2014 Chevrolet Spark

Do not drive

Owners filed 172 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 6 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
47,000 milesMedian miles at failure

122 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine40
100
Power Train27
200
Electrical System26
000
Air Bags12
605
Vehicle Speed Control10
000
Unknown or Other8
000
Structure › Body8
200
Service Brakes7
102
Latches/Locks/Linkages7
000
Electronic Stability Control (esc)7
000

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch22V640000
Filed Aug 25, 2022120,688 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Electrical System › Software16V422000
Filed Jun 10, 201618,780 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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."

Risk. 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.

Electrical System › Software16V257000
Filed Apr 28, 2016317,572 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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."

Risk. 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.15V416000
Filed Jun 30, 201545,785 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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."

Risk. 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.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch14V593000
Filed Sep 24, 201489,294 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm14V440000Do not drive
Filed Jul 21, 20141,919 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Aug 17, 2026IL

Vehicle went into “limp mode” while merging onto a busy road, nearly causing a collision with both oncoming traffic and other vehicles attempting to merge onto the road. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the following: “Checked system codes. Found P0324 knock sensor module performance code. Found the attached TSB by GM. Believed to be the issue: engine has piston slap and would need rebuilt or replaced per TSB. Also discovered severe oil leak in front of engine.” Mechanic noted that the brakes were stuck as well. Engine scheduled to be replaced. Mileage: 72,503.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Filed Jul 6, 202665,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the hood independently unlatched and crashed against the front windshield, causing damage to the windshield and bending the hood out of shape. Additionally, the hood became stuck in a locked position following the impact. The vehicle was taken to a glass repair shop, where the windshield was replaced; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer for the hood failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V640000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Power Train
Filed Jul 5, 2026NC

The date was XXX there was a recall on the transmission for my 2014 Chevrolet Spark I took my car to Ben Mynatt [XXX]. They check my car and told me that my car transmission was effected and that they put an order for a new transmission. They called me the next day to bring the car in which I did, they gave me a loaner. On XXX they called me and told me my car was ready and that I can come and pick it up which I did. In 2021 I took the car back to Ben Mynatt asked them to check the transmission because it didn’t drive right they checked it out again they said it was good. On the 1st transmission I had 84,278 miles, ON 07-01-2026 took it to PARK CHEVROLET to get checked to find out I got to get a replacement transmission per special policy #XXX. The miles on my car is 144,778. So this second transmission only have 60,500 on it. Now Ben Mynatt want me to pay $4000.00 to get another transmission they told me that this transmission was new, now they say it was refurbished. I would like to have an replacement at no cost they was wrong on this matter. The teach that worked on my car name Paul Briggs #XXX. I went to Ben Mynatt and talked with Kimberly Brim Service Manager she is the one that told me it was a three year warranty and that I have to buy another transmission. I feel I should have to since this is the second transmission I have a feeling that this transmission was not good either. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Power Train
Filed May 7, 202676,000 milesNJ

The contact owns a a 2014 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that while on several occasions at various speeds, the transmission warning light illuminated and the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and turned off for approximately 30 mins and then restarted. The contact stated that after 30 minutes to an hour the failure reoccurred. The vehicle taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 76,000.

Engine
Filed Apr 4, 2026AZ

The vehicle experiences intermittent loss of power and unstable acceleration while driving at normal speeds (approximately 45–55 mph). The vehicle will surge, hesitate, and fail to maintain consistent speed, creating an unsafe condition in traffic. While driving, the vehicle does not consistently respond to throttle input and may unexpectedly lose acceleration. This creates a risk of being rear-ended or being unable to safely merge into traffic. The condition occurs during normal driving and has progressively worsened over time. Diagnostic testing indicates transmission-related faults involving pressure control and internal speed monitoring. This issue affects the safe operation of the vehicle and appears consistent with known transmission problems reported for this vehicle model. Supporting documentation has been provided, including manufacturer service program records indicating this vehicle was previously subject to a known transmission-related defect condition.

Power Train
Filed Apr 1, 2026FL

Without warning, car began to drop out of 5th gear while driving, entering Neutral at high speeds. This is a manual transmission and you can see the shifter physical move itself into 5th gear. Driver almost lost control of the vehicle out of surprise to what had just happened. When searching in Reddit, this appears to be a widespread issue for this year/make/model. Took to local Chevy for diagnostic, was told it would be a $7,500 repair to replace the transmission.

Power Train
Filed Feb 18, 2026114,000 milesTN

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the transmission was shifting hard. The diagnostic trouble codes: P0700 and P0841 were retrieved after the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall repair that was performed in May 2016, where the transmission pulley was replaced. The contact stated that the recall repair had failed to prevent a failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 30, 2025MS

Transmission issues

Power Train
Filed Jul 13, 2025FL

Transmission recall issued to me on fed. 2020 that extended transmission warranty due to hard shifts. only thing done was a transmission flush.on 07/21/2023. now the car has 83,000 miles on it and is gotten worse over time. the flush just kept the same problem. no power after hitting gas. At Maher Chevy St. Petersburg Florida, they said there was nothing they could do. problem has been throughout vehicles life. And they made us believe they were changing the transmission.

Engine
Filed May 27, 2025CT

The GM bulletin N19227110 indicates that they are aware of over 10% of Chevrolet Spark models from the years 2014-2015 experiencing transmission problems. Although this bulletin expired last year, it is important to note that they do not provide coverage for vehicles purchased used with fewer than 120,000 miles. This situation poses a significant danger, as the transmission may potentially be contaminated with dirt and debris, leading to unexpected jerking or complete failure, and in some cases, vehicles have caught fire. Furthermore, unless the vehicle is taken to a GM service center, the issue may remain undetected. According to my research, this problem is similar to the one that Nissan faced with their CVT transmissions, which were subject to a recall for the same reason.

Power Train
Filed Jan 7, 2025100,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was towed back to the same independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the standard shift had failed. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that a year after the previous repair was made, the failure reoccurred for the third time. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a local dealer to be diagnosed. Several local dealers were contacted; however, the contact was informed that the dealers did not repair vehicles with transmission failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Power Train
Filed Jan 3, 2025AZ

Transmission failing - when stopped and trying to go from a dead stop the car will not move for a minute the rpm's rev high and the car will barely move maybe two to five miles per hour while the rpm's just rev higher. When climbing a hill the car seems to lose power and not shift like it should. If starting in morning the car may shift for a few minutes then it seems to only shift like downshifting. Other times it seems to run ok and shift ok but the next time you could be trying to merge on the freeway and the car will not go will not get up speed. This dangerous when entering a freeway and trying to get speed up to match vehicles on freeway already. It is also dangerous when making left turns without shifting correctly and car just has little movement revs the rpm's but doesn't move enough to make the turn safely I front of other vehicle waiting to start forward on the green light. It is also dangerous when climbing a hill. I was stopped at a red light when light turned green I pressed the gas and car would not move at all. I continued to let off the gas then press the gas to.get movement to get to side of the road. I haven't been able to drive my car for the last 3 months. I just bought the car less thena year ago and am still paying my payments even though I am unable to drive the car. I really do like this car but have since read of the past transmission recalls on the same year and model and make. I love called Chevrolet asking about the problem and they just tell me m

Air Bags
Filed Dec 26, 2024100,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Spark M300. The contact stated that the air bag and the seat belts warning lights were illuminated, and a message stating that the air bags would not deploy in the event of a crash was displayed. The contact stated while at a complete stop at the traffic light, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer by roadside assistance, who purchased a new battery for the vehicle from the dealer; however, the dealer informed the contact that Roadside assistance could not install the battery because it would interfere with the business operations. The dealer advised the contact that she would need to pay the battery installation and diagnostic testing fee. The contact declined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Power Train
Filed Dec 18, 2024114,720 milesCA

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact continued to depress the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle lurched forward while responding sluggishly. The contact stated that the RPMS was high, but the vehicle failed to exceed 50 MPH. No further information was available. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently while driving from a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under GMC Campaign Number: N192271110 because the special coverage had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 114,720.

Power Train
Filed Dec 18, 2024150,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact stated that the vehicle was slowly coming to a stop and that the transmission would not shift into the proper gear. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to park the vehicle on the side of the road safely. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed. The contact was informed that the clutch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the shifter and the clutch had failed three times. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jun 6, 202481,833 milesOK

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle had not been diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,833.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed May 22, 2024AL

Car braked in front of me to avoid a crash; I did the same. I managed to leave enough space and I did not make contact with the car in front of me. As I was stopped behind the car in front of me, another car rear-ended me going ≈ 35 mph. Consequently, my car was compressed between both cars. There was severe damage to the hood/front end of my car from the force of the car behind me pushing against the car in front of me; moderate damage to the rear. No airbags deployed. I was left with a sprained back and a concussion. I do believe I have complications with my spine and nervous system to this day because of this accident.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 20, 2024CA

Transmission needs to be replaced per mechanic, costing around $3,5000-$5,000 Jerking or shuddering during the normal course of driving Hesitations while attempting to accelerate from a stopped position Engine stalls out or intermittently shutting off Rough start or hard shift and sudden acceleration Hesitations while attempting to accelerate from a stopped position

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed May 8, 202435,576 milesNV

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Spark. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V640000 (Latches, Locks, Linkages) and the recall repair was performed; however, the contact stated when the vehicle was taken for an oil change, the independent mechanic was unable to open the hood. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a defective release cable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,576.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 11, 2024CT

There is a recall on my vehicle, took it to the chevy dealership I purchased, I've been waiting since 2022 for them to notify me if/when they receive such part, here it's two years later and still no recall fixture.

20 of 172 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2014
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20223000Routine
20216000Routine
202019020Routine
201914100Routine
20189000Routine
201729100Routine
201628110Routine
201576510Routine
2014 — this page172600Do not drive
2013146510Routine

Compare every Spark year →

Reading this record

NHTSA has issued a do-not-drive warning for a recall on this vehicle.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Aug 25, 2022. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.