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 2010 Chevrolet Aveo owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to stop the vehicle, the vehicle was bouncing. The contact also stated the key had gotten stuck inside the ignition switch. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the failure could be attributed to driver's error. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
The service engine soon light, keeps coming on, have had it checked and it indicates either a open or short circuit condition in the cooling system, a faulty thermostat heater, or faulty ECM. This same message appears in mid June and stays on thru early September. Nc safety inspection is due now. It is becoming expensive, and annoying. This is a problem, and Chevrolet need fix if free of charge. Also when we purchased the car used, the dash lights did not work, it took two switches to fix, because of a short under then dash. Appears this vehicle was welded on outside of Chevrolet before trade in. Radio speakers appear to be blown out, points toward welding that was not grounded. Dealership says got vehicle from very reputable individual. Has been a very big lemon since we purchased. Dealership say vehicle was OK when they got it.
While accelerating from a stop at a traffic light I reached approx 20mph. At this point, the throttle ceased to respond. I had to coast to the side of road. I put the car in park and let it idle. Even in park, the throttle was unresponsive for a while. Finally I was able to give it some gas and it idled up to 2200 RPM and stayed there. It wouldn't back down. I couldn't get the car out of park. After several minutes, I turned the car off, waited a while, turned it back on and it was like nothing happened. Check engine light is on. This same thing happened the following afternoon after having let the car warm up and after having accelerated to 45mph with no issue. I pulled over and put the car in neutral that time. Car has been maintained well, not sure what's going on.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated that the vehicle was smoking while idling. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed that the head gasket, manifold gasket, lube valve cover, timing belt, and upper radiator hose malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. After the failure, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where it could not be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated that the service engine warning lamp illuminated and the failure progressed. The contact also indicated that the vehicle stalled several times and the contact was able to restart the vehicle but as it hesitated the failure was to the point that the contact was not able to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the authorized dealer who was not able to replicate the code and the failure to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 38,025.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced an intermittent starting failure without warning. The contact was informed of an unknown recall on the vehicle while the emissions test was being performed. The vehicle was taken to marxen Chevrolet Cadillac (1118 w historic route 66, flagstaff, az 86001) where the contact was informed that the VIN was not subjected to a recall. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not subjected to a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated that the vehicle misfired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that there was an engine misfire in cylinder four, which affected the transmission. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and it was confirmed that the vehicle was involved in TSB campaign number: 11290b. The dealer stated that the vehicle had already been remedied. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that nothing could be done because NHTSA issued recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
I was driving and the car slowed down in traffic. It then started to buck then die out! When I started it up again, it started and drove for a short period and died out again in traffic! I have had two or three o2 sensors replaced, even in the first year of ownership,, new off the lot. This vehicle has had the signal switch replaced, the clock went out two years ago, and now it loses power in traffic. This is proving go be a very dangerous vehicle and I hope no one has to die before something is done to remedy the situation!
My daughter was driving on the highway and streets the car will loose speed while your driving and stall as if it's not getting fuel. She was on the expressway and lucky she was in the right lane and was able to coast to the shoulder before the car died out. I had this problem check several times and replaced the fuel pump and fuel sensor and still am having the problem. I have an appointment with the dealer for a diagnostic test on 10-1-2015
Coming home from work on highway.. Going up small incline speed started to drop. Then shut off. Smoke from under hood would not start. Made a clicking noise. Computer read several codes relating to knock sensor. Was replaced (2nd time) and codes cleared. Still not starting. No codes showing. Starter also replaced. Other relay sensors checked. This car has been an expense ever since purchased.
Engine complaints in other Aveo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2010 Chevrolet Aveo?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2010 Chevrolet Aveo, 42% of the model year's 66 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Chevrolet Aveo engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2010 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 2010 Chevrolet Aveo engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 47,000 miles, and 26% before 25,000 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.