2014 Chevrolet Spark: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Aug 17, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · IL

Vehicle went into “limp mode” while merging onto a busy road, nearly causing a collision with both oncoming traffic and other vehicles attempting to merge onto the road. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the following: “Checked system codes. Found P0324 knock sensor module performance code. Found the attached TSB by GM. Believed to be the issue: engine has piston slap and would need rebuilt or replaced per TSB. Also discovered severe oil leak in front of engine.” Mechanic noted that the brakes were stuck as well. Engine scheduled to be replaced. Mileage: 72,503.

Filed Dec 23, 2021 · Engine, Transmission · TX

I have been having issues with my car getting stuck in gear or not wanting to switch gears, as well as sometimes when I try to go and I'm pushing the gas pedal it's like it doesn't move or try to drive then there is a loud knock and it revs all the way up and still doesn't really move then there is another loud knock and it takes off slowly and over revs and sputters and drives very odd, like it's struggling to go and keeps trying to switch gears. The check engine light keeps going on and off and every once in a while my traction light comes on as well. I took it to auto zone and this is the codes they received,"Powertrain Trouble Code Description: Pressure Control Solenoid "B" Control Circuit Range/Performance Powertrain Secondary Trouble Codes: P0965, P070." I have no idea how to afford to fix it and when doing research online about it alot of spark owners have had this issue and no recall has been placed. It is very dangerous and I can't even drive on the highway because my car simply won't go. I got stuck at a green light trying to go and almost got hit by a semi because my car simply wouldn't move. I am scared for my life to drive this car and this is an issue that needs to be addressed because I am still paying off this car, barely had it a couple years and maybe half of my loan time and can't even drive it. I am livid and will not put my life in danger because y'all won't issue a recall for a SERIOUS PROBLEM with this car. I have to be able to get to work and I can't with a car that is constantly trying to kill me. Please help!

Filed Mar 2, 2020 · Engine · 81,500 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2014 chevrolet spark. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle intermittently lost motive power with a knocking sound detected in the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the vehicle experienced piston failure. Neither the dealer nor manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 81,500.

Filed Oct 6, 2014 · Transmission · 1,500 miles · VA

When decelerating in my 2014 chevrolet spark between 25 and 15 MPH it feels like someone is applying the brakes. Service technician said it's normal for a CVT. I have driven multiple cars with CVT and never experienced this problem. Also, a loud ticking from the engine. Technician states it's the fuel injectors. I am not accepting this explanation because the engine also "misses" a stroke once in awhile.

Filed Jul 10, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 25 miles · PA

June 21st I bought a 2014 chevy spark and only used to get to work & back.then on the 23rd I was sitting in traffic waiting to move.I pushed down on the gas peddle & was jolted forward & back.I thought this was normal since I never had this type of transmission (CVT). Then I noticed that I really had to give it gas to get going up a hill & after stopping at a red light.the next day it happened again so I called the dealer the next day & they said to bring it in.after they took the car for a test ride & ran a diagnostics on it they said that there was something wrong with the transmission.tried to up date the software & they had no luck.then they called gm & told them what they found.came back to tell me that I needed a new transmission.have been waiting for the transmission & in the mean time I found out after calling gm that in may of this year there was a recall for a knocking noise of the engine & acceleration problem.also, checked to see is any other recalls were for my car.found out in south korea the spark was recalled due to a defective transmission mount, with gearbox mount that may destabilize and cause a drop in transmission power.gave the dealership this information that I found.still waiting to get my car back & not sure I want to keep it.the dealership will not buy back my car & said that they can give me another spark if this one not fixed.to top it off I 'm paying my car insurance for a car I don't have.

Filed Mar 10, 2014 · Engine · OH

24 hours after purchase of a 2014 chevy spark, the check engine light came on and car is slow to accelerate. The check engine light was not on when arriving at dealership, but the diagnostics showed a knock sensor code. They decided it was a loose gas cap as the vehicle was filled up the night before and they sent me home. The next morning the check engine light came on again. They kept the car for over a week because the knock sensor was on backorder. It was replaced and less than 24 hours later the check engine light was back on. They told me they wanted to replace the engine in a brand new car. I purchased the car 2/2/14. It is now 3/10/14, the car only has 300 miles on it, and has been at the dealer for service 3 times for the same issue. The car has been at the dealer for over 30 days. I am now working with someone from gm and asking them to buy it back from me under the lemon law.