Problem Lookup › Chevrolet › Spark › 2014
Car problem report
2014 Chevrolet Spark problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2014 Chevrolet Spark has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 8safety recalls
- 176owner complaints
- 13crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 41%fail the UK MOT
The most complained-about Chevrolet Spark year on file: 176 complaints, against an average of 39 for the other 9 model years.
Every Chevrolet Spark model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2014 Chevrolet Spark?
The components named most often in the 176 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2014 Chevrolet Spark owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 176 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2014 Chevrolet Spark stall, lose power or shut off while driving?24 owners · 13.6%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2014 Chevrolet Spark?19 owners · 10.8%
- Has the 2014 Chevrolet Spark had transmission failures?17 owners · 9.7%
- Why does my 2014 Chevrolet Spark idle rough, misfire or hesitate?13 owners · 7.4%
- Why does the infotainment screen freeze, reboot or go black in my 2014 Chevrolet Spark?6 owners · 3.4%
Has the 2014 Chevrolet Spark been recalled?
8 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Latches/Locks/Linkages: Hood: Latch 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.
Fix: 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.
Air Bags: Frontal General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
Air Bags: Frontal General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
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."
Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: 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 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.
Fix: 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 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.
Fix: 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: Latch 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.
Fix: 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 ArmDo not drive 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.
Fix: 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.
Is the 2014 Chevrolet Spark recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAChevrolet UK Spark Hood Striker Replacement
Risk: On affected vehicles the secondary hood latch lever may prematurely corrode at the pivot. If severely corroded the secondary latch striker may become stuck out of position and fail to properly engage.
Fix: Replace hood striker assembly with one that has improved corrosion resistance.
UK DVSASecondary bonnet catch may not engage
Risk: The Hood Striker Secondary Latch may suffer from a build-up of corrosion. If this condition occurs the Hood Striker Secondary Latch may not return to the correct position when released. In such an event and especially when the primary locking device is not engaged correctly there is a potential the hood can open while the vehicle is being driven.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the Hood Striker Secondary Latch.
UK DVSALoss of transmission
Risk: It has been identified that the transmission mounting could fail. This may allow the transmission to drop and cause the drive-shaft to disconnect resulting in loss of drive to the road wheels.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the transmission mountings.
EU Safety GateDue to a software problem, the frontal airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy correctly, which may increase the risk of injury…Due to a software problem, the frontal airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy correctly, which may increase the risk of injury to occupants in the event of a crash.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe bonnet striker secondary latch may suffer from a build-up of corrosion.Consequently, it may not return to the correct position when released. In such an event, and especially when the primary locking device is not engaged correctly, there is a possibility that the bonnet could open while the vehicle is being driven.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateVehicles may in some instances experience transmission mount failure, which may cause the transmission to drop.The torque transfer to the road wheels from the transmission will be lost due to driveshaft disconnection.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 11/11/2014
EU Safety GateVehicles may experience transmission mount failure which could result in a loss of drive due to disconnection of the driveshaft.This could cause the driver of the vehicle to lose control.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 10/02/2014
How often does the 2014 Chevrolet Spark fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2014, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2014 Chevrolet Spark owners report?
12 of the 176 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
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.
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…
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 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…
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…
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…
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…
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
KEY BOB BREAKING CAN NOT GET REPAIRED OR REPLACED
10/5/2021 I had the coolant expansion tank replaced because it was leaking. Its leaking again 2023 same place. (Picture below in now same place as before)
GM has failed to remedy this recall in a timely manner.
Électronic car brakes stopped working while driving. Had to push hard on break pedal to stop the car. (And i was driving at max 10km/h) After 2 or 3 restart, the break pedal start working again.
2014 Chevrolet Spark: questions owners ask
Is the 2014 Chevrolet Spark reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 176 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 Chevrolet Spark; the most common categories were engine (51, 29%), power train (49, 27.8%), electrical system (39, 22.2%). There are 8 safety recalls. 13 complaints mention a crash, 9 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Chevrolet Spark?
Across 176 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (29% of complaints), power train (27.8% of complaints), electrical system (22.2% of complaints), vehicle speed control (13.6% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (9.1% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2014 Chevrolet Spark have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2014 Chevrolet Spark; the most recent (campaign 22V640000, 2022-08-25) concerns Latches/Locks/Linkages: Hood: Latch. 1 recall carries a "do not drive" or "park outside" warning from the manufacturer. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2014 Chevrolet Spark stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
24 of the 176 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 Chevrolet Spark (13.6%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "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…" (NHTSA complaint 11589714, May 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2014 Chevrolet Spark?
19 of the 176 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 Chevrolet Spark (10.8%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Tl* the contact owns a 2014 chevrolet spark. while driving at various speeds, the vehicle intermittently lost motive power with a knocking sound detected in the engine. the check engine warning light was illuminated." (NHTSA complaint 11315689, March 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2014 Chevrolet Spark had transmission failures?
17 of the 176 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 Chevrolet Spark (9.7%) describe transmission failure, slipping or a replaced transmission. One owner wrote: "The transmission failed for no apparent reason at 86,000 miles. Now it has failed again at 166,000 miles. In both of these cases the car was left virtually in operable and put the driver at a safety risk." (NHTSA complaint 11451023, February 2022). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2014 Chevrolet Spark idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
13 of the 176 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 Chevrolet Spark (7.4%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "Car sputters and hesitates. feels like transmission or fuel problem. had transmission replaced once already. from what i'm hearing transmissions in this car have an issue. seems like it should be replaced by manufacturer not me." (NHTSA complaint 11376154, November 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does the infotainment screen freeze, reboot or go black in my 2014 Chevrolet Spark?
6 of the 176 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 Chevrolet Spark (3.4%) describe the infotainment or touch screen freezing, rebooting or going black. One owner wrote: "Bought a 2014 in july 2016,not even had the vehicle 6 months the radio,onstar,seatbelt chimes all went out.it should have been on the recall list dated 6/2016.now having issues with the ignition,wont start.something needs to be done with this." (NHTSA complaint 11342646, August 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Spark
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2014 only; combines NHTSA's entries for SPARK and SPARK EV.