem. Car was smoking under the hood. I burned my hand when popping the hood. When the car cooled the engine light went out and car would shift gears and it's drivable again. This has happened 3 times. Mechanic pulled up at P0700 Code on computer. It's the CVT transmission but not sure which part. I can't get the car to the dealership to inspect transmission. It won't drive that far.

Without warning, vehicle loses power and ability to accelerate is greatly reduced. The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (aka "check engine light"), the Reduced Engine Power light, and the Traction Control System/Stabilitrak light all illuminate at the same time and are not flashing. Using a diagnostic tool from a local auto parts store, code P2138 is reported as follows: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor Switch 'D/E' Voltage Correlation, and Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensors 1-2 Not Plausible. Incident has occured multiple times since owning the vehicle (approx. 13 months). This creates a safety issue because the poor acceleration limits the vehicles ability to maintain speed, especially on highways at higher speeds and ascending hills.

The transmission has gone bad and the car has low mileage. I took it to a chevy dealership and they couldn't find the problem now it is completely broken and I can't drive it. I was told there is a recall on the 2015 chevy spark transmission.

Transmission slipping since day 1 of purchase of vehicle in 2015. Dealership has stated more than 7 times that nothing is wrong with the vehicle. Vehicle sometimes shuts off, stutters once gas is pressed 95% of the time (from a complete stop). Vehicle transmission slipping is becoming more apparent 2022.

COOLANT RESERVOIR HAS A LEAK AT THE RETURN HOSE, THE TANK ITSELF SEEMS TO HAVE A WEAK SPOT ON THE INLET, I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED BY CHEVY. NOTICE COOLANT GETTING LOW, ADDED COOLANT NEXT DAY IT WAS STILL LOW THEN NOTICED A LEAK WHILE RUNNING

ON 2/11/19 MY CAR STALLED,( SHUT OFF )WHILE MAKING A TURN AT TWO DIFFERENT TIMES . ( MILEAGE 35,582) I TOOK MY CAR TO CHEVROLET ON 3/22/18 FOR THE SAME PROBLEM.(MILEAGE 22,517) MY CAR HAD STALLED (SHUT OFF) AT A LIGHT AND NO LIGHTS HAD COME ON THE DASH INDICATING THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD BY THE TECH NO PROBLEM FOUND.

Mileage: 35,582

THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT, STABILITY LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP IT IS HAVING RANDOM MISFIRES. THE DEALERSHIP IS WANTING ME TO PAY AROUND $350 TO HAVE THE CARBON CLEANED OUT BUT THEY CAN'T GUARANTEE THAT WILL FIX IT. THEY SAID MY WARRANTY DOESN'T COVER IT. THEN I ASKED IF I GO THAT ROUTE AND IT DOESN'T FIX IT, WHAT THE NEXT STEP IS. THEY SAID TO TAKE THE ENGINE OUT AND CLEAN IT BY HAND, ROUGHLY $1000, AND THE WARRANTY DOESN'T COVER THAT EITHER. I AM NOT SATISFIED WITH THEIR RESPONSE AND AFTER READING PAGES AND PAGES OF THE SAME ISSUE IN FORUMS AND NO ONE MENTIONING THEY HAD TO GO THROUGH THESE STEPS HAS LEAD ME TO BELIEVE IT IS ONLY PUTTING A BANDAID ON THE ISSUE. I DIDN'T BUY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY JUST TO HAVE TO DOLE OUT HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS.

Mileage: 60,000

ENGINE LOSES SAFE ACCELERATION WITH AIR CONDITIONING ON, REACHES UNSAFE STALL CONDITIONS.

Mileage: 7,000

AIR CONDITIONING NOT IN COMPLIANCE AND RUNS UP TO 20 DEGREES HOTTER THAN OTHER CARS AND COULD CAUSE HEALTH ISSUES TO DRIVERS IN HOT CLIMATE. DOES NOT COOL CAR EVEN IN OPTIMUM HIGHWAY DRIVING. ENGINE LOSES SAFE ACCELERATION WITH AIR CONDITIONING ON, REACHES UNSAFE STALL CONDITIONS. *TR

Mileage: 7,000