Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 77 | −51% | — | Engine | Good |
| 2010 | 66 | −60% | 1 | Engine | Good |
| 2009 | 169 | typical | 1 | Engine | Average |
| 2008 | 163 | −14% | 1 | Airbag | Average |
| 2007 | 216 | 1.2× | 2 | Airbag | Average |
| 2006 | 189 | typical | 1 | Electrical | Average |
| 2005 | 235 | 1.2× | 1 | Engine | Average |
| 2004 | 206 | typical | 2 | Engine | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median Aveo year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Chevrolet Aveo problems
Latest Chevrolet Aveo recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Fluid
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Chevrolet Aveo and 2009 Pontiac G3 vehicles. The vehicles may contain brake fluid which does not protect against corrosion of the valves inside the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module, affecting the closing motion of the valves.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS module, free of charge, in any vehicle that did not have its module replaced under a previous customer satisfaction campaign.
Exterior lighting › Headlights
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Aveo vehicles equipped with daytime running lights (DRL). In the affected vehicles, there may be heat generated within the DRL module located in the center console in the instrument panel, which could melt the DRL module.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a revised DRL module, inspect the wiring connector for heat damage, and clean the DRL circuit grounds. Owners were sent interim notices on August 14, 2014.
Fuel system, gasoline
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with a 1.6l engine, during a ncap severe frontal crash test, the fuel line in the engine compartment developed a fracture. In addition, the crash damage caused four short circuits in the fuse block, the combination of which allowed the fuel pump to continue running and fuel leaked onto the…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuse block and install a new section of fuel line that has been redesigned free of charge. The recall began on November 16, 2006. Owners May contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.
Seat belts › Rear/other
On certain passenger vehicles, the rear safety belt can become twisted.
Remedy: Dealers will install a safety belt webbing guide to prevent the belt from twisting. The recall began on October 15, 2004. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Chevrolet Aveo should you avoid?
None of the Chevrolet Aveo years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the Chevrolet Aveo?
2010 has the fewest complaints compared with other Aveo years at the same age, followed by 2011. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Chevrolet Aveo problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (361), electrical system (346) and air bags (283). Engine complaints peak in the 2004 model year.
How many recalls has the Chevrolet Aveo had?
4 recalls across 2004–2011. The model year with the most is 2004. See all Chevrolet Aveo recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.