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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
434 miles · Dec 4, 2014
Engine

1ST AND 2ND RECALL COMPLETED BUT VEHICLE STILL DOES NOT RUN RIGHT. 3RD 4TH AND 5TH RECALL HAS NOT BEEN SCHEDULE BY GM AND ARE SAFETY RECALLS. 1. BOLT ON BOTTOM HAS TO BE TORQUED TO THE RIGHT SETTING OR COULD BE LOST OF STEERING. 2. AIRBAG NOT DEPLOYING. 3. NEED NEW HOOD LATCH AS IT COULD CORRODE VEHICLE COULD OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY.…

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1ST AND 2ND RECALL COMPLETED BUT VEHICLE STILL DOES NOT RUN RIGHT. 3RD 4TH AND 5TH RECALL HAS NOT BEEN SCHEDULE BY GM AND ARE SAFETY RECALLS. 1. BOLT ON BOTTOM HAS TO BE TORQUED TO THE RIGHT SETTING OR COULD BE LOST OF STEERING. 2. AIRBAG NOT DEPLOYING. 3. NEED NEW HOOD LATCH AS IT COULD CORRODE VEHICLE COULD OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY. THIS VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE ON THE STREET. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10662152

Mileage unknown · Nov 23, 2014
Engine

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR MY 2014 CHEVY SPARK REGARDING THE PCV VALVE INDICATING THAT THE VALVE WILL CAUSE THE CAR TO LEAK OIL. I DID NOT SEE THIS RECALL ON YOUR WEBSITE SO I THOUGHT I SHOULD INFORM YOU. THANKS *TR

NHTSA ODI #10660305

Mileage unknown · Nov 18, 2014
Latches/locks/linkages

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V593000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REMEDY THE FAILURE WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI #10658883

6,000 miles · Nov 5, 2014
Power TrainSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD DECELERATE SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD DECELERATE SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000.

NHTSA ODI #10652806

6,421 miles · Oct 20, 2014
Tires

HAVE A 2014 CHEVY SPARK. I DO NOT HAVE A SPARE TIRE. I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE HEADING HOME FROM VISITING FAMILY OUT OF STATE AND HAD A FLAT TIRE. I THOUGHT NO BIG DEAL I WILL PUT THE SPARE ON AND TAKE CARE OF THE FLAT WHEN I GET HOME. I WAS LOOKING AROUND AND THERE WAS NO SPARE TIRE. ALL I HAD WAS BOTTLE OF MANUFACTURE SUPPLIED F…

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HAVE A 2014 CHEVY SPARK. I DO NOT HAVE A SPARE TIRE. I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE HEADING HOME FROM VISITING FAMILY OUT OF STATE AND HAD A FLAT TIRE. I THOUGHT NO BIG DEAL I WILL PUT THE SPARE ON AND TAKE CARE OF THE FLAT WHEN I GET HOME. I WAS LOOKING AROUND AND THERE WAS NO SPARE TIRE. ALL I HAD WAS BOTTLE OF MANUFACTURE SUPPLIED FIX A FLAT AND AN AIR COMPRESSOR. NO JACK NO LUG WRENCH AND NO SPARE TIRE. I THOUGHT MAYBE THE CAR HAD RUNFLAT TIRES. IT DID NOT. I WENT TO PUT FIXFLAT IN TIRE AND AIR UP. THERE WAS A HOLE IN SIDE WALL OF TIRE. I HAD TO PAY FOR A TOW TRUCK TO TOW CAR TO SHOP. HOOK UP FEE PLUS MILEAGE. IF THERE WAS A SPARE AND ALL, I WOULD ONLY BE OUT THE COST OF THE TIRE. THIS IS UNCALLED FOR BY ANY MANUFACTURE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10648715

Mileage unknown · Oct 13, 2014
EngineFuel/propulsion System

RENTAL CAR - CHEVY SPARK. WENT TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN AND WAS NOT ABLE TO POWER VEHICLE. SLOWLY STARTED ROLLING INTO FAST MOVING TRAFFIC (FROM BOTH DIRECTIONS) AND COULD NOT ACCELERATE. NOT SURE IF THIS IS A FAULTY IGNITION OR A POWER FAILURE. CAR WAS GOING FROM A FULLY STOPPED POSITION TO A LEFT HAND TURN.VERY DANGEROUS AND W…

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RENTAL CAR - CHEVY SPARK. WENT TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN AND WAS NOT ABLE TO POWER VEHICLE. SLOWLY STARTED ROLLING INTO FAST MOVING TRAFFIC (FROM BOTH DIRECTIONS) AND COULD NOT ACCELERATE. NOT SURE IF THIS IS A FAULTY IGNITION OR A POWER FAILURE. CAR WAS GOING FROM A FULLY STOPPED POSITION TO A LEFT HAND TURN.VERY DANGEROUS AND WOULD HAVE BEEN IN COLLISION HAD NOT OTHER CARS IN TRAFFIC COME TO A STOP TO AVOID A COLLISION. I AM UNSURE OF YEAR (2013 - 2015) AS DID NOT RECORD THIS INFORMATION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10644292

26,000 miles · Oct 6, 2014
StructureCrash

HOOD FLEW OPEN INTO WINDSHIELD WHILE ACCELERATING, CAUSED ME TO CRASH VEHICLE INTO TREE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10641626

1,500 miles · Oct 6, 2014
Power Train

WHEN DECELERATING IN MY 2014 CHEVROLET SPARK BETWEEN 25 AND 15 MPH IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE IS APPLYING THE BRAKES. SERVICE TECHNICIAN SAID IT'S NORMAL FOR A CVT. I HAVE DRIVEN MULTIPLE CARS WITH CVT AND NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. ALSO, A LOUD TICKING FROM THE ENGINE. TECHNICIAN STATES IT'S THE FUEL INJECTORS. I AM NO…

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WHEN DECELERATING IN MY 2014 CHEVROLET SPARK BETWEEN 25 AND 15 MPH IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE IS APPLYING THE BRAKES. SERVICE TECHNICIAN SAID IT'S NORMAL FOR A CVT. I HAVE DRIVEN MULTIPLE CARS WITH CVT AND NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. ALSO, A LOUD TICKING FROM THE ENGINE. TECHNICIAN STATES IT'S THE FUEL INJECTORS. I AM NOT ACCEPTING THIS EXPLANATION BECAUSE THE ENGINE ALSO "MISSES" A STROKE ONCE IN AWHILE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10641612

485 miles · Aug 20, 2014
EnginePower Train

WITH LESS THAN 500 MILES ON IT, VEHICLE WAS HESITATING INTERMITTENTLY UPON ACCELERATION FROM A STOP; OCCASIONALLY WOULD MISS BRIEFLY, WOULD NOT ALWAYS "SHIFT" UNLESS YOU TOOK FOOT OFF GAS; WOULD FEEL LIKE BRAKE BEING APPLIED WHEN COASTING AT LOW SPEED; AND WAS GETTING BAD GAS MILEAGE. CAR WAS NOT SHOWING ANY ERROR CODES BUT MEC…

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WITH LESS THAN 500 MILES ON IT, VEHICLE WAS HESITATING INTERMITTENTLY UPON ACCELERATION FROM A STOP; OCCASIONALLY WOULD MISS BRIEFLY, WOULD NOT ALWAYS "SHIFT" UNLESS YOU TOOK FOOT OFF GAS; WOULD FEEL LIKE BRAKE BEING APPLIED WHEN COASTING AT LOW SPEED; AND WAS GETTING BAD GAS MILEAGE. CAR WAS NOT SHOWING ANY ERROR CODES BUT MECHANIC FOUND THESE ISSUES UPON TEST DRIVING IT HIMSELF. DEALERSHIP REPLACED PISTONS, RODS, ETC. WAS TOLD WRONG PISTONS INSTALLED AT FACTORY. UPON TEST DRIVING AFTER REPAIRS MECHANIC FOUND TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS (LEAKING) AND FOUND A CRACK IN THE HOUSING AND AN O RING NOT SEATED PROPERLY. REPLACED HOUSING AND AGAIN TEST DROVE AND HAD TRANSMISSION NOISE AND FOUND METAL SHAVINGS IN PAN) AND THEY THEN REPLACED ENTIRE TRANSMISSION. LOVED THE STYLE OF THIS CAR BUT AM TOTALLY DISAPPOINTED IN THE QUALITY OF THIS CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10626875

33,000 miles · Aug 8, 2014
EngineCrash

REPORTED SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE CHEVY SPARK WITH PURCHASED IN AUG 2013, NO STARTS, AUTO SHUT OFFS, RPM SPIKES AND "NOW" OIL BURNING, BEGINNING OCTOBER 2013 DIRECTLY TO GM COMPANY AT 855-238-0780, 866-790-5600 AND CHEVY HEADQUARTERS AND SEVERAL CHEVY SERVICE CENTERS: ONSTAR SUBSCRIBER SERVICES ACCT# ACCOUNT NUMBER: 139-256-58…

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REPORTED SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE CHEVY SPARK WITH PURCHASED IN AUG 2013, NO STARTS, AUTO SHUT OFFS, RPM SPIKES AND "NOW" OIL BURNING, BEGINNING OCTOBER 2013 DIRECTLY TO GM COMPANY AT 855-238-0780, 866-790-5600 AND CHEVY HEADQUARTERS AND SEVERAL CHEVY SERVICE CENTERS: ONSTAR SUBSCRIBER SERVICES ACCT# ACCOUNT NUMBER: 139-256-583 AT 1.888.4.ONSTAR ACTIVATED AUGUST 2013 BEGAN SENDING VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC IN SEPT 2013 WITH AN VEHICLE PROBLEM ALERT FOR THE TRANSMISSION/ENGINE SYSTEMS, I ADDRESSED THIS WITH SEVERAL CHEVY DEALERS AND WAS TOLD AT ONE POINT THAT IT WAS A POSSIBLE REPORTING ERROR BY ONSTAR SINCE THE CHEVY SERVICE CENTER COULD NOT LOCATE OR DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE ISSUES WITH THE SPARK FURTHER DETERIORATED INTO BURNING OIL AND LEAKING OIL PROBLEMS, OF COURSE IT WAS TAKEN TO THE CHEVY DEALERS IN BOTH ENTERPRISE AND [XXX], [XXX] IN INDIANAPOLIS INDIANA AND NOTHING SIGNIFICANT WAS SUPPOSEDLY FOUND ALTHOUGH WHEN CHECKING THE OIL STICK WE CONTINUE TO FIND NO OIL OR LOW OIL LEVELS IN THE CAR, WE THEN HAVE TO REPEATEDLY PUT REPLACEMENT OIL IN THE CAR. TODAY, FRIDAY AUGUST 8, 2014 WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR'S ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN, THE OWNER [XXX] ATTEMPTED TO STEER THE CAR OFF THE HIGHWAY BUT WAS HIT FROM BEHIND, THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS KILLED THIS TIME. WE ARE NOT CERTAIN OF THE INJURIES BUT THE OWNER, [XXX] HAS COMPLAINED OF BACKACHE AND HEADACHE, SYMPTOMS OF A POSSIBLE CONCUSSION. WE HATE THIS CAR!!! IT IS A LEMON AND MAY EVENTUALLY KILL SOMEONE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10621035

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.