2004 Chevrolet Aveo: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 206 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (28% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2014
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 206 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Wheels · Oct 2018
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2017
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 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”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 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.”Owner report · Tires · Jun 2016
“The vehicle was moving at a highway speed of approximately 65 mph, when it got into a collision with another vehicle. The other vehicle made an abrupt stop on the highway in front of the 2004 chevrolet aveo, which caused the aveo to hit the back of the suddenly stopped vehicle. Upon impact, the airbag did not deploy, which from my understanding should happen when traveling at that speed. In fact it especially should have deployed, due to the fact that the impact damaged the front of the vehicle. My concern is that I have bought two other vehicles from the same manufacturer since my purchase of this vehicle. I want to make sure that my family is safe when riding in these vehicles.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet aveo. The contact stated that the key became stuck in the ignition switch. Due to the failure, the vehicle could not be turned off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the failure might be due to a defective gear shaft or ignition switch. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 71,500.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2016
“2004 chevrolet aveo. Consumer writes in regards to warranty notice #14093 issues. *smd the dealer informed the consumer, the warrany had expired. Also, the water pump and timing belt were replaced. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2015
When filing, owners marked a crash in 23 of these complaints and injuries in 20 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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. 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.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR SAFETY BELT CAN BECOME TWISTED.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Aveo by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Chevrolet Aveo reliable?
NHTSA has 206 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2004 Chevrolet Aveo. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (28% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2004 Chevrolet Aveo problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 63,000 miles or less.
Does the 2004 Chevrolet Aveo have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.