Airbag complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Aveo. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the contact crashed into the preceding vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries; however, the contact was still driven to the hospital by a parent. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a collision center. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 76,512.
On/about 07-24-2015 the airbag warning light came on and stayed on. I contacted GM/Chevrolet and was told to take car to authorized Chevy mechanic to determine problem. Modern Chevrolet mechanic diagnosed two defective airbag sensors in passenger airbag. Cost to replace the sensors $1697.48. Contacted GM/Chevy and was informed by GM/Chevy customer service that no one would authorize repair because no recall had been issued by Chevy. The NHTSA's database has a service bulletin # sb-12-09-41-001 stating that GM llc had notified it of "counterfeit vehicle airbag modules for Chevy Aveo models 2011-2015! This is a critical safety violation! I cannot afford to pay to replace these 2 airbag modules. Chevrolet/GM needs to recall the 2011-2015 Chevrolet Aveo's and replace both passenger airbag modules.
Tl* the contact owned a 2010 Chevrolet Aveo. While traveling approximately 60 MPH up a hill to approach a stop, another vehicle swerved and the contact crashed into the vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The driver sustained whiplash and received medical attention. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was not diagnosed to determine the cause of the air bag failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 4/20/15 updated 04/28/15
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated that the driver was involved in a crash where the vehicle rolled over three times. The details of the crash were not available. The contact also stated that the rear seat detached from the vehicle and the air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,000. The VIN was not available.
My 2009 Chevrolet Aveo was t-boned by a driver going 50-55 MPH, and we were traveling 25 MPH (according to police report). The Aveo was hit on the front passenger side tire / front panel / passenger side of front bumper. The driver's side air bag deployed, but the passenger side air bag did not. It should have deployed. I had noticed a few months before the accident that the "passenger side air bag is off" light would go on and off while my husband was sitting in the passenger seat. The light eventually stayed on even when he was sitting in the seat. I had been meaning to take the car in to the Chevy dealer to have it looked at since it was still under warranty. Also, I noticed on this website that there is only one recall on this car. …
Had an accident when someone ran into me. Airbags did not deploy. Suspension bars had to be replaced. Also have a crack in the vacuum hose. I was driving apprx 25-30 miles.the problems had nothing to do with the accident..my question is that I should not have to replace the suspension bars this soon. Now the drums have to be replaced (why?) I only have 60,000 miles on the car but these problems started long before this. Is this car on the recall list? ) [redacted] ('parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 U.S.c. 552(b)(6).')
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Aveo years have airbag problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (84), 2008 (70), 2006 (58), 2004 (23) and 2005 (16) model years. Airbag complaints make up 39% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Aveo airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for any Chevrolet Aveo model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Aveo airbag problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 47,000 miles; 51% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the frontal (36 mentions), followed by the frontal › sensor/control module (27).
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.