RoadVitals

2004 Chevrolet Aveo

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
206
Latest Jul 24, 2019
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest May 19, 2014
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
32
20 injuries, 2 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 206 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2004 Chevrolet Aveo, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and airbags categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 409 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

May 19, 2014
218,000 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: If the DRL module melts due to the heat generation, it could cause a vehicle fire.
The 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. The recall began on February 6, 2015. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). General Motors recall number for this campaign is 14236.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number 14093, 14236View on NHTSA.gov

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

Aug 17, 2004
32,301 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR SAFETY BELT CAN BECOME TWISTED.
The risk: IF THIS OCCURS THE SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR MAY LOCK IN POSITION SO THAT THE BELT CANNOT BE USED. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT COULD OCCUR.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SAFETY BELT WEBBING GUIDE TO PREVENT THE BELT FROM TWISTING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438. VEHICLE OWNERS LOCATED IN GUAM SHOULD CONTACT GM CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE AT 1-671-648-8453.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.Manufacturer number 04069View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA08005ClosedEngineering Analysis

STUCK THROTTLE VALVE

Opened Feb 14, 2008
Closed Oct 14, 2008

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 COULD CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE FIELD EXPERIENCE DURING THE 2007/2008 WINTER SEASON.BY LETTER DATED MAY 22, 2008, GENERAL MOTORS CORP. (GM) SUPPLEMENTED ITS PREVIOUS INFORMATION REQUEST RESPONSE WITH FIELD DATA RECEIVED BY GM THROUGH MAY 1, 2008.ACCORDING TO GM, WHEN MOISTURE FREEZES IN THE POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) SYSTEM AND/OR THE ENGINE AIR INTAKE TRACT IT IS MOST OFTEN OBSERVED AS A HARD TO START/NO START CONDITION, THROTTLE STUCK CLOSED, ROUGH RUNNING ENGINE, STALLING AT IDLE, OR OIL LEAKAGE.OF THE 29 COMPLAINTS RELATED TO STUCK THROTTLE, ODI IDENTIFIED 5 REPORTS THAT ALLEGE UNWANTED ACCELERATION, 13 REPORTS DESCRIBE AN APPARENT HIGH-IDLE CONDITION AT START UP OR WHEN SLOWING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP WITHOUT ANY ALLEGATION OF UNWANTED ACCELERATION OR DIMINISHED BRAKING PERFORMANCE, AND THE REMAINING 11 REPORTS DESCRIBE AMBIGUOUS ALLEGATIONS OF STUCK THROTTLE WITHOUT REGARD TO SEVERITY OR CONSEQUENCE.ODI ANALYSIS OF FIELD INCIDENT DATA SHOWS THAT THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY TRENDS APPEAR TO BE IN DECLINE, WITH ONLY 1 ADDITIONAL COMPLAINT AND 6 WARRANTY CLAIMS RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT RECEIVED BY GM SINCE APRIL 2007. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
PE07051ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

STUCK THROTTLE VALVE

Opened Oct 19, 2007
Closed Feb 14, 2008

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. (GM) INVOLVING SUBSTANTIALLY SIMILAR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FOR SALE OR LEASE IN CANADA.AT THAT TIME, GM ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB #05-06-04-065) TO ADDRESS THE ALLEGED DEFECT CONDITION IN U.S. VEHICLES.GM SUBSEQUENTLY REVISED THE CANADIAN RECALL CAMPAIGN TO INCLUDE MORE DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS AFTER IT DISCOVERED CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE NOT PROPERLY SERVICED UNDER THE ORIGINAL RECALL CAMPAIGN.GM REVISED THE CANADIAN RECALL CAMPAIGN A SECOND TIME TO INCLUDE MORE SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES TO THE THROTTLE BODY, INTAKE MANIFOLD, POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) AND ENGINE COOLING SYSTEMS TO FURTHER REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD OF ICING WITHIN THE ENGINE AIR INTAKE TRACT.AGAIN, GM ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB #08-06-04-009) TO ADDRESS THE ALLEGED DEFECT CONDITION IN U.S. VEHICLES USING THE REVISED PROCEDURE.ODI IS AWARE OF 28 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS/FIELD REPORTS AND 46 WARRANTY CLAIMS RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT AFFECTING 63 UNIQUE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE ALLEGED DEFECT CONDITION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR DURING THE WINTER MONTHS WHEN AMBIENT TEMPERATURES ARE BELOW FREEZING.HOWEVER, THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN GM'S RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER DATED NOVEMBER 2, 2007, DOES NOT CAPTURE EVENTS THAT MAY HAVE OCCURRED DURING THE MOST RECENT WINTER MONTHS.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA08-005) TO FURTHER STUDY THE FREQUENCY OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

AirbagsOther / unspecified
Filed Jul 24, 2019
Crash reported1 injury reported

TAKATA RECALL. ON OCTOBER 13TH 2018 I WAS IN A HORRIFIC ACCIDENT WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY WAS AN SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT MY TIRE SHREDDED BUT STILL MAINTAINED AIR AND MY AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY ON EITHER SIDE AND I GOT A BROKEN NOSE AND A FEW FACIAL FRACTURES. NOW I HAVE SEVERE HEADACHES EVERYDAY SINCE THEN.

NHTSA ID
11234617
Incident
Oct 13, 2018
Mileage
208,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Dec 1, 2018

WHAT'S WITH AVEO'S PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER? IT SKIDS OFF THE WINDOW AND WIPES THE TRIM. WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT MY CAR I THOUGHT SOMEONE MADE A MISTAKE AND PUT ON THE WRONG SIZE. WHEN THEY NEEDED REPLACED, I REPLACED THE WHOLE ARM WITH A SET MATCHING MAKER SPECIFICATIONS. AND MADE NO IMPROVEMENT AT ALL. THE TIP OF THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER STILL SWINGS CLEAR OFF THE WINDOW. DID SOMEBODY MAKE OFF WITH THE DESIGNER'S RULER? ANY CHANCE THEY MIGHT GIVE IT BACK? I'D REALLY LIKE A WINDSHIELD WIPER THAT FITS; DON'T REALLY NEED ONE FOR THE TRIM...

NHTSA ID
11155289
Incident
Sep 12, 2007
Mileage
60,000 mi
Engine
Filed Sep 28, 2018
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET AVEO. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COOLANT PUMP HOUSING FRACTURED AND COOLANT LEAKED OUT, WHICH CAUSED THE SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND SUGGESTED TAKING THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 116,000.

NHTSA ID
11132146
Incident
Sep 25, 2018
Mileage
116,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jul 18, 2018

IGNITION SWITCH IS OVERHEATING. THE LONGER THE CAR IS DRIVEN (10-15 MILES) THE HOTTER IT IS BECOMING. IT HEATS UP SO MUCH THAT THE IGNITION KEY BECOMES QUITE HOT AS WELL...BUT THE SWITCH ITSELF IS EVEN HOTTER. I FEAR THERE WILL BE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE STARTING SOON, AND HAVE ALREADY DECIDED TO STOP AT INTERVALS TO TURN THE IGNITION OFF SO IT COOLS DOWN. IT DOESN'T MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE IF IT'S DRIVEN FAST OR SLOW, DRIVING STILL HEATS UP THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE ONLY ODD OCCURRENCE THAT MIGHT BE SOMEHOW CONNECTED IS THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL BULB NEEDED REPLACED SINCE THIS STARTED.

NHTSA ID
11112274
Incident
Jun 1, 2018
Mileage
110,468 mi
Electrical
Filed Jul 26, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET AVEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY SHUT OFF WHEN PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HALEY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP DEALER LOCATED IN RICHMOND, VA BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000. ...UPDATED 08/31/17 *BF *JS

NHTSA ID
11010734
Incident
Jul 20, 2017
Mileage
91,000 mi
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Dec 13, 2016

WHILE BACKING UP MY VEHICLE I SHIFTED THE TRANSMISSION FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE. THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATED TO APPROXIMATELY 500 RPM. I IMMEDIATELY PUT MY FOOT ON THE BREAK, SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL, AND TURN THE IGNITION TO OFF. I WAS ABLE TO IMMEDIATELY RESTART TO VEHICLE WITH NO PROBLEM. THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE TWO OR THREE TIMES. ONETIME WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE AND I HAD TO PRESS HARD ON THE BREAK AND SHUT OFF IGNITION TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. I SEEMS LIKE IT MOSTLY HAPPENS WHEN IT IS COLD OUTSIDE ( IN THE 30"S F) . I THINK THIS IS AN UNSAFE SITUATION AND AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN.

NHTSA ID
10935088
Incident
Dec 13, 2016
Mileage
85,250 mi
Airbags
Filed Jul 8, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET AVEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,390. UPDATED 09/22/16*LJ *JS

NHTSA ID
10883634
Incident
Jul 1, 2016
Mileage
140,390 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Jun 13, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET AVEO EQUIPPED WITH MILESTAR MS932 (NA) TIRES, SIZE: 185/65/R14 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BOOM SOUND AND THE VEHICLE VEERED LEFT WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND OBSERVED THAT THE SIDEWALL OF THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS BLOWN OPEN. THE TIRE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOT NUMBER OF THE TIRE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15T004000 (TIRES). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.

NHTSA ID
10873854
Incident
Jun 9, 2016
Mileage
120,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIP5601C

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

PIT3271P

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.

General Communication

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.

24-NA-141

POWER TRAIN

GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.

16-NA-383

ENGINE; FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.

18-NA-099

This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Chevrolet Aveo by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2018000
2017000
2016000
2015000
2014000
2013000
2012100
2011770039.9
2010661043.4
20091691041.1
20081631047.9
20072162053.1
20061891045.0
20052351250.9
2004Viewing2062257.6

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.