RoadVitals

2014 Chevrolet Spark Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
171
Latest Jul 6, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
15
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
13

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2014 Chevrolet Spark, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

53
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11729215 · filed Apr 4, 2026

transmission issues

NHTSA ID 11684117 · filed Aug 30, 2025
All 53 reports naming engine

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

47
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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)

NHTSA ID 11748357 · filed Jul 5, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11736246 · filed May 7, 2026
All 47 reports naming powertrain (other)

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

39
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

transmission issues

NHTSA ID 11684117 · filed Aug 30, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID 11663106 · filed May 27, 2025
All 39 reports naming electrical

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

31
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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)

NHTSA ID 11748357 · filed Jul 5, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11729215 · filed Apr 4, 2026
All 31 reports naming driver assistance

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 my car does not have a recall for the transmission according to the vin. How can my car be failing like many others of the same year that have been able to get repaired under the transmission recall and yet Chevrolet can tell me that my car does not have a recall for the same exact issues I've read about on this site. I am angry because how do the makers tell me my car isn't on that recall for this problem when there seems to be many of the same car having the issue and gets the issue fixed ?

NHTSA ID 11633939 · filed Jan 3, 2025

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

NHTSA ID 11589714 · filed May 20, 2024
All 17 reports naming fuel system

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11632458 · filed Dec 26, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID 11590159 · filed May 22, 2024
All 13 reports naming airbags

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

GM has failed to remedy this recall in a timely manner.

NHTSA ID 11518312 · filed Apr 21, 2023

Chevrolet issued a recall for my car August 25, 2022 and still has not provided a remedy. It has been eight months since the recall was issued.

NHTSA ID 11516377 · filed Apr 10, 2023
All 10 reports naming body & structure

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11448075 · filed Jan 19, 2022

WHEN MY ALTERNATOR FAILED IT CAUSED AN OVER CURRENT THROUGH THE ABS RELAY CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE WIRING HARNESS MELTING THE BRACKET AND BREAKING ONE OF THE CLIPS THE OTHER CLIP BROKE WHEN THE GMC DEALER WAS DOING THEIR INSPECTION. I'M WORKING WITH AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT DOESN'T BELIEVE THE DAMAGE WAS CAUSED BY THE ALTERNATOR AND NOT THE DEALER.

NHTSA ID 11296788 · filed Jan 3, 2020
All 9 reports naming brakes

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11748587 · filed Jul 6, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11587686 · filed May 8, 2024
All 9 reports naming interior & seats

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11632458 · filed Dec 26, 2024

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the driver’s side seat belt became stuck. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the parts for the repair were on back order. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ID 11554337 · filed Nov 9, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS DRIVING ON THE TURNPIKE NEAR WEST PALM BEACH AND I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY. THE BRAKES WAS NOT WORKING AND THE STEERING LOCKED ON ME PREVENTING ME TO TURN THE WHEEL RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE CRASHING INTO THE GRASS TO A GUARD RAIL. ALSO THE AIR BAGS IN THE FROM DID NOT DEPLOY. ONLY THE SIDE AIR BAGS. I INJURED MY HEAD AND HAD TO GET STITCHES BECAUSE OF THIS.

NHTSA ID 10788298 · filed Nov 4, 2015

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AT 45 MPH. IT WAS AT NIGHT. AS SOON AS I WENT THROUGH THE FIRST GREEN LIGHT, I ACCELERATED (PUSHED ON THE GAS). WHEN I CAME UPON THE SECOND LIGHT, I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR TO BRAKE. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ACCELERATOR WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. IT WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN. I TRIED APPLYING THE BRAKES, BUT IT SEEMED AS IF THE CAR WAS OUT OF CONTROL. I COULD NOT STEER RIGHT OR ANYTHING. I HIT TO CURBS AND KNOCKED DOWN TO CITY SIGNS. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ALONG WITH EMS GOT ME OUT OF THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TOTALED.

NHTSA ID 10764029 · filed Sep 15, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN YOU START ON THE GAS THE VEHICLE HESITATES FOREVER BEFORE GOING. I'VE NEARLY BEEN HIT SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO THIS. IT ALSO TAKES FOREVER TO GET OVER 60MPH. THE SUSPENSION WAS BAD AS WELL AND HAD TO REPLACE. *TR

NHTSA ID 11337478 · filed Jul 4, 2020

STATIONERY *TR

NHTSA ID 11330312 · filed Jun 23, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET SPARK. WHEN THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE DEFROSTER, THE SEAT BELT CHIME SOUNDED AND THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS STOPPED OPERATING. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000. UPDATED 06/02/17*LJ *CN

NHTSA ID 10972215 · filed Apr 13, 2017

TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED WITH HEAVY MIST AND ACTIVE SNOWFALL, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR OVERHEATED AND STOPPED WORKING, CREATING AN EMERGENCY SITUATION ON THE HIGHWAY WHERE THE DRIVER COULD NOT SEE OUT THE WINDSHIELD. DEALER HAD TO REPLACE MOTOR FROM DAMAGE. NEW MOTOR AGAIN OVERHEATED DURING WINDSHIELD WIPER USE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IN HEAVY DIRTY MIST FROM VEHICLES AHEAD, CREATING A SECOND EMERGENCY SITUATION WHERE DRIVER COULD NOT SEE. DEALERSHIP NOTIFIED THIS OWNER THAT THIS MODEL CAR HAS MECHANISM TO PROTECT THE MOTOR FROM OVERHEATING DURING HEAVY USE, WHICH CAUSES THE WIPERS TO CEASE. THIS IS DANGEROUS AS THE MOTOR SHOULD NOT BE DESIGNED TO SUDDENLY STOP WORKING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS; IT SHOULD BE STRONG ENOUGH TO HANDLE THE LOAD OF THESE COMMON WINTER CONDITIONS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10678732 · filed Jan 24, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 10648715 · filed Oct 20, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF CHEMICALS EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTAC WOULD BECOME SICK AND HAVE HEADACHES. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITION WOULD NOT WORK PROPERLY AND FAILED TO EMIT COLD AIR. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE FOR THE STEERING COULD NOT BE REPLICATED, HOWEVER STATED THAT THE EVAPORATIVE AIR TEMPERATURE (HEAT SENSOR) AND THE LOW PRESSURE SWITCH ADAPTOR KIT NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. IN ADDITION, THE BODY CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAM AND THE A/C COMPRESSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98. UPDATED 09/02/14*LJ UPDATED 11/18/2014 *JS

NHTSA ID 10617897 · filed Jul 31, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .