Model year record

2008 Chevrolet Aveo recalls & problems

The 2008 Chevrolet Aveo has 1 safety recall and 163 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (70 complaints).

Recalls1safety recalls

Complaints163filed by owners

Crashes · fires17 · 16reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths19 · 0reported in complaints

2008 Chevrolet Aveo in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingMay 19, 2014

Headlights

Recall 14V261000218,000 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: If the DRL module melts due to the heat generation, it could cause a vehicle fire.
Fix: 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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2008 Chevrolet Aveo 4-DR. w/SAB

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2008 Chevrolet Aveo 5-DR. Hatchback w/SAB

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2008 Chevrolet Aveo NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Aveo 5

27mpg combined

City / highway	24 / 34 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.6 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,500/year to fuel

Aveo

27mpg combined

City / highway	24 / 34 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.6 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,500/year to fuel

Aveo 5

26mpg combined

City / highway	23 / 32 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.6 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel

Aveo

26mpg combined

City / highway	23 / 32 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.6 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Air bagsFrontal; Side/window	70	13	1	14	60,873 mi
Electrical systemHorn; Ignition	45	2	8	3	75,650 mi
Exterior lightingHeadlights	30	1	5	1	90,000 mi
Engine	20	2	3	3	77,443 mi
Power trainManual transmission	15	0	0	0	58,000 mi
SuspensionFront	9	0	0	0	41,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingExhaust system; Cooling system	8	1	3	1	37,750 mi
Vehicle speed control	8	0	0	0	41,000 mi
StructureBody; Body › Door	7	1	1	3	54,974 mi
Unknown or other	6	1	2	0	120,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic	5	0	0	0	3,000 mi
Steering	5	1	0	2	88,950 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Exterior lighting
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
Mar 2, 2026
Engine
California catalytic converter breaking
Jul 8, 2024
Electrical systemFire
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…
Jul 19, 2024
Power train
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.
Jul 4, 2024 · 121,000 miles
Power train
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.
Oct 23, 2022
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Status indicator lamp/light
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.
Feb 17, 2022
Electrical system
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.
Feb 1, 2022
Exterior lightingFire
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…
Aug 6, 2021 · 110,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.