The Lemon Index2014 Chevrolet Spark.
The 2014 Chevrolet Spark is worse than average by owner complaints: 84 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 181, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, and it has 6 recalls. The best Chevrolet Spark year is 2021.
Worse than average. 1.8× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2021
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 176 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Spark year. 2014 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 11K to 72K miles on the car (125 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 3K–57K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 8K–86K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 19K–72K miles
Recalls 6
- latches/locks/linkages 2022
The secondary hood latch may corrode at the latch pivot, preventing the hood latch from properly engaging.
- electrical 2016
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.
- equipment 2016
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.
Show all 6 recalls
- equipment 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.
- latches/locks/linkages 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.
- suspension 2014
In the affected vehicles, the left and right lower control arm attaching bolts in the front suspension may not be tightened to specification.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Chevy told dealers about
Chevy sent dealers 1479 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- On some trucks and passenger vehicles, accessory power outlets (apo) and trailer lighting are
- A clicking or popping noise may be heard coming from the compartment area
- The hybrid battery cannot be charged
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Spark 5 HB FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Spark EV 5 DR FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $650–1950 a year in electricity (EPA estimate).
In owners' words
Recall my rpm is going up to 6 and 7 rpm range before it shift into the next gear or level. It is hard to go up hills. Now it is burning more gas now.
2014 Chevrolet Spark owner · NHTSA complaint 10853927
More owner reports
I have had to take this car in 4 times because the 4th cylinder keeps going out. The air barely works and I am just so disappointed in this car.
NHTSA complaint 10991211
Had to replace thermostat, oil pan gasket and now radiator resivor! Has only 51k miles on it!! Really??? Piece of junk!!
NHTSA complaint 11015229
Quick answers
Is the 2014 Chevrolet Spark reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.8× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 181; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Chevrolet Spark year by this measure is 2021.
What are the most common 2014 Chevrolet Spark problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (36%), transmission & drivetrain (23%) and electrical (21%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2014 Chevrolet Spark have?
6 safety recalls (latest: latches/locks/linkages). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2014 Chevrolet Spark safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2014 Chevrolet Spark problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 11,100 and 72,700 miles. The middle report was at 45,000 miles, from 125 complaints.
Does the 2014 Chevrolet Spark have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 23% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2014 Chevrolet Spark cost in fuel a year?
About $650 to $1950 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What Chevrolet Spark year is better than the 2014?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2021, 2018 and 2019.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works