2014 Chevrolet Spark Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 10 Spark years
The 2014 Chevrolet Spark ranks worst of all 10 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 100, 172 complaints, 6 recalls including one do-not-drive recall, and a top problem area of Engine (39% of complaints). It carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Spark years.
- Complaints
- 172
- Recalls
- 6
- incl. Do Not Drive
- Crashes / fires
- 13 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 8 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 34
- 31 city / 38 hwy
Top 2014 Chevrolet Spark problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine67 (39%)
- Transmission & Powertrain47 (27%)
- Electrical System39 (23%)
- Structure & Body20 (12%)
- Brakes18 (10%)
- Fuel System17 (10%)
- Other17 (10%)
- Airbags13 (8%)
- Steering7 (4%)
- Seat Belts6 (3%)
What owners report
- Owners report the car feels sluggish or nearly stalls when accelerating after slowing down or stopping.
- Some describe the transmission failing to accelerate properly from a stop, with one owner reporting the transmission was replaced three times without fixing the issue.
- Several owners report the hood flying open into the windshield while driving, in one case leading to a crash into a tree and in another to a crash that shattered the windshield.
- Multiple owners report airbags failing to deploy in crashes, sometimes showing an error code, despite significant vehicle damage and injuries.
- One owner reported the steering became difficult to control and the accelerator would not respond correctly at speed.
- One owner reported brakes not working and the steering locking up, resulting in a loss of control.
2014 Chevrolet Spark recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V640000Aug 25, 2022Structure & Body120,688 vehicles
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 16V422000Jun 10, 2016Electrical System18,780 vehicles
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 16V257000Apr 28, 2016Electrical System317,572 vehicles
Electrical system:software
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.
Remedy: 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.
2014 Chevrolet Spark fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 31 MPG
- Highway
- 38 MPG
- Combined
- 34 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,900
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2014 compared with other Spark years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2014 Chevrolet Spark reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2014 Spark has the highest complaint index (100) of any Spark model year and is ranked worst of 10 years tracked, earning an Avoid verdict relative to other Spark years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2014 Chevrolet Spark?
- NHTSA data shows Engine complaints are most common at 39% of the 172 total complaints, followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 27% and Electrical System at 23%.
- Does the 2014 Chevrolet Spark have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2014 Spark, including one do-not-drive recall covering lower control arm attaching bolts in the front suspension.
- How does the 2014 Spark compare to other years?
- The 2014 Spark's complaint index of 100 is higher than every other year listed, including 2013 (89) and 2020 (78), both also rated Avoid, while 2016 and 2018 are rated Best with much lower indexes.
- How many complaints and crashes does the 2014 Spark have?
- NHTSA lists 172 complaints for the 2014 Spark, including 13 crashes, 8 injuries, and 0 fires, with a median mileage at failure of 46,000 miles.