2008 Chevrolet Aveo Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags7028.7%
- Electrical4317.6%
- Exterior lighting3012.3%
- Engine2811.5%
- Powertrain (other)145.7%
- Driver assistance114.5%
- Suspension93.7%
- Body & structure72.9%
- Brakes72.9%
- Steering52.0%
- Interior & seats52.0%
- Fuel system41.6%
- Seat belts31.2%
- Tires & wheels31.2%
- Visibility20.8%
- Other / unspecified20.8%
- Transmission10.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
2008 CHEVY AVEO SEDAN - [XXX] - AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINS ON AT ALL TIMES - NO BODY CODES ARE PRESENT / DETECTED - (USING FOXWELL ELITE NT630 SCANNER WHICH CLAIMS TO READ / CLEAR AIRBAG CODES) - I'VE ALREADY RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE - "MUCHO PROBLEMOS" - WITH OVER HALF OF ALL CHEVY AVEO COMPLAINTS INCLUDING AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINS ON. IT'S MOST LIKELY EITHER THE CLOCK MODULE - WHICH PASSES THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SIGNALS TO THE MAIN SRS CONTROLLER, THE SRS CONTROLLER MODULE (LOCATED UNDER CENTER SHIFT CONSOLE AREA) OR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG ITSELF - CODE SCANNER ONLY SEES PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG STAGE 2 - (NO STAGE 1 SEEN) ... DRIVER'S SIDE SHOWS BOTH STAGE 1 AND STAGE 2 ... ALL PRETENSIONERS ARE PROPER (2 OHMS CIRCUIT RESISTANCE) ... BATTERY STRONG / GOOD / NEW - 1 YEAR OLD - 13.5 VOLTS - I'M WORRIED DEALER (HAWTHORNE CHEVROLET - HAWTHORNE NJ) WILL ACTUALLY NOT KNOW THE EXTENSIVE ISSUE WITH CHEVY AVEO AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT COMING ON - AND WILL WRONGLY DIAGNOSE AND TRY TO CHARGE BIG BUCKS - AND PROBLEM WILL RETURN - THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE - SINCE WITH AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT STAYING ON - SRS AIRBAG SYSTEM WILL NOT OPERATE, NO AIRBAG PROTECTION - I HAVE ALSO NOW CONTACTED CHEVROLET ON THIS SUBJECT / PROBLEM - WAITING FOR THEIR REPLY - LOCATED IN NORTHERN NJ - HAWTHORNE CHEVROLET WOULD BE THE PROPER DEALERSHIP - (I PURCHASED THE CAR THERE - 10 YEARS AGO - THEY HAVE SERVICED THE CAR FOR ROUTINE REPAIRS) ... WILL BE CONTACTING THEM ON THIS SRS AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT PROBLEM - BUT WORRIED THEY ARE NOT REALLY KNOWLEDGEABLE ON IT ... THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM - SRS / AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT STAYING ON - SAFETY RELATED FAILURE - CHEVY KNOWS ABOUT THIS BY NOW FOR SURE - INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
There was no prior warnings or notices that there was an issue. While diving on a major road with my children, smoke started coming into the cabin from the vents, and around the stereo. Luckily I was near a very vacant parking lot and immediately pulled over. I removed the kids from the car safely and did open the hood to try troubleshoot the problem. There was no smoke anywhere under the hood. Immediately after, sparks started falling from under the steering wheel to the gas pedal. Immediately after that the car was engulfed in flames. The car is currently located at my local police impound and is available for inspection upon request. From the time the smoke started to when the car was engulfed, it was approximately 5 minutes. This could have been dangerous had we been on a highway and unable to pull over and get out of the car safely within that time. It was only inspected briefly by the fire department who arrived to put out the fire and they reported it was an electrical issue that caused the fire.
In-dash clock module contains the vehicle 'Check Engine Light' - required to pass inspection. Solder joints are defective ('cold' or cracked) creating intermittent electrical connections. Prevents warning of engine defects to driver. Solder defects eventually cause destruction of the module incurring unreimbursed denial of transport and expense to driver to repair.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The wiring to my headlights have overheated and melted twice. I found the really on the year and model of my car but wasn't on the list when I entered my vin
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
California catalytic converter breaking
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The left side mount-to-mount bracket bolt broke when accelerating normally from a stop. This is one of the bolts that holds the engine to the frame. This caused my shift stick to be thrown back on every acceleration. This is an obvious safety risk. I have not yet had this problem verified or confirmed by anyone. The car seemed to drive well and normal before and up to this incident.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET AVEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED LOSING MOTIVE POWER AND DECELERATED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE DID NOT STALL. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND WAITED FOR THE VEHICLE TO REGAIN FULL POWER. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HOWEVER, THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. NEITHER A DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
THE ABS LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF AND AT TIMES HAS A HARD TIME STOPPING. ALSO MY DOORS WILL LOCK BY THEM SELF.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE DRIVER SIDE HEAD LAMP IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE WIRE LIGHTING HARNESS KEPT SHORTING OUT, I HAD IT REPAIRED AT A SHOP. IT LATER MELTED AND THE LIGHT WENT OUT. I TRIED TO ORDER ANOTHER ON, BUT THE DEALERSHIP ONLY SELLS THE WHOLE KIT NOT JUST THE LIGHT BULB ITSELF. I AM HAVING TO PAY OVER $300 FOR A NEW KIT WHEN ALL I NEEDED WAS A BULB AND THE HARNESS. THIS IS INSANE, ESPECIALLY WHEN THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS FOR THIS VERY SAME PROBLEM. I ALSO HAD AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WHERE MY CAR BATTERY WOULD DRAIN, AND LOSE POWER.
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I COULD NOT SHIFT MY CAR OUT OF PARK. I PAID LAIT OF MONEY AND HAD IT FIXED ALMOST TWO YEARS AGO. WHEN I WENT TO TAKE MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL THIS MORNING OF COURSE IT HAPPENED AGAIN. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO KEEP FIXING A PART THAT I DID NOT BREAK. SO RIGHT NOW I HAVE TO USE THE SHIFT RELEASE BUTTON UNTIL CHEVROLET REALIZES THEY HAVE AN ISSUE. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE MADE. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR 6 YEARS. I GOT IT BRAND NEW. THESE PROBLEMS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. THANK YOU[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET AVEO. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE TRUNK LID OPENED INDEPENDENTLY. ADDITIONALLY, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO ENGAGE IN GEAR. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000. *JS
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PUT MY CAR IN PARK AND IT WILL NOT COME OUT OF PARK. I FOUND OUT IT WAS TORQUE LOCKED AND HAD TO FOLLOW ALL THE STEPS FROM MY MANUAL AND AT THE END IT SAYS GET FIXED ASAP. I HAVE READ THAT THERE ARE THE SAME THINGS HAPPENING TO ALOT OF AVEOS 2008 AND WHY IS THIS NOT ON THE RECALL. *TR
IN MARCH OF LAST YEAR I PURCHASED A USED CHEVROLET AVEO FROM AUTO NATION CHEVROLET IN SUGAR LAND, TX (HWY. 6). I HAVE BEEN COMFORTABLE IN MY CAR UP UNTIL 2 1/2 WEEKS AGO WHEN I HAD TO HAVE MY CAR REPAIRED AT CLASSIC CHEVROLET IN SUGAR LAND, TX ON APRIL 21,2014. MY BRAKE SHIFT SENSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED, MY BRAKE SWITCH, AND MY CLOCK. THE PROBLEMS WITH MY SHIFT CAUSED MY BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO WORK AND I DID NOT KNOW THEY WERE NOT WORKING UNTIL I HAD A CONVERSATION WITH SOMEONE AT PEP BOYS. NO ONE BLEW THEIR HORN OR ANYTHING TO LET ME KNOW MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE OUT. I KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG WHEN MY GEAR WOULD NOT COME OUT OF PARK AND I HAD TO ENGAGE THE SHIFT RELEASE BUTTON. YESTERDAY MAY 6, 2014 I ARRIVED AT WORK AND I WANTED TO DROP SOME ITEMS OFF AT MY CLASSROOM THEREFORE I WAS GOING TO PARK CLOSE TO THE DOOR. I BRAKED AND WENT TO OR MY CAR IN PARK BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. MY BUTTON ON MY SHIFT COULD NOT BE ENGAGED AND WITHOUT THE BUTTON ENGAGED THE CAR WOULD ONLY GO INTO NEUTRAL FROM DRIVE. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE MY CAR BACK TO CLASSIC CHEVROLET IN SUGAR LAND, TX THAT HAD DONE MY REPAIRS TWO WEEKS PRIOR. THIS TIME I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT THE SHIFT WAS BINDING IN THE TRANSMISSION. I NOW HAVE A NEW SHIFT BUT MY CONCERN NOW IS WHAT IS NEXT. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR ONLY A YEAR NOW. YES IT IS USED BUT MY FIRST CAR A 2005 FORD FOCUS WAS USED AND DID NOT NEED REPAIRS LIKE THIS IN ONLY A YEAR. I HAVE TO KID'S AND NOW I AM CONSIDERING LETTING THIS CAR GO BECAUSE I DO NOT WANT TO END UP IN AN ACCIDENT IN THIS VEHICLE EVEN AFTER REPAIRS HAVE BEEN DONE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE KEY COMES OUT OF THE IGNITION EVEN WHILE THE CAR IS RUNNING AND DRIVING. I DROVE THE CAR AND THOUGHT I TURNED IT OFF ALL THE WAY - TURNS OUT THERE WAS ANOTHER 'CLICK' TO TURN THE ENGINE COMPLETELY OFF. ENGINE ALSO CLICKS AFTER BEING TURNED OFF. HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT, REPLACED BULBS ONLY TO REALIZE THE CONNECTORS WERE MELTED, BULBS BEING BLOWN ARE NOT THE CAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. AFTER DOING RESEARCH INTO THE PROBLEM I CAME ACROSS RECALLS FOR THIS YEAR, MAKE MODEL I CAME ACROSS A RECALL FROM 2014 (DOCUMENTS ON THIS SITE) THAT SAID ALL 2008 CHEVY AVEO'S WERE AFFECTED. I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM A USED CAR DEALERSHIP IN MAY, 2014 - I DON'T BELIEVE THIS CAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN SOLD GIVEN THE ISSUES AND RECALL NOTICES OUT AT THE TIME. I ONLY FOUND OUT THIS WEEK (SEPT 2016) ABOUT THE ISSUES. HOWEVER WHEN CALLING GM AND A CHEVY DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD THERE ARE NO OPEN RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE EVEN THOUGH THE ISSUE CAN CAUSE FIRES. THIS IS A PROBLEM! THE CAR GOES INTO BRYNER CHEVROLET TOMORROW SEPT 29, 2016 FOR A SERVICE APPOINTMENT.
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I COULD NOT SHIFT MY CAR OUT OF PARK. I PAID LAIT OF MONEY AND HAD IT FIXED ALMOST TWO YEARS AGO. WHEN I WENT TO TAKE MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL THIS MORNING OF COURSE IT HAPPENED AGAIN. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO KEEP FIXING A PART THAT I DID NOT BREAK. SO RIGHT NOW I HAVE TO USE THE SHIFT RELEASE BUTTON UNTIL CHEVROLET REALIZES THEY HAVE AN ISSUE. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE MADE. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR 6 YEARS. I GOT IT BRAND NEW. THESE PROBLEMS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. THANK YOU[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000.
THE AIRBAG MODULE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. TO FIX THIS PROBLEM IT WILL COST $1400.00. MY EXTENDED WARRANTY WON'T COVER IT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
SINCE, I OBTAINED THE VEHICLE FROM PHONE# 909-379-3256 GO=MOTORS CHRISTOPHER IN HEMET, CA. IT HAS HAD PROBLEMS. 1) NO AC, 2)PROBLEMS WITH STARTER & STARTING VEHICLE, TOOK IT BACK AND 3) FORTH TO DEALER4X PROBLEM NEVER RESOLVED TOOK IT TO ANOTHER DEALER FRIEND 4)WHO REPAIRED AND CHARGED ME $1500.00, 5) AS OF 3/31/16 THERE HAS BEEN A LOUD RATTLING IN THE ENGINE, I HAD THE OIL CHARGED AND THE MECHANIC @ WALMART SAID IT 6) SOUNDS LIKE A TIMING-BELT OR WATER/FLUID PUMP RATTLING, AND BE CAREFUL IT DOESN'T BLOW. SO, THE VEHICLE IS SETTING IN OUR DRIVEWAY. YOUR MOVE ON RESOLUTION. PLEASE INFORM, NEXT MOVE, I DO NOT WANT TO KEEP MAKING PAYMENTS FOR A LEMON OF A VEHICLE? I ENJOY DRIVING SUCH AN ECONOMICAL VEHICLE, BUT!!! 7) I HAVE A LOAN WITH PREMIER AUTO CREDIT, ARTURA CALDAS 818-933-4966.
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW. THE FIRST WINTER I HAD IT, THE THROTTLE BODY SEIZED LEAVING THE THROTTLE OPEN AND THE ENGINE RACING - THE CAR HAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, THEREFORE I WAS ABLE TO DEPRESS THE CLUTCH AND PULL IT OVER. THE LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER IN CIRCLEVILLE, OH PERFORMED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ON THE CAR, REROUTING THE EGR SYSTEM & REMOVING SOME PARTS AROUND THE THROTTLE BODY. ON SUBSEQUENT EVENTS, THE CAR EXPERIENCED SEVERE LOSS OF POWER AND SURGES. THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN WITH THE SAME TROUBLE CODE BEING SET. THE CAR IS NOW ON ITS THIRD THROTTLE BODY (TPS SENSOR CANNOT BE REPLACED SEPARATELY) THIS MODEL YEAR HAS A THROTTLE-BY-WIRE ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM. MY CAR STILL SUFFERS FROM AN INTERMITTENT ENGINE TROUBLE CODES RELATED TO THE THROTTLE BODY AND SURGING PROBLEMS. FINALLY, THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION BROKE ITS INTERNAL SHIFTING MECHANISM AND THE CAR LOCKED ITSELF IN GEAR. AT THE SAME TIME, THE CLUTCH DID NOT SEEM TO FUNCTION. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE WITH FAMILY MEMBERS IN THIS CAR.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON. WAS TOLD PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG PROBLEM ARE COMMON ON THE 2008 CHEVY AVEO. I USE THIS VEHICLE FOR A COMMUTER CAR. LIGHT CAME ON AROUND 25,000 MILES. HARDLY EVER HAVE A PASSENGER IN THIS CAR. CHEVY NEEDS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. BY THE INCREDIBLE LARGE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG, IT MUST BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT.
THE SEATBELT BUCKLE FROM THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE SEAT AND THE MIDDLE REAR SEAT CAME OFF THE ANCHOR. THE SEATBELT DOES NOT SHOW ANY USER DAMAGE. THE STITCHING THAT HOLDS THE SEATBELT TOGETHER CAME APART. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I BOUGHT A 2008 CHEVROLET AVEO LS BRAND NEW. REAR DRUMS OF BACK BRAKE REPLACED AT 4,000 MILES. ROTORS TURNED AT 3,000 MILES ROTORS TURNED DOWN AT 14,000MILESS. ROTORS TURNED AT 22,000MILES ROTORS REPLACED AT 7,500 MILES . ROTORS /BRAKE SHOES NEEDING REPLACED AT 23,500 MILES TIRES WORE OUT AT 14,000 MILES DEALER SAID LACK OF ROTATION. SHOWED DOCUMENTATION ON ROTATION/BALANCE BECAUSE BALANCE WAS AN ISSUE EVERY 1,000 MILES OR SO. DEALER SAID NO DEFECT FOUND TIRE MANUFACTURE WOULDN'T REPLACE, NEITHER WOULD CHEVY BRAND NEW TIRES AT 15,500 MILES MY COST!!! VALVEPAN GASKET NEEDING REPLACED 20,000 MILES. *TR
PURCHASED ON 6/14/08 WITH 272 MILES, ABOUT 2 WKS LATER, TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON, CHECK TIRES THEY ARE OK, CALL DEALER, WAS TOLD TO BRING IT IN, TOOK ON 7/17/08 TO DEALER, SERVICE DEPT CHECK AND FOUNT THE SENSOR OPEN, REPAIR SHEET SAYS THEY REPLACED SENSOR 5.890 AND ORDERED MODULE. WAITED FOR THEM TO CALL ME, I CALLED ON 8/13/08 THEY HAD THE PART IN FOR WKS BUT HAD NOT CALLED, TOOK BACK IN ON 8/20/08 AND REPAIR SHEET STATES THE THEY FOUND THE TIRE SENSOR MODULE OPEN AGAIN AND REPLACED THE TIRE SENSOR MODULE 5.890. ALL WORK WAS DONE UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THIS HAS NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM. NOW THE SENSOR LIGHT DOESN'T STAY ON ALL THE TIMES, BUT IF YOU HAVE TO SIT IN TRAFFIC AND IDLE THAN THE LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON UNTIL YOU TURN THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT. ALSO, THE SALESMAN SAID IT WOULD GET 38 MPG AND I'M LUCKY TO GET 27-29 MPG. AFTER THE NEXT VISIT TO THE DEALER FOR THIS SENSOR AND I WILL CONTACT THE STATE OF NC ABOUT THIS CAR BEING A LEMON. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVERS SIDE WIPER IS COMMING LOOSE. HAS AN INCH OF TRAVEL BACK AND FORTH ON ITS SPINDLE. HAS 3 INCHES OF TRAVEL AT THE WIPER END. UNKNOWN DATE OF OCCURENCE.
AIRBAG MALFUNCTION. LIGHT IS ON AND STAYS ON. THERBY DISABLING AIRBAG FUNCTIONALITY. DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW THIS IS NOT A RECAL ALREADY. BELIEVE IT HAS ALREADY BEEN DETERMINED A RECALL ON PRIOR YEARS. HEADLIGHT PLASTIC DETERIORATION. PLASTIC HAS CRUMBLED AND WILL SOON MAKE VISIBILITY UNSAFE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY CAR STARTED TO SHAKE, SQUEAK, AND JERK. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR A FEW DAYS NOW, AFTER TAKING IT TO TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS. I THEN LEARNED ABOUT THE SAFETY RECALLS FOR THE WHEEL BEARING, DRIVE TRAIN, AND PULLEY SYSTEM FOR THE ENGINE. I CALLED MY DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE USED CAR AND WAS TOLD THEY COULDN'T HELP ME WITH RECALLS. I THEN CALLED GM DIRECTLY AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO OPEN RECALL ON MY CAR. I FURTHER RESEARCHED AND FOUND THAT TO BE A LIE, YOUR DATA BASE ALONE STATES THERE IS ONE THAT MAY CAUSE THE CAR TO CATCH FIRE. THIS IS MY FIRST CAR TO PURCHASE AND WITH IT HAVING MAJOR SAFETY RECALLS AND NO ONE WANTING TO HELP, I DIDN'T KNOW WHO ELSE TO CONTACT. *TR
I PURCHASED A 2008 CHEVY AVEO IN MAY OF 2008 I HAVE HAD PROBLEM WITH FRONT END VIBRATION AND PULLING TO THE LEFT. I STARTED REPORTING THE PROBLEM AUG. 08. THEY ROTATED TIRES AND THAT SHOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM. AGAIN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER OCT. 2008, MAR. 2009,AND THEN AGAIN JULY, 2009. THEY TOLD ME ONCE AGAIN THAT TIRES NEEDED ROTATED AND FRONT IN ALIGNMENT. I STORED THE CAR FOR THE WINTER OCT. 2009 TO APRIL, 2010. I NOW HAVE TAKEN BACK FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY NOW TELL ME IT HAS TO BENT RIMS WITH NO SIGN OF DAMAGE. THEY JUST WON'T SPIN OUT TRUE WHEN THEY ARE PUT ON MACHINE. THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY TYPE OF ACCIDENT. TIRES ARE WORN OUT WITH 20,000 MILES ON IT. I DID SOME INVESTIGATING AND OTHERS ARE COMPLAINING THAT THEY HAVE HAD TO REPLACE RIMS. TALK TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THESE STEEL RIMS ON AVEO BEND EASILY AND HAVE REPLACED ALOT OF THEM. TALK TO GM ABOUT THIS AND TOLD THEM WHAT I HAD FOUND OUT. THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THEM. TALK WITH OTHER DEALERSHIP SERVICE MANAGER AND HE STATED THAT THEY WON'T BECAUSE THEY WOULD HAVE TO ADMIT THEY KNOW THEY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THESE RIMS. CALL GM AGAIN TALKED TO THEM ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND THE GUY AT GM STATED I DON'T CARE HOW MANY COMPLAINTS THERE ARE NHTSA HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. I HOPE THAT YOU WILL TAKE A CLOSE LOOK AT THIS COMPLAINT. I TRULY BELIEVE GM KNOWS THAT THEY HAVE A PROBLEM AND WON'T DO ANYTHING BECAUSE THESE VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED IN SOUTH KOREA. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
2008 CHEVY AVEO - ON 9/4/2009 TRANSMISSION 5TH GEAR FORK BROKE WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY (MECHANIC LATER TOLD ME FORK IS MADE OF ALUMINUM). DEALERSHIP REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY WITH SIMILAR ALUMINUM PART. ON 2/7/2010 2008 CHEVY AVEO MOTOR MOUNT SHEARED WHEN STARTING OUT FROM INTERSECTION. ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION DROPPED JUST ENOUGH TO STALL CAR AND COULD NOT START OR PUT IN NEUTRAL GEAR TO PUSH VEHICLE OUT OF INTERSECTION. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .