NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls and 176 owner complaints for the 2014 Chevrolet Spark. Most complaints involve engine (51) and power train (49). The EPA rates it 33–119 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“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 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…”
“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.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spark EV Auto (A1) · Front-Wheel Drive | 128 | 109 | 119 | $650 | — |
| Spark Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 38 | 34 | $1,850 | 264 |
| Spark Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 37 | 33 | $1,900 | 270 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
8 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 176 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (51), power train (49), electrical system (39). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2014 Chevrolet Spark at 33–119 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2014 Chevrolet Spark 4 out of 5 stars overall.