2014 Chevrolet Spark Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2014 Chevrolet Spark carries 6 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering software and lower arm. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Electrical accessory shutoff and no-start.” Chevrolet vehicles use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — a percentage-based monitor that calculates oil life from driving conditions, not fixed mileage. When the OLS drops to 0%, oil and filter are due. The schedule below reflects GM's Normal Use intervals for everything else.

6 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Campaign #16V422000 · Oct 6, 2016

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

Campaign #14V440000 · Jul 21, 2014

Issue: 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.

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 steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Owners are instructed NOT to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Owners should call a Chevrolet dealer immediately to arrange for their vehicle to be transported free of charge for servicing. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left and right lower control arm attaching bolts to make sure that they are tightened to the proper specification, free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14453. Note: Owners are advised not to drive the vehicle until the repairs have been completed.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

Campaign #14V593000 · Sep 24, 2014

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured January 17, 2012, to July 29, 2014. The secondary hood latch may prematurely corrode at the latch pivot causing the striker to get stuck out of position, preventing it from properly engaging the hood latch.

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 while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the striker with a new part which has superior corrosion protection, free of charge. The recall began on January 7, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14456.

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

Campaign #16V257000 · Apr 28, 2016

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

Campaign #15V416000 · Jun 30, 2015

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 20, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured June 18, 2014, to June 10, 2015. In the affected vehicles, equipped with the base radio and OnStar, the radio may lock up due to a software issue, causing the display to go blank and all audio functions to cease. Because of this, there may be no warning chimes such as the reminder to buckle the seat belt and the key being left in ignition when the driver goes to exit the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208 "Occupant Crash Protection", and 114 "Theft Protection."

Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft. If a driver or front passenger does not buckle their seat belt, there would be no chime to remind them to fasten their seat belts. If a driver or passenger does not buckle their seat belt there is an increased risk that they will be injured in a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15504.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

Campaign #22V640000 · Aug 25, 2022

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2014 Chevrolet Spark.

Reported to NHTSA

Electrical accessory shutoff and no-start

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

24 NHTSA complaints · 2015-08 → 2023-12

SINCE THE DAY I HAVE BOUGHT THIS CAR 2 1/2 YEARS AGO IT WILL DIE, EVEN WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH. RECENTLY IT HASN'T BEEN STARTING EVERY TIME. CHEVY SAYS THE BATTERY IS BAD
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11003463
THE ALTERNATOR FOR MY CHEVROLET, SPARK 1LT 2014 DOES NOT WORK ALL THE TIME CAUSING ME TO BE STRANDED WHEN I TRY TO RESTART MY CAR. AUTO ZONE CHECKED MY BATTERY FOR FREE AND TOLD ME THAT THE BATTERY WAS GOOD
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10968872
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2014 CHEVY SPARK WITH 49,000 MILES. WITHIN A WEEK OF USING THE VEHICLE THE RADIO, CHIMES AND WARNINGS STOPPED WORKING. I WAS DRIVING AND TOUCHED THE REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11289142

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Loss of brake pedal stopping power

SERVICE BRAKES

9 NHTSA complaints · 2015-01 → 2026-08

I DROVE FROM SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA, TO SAN FRANCISCO, CA (8 MILES). THE CAR WAS OPERATING NORMALLY. AS I APPROACHED THE 6TH ST. EXIT, I APPLIED THE BRAKES TO MY CAR. THERE WAS NO RESPONSE; THE BRAKES FELT 'LOCKED' UNDER MY FOOT
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11281897
WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, REGEN STOPPED WORKING AND BRAKING STOPPED FUNCTIONING TO A POINT OF ALMOST CRASHING. ALMOST IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE REGEN ISSUES, THE SERVICE STABILITRACK WARNING DISPLAYED ON THE DASH
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11195540
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR THE BRAKES LOCKED UP BY THEMSELVES AND THE CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP WAITING FOR A MASTER CYLINDER FOR 4 MONTHS. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11042067

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission failure and loss of acceleration

POWER TRAIN

47 NHTSA complaints · 2014-03 → 2026-07

The contact owns a a 2014 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that while on several occasions at various speeds, the transmission warning light illuminated and the vehicle lost power
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11736246
107,000 HWY/CITY MILES. CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE 2014 CHEVROLET SPARK'S CVT CONTROL MODULE AND TRANSMISSION. DEALERSHIP INSPECTION REVEALED; PERMANENTLY FROZEN ACTUATORS AND CONTROL VALVES WHICH CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STALL, WITH ENGINE RUNNING, ON MILD INCLINES, ON RAMPS, OFF
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11084956
I HAVE REGISTERED COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS VEHICLE BEFORE. THE TRANSMISSION IN THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY; IT IS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE PROPERLY FROM A LOW SPEED OR STOPPED POSITION. I HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED 3 TIMES, BUT THE ISSUE HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11015917

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Secondary hood latch corrosion and unresolved recall

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

16 NHTSA complaints · 2014-10 → 2026-07

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the hood independently unlatched and crashed against the front windshield, causing damage to the windshield and bending the hood out of shape
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11748587
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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11515385
HOOD FLEW OPEN INTO WINDSHIELD WHILE ACCELERATING, CAUSED ME TO CRASH VEHICLE INTO TREE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10641626

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag non-deployment and warning light

AIR BAGS

11 NHTSA complaints · 2015-07 → 2024-12

A DEER RAN OUT IN FRONT OF ME ON I29 - I WAS GOING ABOUT 65MPH STRAIGHT ON THE INTERSTATE AND NOT ONE OF MY AIR BAGS WORKED- NOTHING DEPLOYED. AFTER THE ACCIDENT A CODE 95 WAS DISPLAYED ON THE DASH
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10903612
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 CHEVROLET SPARK. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE DRIVER FELL ASLEEP DUE TO FATIGUE AND CRASHED INTO A MAILBOX AND DITCH. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY; HOWEVER, THE DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10873396
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED ON AND OFF AND "NINETY FIVE CODE" APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11287470

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when the Oil Life System reaches 0% or every 12 months — whichever comes first. dexos1-approved synthetic oil required on all gas engines since 2011.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Silverado 4x4 and Tahoe owners benefit from earlier rotations to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at each tire rotation. Equinox and Malibu front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM specifies brake fluid replacement based on contamination testing. Test every 30,000 miles; replace if moisture content exceeds 3% or fluid appears dark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM long-life cellulose air filters are rated 45,000 miles. Direct-injection engines are sensitive to airflow restriction; inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go, dusty conditions): replace every 45,000 miles. Normal service: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI on 6L80/8L90 transmissions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

Silverado 4WD and Tahoe 4WD: replace transfer case fluid every 45,000 miles, sooner if towing or off-roading. Use GM Auto-Trak II fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

GM iridium spark plugs are rated 100,000 miles on most LS and LT engines. The 5.3L V8 in Silverado 1500 commonly fouls plugs early under heavy idling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

GM Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. Mixing with green coolant creates a sludge that destroys the cooling system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 50,000 mi

Silverado and Tahoe: replace rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip differentials require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Silverado and Tahoe owners in dusty climates should replace earlier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

63 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

13

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2014 Chevrolet Spark reflects Chevrolet's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.