Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Chevrolet Aveo owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the transmission became unbolted and separated from the vehicle. Additionally, the engine separated from the motor mounts rendering the vehicle undrivable. The vehicle was later towed the local mechanic. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 121,000.
Tl* the contact called on behalf of their mother who owned a 2008 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated that while the driver was driving approximately 35 MPH, a white smoke was present coming from the rear of the vehicle and the instrument gauges began to malfunction. The engine rpms violently increased and decreased. The hazards were engaged and moments later smoke was scene coming from under the hood of the vehicle. After stopping and exiting the vehicle, flames were seen coming from under the vehicle and from under the hood. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the incident the vehicle was destroyed. A fire report was taken at the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not notified. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 124,000.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Aveo. After driving the vehicle for prolonged periods of time, fumes emitted from the front of the vehicle. When the contact opened the hood, smoke appeared. The contact sustained injuries that did not require medical attention. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V261000 (exterior lighting). The failure mileage was 80,000.
I purchased this vehicle brand new. The first winter I had it, the throttle body seized leaving the throttle open and the engine racing - the car has a manual transmission, therefore I was able to depress the clutch and pull it over. The local Chevrolet dealer in circleville, oh performed a technical service bulletin on the car, rerouting the EGR system & removing some parts around the throttle body. On subsequent events, the car experienced severe loss of power and surges. The throttle body was replaced. The problem occurred again with the same trouble code being set. The car is now on its third throttle body (tps sensor cannot be replaced separately) this model year has a throttle-by-wire engine control system. My car still suffers from an intermittent engine trouble codes related to the throttle body and surging problems. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Aveo. While driving approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning. The vehicle restarted and was taken to antelope valley Chevrolet [phone], located at 1160 motor ln, lancaster, ca). The dealer replaced the throttle body. The contact also stated that the vehicle lost power in the middle of traffic. The contact shifted into park, shut off the engine, and restarted the vehicle. When the vehicle was in park, the engine revved and jerked when it was shifted into drive. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times, but the vehicle restarted each time. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the throttle body again, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and stated that there was no recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated that the passenger side air bag and the check engine warning indicators illuminated. In addition, the hold button to activate the four wheel drive failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired twice. The dealer was unable to diagnose the other failures; however, all the failures recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000. Updated 12/20/16 updated 12/21/16.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Aveo. While driving approximately 50 MPH the driver struck a deer in the roadway. The vehicle spun out of control. He then gained vehicle control, and pulled over to the side of the road and exited the vehicle. Suddenly, the vehicle engulfed into flames without warning. The fire department and police were called to the scene. There was minor injury sustained. The vehicle was completely destroyed. The vehicle was towed to a collision center. The cause of failure has not been determined at this time. The failure and current mileages were 36,000.
As I was driving on the 805 freeway between h st and l st in san diego california my car started to smoke from the engine. I decided to pull over to let my car rest. This has never happened to me before. When I pulled over at 10:09 am the smoke started to come in through the air conditioner. I then got out to avoid smelling the smoke. When I got out of the vehicle not even a minute later the engine caught fire. I called 911 and a fire truck showed up at 10:18 am. The flames devoured the whole front of my car, my engine, my interior, my vehicle is completely totaled.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power. In addition, the contact noticed smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the catalytic converter, the ignition coil, and the oxygen sensors needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,500.
Engine complaints in other Aveo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo, 17% of the model year's 163 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Chevrolet Aveo engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2008 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 2008 Chevrolet Aveo engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 6 fires and 4 injuries to engine & cooling 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.