2014 Chevrolet SparkProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 172 owner complaints about the 2014 Chevrolet Spark, most often about the engine. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-640 the manufacturer reports only 30% of affected cars repaired.

2014 Chevrolet Spark

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 17, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Public domain.

Complaints by system

Where the 2014 Chevrolet Spark has problems

172 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine511
Power train472
Electrical system390
Vehicle speed control250
Fuel/propulsion system160
Air bags137
Service brakes101
Structure102
Latches/locks/linkages80
11 other systems376

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

6 recalls

2014 Chevrolet Spark recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

30%repaired · 2025 Q4

Hood: latch

Recall 22V-640 · Aug 25, 2022 · 120,688 vehicles · 36,506 repaired

Risk. A hood latch failure can result in the vehicle's hood opening unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

97%repaired · 2017 Q4

Electrical system: software

Recall 16V-422 · Jun 10, 2016 · 18,780 vehicles · 18,199 repaired

Risk. Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

81%repaired · 2017 Q3

Electrical system: software

Recall 16V-257 · Apr 28, 2016 · 317,572 vehicles · 257,746 repaired

Risk. Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

95%repaired · 2016 Q4

Electrical: radio/tape deck/cd etc.

Recall 15V-416 · Jun 30, 2015 · 45,785 vehicles · 43,520 repaired

Risk. Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 2 more recalls
88%repaired · 2016 Q2

Hood: latch

Recall 14V-593 · Sep 24, 2014 · 89,294 vehicles · 78,182 repaired

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…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

98%repaired · 2015 Q4

Control arm: lower arm

Do not drive

Recall 14V-440 · Jul 21, 2014 · 1,919 vehicles · 1,888 repaired

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…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.

Mileage at failure

When do engine problems start?

25kmiles, median

Based on the odometer reading in 34 engine complaints. 97% were reported before 100,000 miles.

median0k50k100k150k200k+
18under 30k miles33under 100k miles1100k miles or more
Best & worst years

2014 vs. every other Spark year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Spark median. How we score

'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2014 Chevrolet Spark safety ratings

2014 Chevrolet Spark 5 HB FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

★★★★★Overall rating
2014 Chevrolet Spark frontal crash test, NHTSA
Frontal crash★★★★★
2014 Chevrolet Spark side barrier test, NHTSA
Side barrier★★★★★
2014 Chevrolet Spark side pole test, NHTSA
Side pole★★★★★
  • Rollover: 4 stars (17.9% risk)
  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What Spark owners report

Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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…
Complaint 11757548 · Aug 17, 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…
Complaint 11729215 · Apr 4, 2026
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…
Complaint 11663106 · May 27, 2025

Own a 2014 Spark?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.