2006 Chevrolet Aveo: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 189 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (27% 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 189 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The interior dash caught on fire and burned only in the middle of the dashboard. This happened hours after it started smoking inside the car and the headlights would not turn off even though they were already off.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2025
“Lights malfunction. Headlights dim intermittently, turn signal causes headlights to turn off, dashboard lights do not work, running lights work intermittently. The splice pack in the fuse box is burnt and so are the wires connected to it.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2024
“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.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Dec 2023
Show 7 more owner reports
“A deer was hit in the front hood and bumper of this car while driving on a straight section of county road and none of the airbags deployed.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet aveo. The contact stated that radiator fluid mixed with the transmission fluid. As a result, the transmission hesitated when the contact attempted to switch gears and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was driven to community chevrolet (200 w olive ave, burbank, ca 91502, (866) 610-2450) where it was diagnosed that the clock sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the check engine and air bag warning indicators were illuminated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 87,794.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2019
“So I was at home and my car was parked outside and it caught on fire in the inside. The fire department came and put out the fire. It damaged the dashboard and the window. I have read that it is a recall on my vehicle which causes it to catch on fire. Manufacturer recall numbera140093 NHTSA recall number14v261 recall statusrecall incomplete”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2019
“My electrical panel was defective, sent in 4 times and they claimed to replace the electrical panel. It was rigged by crossing wires and lights in dash dont work and radio tapped into wipers. Then calipers,sway arms,shocks, catalytic converter was defective and also never replaced right. Paid someone to put emissions sticker to pass.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Apr 2019
“I try to put a seat belt on a child in the back seat and it dose not work at all. The steering on my aveo is also not safe it feels as if my axel on my car is going to brake? Also this car has caught on fire as I was on the freeway coming from work. I have replace the cadillac converter on this car as well as 2,000 other repairs into my car. It is very dangerous knowing that one day when I get in my car it may caught on fire if it get to hot. It very sad all I would like to do is go to school and work get home safe guaranteed every day.”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet aveo. While driving various speeds and while stationary, the air bag indicator remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to freeland chevrolet in nashville, tennessee where it was diagnosed that a spring coil in the air bag system needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000. The VIN was not available. Updated 09/01/17*lj *cn1”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet aveo. While driving various speeds with the cruise control engaged, it failed to shut off when the accelerator or brake pedals were depressed. In addition, when the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle accelerated intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Feb 2017
When filing, owners marked a crash in 13 of these complaints and injuries in 7 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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 2006 Chevrolet Aveo reliable?
NHTSA has 189 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2006 Chevrolet Aveo. The most complained-about area is air bags (27% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2006 Chevrolet Aveo problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 61,000 miles or less.
Does the 2006 Chevrolet Aveo have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has 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.