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2014 Chevrolet Spark

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2014 models.

Chevrolet Spark
Pictured: 2020 Chevrolet Spark LS, front right, 09-07-2024. Photo: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Subcompact Cars
Body styles
4dr Hatchback Ls/Lt
Engines
1.2L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
EV, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
34 combined · 31 city / 38 hwy
EV range
82 mi · 7 h on 240 V
Length
143.7 in
Curb weight
2,315 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
8 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 34 MPG combined — 45% better than the average 2014 subcompact car (23.4 MPG).
  • Electric version availableOffered as a electric as well as gas.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints152 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 5 for similar models — most often about the power train.
  • "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2014 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2014 Chevrolet Spark is a subcompact car offered with a 1.2L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 144 inches long and 63 inches wide on a 94-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,315 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 34 MPG combined (31 city / 38 highway), 45% better than the 2014 subcompact car average of 23.4 MPG, for an estimated $650 a year in fuel.

The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 82 miles and takes about 7 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.

It has 8 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 152 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2014

  • New all-electric version
  • Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 4 stars overall

Compared with 2013; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2013 Spark →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Hatchback Ls/Lt143.7 in63 in59.8 in93.7 in55.5 / 55.5 in2,315 lb63/37

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Spark EV EV104 kW AC InductionAutomatic (A1)Front-Wheel Drive82 mi · 28 kWh/100mi–$650–
Spark1.2L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive31 / 38 / 34+45%$1,950264
Spark1.2L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive30 / 37 / 33+41%$2,050270
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $8,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.4 MPG2014 Subcompact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2014 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2014 Chevrolet Spark 5 HB FWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17.9%
StandardElectronic stability control
Not availableForward collision warning
Not availableLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2014 Chevrolet Spark 5 HB FWD
Frontal crash test — 2014 Chevrolet Spark 5 HB FWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2014 Chevrolet Spark 5 HB FWD
Side crash test — 2014 Chevrolet Spark 5 HB FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2014 subcompact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2014 Chevrolet Spark (this car)34 MPG★★★★★8
2014 Toyota Yaris33 MPG★★★★★1
2014 Mitsubishi Mirage39 MPGNot rated3
2014 MINI Clubman30 MPGNot rated0
2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV62 miNot rated3

Recalls (8)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch · Aug 25, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V640000 · 120,688 vehicles

Problem
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.
Air Bags › Frontal · Jul 10, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V437000 · 40,683 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Risk
A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · Sep 8, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V651000 · 3,640,162 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Risk
A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
Electrical System › Software · Jun 10, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V422000 · 18,780 vehicles

Problem
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.
Electrical System › Software · Apr 28, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V257000 · 317,572 vehicles

Problem
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. · Jun 30, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V416000 · 45,785 vehicles

Problem
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 · Sep 24, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V593000 · 89,294 vehicles

Problem
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.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm · Jul 21, 2014 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 14V440000 · 1,919 vehicles

Problem
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2014 Chevrolet Spark is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

152Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
10Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
9Injuries reported
51,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train41
Engine39
Electrical System37
Vehicle Speed Control23
Unknown Or Other16
Fuel/Propulsion System14
Air Bags13
Service Brakes11
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/10: 122/12: 123/01: 323/02: 123/04: 423/05: 223/06: 123/08: 123/09: 123/11: 223/12: 224/01: 224/05: 324/06: 124/12: 325/01: 225/05: 125/07: 125/08: 126/02: 126/04: 226/05: 126/07: 226/08: 122/1023/0223/0623/1124/0525/0125/0826/05max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2014 Chevrolet Spark buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Power Train — 41 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  4. Engine — 39 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Electrical System — 37 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 51,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 82 miles.
  8. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2014 Chevrolet Spark. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Spark years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2022 Spark33143.3 inNot rated03
2021 Spark33143.3 inNot rated06
2020 Spark33143.3 inNot rated020
2019 Spark33143.3 inNot rated114
2018 Spark33143.3 inNot rated09
2017 Spark33143.3 inNot rated129
2016 Spark34143.3 inNot rated342
2015 Spark34143.7 in★★★★★784
2013 Spark34143.7 inNot rated587

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →