2014 Chevrolet Spark 1.0L Petrol · 5497 LJ
2014 Chevrolet Spark (1.0L, petrol). First registered 31 Jan 2014. Recorded mileage 38,638 miles. MOT valid until 26 Jan 2027. Taxed until 01 Mar 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- CHEVROLET SPARK
- Year / Origin
- 2014
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 26 Jan 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Mar 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 38,638 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
5497 LJ Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 27/01/2026
- 38,638 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
5497 LJ MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2014 Chevrolet Spark (5497 LJ) between November 2021 and January 2026.
The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 3 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (2 issues), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 3 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
5497 LJ Mileage History
- 17/11/202126,983 mi
- 29/11/202230,109 mi+3,126 mi
- 05/12/202333,618 mi+3,509 mi
- 22/01/202535,742 mi+2,124 mi
- 27/01/202638,638 mi+2,896 mi
Average of roughly 2,779 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
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Known faults for Chevrolet Spark
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A sensible choice for city driving, especially given its low mileage for its age. Proceed with caution regarding service history, as the MOT records alone do not confirm mechanical maintenance.
Because the MOT history shows no defects, your primary focus should be on the physical service history. Ask the seller for proof of oil changes and scheduled maintenance, as the MOT only tests safety and emissions, not the mechanical health of the engine or gearbox.
When viewing this specific blue Spark, check the condition of the tyres and brakes, as these are common wear items that may not have triggered an MOT advisory yet. Given the low mileage, check for any signs of age-related deterioration like perished rubber seals or battery health.
The 995cc petrol engine is positioned in a low insurance group, making it an economical option for new drivers or those looking to minimise monthly outgoings. Fuel economy should be relatively high for urban commuting, though performance will be modest on motorways.
Maintenance costs for this model are typically low due to the simplicity of the small engine. Expect an estimated annual running cost to be manageable, though you should factor in the cost of regular servicing to maintain the vehicle's longevity.
Inspect the vehicle for any signs of uneven tyre wear, which could indicate suspension issues despite the clean MOT record. Since there have been no MOT failures for defects like brake issues or lighting, pay close attention to the actual responsiveness of the brakes and the clarity of all external lights during your test drive.
Check the interior for wear; while the mileage is low at 38,638, ensure the controls and upholstery are in a condition that matches the recorded usage. Look closely at the engine bay for any signs of fluid leaks that might not have been significant enough to cause an MOT failure but could indicate upcoming maintenance needs.
This 2014 blue Chevrolet Spark has covered 38,638 miles, which is significantly lower than the UK average for a 12-year-old petrol vehicle. The MOT history shows a consistent pattern of passes since 2021, with no recorded defects or failures in the last five years of testing. While the records are clean, the small 995cc engine is designed for efficiency rather than performance.
No aggregate reliability data is currently available for the Chevrolet Spark to provide a statistical comparison.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
Common Problems: CHEVROLET SPARK
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- Coolant Expansion Tank Cracks(Moderate)
The plastic coolant tank can develop hairline cracks, leading to slow coolant loss and potential overheating.
- CVT Transmission Shudder and Hesitation(Serious)
The CVT automatic transmission develops shuddering during acceleration, particularly between 20-40 mph. The belt can slip and the transmission may eventually fail completely.
- Ignition Coil and Spark Plug Failure(Moderate)
The 1.0L and 1.2L engines are prone to premature ignition coil failure, causing misfires. Heat soak in the tight engine bay accelerates coil degradation.
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CHEVROLET SPARK Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2014 model year cars.
- Coolant Expansion Tank CracksModerate
The plastic coolant tank can develop hairline cracks, leading to slow coolant loss and potential overheating.
- CVT Transmission Shudder and HesitationSerious
The CVT automatic transmission develops shuddering during acceleration, particularly between 20-40 mph. The belt can slip and the transmission may eventually fail completely.
- Ignition Coil and Spark Plug FailureModerate
The 1.0L and 1.2L engines are prone to premature ignition coil failure, causing misfires. Heat soak in the tight engine bay accelerates coil degradation.
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