Most common 2008 Chevrolet Aveo problems
Share of the 163 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Aveo complaints by model year
Best Aveo years: 2010, 2011. Compare all years →
2008 Chevrolet Aveo recalls (1)
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.
What 2008 Chevrolet Aveo owners say
Air bags all 70 →
The contact's son owns a 2008 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed that the passenger's side air bag needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
I was rear ended by another vehicle while driving in traffic on the highway in slow and go traffic. I was driving at a slow pace, about 15 MPH.the other vehicle was traveling at about 30 MPH. When he hit me, he forced my vehicle into the one in front of me. My airbag did not go off. My car burst into flames about 5 minutes after the accident. The flames were coming up from the engine. My car is totaled as a result of this. I am 12 weeks pregnant with twins. One of my placenta's has a tear in it and is bleeding as a result of this accident. I will have to be on bed rest for the remainder of my pregnancy. I am at risk of miscarrying one or maybe both of my babies.
Electrical system all 44 →
There was no prior warnings or notices that there was an issue. While diving on a major road with my children, smoke started coming into the cabin from the vents, and around the stereo. Luckily I was near a very vacant parking lot and immediately pulled over. I removed the kids from the car safely and did open the hood to try troubleshoot the problem. There was no smoke anywhere under the hood. Immediately after, sparks started falling from under the steering wheel to the gas pedal. Immediately after that the car was engulfed in flames. The car is currently located at my local police impound and is available for inspection upon request. From the time the smoke started to when the car was engulfed, it was approximately 5 minutes. This could have been dangerous had we been on a highway and unable to pull over and get out of the car safely within that time. …
In-dash clock module contains the vehicle 'Check Engine Light' - required to pass inspection. Solder joints are defective ('cold' or cracked) creating intermittent electrical connections. Prevents warning of engine defects to driver. Solder defects eventually cause destruction of the module incurring unreimbursed denial of transport and expense to driver to repair.
Lights all 31 →
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked and had the headlights illuminated. The contact's wife went to start the vehicle and turned off the lights when smoke began to emit from the dashboard and the engine compartment. The contact was able to disconnect the battery and the smoke had stopped. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with, NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V261000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) however the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of failure and told the contact that they were able to assist but would not without the contact having computer access. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2008 Chevrolet Aveo. While driving 20 MPH, smoke entered the cabin of the vehicle from under the steering panel. The contact was able to safely exit the vehicle. The fire department was called and was able to extinguish the fire. A fire report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard. Prior to the fire, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic due to an abnormal chemical odor in the vehicle. The contact was informed to lubricate the wires in the instrument panel, remove the fuses from the fuse panel, and do the same with the proper di-electric grease. The contact stated that the vehicle caught fire before performing the lubrication. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V261000 (exterior lighting). The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was destroyed. …
2008 Chevrolet Aveo engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 24 / 34 / 27 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 23 / 32 / 26 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo a good car?
Based on 163 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Aveo rates average: 14% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Aveo at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo?
The air bags — 70 complaints, 43% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frontal. Next are the electrical system (44) and lights (31).
How many recalls does the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo have?
There is 1 recall for the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo, the most recent from May 19, 2014 (headlights). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Aveo?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010 and 2011. See the full Chevrolet Aveo years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Chevrolet Aveo problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 42% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.