Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
The splicer connected to the fuse box in the engine burns up after a while of use causing the Dash lights, right brake light and front marker light to not work at night. It is a major safety issue and hundreds/thousands of complaints online (via google) have been made about it burning up.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated that the head lamps failed. The contact inspected the head lamp bulbs and found that the ground wires were burned due to overheating. The dealer advised that NHTSA campaign number: 14V261000 (exterior lighting) would only repair the drl module and would not replace any additional failure caused by the recall. The contact also wanted to state that the engine valve cover gasket was defective causing the engine fluid to leak. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2006 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated that after opening the door to the vehicle, the contact observed that the dashboard had melted with flames sparking. As a result, the vehicle engulfed into flames. The fire department arrived to the scene and extinguished the fire. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot where it was deemed as destroyed. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V261000 (exterior lighting). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2006 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact had just parked the vehicle when she observed smoke coming from the dashboard. The vehicle caught on fire shortly afterwards. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V261000 (exterior lighting); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The fire department extinguished the fire and filed a report. There were no injuries. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Aveo. While driving approximately 70 MPH, smoke entered the vehicle through the vents and impaired the contact's visibility. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14V261000 (exterior lighting) however, the failure recurred. The approximate failure mileage was 49,000.
About 6 weeks ago smelled something burning. Prior to burning smell, the daytime running lights all inside dash lights and clock lights and gear shift lights went out while car was in motion on a major city street. All lights stayed off for about 20 mins. Daytime running ligts never came back on. Clock lights still goes off an on. Dash lights and gear shift lights came back on once. But have been off a month now. Reported to GM. Recall on daytime running lights fixed free. But they said no recall on wiring of lights. I am not the only owner that has thos problem there are many who have written complaiys on GM. Recall website. I have pictures of burnt fuse connector relay that controls all lights. 10 mins of mechanic checking the part was so hot he couldn't touch it. On 8/09/2016 terry cullen fixed recall. …
My Aveo has had a burning electrical smell in the cab for approximately 2 years. A recall was issued 8 months ago and nothing has been done. GM states that the remedy not yet available. Since the recall the daytime running lights have stopped working all together and the electrical smell has gotten worse. This car has been plagued by electrical issues and I do believe they are all related. I really don't feel safe driving this car everywhere with my family in it due to the risk of it catching fire. GM refuses to give me any answers on this except that the remedy is in development. I think 8 months of waiting is long enough. The car also has issues with the airbag, radio, horn, security system, and headlights. All of which run through the same wiring harness.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated that NHTSA campaign number: 14V261000 (exterior lighting) had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for repair. The dealer stated that a remedy was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the delay. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had not experienced the failure listed on the recall. However, the headlight failed to illuminate when the emergency brakes were applied. Also, the right single light started to flash abnormally fast when turning right. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated that the drl lights failed to activate. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that parts of the lights were melted. The contact was placed on a waiting list for NHTSA campaign number: 14V261000 (exterior lighting). The contact mentioned that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for repair. The dealer stated that the parts were on back order and not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and delay. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 130,000.
My electrical panel was defective, sent in 4 times and they claimed to replace the electrical panel. It was rigged by crossing wires and lights in dash dont work and radio tapped into wipers. Then calipers,sway arms,shocks, catalytic converter was defective and also never replaced right. Paid someone to put emissions sticker to pass.
Related recalls
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.
Headlight complaints in other Aveo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2006 Chevrolet Aveo?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the lights of the 2006 Chevrolet Aveo, 20% of the model year's 189 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Chevrolet Aveo headlight problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-261 (headlights, May 19, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2006 Chevrolet Aveo headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 5 fires and 0 injuries to lights 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.