This service bulletin provides information on the proper Reflective High Temperature Heat and/or Insulating Tape to use for certain repairs, such as Wiring Harness Repairs.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Chevrolet Spark electrical problems
moderate 35 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
35
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
When does it fail?
Of the 35 electrical complaints filed for the 2014 Chevrolet Spark, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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
Of the 5 model years of Chevrolet Spark we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 35.
Owners have filed 35 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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.
The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2014 Chevrolet Spark shows a pattern of chronic electrical faults that go well beyond isolated failures. Radio and audio systems are the most frequent complaint—units go blank, warning chimes cut out, OnStar stops working, and the problem recurs even after dealer replacement. Owners in the second and third years of ownership report the same defect recurring, suggesting an underlying electrical problem rather than a bad radio unit itself. GM service personnel in at least one case identified a fuse block overloading and shorting relays as the root cause.
Engine stalls while driving at highway speeds are another serious failure mode. Multiple owners report losing power at 45–70 mph with check engine lights illuminating, forcing them to the roadside. In one case, the engine computer stopped communicating with other vehicle systems entirely. Throttle body failures have been identified by owners as causing excessive RPM spikes and stalling, though no recall has been issued.
Starting and charging troubles plague many owners. Vehicles won't crank despite good batteries, alternators fail and drain parasitic current even when parked, and one owner documented battery voltage readings jumping erratically. At least one case shows the alternator failure damaged the ABS relay and wiring harness through overcurrent.
Dashboard warning lights come on falsely or persist without corresponding failures—check engine, airbag, traction control, transmission—creating confusion about actual vehicle condition. One owner reported that activating the defroster triggered the seat belt chime and disabled turn signals, indicating electrical cross-talk between circuits.
Dealers often cannot reproduce or fix these faults after multiple visits (one owner made 11+ trips). Warranty denials due to mileage overages and manufacturer refusals to cover defects marked as "intermittent" are common. Owners describe these as safety hazards, particularly the highway stalls and power loss events.
Same Chevrolet Spark electrical reports on nearby years: 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Radio/Audio System Failure (Intermittent & Persistent)
Radio goes blank, turns off, or stops functioning. Loss of all audio alerts including seat belt chimes, turn signal alerts, key-in-ignition chimes, OnStar, and warning sounds. Issue often recurs after repair or replacement. Owners report this as a chronic problem tied to an underlying electrical defect rather than a discrete radio malfunction.
When: Throughout vehicle ownership; recurring after initial repair; some cases reported within weeks of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Radio screen goes blank; Radio will not turn on; Radio randomly changes stations; All warning chimes and audible alerts disabled; OnStar stops working; Loss of seat belt alert chimes; Loss of turn signal audible alerts; Key-in-ignition chime disabled
Codes mentioned: Check antenna message (XM radio), Code 95 (cruise control/steering wheel buttons non-responsive)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replace radio multiple times (some owners report 2nd replacement in 4 years); one owner noted chafed wire behind radio; one owner reports GM TAC advised fuse block overloading circuit and shorting relays; relay and battery saver relay replaced in one case; second owner in chain of title had radio 'repaired' at dealership before purchase
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Key chime recall (16V248) completed by some owners but did not resolve the issue; GM bulletin N19227110 mentioned for transmission but not directly covering this electrical symptom; GM refused to cover or address issue in multiple cases despite recalls having been issued for 'same issue' on recall list; coverage denied on used vehicles with fewer than 120,000 miles
Engine Stall/Power Loss While Driving
Vehicle loses power while driving, stalls unexpectedly at speed, or goes into limp mode (reduced engine power). Check engine light illuminates. Incidents can occur on highway at 45–70 mph, forcing driver to the roadside. Engine may restart after a few minutes or require multiple restart attempts. One owner reports three highway deaths from this same issue.
When: Throughout ownership; some recurring; instances from May 2015, September 2018, August 2019, and at 40k–70k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls while driving at 45–70 mph; Check engine light flashes or comes on; Vehicle loses power unexpectedly; Reduced engine power; vehicle slows to 40 mph and stays there; Vehicle will not accelerate; gas pedal unresponsive; Engine computer not communicating with other systems; Vehicle dies even while driving at 50 mph
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (multiple unspecified codes)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner's independent mechanic performed OBD2 scan and found engine computer not talking to other systems; dealership had to run wire trace to find short circuit; another owner had throttle body replaced (identified as bad) but no recall issued; one owner reports weeks and months of failed repair attempts
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Corporate acknowledged safety concern in one case; letter from Global Executive Director indicated mechanical issues may be at fault of GM; coverage conditional on vehicle being under 120,000 miles and GM mechanic confirmation; no recall issued for throttle body defect; warranty denial due to mileage overages common across cases
Failure to Start / No-Crank Condition
Vehicle will not start or turn over when ignition is activated. No warning lights or chimes in some cases. Battery tests good at multiple shops but vehicle still will not crank. Alternator may be failing, drawing excessive current from battery even when vehicle is off.
When: Throughout ownership; recurring multiple times; instances from early ownership to 100k+ miles; cold starts particularly problematic
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start; no cranking or weak cranking; No warning lights or chimes when trying to start; Key gets hot; Vehicle won't start when cold; Battery voltage readings jumping all over the place; Key gets hot; Car will randomly rev and stall
Codes mentioned: No diagnostic codes mentioned
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced multiple times but issue persists; negative battery terminal replaced in one case; alternator tested and confirmed bad; owner using jump starter to restart vehicle; AutoZone checked battery (good); O'Reilly's battery readings jumping; alternator failure suspected as root cause in multiple cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer refused warranty coverage when vehicle had 39,000 miles and warranty ran out at 36,000; owner required to pay installation and diagnostic fees; no recall issued
Unwanted Idle Running / Vehicle Starting Without Ignition
Vehicle cranks or runs without keys in ignition or with ignition in off position. One documented case where vehicle was found running in parking lot with keys removed and ignition off.
When: Isolated incident; late in vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle starts and runs without keys in ignition; Vehicle runs with ignition in off position; Ignition cannot be shut off properly
Repairs/costs cited: NAPA mechanics disconnected battery cable to stop engine; issue not definitively diagnosed
Instrument Panel / Gauge Malfunction
Speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge, and other instrument panel gauges stop functioning. Vehicle may have no visual readout of speed, fuel level, or mileage. Failure can occur intermittently or persistently.
When: At 47k–100k miles; recurs within a week after dealer repair
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument panel gauges fail to operate; Speedometer stops working; Odometer stops working; Fuel gauge stops working; Instrument panel stops functioning completely; Dash lights flicker
Repairs/costs cited: Powertrain control module (PCM) changed and reflashed by dealer; new air conditioning control module installed; failure recurred within one week; vehicle was not repaired after second failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer did not assist since there was no recall
Excessive Idle/High RPM & Uncontrolled Acceleration
Vehicle revs excessively at idle or while driving, running continuously at over 4000 RPM. Car accelerates unexpectedly when braking, causing dangerous forward motion. Engine noise as if redlined. Stalls when accelerating. Vehicle rev behavior uncontrolled and dangerous in traffic.
When: From February 2015 to February 2016 (taken to dealership 11+ times); on-going after throttle body replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Car accelerates on its own when braking; Vehicle continuously runs at over 4000 RPM; Car stalls when accelerating; Vehicle revs on its own while driving; Continuous engine noise as if car is being redlined; High-revved then dies on highway; RPM shooting up and back down at 50+ mph; High-pitched noise when RPM spikes; Car jerks at faster speeds and during acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body identified as bad and replaced in one case but no recall issued; multiple dealership visits (11+) without resolution; owner cites lemon law applicability
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM refusing to address issue; lemon law case mentioned; no recall issued
Dashboard Warning Lights Malfunction (False/Persistent)
Warning lights illuminate incorrectly or persistently. These include check engine light, traction control light, reduced engine power light, airbag warning light, brake light, and transmission light. Lights may come on and off randomly or stay on continuously without corresponding system failure.
When: Throughout ownership; recurring; some instances from early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Traction control light comes on; Check engine light comes on or flashes; Reduced engine power light comes on; Airbag warning light comes on; Brake light comes out at same time as other failures; Transmission light stays on all the time; Water temperature alert comes on then stops; Traction alert comes on then goes off; Random lights come on in dash including airbag failure light; Check engine light flashing while vehicle loses power
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall for airbag/warning light issues; vehicle with airbag warning and stalling issue was not repaired due to diagnostic and installation fees
Door Lock Malfunction (Unintended Locking/Unlocking)
Doors lock and unlock on their own while driving without driver input. Occurs during power loss event.
When: September 2018 at 60 mph on I-65
Symptoms owners cite: Doors lock and unlock on their own; Vehicle beeping while doors lock/unlock; Occurs alongside check engine light and power loss
Alternator Failure
Alternator does not work reliably, failing to charge battery. Battery drains even when vehicle is off, with parasitic draw detected. Alternator failure can also cause overcurrent through ABS relay, damaging wiring harness and components.
When: After 38k miles; instances throughout ownership; some resulting in stranded vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Alternator fails intermittently; Vehicle cannot restart after stopping; Battery continuously drains; Parasitic current draw (2 amps) detected with nothing on; Battery drains completely over a few hours despite nothing running
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator and battery both needed replacement at 38k miles; parts shortage at warehouse level (2nd store advised part not available nationwide); alternator failure caused overcurrent damage to ABS relay, wiring harness bracket, and clips
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty disputed that alternator failure caused wiring harness damage
Hood Latch Sensor Malfunction
Hood latch sensor shows hood open when hood is actually closed, triggering false alarm. After hood latch replaced, radio and audio system fails, suggesting electrical cascade from relay/fuse block issue.
When: May 2021; immediately after hood latch replacement (August 2021) audio issues began
Symptoms owners cite: Car alarm randomly goes off; Hood latch ajar signal showing hood open randomly
Repairs/costs cited: Hood latch part replaced; new parts arrived August 2021
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM TAC advised intermittent issue likely caused by fuse block overloading circuit and shorting relays; service tech advised replacement of fuse block; issue marked as NOT caused by normal wear and tear or maintenance; GM refused to assist after owner escalated
Fuse Block Overload / Relay Failure
Fuse block overloads and shorts relays. Relay and battery saver relay fail. Pattern of cascading electrical failures suggests defective fuse block. GM TAC identified this as underlying cause of audio/alarm issues.
When: August–October 2021; recurring after relay replacement in August
Symptoms owners cite: Radio goes blank after unrelated repair; Loss of all audible sounds and alerts; Alarm goes off again after relay replacement; Radio fails again after relay replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Relay and battery saver relay replaced August 2021; issue recurred; fuse block identified as needing replacement; GM noted this is NOT caused by normal wear and tear or maintenance
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM advised that if relay goes out again, fuse block will need replacement; GM refused to help after owner escalated complaint; issue marked as manufacturer defect
Fuel Gauge Malfunction
Fuel gauge reading incorrect or erratic. One documented case of gauge reading from half tank to empty instantly during power loss event.
When: September 2018 during power loss event; one case at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge goes from half a tank to empty instantly; Fuel gauge stops working (grouped with other panel gauges)
Interior Moisture / Water Intrusion
Water enters interior of vehicle. Condensation on interior surfaces. Floorboards become soaked. One documented case of hose being cut and leaking fluid into cab.
When: Sometime during first ownership (by 2016)
Symptoms owners cite: Condensation on interior of vehicle; Floorboards sopping wet; Water filling the cab; Noxious fumes and smoking from underneath hood
Repairs/costs cited: Hose found to be cut and leaking fluid throughout cab
Engine Compartment Fire/Smoking
Vehicle smokes and fills cab with noxious fumes when parked. Owner feared vehicle would set fire if driving continued.
When: February 2016 at 4:26 AM after parking
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle smoking from underneath hood; Noxious fumes filling cab; No warning lights or chimes initiated
Steering / Brake / Gas Pedal Loss of Function
Steering column, brake pedal, and gas pedal lose complete function while driving. Occurs simultaneously with check engine light and power loss.
When: August 2019 on major highway
Symptoms owners cite: Brake, gas, steering column, vehicle loss complete function; Vehicle loss of complete power
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Weeks and months of failed repair attempts; owner contacted GM
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Global Executive Director acknowledged may be at fault; coverage conditional on under 120k miles and GM mechanic confirmation
Emergency Brake Failure
Emergency brake does not hold vehicle on incline. Vehicle will roll backward even when in drive on small incline.
When: February 2015–February 2016 (recurring during this period)
Symptoms owners cite: Emergency brake does not hold properly; Vehicle will roll backward when in drive on small incline
Reverse Gear Difficulty
Vehicle has difficulty engaging or operating in reverse. May be tied to transmission or electrical control issues.
When: February 2015–February 2016
Symptoms owners cite: Car has difficulty going in reverse
Seat Belt Warning Light Malfunction
Seat belt warning light illuminates incorrectly or fails to illuminate. Warning chimes may not sound. Light may be tied to radio/audio system failure.
When: Throughout ownership; one case at 47k miles triggered by defroster activation
Symptoms owners cite: Seat belt warning lights illuminated; Seat belt chime sounds when defroster activated; Seat belt warning signs don't work properly; Seat belt chimes disabled
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or manufacturer assistance on malfunctioning seat belt warning system
Turn Signal Malfunction
Turn signal lights and/or audible alerts stop working. Can occur when defroster is activated, suggesting electrical cross-talk or shared circuit fault.
When: 47k miles when defroster activated; other instances not timestamped
Symptoms owners cite: Turn signal lights stopped operating; Turn signal audible alerts disabled
Synthesized from 35 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Spark M300. The contact stated that the air bag and the seat belts warning lights were illuminated, and a message stating that the air bags would not deploy in the event of a crash was displayed. The contact stated while at a complete stop at the traffic light, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road. The vehicle…
On or about May 31, 2021 the car alarm began to randomly go off on the vehicle. I took the car to the local dealership on July 20, 2021 and was advised that "hood latch ajar signal showing hood open randomly" was causing alarm to go off. On Aug 21, the part arrived and the hood latch was replaced. Immediately upon leaving the dealership, the radio went blank. I lost all audible sounds and alerts…
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. The radio went off and would not turn back on. I thought maybe a fuse had blown so I checked all related fuses. Then I did some research on line. I found numerous articles and recalls for this very same…
Key bob breaking can not get repaired or replaced
Key fob broke will not repair or replace
I was driving on the highway and the engine light comes on. The car starts to stall. I went and got the codes read. Everything came back that its the transmission. Chevy claims they're not sure if the warranty will cover all the cost. The place I got the car from didn't even provide me with any carfaxs. I called them and they didn't give any solution. I am disappointed.
Had electrical 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 electrical problem on the 2014 Chevrolet Spark?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 35 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 25 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 38,000 and 75,473 miles, with the median around 50,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 38,000; a quarter make it past 75,473. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.