This service bulletin provides information on proper use of floor mats.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Chevrolet Spark cruise control problems
moderate 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
When does it fail?
Of the 12 cruise control complaints filed for the 2014 Chevrolet Spark, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA cruise control complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering cruise control on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have the door locks will unlock immediately after auto locking usually at startup or while driving. Technician will need to remove power from the Sensing and Diagnostic Module. If doors no longer unlock unwanted the Sensing and Diagnostic Module should be replaced.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary information communicates direction and examples when diagnosing multiple DTCs, one of which includes U**** Byte 71 DTC.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Car and Truck Fix it Right the First Time Issues
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe multiple overlapping problems affecting throttle control, acceleration, and brakes. The most serious allegations involve unintended acceleration at various speeds and loss of throttle response requiring 4+ seconds to rev even with the pedal fully pressed—both creating hazardous merge and intersection scenarios. Between these extremes, many report stuttering hesitation with engine lurch-and-stall behavior that worsens over time and spreads to more speed ranges.
Dashboard warning lights frequently accompany these issues: check engine, reduced engine power, and traction control loss appearing together. One owner's dealership identified faulty wiring ($600 estimate) while another was told no safety issue existed despite the same behavior; an independent mechanic and multiple dealer visits failed to replicate or resolve problems consistently.
Brake complaints include pedal lockup during driving, harsh sudden engagement, and traction control malfunction. One owner reported a transmission recall service actually made the vehicle worse. Throttle position sensor replacement did not correct the problem in at least one case. Several owners note meeting others with identical issues, suggesting a pattern rather than isolated incidents.
Failure modes owners describe
Unintended acceleration / loss of throttle control
Vehicle accelerates abnormally or fails to respond to throttle input. Some owners report the engine revs without depressing the gas pedal, while others report complete loss of acceleration response even with full throttle application. Incidents occur at various speeds and can create dangerous situations in traffic.
When: 11,000–24,000 miles; occurs without warning during normal driving, particularly when merging or accelerating from stops
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle revs abnormally and accelerates without driver input; Throttle unresponsiveness—engine won't accelerate even with gas pedal fully pressed; 4-second delay in acceleration response when attempting to enter traffic; Engine takes excessive time to rev up, sounding like it's near redline
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported dealership diagnostic identified faulty wiring, estimated $600 to repair; owner did not complete repair. Another owner had independent mechanic unable to replicate issue; dealership found no safety issues.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 16V422000 (Electrical System, Equipment) addressed similar issues in some vehicles; one owner's vehicle was remedied under this campaign.
Hesitation and stuttering during acceleration
Engine hesitates and stutters when accelerating, creating a lurch-and-stall sensation. The vehicle surges forward then loses power, then repeats. Pattern worsens over time and occurs across a broader range of speeds and driving conditions.
When: Accelerating between 5–30 mph; progressive worsening over time
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stutters to gain power, almost feeling like delayed throttle response; Engine lunges forward then sulks back as if temporarily losing power; Pattern worsens progressively, occurring more frequently at varying speed changes; Occurs during both acceleration and lift-off (coasting)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner changed throttle position sensor with no success.
Check engine light, reduced engine power, traction control warning
Dashboard illuminates check engine light, reduced engine power warning, and traction control loss simultaneously. Vehicle loses power and takes longer to accelerate than normal.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Reduced engine power light illuminated; Loss of traction control light illuminated; Loss of power and slow acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: One owner's diagnostic recommended throttle position sensor replacement (completed with no success); dealership diagnostic indicated faulty wiring, estimated $600 repair cost.
Unintended acceleration surge during highway driving
Vehicle unexpectedly lurches forward at highway speeds, feeling as though cruise control has engaged even though the Spark does not have that feature. Multiple occurrences over time.
When: During constant highway driving at 20–50 mph; occurred more than 3 times
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates and lurches forward without driver input; Feels like cruise control engaging (not a feature on this model); Occurs multiple times during ownership
Braking system issues and brake lockup
Brakes exhibit abnormal behavior: pedal engagement becomes harsh and erratic, causes sudden forward lurch, and brakes lock while driving. Issues often accompanied by traction control warning lights.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes lock while driving; Brake engagement very harsh and sudden, causing forward lurch; Traction control warning lights illuminate; 'Slippery when wet' light on dashboard
Repairs/costs cited: One owner taken to dealer twice with no lasting resolution despite claims of repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reported transmission safety recall performed; owner states issue worsened after recall service.
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
When accelerating from a stop, making a left turn into cross traffic with plenty of time, the engine will not accelerate! Even with the gas completely pressed it stalls for a good four seconds. I would have been involved in a major accident if it traffic did not slow down for my car to finally rev up, sounding like it's red lining just to get with the flow of traffic. *tr
Since I received the transmission safety recall and took my vehicle in, it seems like they made my vehicle worse. It worked perfectly before the recall and now it seems like the transmission is going out. Also seems like my brakes lock while I'm driving and if I press on the brakes they engage very badly. It makes me jump forward.
Had cruise control trouble with your 2014 Chevrolet Spark?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2014 Chevrolet Spark?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 12 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $600 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 21,000 and 78,000 miles, with the median around 41,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 21,000; a quarter make it past 78,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/Chevrolet/Spark.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.