Home · 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV · Complaints

What 168 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (168)Crash / fire / injury (14)Engine (48)Transmission & drivetrain (43)Electrical system (38)Speed control (22)Fuel system (17)Airbags (13)Brakes (12)Body & structure (10)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (9)Latches & locks (7)

Newest first · 168 complaints · page 2 of 7

Apr 4, 2023Body & structure

Manufacturer has not issued a remedy for the recall yet. The secondary hood latch striker is getting more and more corroded (especially in Michigans wet climate) causing more vigorous jiggling. No longer feels safe to go over 40mph without the risk of the hood coming up and hitting the windshield.

NHTSA ODI 11515385

Feb 21, 2023Body & structure

GM still does not have a fix for the hood latch recall,and it has been 6 months.

NHTSA ODI 11508322

Jan 30, 2023Engine

The gas guage meter failed to work and didn't show where the gas was and so this is dangerous because if you are driving and you were on the freeway and the car stopped because of gas, this could cause an accident and you could be hurt or killed. This part should be a recall on the car because I never should had to fix this for the lifetime of the car at all or at least after 100,000 miles, which it only had 39,000 and I had to end up paying for the ECM and having to reprogram it, which cost me over $1,000, which being disabled, I had to borrow money from a friend to do this. I paid $220 to have the Chevy Dealer tell me that was the problem and have paperwork to prove this. There was also an engine light that came, when this happened.

NHTSA ODI 11504536

Jan 27, 2023Latches & locks

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Spark. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V640000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11504056

Jan 26, 2023Latches & locks

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Spark. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V640000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11503808

Dec 29, 2022Seat belts

Seatbelt retractor isn't working. It stopped working 12-29-2022. I can't buckle my seatbelt on driver's side. I took my vehicle to Daniel's Chevrolet in Swainsboro, GA. Part has been ordered to be repaired and the repair is scheduled for January 10, 2023. Repair cost is $435.00. No warning lamps, messages or other symptons of the problem prior to the failure.

NHTSA ODI 11499426

Oct 21, 2022Body & structureCrash

The hood latch was eroded and caused me to crash and shattered my entire windshield.

NHTSA ODI 11490321

Feb 16, 2022Electrical systemSpeed controlEngine

Si my cars been having issues for about a couple of weeks now with speed and it’s been driving rough, it hadn’t given me any check engine lights so I went to a mechanic he changed the throttle body thinking that was the issue however the issue persisted and even got worse. I’ve noticed it doesn’t seem to go into gear when I’m driving then when it finally does it looses power, it’s also really high on the rpm’s and when it’s in park it’ll seem like it wants to turn off.

NHTSA ODI 11452174

Feb 8, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The transmission failed for no apparent reason at 86,000 miles. Now it has failed again at 166,000 miles. In both of these cases the car was left virtually in operable and put the driver at a safety risk. With normal use and care and maintenance it does not make sense that this vehicle has a transmission only last 80 to 86,000 miles. I’ve read many complaints about the transmission on the 2014 and 2015 Chevy Spark. Additionally the parts are very expensive so it tells me that a lot of people have had problems.

NHTSA ODI 11451023

Jan 19, 2022Brakes

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 ODI 11448075

Dec 23, 2021Electrical systemSeat beltsBody & structure

On or about May 31, 2021 the car alarm began to randomly go off on the vehicle. I took the car to the local dealership on July 20, 2021 and was advised that "hood latch ajar signal showing hood open randomly" was causing alarm to go off. On Aug 21, the part arrived and the hood latch was replaced. Immediately upon leaving the dealership, the radio went blank. I lost all audible sounds and alerts in the car including: seat belt alerts, key in ignition alert, blinker alert, OnStar, and radio power. I returned to the dealership with the vehicle on Sept 21, 2021 and the car was again repaired. I was advised that "relay and battery saver relayed" was replaced. Additionally, the service tech called GM TAC and was advised that "due to the issue being intermit. most likely cause is fuse block overloading circuit and shorting relays. If relay goes out again, will need to replace fuse block." On Oct 30, 2021 I returned to the dealership with the vehicle. At this point the alarm was going off again and the radio (all interior sounds/alarms) had gone out again. I was advised that the fuse block needs to be replaced and that this issue is NOT caused by normal wear and tear or maintenance. I have reached out to GM for assistance with this matter as it is obviously a manufacturer defect. They have refused to help.

NHTSA ODI 11444834

Dec 23, 2021Transmission & drivetrainEngine

I have been having issues with my car getting stuck in gear or not wanting to switch gears, as well as sometimes when I try to go and I'm pushing the gas pedal it's like it doesn't move or try to drive then there is a loud knock and it revs all the way up and still doesn't really move then there is another loud knock and it takes off slowly and over revs and sputters and drives very odd, like it's struggling to go and keeps trying to switch gears. The check engine light keeps going on and off and every once in a while my traction light comes on as well. I took it to auto zone and this is the codes they received,"Powertrain Trouble Code Description: Pressure Control Solenoid "B" Control Circuit Range/Performance Powertrain Secondary Trouble Codes: P0965, P070." I have no idea how to afford to fix it and when doing research online about it alot of spark owners have had this issue and no recall has been placed. It is very dangerous and I can't even drive on the highway because my car simply won't go. I got stuck at a green light trying to go and almost got hit by a semi because my car simply wouldn't move. I am scared for my life to drive this car and this is an issue that needs to be addressed because I am still paying off this car, barely had it a couple years and maybe half of my loan time and can't even drive it. I am livid and will not put my life in danger because y'all won't issue a recall for a SERIOUS PROBLEM with this car. I have to be able to get to work and I can't with a car that is constantly trying to kill me. Please help!

NHTSA ODI 11444866

Jul 15, 2021Electrical system

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 mph, the instrument panel stopped functioning. The contact was unable to see the odometer, speedometer, and fuel gauge. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to a dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11425014

Apr 14, 2021Transmission & drivetrainSpeed control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BRUCE LOWRIE CHEVROLET (711 SW LOOP 820, FORT WORTH, TX 76134, (817) 264-7776) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 79,000.*DT*DT CONSUMER WOULD LIKE A BUY BACK WHICH WAS AN OPTION.

NHTSA ODI 11408055

Nov 24, 2020Transmission & drivetrainFuel system

CAR SPUTTERS AND HESITATES. FEELS LIKE TRANSMISSION OR FUEL PROBLEM. HAD TRANSMISSION REPLACED ONCE ALREADY. FROM WHAT I'M HEARING TRANSMISSIONS IN THIS CAR HAVE AN ISSUE. SEEMS LIKE IT SHOULD BE REPLACED BY MANUFACTURER NOT ME. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR MONTHS. IT WAS SEEMING TO COME AND GO NOW IT JUST ALL THE TIME.

NHTSA ODI 11376154

Oct 23, 2020Electrical system

CAR WILL NOT START WHEN COLD. TOOK TO O'REILLY'S AND THEY CHECKED BATTERY. READINGS JUMPING ALL OVER. HAVE SINCE READ THAT IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH 2013 AND 2014 SPARKS. NO WARRANTY ANYMORE. THIS SHOULD HAVE HAD A RECALL. COULD BE AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE FROM WHAT I HAVE READ.

NHTSA ODI 11365965

Oct 21, 2020Transmission & drivetrainEngine

TRANSMISSION WON'T SHIFT INTO 25 MPH WON'T ACELRATE IDLES ROUGH LOUD. STAHLING

NHTSA ODI 11365497

Oct 10, 2020Electrical systemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Fuel system

IN AUGUST 2019, AS I WAS DRIVING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY MY VEHICLE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BECAME ILLUMINATED AND MY BRAKE, GAS, STEERING COLUMN, AND VEHICLE LOSS COMPLETE FUNCTION. THIS INCIDENT ALMOST COST ME MY LIFE. THANK GOODNESS I WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE HIGHWAY IN TIME. AFTER WEEKS AND MONTHS OF FAILED REPAIR ATTEMPTS, I CONTACTED GM HOPING TO GAIN SOME RESOLUTION. AFTER FILING A COMPLAINT IN DECEMBER 2019 THERE WAS NO RESPONSE UNTIL LAST WEEK. I RECEIVED A LETTER IN THE MAIL FROM ,MRS. NEELIE O'CONNOR-GLOBAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE OPERATIONS, STATING THAT MY MECHANICAL ISSUES MAY INDEED BE AT THE FAULT OF GM. THEY WOULD PAY FOR DAMAGES ,ONLY IF MY CAR WAS UNDER 120,000 MILES ,AND THEIR MECHANIC CONFIRMS THE DAMAGES.

NHTSA ODI 11363693

Sep 21, 2020Electrical system

VEHICLE ALERT SYSTEM SHOWS WATER TEMPERATURE ALERT THEN STOPPED THEM THE TRACTION ALERT CAME ON THEN WENT OFF AND THE TRANSMISSION LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. DRIVES FINE BUT JOLTS IF ON AN INCLINE AND YOU PUT IT IN GEAR. THE OTHERS CAME ON WHILE DRIVING

NHTSA ODI 11360256

Aug 6, 2020

MY DAUGHTER PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED IN DECEMBER 2019. TWO WEEKS AFTER SHE PURCHASED IT, THE HEATING SYSTEM HAD TO BE COMPLETELY REBUILT. NOW LESS THAN A WEEK AGO THE A,/C SYSTEM STOPPED BLOWING COLD. SHE HAD TO HAVE THE COMPRESSOR REPLACED. THEN TWO DAYS LATER, THE A/C STOPPED BLOWING COLD AGAIN. THAI TIME IT WAS THE PRESSURE SWITCH ON THE LOW SIDE. HER MECHANIC DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT AT SOME POINT GM ISSUED A "RECALL" NOT EXACTLY A RECALL, BUT A VOLUNTARY FIX FOR A/C ISSUES INVOLVING 2013 AND 2014 CHEVY SPARKS. APPARENTLY IF THE REPAIR HAD NOT BEEN MADE BY 2016, THEN ONLY APPLICABLE WARRANTIES WOULD APPLY. WELL, WE DIDN'T BUY THIS VEHICLE UNTIL 2019, BUT THE HVAC SYSTEM HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT TROUBLE FROM THE START. GM KNOWS THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE HVAC SYSTEMS BACK IN 2014. HOW CAN THEY ONLY REPAIR FAULTY EQUIPMENT FOR 2 YEARS? A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH OF "CHEVY SPARK AC ISSUES" WILL LEAD TO NUMEROUS REPORTS OF SIMILAR ISSUES. GM NEEDS TO STEP UP AND TAKE CARE OF THIS ISSUE FOR GOOD!

NHTSA ODI 11343669

Aug 1, 2020Electrical systemElectronic Stability Control (esc)

BOUGHT A 2014 IN JULY 2016,NOT EVEN HAD THE VEHICLE 6 MONTHS THE RADIO,ONSTAR,SEATBELT CHIMES ALL WENT OUT.IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE RECALL LIST DATED 6/2016.NOW HAVING ISSUES WITH THE IGNITION,WONT START.SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE WITH THIS. GOD FORBID IF THE VEHICLE LOCKED UP WHILE I AM DRIVING. THANK YOU.

NHTSA ODI 11342646

Jul 4, 2020SuspensionSpeed control

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 ODI 11337478

Jun 23, 2020SuspensionAirbagsElectronic Stability Control (esc)

STATIONERY *TR

NHTSA ODI 11330312

Jun 8, 2020Speed controlEngineFuel system

WHEN ACCELERATING (BETWEEN 5-30MPH), THE VEHICLE STUTTERS TO GAIN POWER/SPEED-IT ALMOST FEELS LIKE THERE'S A DELAY IN THE EXECUTION WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WILL THEN LUNGE FORWARD, THEN SULK BACK AS IF THE ENGINE HAS TEMPORARILY LOST POWER. THE LUNGE, SULK BACK AND STUTTER ARE PROGRESSIVELY WORSENING, TO THE POINT THAT THE PLUNGE AND SULK ARE OCCURRING AT MORE VARYING SPEED CHANGES MORE AND MORE FREQUENTLY (ACCELERATING OR LIFTING OFF THE GAS PEDDLE TO SLOW DOWN). *TR

NHTSA ODI 11327891

Apr 25, 2020Speed controlFuel system

DURING REGULAR CONSTANT DRIVING AT SPEED 20-50MPH ACCELERATION LURGES FORWARD AND FELS LIKE A CRUISE CONTROL IS ENGAGING, THIS IS NOT A FEATURE IN THIS MODEL. THIS HAS OCCURRED NOW MORE THAN 3 TIMES. SENDING IN VEHICLE FIR REVIEW.

NHTSA ODI 11322240

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Working with the data? Download all 168 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 26, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV verdict →