Problems · NHTSA complaints

2014 Chevrolet Spark problems

Owners filed 176 complaints about the 2014 Chevrolet Spark with NHTSA between Mar 2014 and Aug 2026. The most-cited component is engine (51).

Complaints
176
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
13
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
9
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine51
  2. Power train49
  3. Electrical system39
  4. Vehicle speed control24
  5. Fuel/propulsion system16
  6. Service brakes13
  7. Air bags13
  8. Structure10
  9. Electronic stability control (esc)9
  10. Latches/locks/linkages8
  11. Steering7
  12. Seat belts6
  13. Suspension5
  14. Engine and engine cooling3

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
201424
201517
201620
201723
201816
201915
202014
20214
20225
202317
20249
20255
20267

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

51 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 17, 2026Service brakes, EngineODI 11757548

Power train

49 reports2 crashes
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 5, 2026Power train, Vehicle speed controlODI 11748357

Electrical system

39 reports1 related recall
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 27, 2025Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11663106

Vehicle speed control

24 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 4, 2026Power train, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11729215

Fuel/propulsion system

16 reports
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 3, 2025Power train, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11633939

Service brakes

13 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 19, 2022Service brakesODI 11448075
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.