Is the 2014 Chevrolet SPARK reliable?

The 2014 Chevrolet SPARK has 269 complaints filed with NHTSA (7.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2014 Chevrolet SPARK?

Top problems: ENGINE (53 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (46 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (40 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2014 Chevrolet SPARK?

Yes, there are 6 recall(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE, SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH, EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC., EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC., LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH. Contact any Chevrolet dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2014 Chevrolet SPARK?

The 2014 Chevrolet SPARK gets 34 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1412. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2014 Chevrolet SPARK?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2014 Chevrolet SPARK is approximately $1,449/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2014 Chevrolet SPARK

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2014 Chevrolet SPARK has 269 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 7.5x the segment average of 36. The most common issue is engine problems (20% of all complaints), specifically: 24 hours after purchase of a 2014 chevy spark, the check engine light came on and car is slow to accelerate. the check engine light was not on when arriving at dealership, but the diagnostics showed a knock sensor code. they decided it was a loose gas cap as the vehicle was filled up the night bef. There are 6 recalls issued for this model year.

15 crash reports 7 injuries

269

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

7.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

53 complaints

20%

• 24 HOURS AFTER PURCHASE OF A 2014 CHEVY SPARK, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR IS SLOW TO ACCELERATE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS NOT ON WHEN ARRIVING AT DEALERSHIP, BUT THE DIAGNOSTICS SHOWED A KNOCK SENSOR CODE. THEY DECIDED IT WAS A LOOSE GAS CAP AS THE VEHICLE WAS FILLED UP THE NIGHT BEF
• I TEST DROVE A 2014 SPARK ON 3-6-14 AT VOSS CHEVY DEALERSHIP, THE CAR THAT I TEST DROVE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON. I DID NOT PURCHASE THE CAR THAT I TEST DROVE...THE SALESPERSON SAID THAT BECAUSE IT WAS A BRAND NEW CAR THERE WAS PROBABLY A MINOR GLITCH. I WAS INFORMED THAT A NEW BATCH OF 20
• I PURCHASED A 2014 CHEVY SPARK ON 2-26-2014. 40 HOURS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND VEHICLE WAS STRUGGLING TO SHIFT. RETURNED TO DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT A SENSOR WAS NOT PLUGGED IN ALL THE WAY AND THE TRANSMISSION ISSUE WAS BECAUSE A NEW VEHICLE "NEEDED TO BE BROKEN IN...WHICH TAKES A

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

“24 HOURS AFTER PURCHASE OF A 2014 CHEVY SPARK, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR IS SLOW TO ACCELERATE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS NOT ON WHEN ARRIVING AT DEALERSHIP, BUT THE DIAGNOSTICS SHOWED A KNOCK SENSOR CODE. THEY DECIDED IT WAS A LOOSE GAS CAP AS THE VEHICLE WAS FILLED UP THE NIGHT BEF”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2014 Chevrolet SPARK

Based on 194 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 47K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 23K mi · 36 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 59K mi · 36 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

In line with typicalmedian 50K mi · 14 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

In line with typicalmedian 42K mi · 12 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 28K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 110 mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (6)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE10/06/2016

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2014 Chevrolet SPARK

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,412

Per month

$118

Per mile

11.8¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$1,600/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,263/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2014 Chevrolet SPARK

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,449

Full coverage / month

$121

Liability only / year

$598

vs US avg

-13%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.98x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1449

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Chevrolet SPARK Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

45K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

23K mi

Engine air filter

45K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

45K mi

GM Oil Life System dynamically calculates oil change interval. DEXOS-approved oil required.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Chevrolet New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2014 SPARK, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chevrolet dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 269 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: 24 HOURS AFTER PURCHASE OF A 2014 CHEVY SPARK, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR IS SLOW TO ACCELERATE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS NOT ON WHEN ARRIVING AT DEALERSHIP, BUT THE DIAGNOSTICS SHOWED A KNOCK SENSOR CODE. THEY DECIDED IT WAS A LOOSE GAS CAP AS THE VEHICLE WAS FILLED UP THE NIGHT BEF
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: I PURCHASED A 2014 CHEVY SPARK ON 2-26-2014. 40 HOURS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND VEHICLE WAS STRUGGLING TO SHIFT. RETURNED TO DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT A SENSOR WAS NOT PLUGGED IN ALL THE WAY AND THE TRANSMISSION ISSUE WAS BECAUSE A NEW VEHICLE "NEEDED TO BE BROKEN IN...WHICH TAKES A
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET SPARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF CHEMICALS EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTAC WOULD BECOME SICK AND HAVE HEADACHES. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITION WOULD NOT WORK PROPERLY AND FAILED TO EMIT COLD AIR. IN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SPEED CONTROL: A WEEK AFTER I GOT THE CAR I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND IT JUST STOPPED. IT HAS BEEN DOING THIS CONSISTENTLY FOR THE LAST 6 MONTHS NOW. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF I AM AT A STOP SIGN OR A RED LIGHT, BUT IT IS ALWAYS AFTER I HAVE ALWAYS STARTED TO DRIVE THE CAR AND HAVE COME TO A STOP. THE DEALER CAN N
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 6 recalls have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)