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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
36,900 miles · Aug 16, 2018
Electrical System

PURCHASED A USED 2014 CHEVY SPARK IN NASHUA NH IN 2016 I HAD THE VEHICLE NOT EVEN 4 MONTHS WHEN I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND ALL OF SUDDEN THE ON STAR,RADIO,CHIMES FOR SEAT BELTS ALL WENT OUT BROUGHT IN TO SHOP CHARGED ME 50,00 AND THEY TOLD ME THAT WOULD COST ANOTHER 100.00 TO FURTHER DIAGNOSE IT CHECKED OUT THE RECENTS RECA…

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PURCHASED A USED 2014 CHEVY SPARK IN NASHUA NH IN 2016 I HAD THE VEHICLE NOT EVEN 4 MONTHS WHEN I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND ALL OF SUDDEN THE ON STAR,RADIO,CHIMES FOR SEAT BELTS ALL WENT OUT BROUGHT IN TO SHOP CHARGED ME 50,00 AND THEY TOLD ME THAT WOULD COST ANOTHER 100.00 TO FURTHER DIAGNOSE IT CHECKED OUT THE RECENTS RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE AND IT APPEARS THAT THERE WERE RECALLS ON THE SAME SITUATION BUT MY CAR WAS NOT ONE OF THE VIN NUMBER SO WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS? I BELIEVE MY VIN SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED THANK YOU

NHTSA ODI #11120526

60,000 miles · Jun 21, 2018
Air BagsSeat BeltsUnknown Or OtherCrash

FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT IMPACT WHILE TAKING A RIGHT TURN, TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MPH FROM ONE SIDE STREET TO ANOTHER. THE IMPACT OF THE AIRBAG CAUSED THE DRIVER TO VEER TO THE RIGHT STRIKING THE CURB. CONTACTED GM AND THEIR INVESTIGATION DETERMINED IT WAS NOT A MANUFACTURING ISSUE…

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FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT IMPACT WHILE TAKING A RIGHT TURN, TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MPH FROM ONE SIDE STREET TO ANOTHER. THE IMPACT OF THE AIRBAG CAUSED THE DRIVER TO VEER TO THE RIGHT STRIKING THE CURB. CONTACTED GM AND THEIR INVESTIGATION DETERMINED IT WAS NOT A MANUFACTURING ISSUE. THEY DENIED THE CLAIM AND WOULD NOT PAY FOR REPAIRS. CURRENTLY WAITING TO HEAR BACK FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY.

NHTSA ODI #11103016

60,000 miles · May 17, 2018
EnginePower Train

I CALLED A DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES FOR A YEAR STATING THAT MY TRANSMISSION SEEMED TO BE SLIPPING. THEY TOLD ME IT WASN'T POSSIBLY THE TRANSMISSION. HOWEVER, I WAS JUST DRIVING, STOPPED AT A LIGHT, WENT TO ACCELERATE TO GO THROUGH THE LIGHT, I HEARD CLICK CLICK AND THE ENGINE REVVED, BUT THE CAR DID NOT MOVE. I POPPED IT IN TO …

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I CALLED A DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES FOR A YEAR STATING THAT MY TRANSMISSION SEEMED TO BE SLIPPING. THEY TOLD ME IT WASN'T POSSIBLY THE TRANSMISSION. HOWEVER, I WAS JUST DRIVING, STOPPED AT A LIGHT, WENT TO ACCELERATE TO GO THROUGH THE LIGHT, I HEARD CLICK CLICK AND THE ENGINE REVVED, BUT THE CAR DID NOT MOVE. I POPPED IT IN TO LOW, TRIED AGAIN, NOTHING. WENT TO NEUTRAL, THEN TO REVERSE, TRIED AGAIN, NOTHING.

NHTSA ODI #11096453

107,000 miles · Apr 13, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Power Train

107,000 HWY/CITY MILES. CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE 2014 CHEVROLET SPARK'S CVT CONTROL MODULE AND TRANSMISSION. DEALERSHIP INSPECTION REVEALED; PERMANENTLY FROZEN ACTUATORS AND CONTROL VALVES WHICH CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STALL, WITH ENGINE RUNNING, ON MILD INCLINES, ON RAMPS, OFF RAMPS, IN HEAVY TRAFFIC,AND STOP LIGHTS. VERY LITTL…

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107,000 HWY/CITY MILES. CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE 2014 CHEVROLET SPARK'S CVT CONTROL MODULE AND TRANSMISSION. DEALERSHIP INSPECTION REVEALED; PERMANENTLY FROZEN ACTUATORS AND CONTROL VALVES WHICH CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STALL, WITH ENGINE RUNNING, ON MILD INCLINES, ON RAMPS, OFF RAMPS, IN HEAVY TRAFFIC,AND STOP LIGHTS. VERY LITTLE TIME BETWEEN THE ONSET OF MECHANICAL - ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS WHICH INCLUDE BUCKING, SLIPPAGE AND LOSS OF MOMENTUM, BEFORE THE AMBER "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" DEPLOYS. BY THAT TIME, IT'S TOO LATE..AS STATED EARLIER, LOSS OF MOMENTUM ON FAST-PACED INTERSTATES AND HEAVY FLOW TRAFFIC LIGHTS, PLACED MYSELF AND PASSENGERS IN UNWARRANTED DANGER.

NHTSA ODI #11084956

52,000 miles · Apr 12, 2018
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY WITH SHIFTING INTO THE CORRECT GEAR WHILE BEING OPERATED OVER 30 MPH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APP…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY WITH SHIFTING INTO THE CORRECT GEAR WHILE BEING OPERATED OVER 30 MPH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 52,000.

NHTSA ODI #11084753

10 miles · Feb 22, 2018
Unknown Or Other

I BELIEVE THERE ARE SOME ISSUES WITH THE CARS WIRINGS. FOR THE PAST FEW MONTHS IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING MY BRAKE WARNING SIGNAL AND TRACTION SIGNAL WILL COME ON THE SPEEDOMETER AND THE CAR WILL START MAKING A DINGING NOISE. THE LIGHT NEVER GO OFF AND MAYBE 30 MINUTES TO AN HOUR THEY START GOING OFF AGAIN.

NHTSA ODI #11074290

4,500 miles · Feb 10, 2018
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

THE CAR WILL POWER DOWN WHILE DRIVING, DESPITE HAVING ADEQUATE CHARGE. THE MESSAGE "PRESS POWER BUTTON AGAIN TO SHUT OFF" APPEARS EVEN THOUGH THE POWER BUTTON HAS NOT BEEN PRESSED. THEN THE CAR SHUTS DOWN AND COASTS TO A STOP.

NHTSA ODI #11072029

Mileage unknown · Jan 14, 2018
Engine

MY 2014 VEHICLE ONLY HAS 52,000 MILES. THE COOLANT IS LEAKING FROM THE MIDDLE SEAM OF THE RESERVOIR TANK AS WELL AS THE TOP HOSE CONNECTION. THANKFULLY I OBSERVED COOLANT ON MY GARAGE FLOOR TO PUT ME ON NOTICE OF THE LEAK. IF I HAD BEEN PARKED OUTDOORS, I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN AWARE OF THE COOLANT LEAKING AND RISKED PERMANENT ENGI…

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MY 2014 VEHICLE ONLY HAS 52,000 MILES. THE COOLANT IS LEAKING FROM THE MIDDLE SEAM OF THE RESERVOIR TANK AS WELL AS THE TOP HOSE CONNECTION. THANKFULLY I OBSERVED COOLANT ON MY GARAGE FLOOR TO PUT ME ON NOTICE OF THE LEAK. IF I HAD BEEN PARKED OUTDOORS, I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN AWARE OF THE COOLANT LEAKING AND RISKED PERMANENT ENGINE DAMAGE FROM LACK OF COOLANT. THE COOLANT TANK SHOULD NOT FAIL THIS SOON. THIS HAS TO BE A DEFECTIVELY DESIGNED PART. I READ ON A CHEVY SPARK OWNER'S FORUM THAT SEVERAL OWNERS OF THE 2014 SPARK HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SAME LEAKING RESERVOIR TANK AT THE SAME 50K MILEAGE MARK. THE CHEVY DEALER IS GOING TO CHARGE ME $400 TO MAKE THIS REPAIR. CHEVY SHOULD POSSESS A COMPUTER RECORD OF HOW MANY 2014 SPARKS HAVE HAD THEIR COOLANT TANK REPLACED TO PLACE THEM ON NOTICE THAT THE PART IS DEFECTIVELY DESIGNED TO FAIL AFTER ONLY 50,000 MILES. CHEVY SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL ON THE COOLANT TANK SO THAT PEOPLE DO NOT PERMANENTLY DAMAGE THEIR ENGINE BY UNKNOWINGLY DRIVING WITHOUT COOLANT BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECTIVELY DESIGNED LEAKING COOLANT TANK.

NHTSA ODI #11062738

60,000 miles · Jan 8, 2018
Engine

2014 CHEVY SPARK MOTOR LOST COMPRESSION IN TWO CYLINDERS @ 60K MILES, WHITMORE CHEVROLET IN WEST POINT, VA. TOOK APPROX. 5.5 WEEKS TO REPLACE THE CYLINDER HEAD, WITH NO LOANER CAR AVAILABLE TO ME. SERVICE MANAGER YELLED AT ME FOR STOPPING WHEN I WOULD STOP BY TO INQUIRE ABOUT THE CARS STATUS, SAME WHEN I WOULD CALL. NEITHER THE …

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2014 CHEVY SPARK MOTOR LOST COMPRESSION IN TWO CYLINDERS @ 60K MILES, WHITMORE CHEVROLET IN WEST POINT, VA. TOOK APPROX. 5.5 WEEKS TO REPLACE THE CYLINDER HEAD, WITH NO LOANER CAR AVAILABLE TO ME. SERVICE MANAGER YELLED AT ME FOR STOPPING WHEN I WOULD STOP BY TO INQUIRE ABOUT THE CARS STATUS, SAME WHEN I WOULD CALL. NEITHER THE CALLS OR VISITS WERE EVEN DAILY, HE WAS HORRIBLE TO DEAL WITH. IN THE MEANTIME I CONTACTED GM ABOUT THIS & THEY DID ESSENTIALLY NOTHING OTHER THAN STATE THAT DEALERS ARE INDEPENDANTLY OWNED & THEY GAVE ME 15 MONTHS OF ONSTAR...I WOULD RATHER HAVE A CAR THE FUNCTIONED AS DESIGNED. FAST FORWARD APPROX. 2 MONTHS & THE AC STOPPED WORKING. TRIED CONTACTING WHIMORE ABOUT THE FAILED AC SYSTEM, SERVICE GROUP EITHER HANGS UP ON ME OR SIMPLY DO NOT CALL BACK. CONTACTED ANOTHER CHEVY DEALER & WAS TOLD THAT I EITHER GO BACK TO WHITMORE OR PAY TO HAVE THE AC FIXED AT THEIR DEALERSHIP. AFTER BUYING GM SINCE 1987 I GUESS I WILL BE LOOKING INTO OTHER MANUFACTURERS VERY, VERY SOON AS I NOW NEED 3 NEW VEHICLES.

NHTSA ODI #11061100

70,000 miles · Jan 4, 2018
Power Train

PULLING INTO A PARKING RAMP THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. CAR WOULDN'T MOVE FORWARD WITHOUT GUNNING THE GAS PEDAL. DIAGNOSTIC CODES WERE ALL TRANSMISSION RELATED. TOOK CAR INTO DEALERSHIP. THEY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION UNDER WARRANTY AT 70,000 MILES. CAR HAD BEEN EXHIBITING SLOW ACCELERATION, STUTTERING, HESITATION AND JUMPIN…

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PULLING INTO A PARKING RAMP THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. CAR WOULDN'T MOVE FORWARD WITHOUT GUNNING THE GAS PEDAL. DIAGNOSTIC CODES WERE ALL TRANSMISSION RELATED. TOOK CAR INTO DEALERSHIP. THEY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION UNDER WARRANTY AT 70,000 MILES. CAR HAD BEEN EXHIBITING SLOW ACCELERATION, STUTTERING, HESITATION AND JUMPING DURING ROLLING STOPS OR TAKE OFF. THIS HAD BEEN GOING ON FOR 2 YEARS OR BETTER.

NHTSA ODI #11058575

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.