Headlight complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Aveo. While driving on the highway at an unknown speed, the headlights went out abruptly. There were no warning indicators illuminated before or after the failure. The vehicle was taken to ourisman Chevrolet of bowie (16610 governor bridge rd, bowie, md) where it was currently awaiting diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
My dashboard light suddenly went out, at the same time the right tailgate light and the front right light went off. I checked online and a number of people having the exact same problem. It is a wiring issue
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. …
While driving, the vehicle began experiencing repeated electrical failures including blown fuses, inoperative headlights and brake lights, and the transmission becoming locked in PARK. When the fuse blows, the gear shift cannot be moved out of PARK and the ignition key cannot be removed, leaving the vehicle stuck and unable to be driven or safely turned off. The brake lights and daytime running lights also stop working, making the vehicle unsafe to operate in traffic. This condition has been occurring repeatedly and requires frequent fuse replacement just to move or shut off the vehicle. An emergency override hole on the shifter had already been exposed, indicating the problem existed before and the vehicle was previously being forced out of PARK manually. A tow truck driver had to use this override to move the vehicle. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated the seat belt warning light illuminated and the wires for the parking lights were burnt. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who replaced the vehicle's front light assembly. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 14V261000 (exterior lighting) however, the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
The splicer connected to the fuse box in the engine burns up after a while of use causing the Dash lights, right brake light and front marker light to not work at night. It is a major safety issue and hundreds/thousands of complaints online (via google) have been made about it burning up.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated that the head lamps failed. The contact inspected the head lamp bulbs and found that the ground wires were burned due to overheating. The dealer advised that NHTSA campaign number: 14V261000 (exterior lighting) would only repair the drl module and would not replace any additional failure caused by the recall. The contact also wanted to state that the engine valve cover gasket was defective causing the engine fluid to leak. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Related 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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Aveo years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2005 (52), 2006 (38), 2007 (32), 2008 (31) and 2004 (14) model years. Headlight complaints make up 22% of all complaints for the 2005.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Aveo headlight problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 14V-261 (headlights, May 19, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Aveo headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles; 23% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (11 mentions), followed by the brake lights (3).
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.