Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Chevrolet Aveo owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Aveo. While attempting to park the vehicle, it failed to stop when applying the brakes. Instead, the tires spun in place and the vehicle took off and eventually crashed into a light post. The air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was towed and a police report was filed. There were no injuries. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, the vehicle accelerated rapidly independently into a pole. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. There were injuries to the contact's neck, back and leg. There was medical attention required. The vehicle was towed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 38,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Aveo. While driving 10 MPH, the vehicle involuntary accelerated and the braking ability seized. The vehicle crashed into a utility pole. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000.
So I was at home and my car was parked outside and it caught on fire in the inside. The fire department came and put out the fire. It damaged the dashboard and the window. I have read that it is a recall on my vehicle which causes it to catch on fire. Manufacturer recall numbera140093 NHTSA recall number14v261 recall statusrecall incomplete
Both the drivers and passengers airbag lights remain on no matter if parked or driving. Both driver and passenger airbags do not appear to be working. Fear that bags will not deploy in a crash. Feel GM needs to recall this issue, dealers are clueless, I do not intent to have this fixed or even diagnosed based on the sheer quantity of same/similar complains with no clear cut resolution. Passenger airbag off light remains on at all times whether someone is sitting in the seat or not, driver's side airbag light remains on at all times no matter if parked, running, in reverse, neutral, or drive. I seriously hope this car doesn't kill me. Seems with all of the airbag safety recalls, this one needs to be added. It is a safety issue that could cause death.
In October 2016 my 2006 Chevrolet Aveo ls hatchback's battery died, unable to jumpstart anymore. I replaced the battery and the airbag light on the dash has illuminated solid since. The vehicle was not in an accident. The GM dealership I took it too wasn't able to determine the cause. The vehicle had 130,000 miles at the time the battery died and the airbag light illuminated. The vehicle was stationary at the time the airbag light illuminated. I now do not allow anyone to ride with me because I'm afraid that the airbags will malfunction.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact was driving 30 MPH and crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained a concussion and a police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where it was stated that the air bags did not deploy because they were stuck. The vehicle was repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 37,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Aveo. While driving at approximately 60 MPH, the air bag warning indicator illuminated continuously. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the air bag warning indicator was functioning properly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Aveo. While driving various speeds and while stationary, the air bag indicator remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to freeland Chevrolet in nashville, tennessee where it was diagnosed that a spring coil in the air bag system needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000. The VIN was not available. Updated 09/01/17 *cn1
The same time the recall for daytime running lights module came my daytime running lights indicator started flashing and my airbag light came on. I took it to dealer to fix daytime running lights module, I also had airbag light check and they said the wiring harness melted and it cost me over $300.00 to fix. Is this connected to daytime running light module problem? If so I would like my money back! Let me know please.
Airbag complaints in other Aveo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2006 Chevrolet Aveo?
NHTSA has 58 complaints about the air bags of the 2006 Chevrolet Aveo, 31% of the model year's 189 complaints. The component named most often is frontal › sensor/control module (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Chevrolet Aveo airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2006 Chevrolet Aveo, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Chevrolet Aveo airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 38,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 crashes, 1 fire and 7 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.