Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
My car has had multiple issue within the 8 months is have had it. My car has 68900 miles on it and is a 2011. My car was in the shop for a total of two months because, my breaks stopped working on the interstate, it was running hot, my acceleration ( pickup speed) will not work properly. My car is always drifting to the left when I do drive. My check oil light came on, took it to the dealership and had a full tank of oil. They told me again nothing was wrong. A large amount of liquid comes out my car after parking it, assuming it is from my A/C but its more then usual. My A/C does not get cold all the time, its pretty hot. …
I bought by Chevy Aveo in 2013 with roughly 27,000 miles on it. I loved that car and it worked well for me until recently at 45,000 miles. While driving, 15-20 minutes into the drive, the car would lose power and fail to accelerate. I would put the pedal all the way to the ground and the spedometer would barely creep up. The first two times it did this it "snapped out" of it and drove the rest of the way with no problems. This last time I had some leaking radiator fluid which the dealer wrote off as a "loose radiator cap". When the cap was screwed back on it still stalled for my father, and it wasn't from overheating. The dealer says they can't find anything wrong with my car. I currently have it at another mechanic for a second opinion. I am extremely disappointed with Chevrolet. Will sell this car asap and never buy from Chevy again!
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.
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle shut off independently. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that they could not diagnose the vehicle because the vehicle failed to start. The dealer informed the contact that an unknown wiring harness might need to be installed to restart the vehicle; however, the part had been discontinued. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to GM Campaign Number: N110290. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
The vehicle caught fire while travelling at approximately 40 MPH on the highway, us route 93 at exit 33, south in massachusetts, and burnt and the gas tank exploded. There was no accident preceding the fire. The vehicle is a total loss.
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.
NHTSA investigations
Stuck throttle valve
On October 19, 2007, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation to investigate alleged stuck throttle incidents due to ice formation within the engine air intake tract in certain model year (my) 2004-2005 Chevrolet aveo vehicles manufactured for sale or lease in the united states.this investigation was prompted by a safety recall campaign (05f-069) conducted by general motors corp.
Stuck throttle valve
To date, the office of defects investigation (odi) is aware of 29 non-duplicative complaints/field reports and 52 warranty claims related to the alleged defect affecting 69 unique subject vehicles.because the alleged defect condition is most likely to occur during winter months when ambient temperatures are below freezing, odi upgraded this investigation to an engineering analysis on February 14, 2008 so that it…
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Aveo years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (83), 2005 (79), 2009 (65), 2007 (29) and 2008 (28) model years. Engine complaints make up 40% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Aveo engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles; 35% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the cooling system (38 mentions), followed by the engine (28).
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.