124 of the
759 complaints filed about the Chevrolet Spark
are about the transmission —
16% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2014.
124
Complaints
16%
Share of all complaints
3
Crashes
0
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
My transmission has been acting up like other stated where it will rev the motor high and then jerk and shift hard. There are no recalls for it when there are known issues with the transmission for the 2017. I was driving down the road and went to stop and my brakes were very hard and almost had to stand on them to stop, almost hit a couple cars, very dangerous situation. This has happened twice to my 2017 spark and both time it was due to vacuum pump. I have taken my car to a mechanic for these issues and the mechanics have also told me they have seen both of these issues with the 2017 spark and that a recall needs done.
NHTSA complaint #11753620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The date was XXX there was a recall on the transmission for my 2014 Chevrolet Spark I took my car to Ben Mynatt [XXX]. They check my car and told me that my car transmission was effected and that they put an order for a new transmission. They called me the next day to bring the car in which I did, they gave me a loaner. On XXX they called me and told me my car was ready and that I can come and pick it up which I did. In 2021 I took the car back to Ben Mynatt asked them to check the transmission because it didn’t drive right they checked it out again they said it was good. On the 1st transmission I had 84,278 miles, ON 07-01-2026 took it to PARK CHEVROLET to get checked to find out I got to get a replacement transmission per special policy #XXX. The miles on my car is 144,778. So this second transmission only have 60,500 on it. Now Ben Mynatt want me to pay $4000.00 to get another transmission they told me that this transmission was new, now they say it was refurbished. I would like to have an replacement at no cost they was wrong on this matter. The teach that worked on my car name Paul Briggs #XXX. I went to Ben Mynatt and talked with Kimberly Brim Service Manager she is the one that told me it was a three year warranty and that I have to buy another transmission. I feel I should have to since this is the second transmission I have a feeling that this transmission was not good either. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11748357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a a 2014 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that while on several occasions at various speeds, the transmission warning light illuminated and the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and turned off for approximately 30 mins and then restarted. The contact stated that after 30 minutes to an hour the failure reoccurred. The vehicle taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 76,000.
NHTSA complaint #11736246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle experiences intermittent loss of power and unstable acceleration while driving at normal speeds (approximately 45–55 mph). The vehicle will surge, hesitate, and fail to maintain consistent speed, creating an unsafe condition in traffic. While driving, the vehicle does not consistently respond to throttle input and may unexpectedly lose acceleration. This creates a risk of being rear-ended or being unable to safely merge into traffic. The condition occurs during normal driving and has progressively worsened over time. Diagnostic testing indicates transmission-related faults involving pressure control and internal speed monitoring. This issue affects the safe operation of the vehicle and appears consistent with known transmission problems reported for this vehicle model. Supporting documentation has been provided, including manufacturer service program records indicating this vehicle was previously subject to a known transmission-related defect condition.
NHTSA complaint #11729215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Without warning, car began to drop out of 5th gear while driving, entering Neutral at high speeds. This is a manual transmission and you can see the shifter physical move itself into 5th gear. Driver almost lost control of the vehicle out of surprise to what had just happened. When searching in Reddit, this appears to be a widespread issue for this year/make/model. Took to local Chevy for diagnostic, was told it would be a $7,500 repair to replace the transmission.
NHTSA complaint #11728668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the transmission was shifting hard. The diagnostic trouble codes: P0700 and P0841 were retrieved after the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall repair that was performed in May 2016, where the transmission pulley was replaced. The contact stated that the recall repair had failed to prevent a failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
NHTSA complaint #11718767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle: 2015 Chevrolet Spark, odometer <79,000 miles Component that failed: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) – pulley damage causing complete loss of propulsion.What happened: While driving, the vehicle suddenly lost all motive power with no ability to accelerate. The transmission would not engage in any gear and the car became inoperable in traffic. This is the exact failure described in GM Special Coverage Bulletin N192271110 (pulley damage in 2014–2015 Spark CVT). Safety risk: Complete and unexpected loss of propulsion created an immediate safety hazard. The vehicle could not accelerate from a stop or maintain speed, placing my 15-year-old son and other motorists at risk of rear-end collision or stranding in active traffic lanes.Dealer confirmation: RK Chevrolet in Virginia Beach, VA has inspected the vehicle and confirmed the failure matches N192271110 – full transmission replacement required (quote $6,637.19). Vehicle remains at the dealership and is available for inspection.Warning lamps/symptoms: Check-engine light and reduced-power message appeared at time of failure. No prior warnings before the sudden loss of power event. Failure occurred approximately October 2025 – only four months after GM’s 10-year/120,000-mile Special Coverage N192271110 expired on 06/11/2025.The failed transmission is still in the vehicle and available for inspection upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11700935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2015 Chevy Spark has had repeated transmission failures related to GM Special Coverage N192271110. The first failure happened in May 2024, I was driving on 1-25 when the transmission went out and I lost all speed and my car was in the shop for five months before I finally got it back in October 2024. Unfortunately, on October 5, 2025, the transmission failed again. I was driving on I-76 speed limit of 75 MPH when my car transmission went out and I lost speed.
NHTSA complaint #11695146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When the car reaches a certain speed (50 mph plus) it jerks and jolts. The engine light is on and a P-code is present. Each mechanic says something different.
NHTSA complaint #11676086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
transmission recall issued to me on fed. 2020 that extended transmission warranty due to hard shifts. only thing done was a transmission flush.on 07/21/2023. now the car has 83,000 miles on it and is gotten worse over time. the flush just kept the same problem. no power after hitting gas. At Maher Chevy St. Petersburg Florida, they said there was nothing they could do. problem has been throughout vehicles life. And they made us believe they were changing the transmission.
NHTSA complaint #11673154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I lease a car through Carvana, and they informed me that the car was safe and properly inspected. In the first 2 weeks, I took the Chevrolet to a certified dealership for a routine inspection. I was informed that the vehicle has severe mechanical and electrical issues. The engine needs to be replaced entirely because they found shredded metal pieces in the engine oil. The car also requires an entirely new steering and alignment system. It also needs a new heating system. The total cost is 7700, which is close to the current value of the car. I have informed the caravan and Silver Rock third-party insurance. They failed to inspect the vehicle and follow DOT safety requirements. This car should not be available for purchase. This car requires several weeks of repair, which puts me at risk of driving. I could have easily ended up in a deadly accident because of the condition of the vehicle. This company has committed gross negligence while falsely promoting a car as safe. During this initial review of the car, Carvan informed us that it has never been in an accident, has not been resold with parts, and does not show wear and tear on the vehicle. I have documentation outlining the extended warranty coverage, purchase agreement, and diagnosis and analysis done by the Chevrolet dealership. This company is committing consumer fraud and putting its customers at risk. This company is still charging monthly for a car that is legally unsafe to drive.
NHTSA complaint #11656556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ever since I bought the vehicle in 2021, I have had problems with the car jerking and air conditioning problems, mostly during the colder months. I took the car in multiple times on different occasions throughout the years. They would "fix" the problems with the transmission, then a month or two down the line the issues would come back. This last time, the car started stalling on the and turned off completely. The air conditioner never worked because of the transmission as well.
NHTSA complaint #11650007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was towed back to the same independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the standard shift had failed. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that a year after the previous repair was made, the failure reoccurred for the third time. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a local dealer to be diagnosed. Several local dealers were contacted; however, the contact was informed that the dealers did not repair vehicles with transmission failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11634629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Transmission failing - when stopped and trying to go from a dead stop the car will not move for a minute the rpm's rev high and the car will barely move maybe two to five miles per hour while the rpm's just rev higher. When climbing a hill the car seems to lose power and not shift like it should. If starting in morning the car may shift for a few minutes then it seems to only shift like downshifting. Other times it seems to run ok and shift ok but the next time you could be trying to merge on the freeway and the car will not go will not get up speed. This dangerous when entering a freeway and trying to get speed up to match vehicles on freeway already. It is also dangerous when making left turns without shifting correctly and car just has little movement revs the rpm's but doesn't move enough to make the turn safely I front of other vehicle waiting to start forward on the green light. It is also dangerous when climbing a hill. I was stopped at a red light when light turned green I pressed the gas and car would not move at all. I continued to let off the gas then press the gas to.get movement to get to side of the road. I haven't been able to drive my car for the last 3 months. I just bought the car less thena year ago and am still paying my payments even though I am unable to drive the car. I really do like this car but have since read of the past transmission recalls on the same year and model and make. I love called Chevrolet asking about the problem and they just tell me my car does not have a recall for the transmission according to the vin. How can my car be failing like many others of the same year that have been able to get repaired under the transmission recall and yet Chevrolet can tell me that my car does not have a recall for the same exact issues I've read about on this site. I am angry because how do the makers tell me my car isn't on that recall for this problem when there seems to be many of the same car having the issue and gets the issue fixed ?
NHTSA complaint #11633939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact continued to depress the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle lurched forward while responding sluggishly. The contact stated that the RPMS was high, but the vehicle failed to exceed 50 MPH. No further information was available. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently while driving from a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under GMC Campaign Number: N192271110 because the special coverage had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 114,720.
NHTSA complaint #11631488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact stated that the vehicle was slowly coming to a stop and that the transmission would not shift into the proper gear. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to park the vehicle on the side of the road safely. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed. The contact was informed that the clutch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the shifter and the clutch had failed three times. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11631504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Spark. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle was not able to accelerate above 30 MPH. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.
NHTSA complaint #11624686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I feel that there are issues with the transmissions on the 2017 Chevy spark. I noticed that there have been complaints in years such as 2014 and 2019. I find that my 2017 exhibits exact same transmission issues as years that came before or after. Lots of indecision with the car about whether to upshift or downshift. Sometimes violent jerking back and forth. Normally. Especially bad between 4th and 5th and 5th and 6th in the upper gears. But in the lower gears more recently it has become more pronounced. This has been going on for quite some time and is getting worse. The car is not that old. First. Noticed it when the car was at 40,000, mi. It is now recently went past 100 and the problem at sometimes is horrible. It does feel unsafe to a high degree. It is a sealed system so there is no way to do routine maintenance, which is unfortunate. I am a person who is usually up on routine maintenance and with a sealed system such as this transmission made by Daewoo in Korea, there's no way to ensure fluid levels are correct and changed in intervals. I feel like reporting just because it should be checked out. I do not know if this is an issue with other people who have spark 2019, but I wanted to send this out because the car's transmission has aged horribly over a short period of time. If I knew then what I know now I would have never owned the spark. Otherwise a great car. This is my only complaint but a big one.
NHTSA complaint #11608093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.