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2014 Chevrolet Spark

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Spark years

Owner complaints for the 2014 Chevrolet Spark are substantially higher than the model-year median of 23.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

122 reports with mileage · 50 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 51 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 47 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 39 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

13 crash reports0 fire reports7 injury reports

What owners actually said

172 reports
Mileage unknown · Dec 5, 2017
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. THE CAR STARTS TO STALL. I WENT AND GOT THE CODES READ. EVERYTHING CAME BACK THAT ITS THE TRANSMISSION. CHEVY CLAIMS THEY'RE NOT SURE IF THE WARRANTY WILL COVER ALL THE COST. THE PLACE I GOT THE CAR FROM DIDN'T EVEN PROVIDE ME WITH ANY CARFAXS. I CALLED THEM AND THEY DI…

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I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. THE CAR STARTS TO STALL. I WENT AND GOT THE CODES READ. EVERYTHING CAME BACK THAT ITS THE TRANSMISSION. CHEVY CLAIMS THEY'RE NOT SURE IF THE WARRANTY WILL COVER ALL THE COST. THE PLACE I GOT THE CAR FROM DIDN'T EVEN PROVIDE ME WITH ANY CARFAXS. I CALLED THEM AND THEY DIDN'T GIVE ANY SOLUTION. I AM DISAPPOINTED.

NHTSA ODI #11052541

15,000 miles · Nov 30, 2017
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control

TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK: P0075 ERROR CODE. VEHICLE PREVIOUSLY HAD A FLUID LEAK FROM A BOLT SECURING TRANSMISSION HOUSING TO ENGINE. LEAK VISIBLE UNDER VEHICLE NEAR THE MUFFLER PIPE. SEAL REPLACED ON VEHICLE; APPROX MILEAGE 15,000. CAME TO COMPLETE STOP AND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE GRINDING NOISE/NO POWER. VEHICLE EXHIBITED…

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TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK: P0075 ERROR CODE. VEHICLE PREVIOUSLY HAD A FLUID LEAK FROM A BOLT SECURING TRANSMISSION HOUSING TO ENGINE. LEAK VISIBLE UNDER VEHICLE NEAR THE MUFFLER PIPE. SEAL REPLACED ON VEHICLE; APPROX MILEAGE 15,000. CAME TO COMPLETE STOP AND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE GRINDING NOISE/NO POWER. VEHICLE EXHIBITED ODD BEHAVIOR IN DRIVE/TRANMISSION. VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP MODE SEVERAL TIMES AT AROUND 85,000 MILES, ON MAKING A STOP AT A STOP SIGN AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. REPORTED TO DEALERSHIP ONLY MISFIRING CODES FOUND. FAILURE AT 101,000 MILES. MADE A COMPLETE STOP AFTER DRIVING AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. P0075 CODE. I FOUND THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS LEAKING FROM THE SAME LOCATION, NEAR THE MUFFLER PIPE BENEATH THE ENGINE.

NHTSA ODI #11051569

47,300 miles · Nov 14, 2017
Suspension

THERE'S ONLY 47K MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND THE STRUT MOUNTS ARE BEGINNING TO GET WORN. AFTER CONSULTING TWO OTHER AUTO SHOPS AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, THE AUTO SHOPS SAID IT WAS HIGHLY UNUSUAL FOR A NEWER VEHICLE TO NEED THESE PARTS REPLACED. AS OF RIGHT NOW THE STRUT MOUNTS AREN'T MAKING ANY NOISE FOR THE DRIVER TO…

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THERE'S ONLY 47K MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND THE STRUT MOUNTS ARE BEGINNING TO GET WORN. AFTER CONSULTING TWO OTHER AUTO SHOPS AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, THE AUTO SHOPS SAID IT WAS HIGHLY UNUSUAL FOR A NEWER VEHICLE TO NEED THESE PARTS REPLACED. AS OF RIGHT NOW THE STRUT MOUNTS AREN'T MAKING ANY NOISE FOR THE DRIVER TO FEEL AS IF SOMETHING IS WRONG. THE CHERVOLET DEALERSHIP POINTED OUT THIS DEFECT, AND THE AUTO SHOP MECHANICS HAD TO BE TOLD OF THIS ISSUE FOR THEM TO SEE IT.

NHTSA ODI #11046155

59,000 miles · Nov 1, 2017
Service Brakes

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR THE BRAKES LOCKED UP BY THEMSELVES AND THE CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP WAITING FOR A MASTER CYLINDER FOR 4 MONTHS. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY. THE DEALER SAID THE MASTER CYLINDER LOCKED UP THE BRAKES. THE MASTER CYLINDER HAS BEEN BACK ORDERED FOR 4 MONTHS .

NHTSA ODI #11042067

11,000 miles · Oct 19, 2017
Vehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. MIKE ANDERSON CHEVROLET OF CHICAGO (5333 W IRVING PA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. MIKE ANDERSON CHEVROLET OF CHICAGO (5333 W IRVING PARK RD, CHICAGO, IL) STATED THAT THERE WERE NO SAFETY ISSUES PRESENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 11,000.

NHTSA ODI #11034496

38,000 miles · Oct 7, 2017
Electrical System

AFTER 38000 MILES AND 38 MONTHS (ON A 3 YEAR, 36000 MILE WARRANTY), THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR ON MY 2014 CHEVY SPARK WERE BOTH BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPON SEARCHING AT 2 DIFFERENT PARTS STORES, THE 2ND STORE ADVISED THERE WAS NOT A PART IN ANY WAREHOUSE NATIONWIDE. THIS LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A FACTORY DE…

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AFTER 38000 MILES AND 38 MONTHS (ON A 3 YEAR, 36000 MILE WARRANTY), THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR ON MY 2014 CHEVY SPARK WERE BOTH BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPON SEARCHING AT 2 DIFFERENT PARTS STORES, THE 2ND STORE ADVISED THERE WAS NOT A PART IN ANY WAREHOUSE NATIONWIDE. THIS LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A FACTORY DEFECT CAUSING THE ALTERNATOR TO FAIL, AND THEN THE BATTERY.

NHTSA ODI #11032194

39,780 miles · Oct 3, 2017
Suspension

INCOMPLETE WELD ON STRUT STABILIZER CAUSED THE STABILIZER TO BREAK LOOSE ON A CITY STREET CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. WHEN PICTURES SUBMITTED TO GM CUSTOMER SERVICE OF WELDS THEY SAID IT WAS DUE TO "IMPACT DAMAGE" AND NOT A DEFECT SO NOT COVERED BY DEFECT WARRENTY , ALTHOUGH THE DEALER SERVICE MANAGER AT WINDY CHEVROLET…

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INCOMPLETE WELD ON STRUT STABILIZER CAUSED THE STABILIZER TO BREAK LOOSE ON A CITY STREET CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. WHEN PICTURES SUBMITTED TO GM CUSTOMER SERVICE OF WELDS THEY SAID IT WAS DUE TO "IMPACT DAMAGE" AND NOT A DEFECT SO NOT COVERED BY DEFECT WARRENTY , ALTHOUGH THE DEALER SERVICE MANAGER AT WINDY CHEVROLET IN ELLENSBURG, WA INSPECTED AND DETERMINED THAT ON OF THE WELDS HAD NOT ADHERED TO BOTH PIECES.

NHTSA ODI #11031496

49,000 miles · Sep 10, 2017
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

CAR MOTOR WILL NOT SHUT OFF WHEN KEY IS NOT IN THE IGNITION AND IGNITION IS IN THE OFF POSITION. CAR IS STILL DRIVE-ABLE, IT WILL SWITCH GEARS AND IS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. MOTOR CONTINUES TO RUN. HAD TO SHUT DOWN CAR BY TAKING OUT A FUSE UNDER THE HOOD. CAR IS ABLE TO RESTART USING KEY. A WEEK LATER CAR MOTOR WILL TURN OFF, BUT THE…

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CAR MOTOR WILL NOT SHUT OFF WHEN KEY IS NOT IN THE IGNITION AND IGNITION IS IN THE OFF POSITION. CAR IS STILL DRIVE-ABLE, IT WILL SWITCH GEARS AND IS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. MOTOR CONTINUES TO RUN. HAD TO SHUT DOWN CAR BY TAKING OUT A FUSE UNDER THE HOOD. CAR IS ABLE TO RESTART USING KEY. A WEEK LATER CAR MOTOR WILL TURN OFF, BUT THE INSIDE CHIME IS GOING OFF, LEAVING CAR PARKED! I READ OTHER REPORTS ON THE EXACT SAME ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11022570

58,000 miles · Aug 26, 2017
Unknown Or Other

KEY FOB HINGE IS FAULTY, MADE OUT OF POTTER'S METAL I'VE HAD NOW 3 KEY'S IN THE SPAN OF 3 YEAR'S BREAK DUE TO THEM BREAKING OFF AT THE HINGE AND THE ENGINE WON'T START DUE TO THE MANUFACTURER HAVING AN ANTI THEFT PROTECTION. THEY KEY'S WILL LAST FOR THE SPAN OF APPROXIMATELY 10,000-15,000 MILES THEN FAILURE WILL HAPPEN SHORTLY F…

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KEY FOB HINGE IS FAULTY, MADE OUT OF POTTER'S METAL I'VE HAD NOW 3 KEY'S IN THE SPAN OF 3 YEAR'S BREAK DUE TO THEM BREAKING OFF AT THE HINGE AND THE ENGINE WON'T START DUE TO THE MANUFACTURER HAVING AN ANTI THEFT PROTECTION. THEY KEY'S WILL LAST FOR THE SPAN OF APPROXIMATELY 10,000-15,000 MILES THEN FAILURE WILL HAPPEN SHORTLY FOLLOWING. THIS EFFECT'S CAR'S WHEN TRYING TO START.

NHTSA ODI #11019888

57,000 miles · Aug 17, 2017
Power TrainCrash

I HAVE REGISTERED COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS VEHICLE BEFORE. THE TRANSMISSION IN THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY; IT IS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE PROPERLY FROM A LOW SPEED OR STOPPED POSITION. I HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED 3 TIMES, BUT THE ISSUE HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. ON AUGUST 19, I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AS A DIRECT …

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I HAVE REGISTERED COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS VEHICLE BEFORE. THE TRANSMISSION IN THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY; IT IS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE PROPERLY FROM A LOW SPEED OR STOPPED POSITION. I HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED 3 TIMES, BUT THE ISSUE HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. ON AUGUST 19, I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE CAR'S INABILITY TO ACCELERATE INTO TRAFFIC.

NHTSA ODI #11015917

Official recalls

6

22V640000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

Aug 25, 2022

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark EV vehicles. The secondary hood latch may corrode at the latch pivot, preventing the hood latch from properly engaging.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A hood latch failure can result in the vehicle's hood opening unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the hood striker assembly and hood latch assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 12, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A222359300. This recall supersedes and expands NHTSA recall number 14V-593. Vehicles previously repaired under 14V-593 will need to have the new remedy performed.

16V422000 · Electrical System:software; Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.

Jun 10, 2016

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:software

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."

Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.

Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."

Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.

16V257000 · Electrical System:software; Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.

Apr 28, 2016

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:software

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."

Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.

Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."

Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.

15V416000 · Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.

Jun 30, 2015

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 20, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured June 18, 2014, to June 10, 2015. In the affected vehicles, equipped with the base radio and OnStar, the radio may lock up due to a software issue, causing the display to go blank and all audio functions to cease. Because of this, there may be no warning chimes such as the reminder to buckle the seat belt and the key being left in ignition when the driver goes to exit the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208 "Occupant Crash Protection", and 114 "Theft Protection."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft. If a driver or front passenger does not buckle their seat belt, there would be no chime to remind them to fasten their seat belts. If a driver or passenger does not buckle their seat belt there is an increased risk that they will be injured in a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15504.

14V593000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

Sep 24, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured January 17, 2012, to July 29, 2014. The secondary hood latch may prematurely corrode at the latch pivot causing the striker to get stuck out of position, preventing it from properly engaging the hood latch.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the secondary hood latch corrodes causing the latch to be stuck out of position, and the primary hood latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the striker with a new part which has superior corrosion protection, free of charge. The recall began on January 7, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14456.

14V440000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

Jul 21, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Spark vehicles manufactured from May 7, 2014, to May 26, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the left and right lower control arm attaching bolts in the front suspension may not be tightened to specification.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the lower control arm bolts are not tightened properly, the lower control arm may separate from the steering knuckle while driving, causing a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Owners are instructed NOT to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Owners should call a Chevrolet dealer immediately to arrange for their vehicle to be transported free of charge for servicing. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left and right lower control arm attaching bolts to make sure that they are tightened to the proper specification, free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14453. Note: Owners are advised not to drive the vehicle until the repairs have been completed.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.