2008 Chevrolet Aveo: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 163 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (40% of complaints); the 2010 model year looks more trouble-free.
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 163 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Mar 2026
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2024
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2022
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2022
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2022
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2020
“Airbag light is on, has been on when I bought the car from the dealer, said passenger side airbag fuse was bad, needed replaced. Noted that the passenger on/off will at random turn on or off or not even show at times, I have also noted the seat making some sort of noise when turning the car on.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2019
“"takata recall" I was traveling along the garden state parkway northbound when my car stopped accelerating. I pulled over to the shoulder the car completely shut off and caught on fire. The whole car went up into flames while I was still in the car and was able to jump out of the passengeer side door. The car is totaled.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Nov 2018
“Chevrolet 4 door aveo. The passenger rear taillight won't work, the left side works, was looking it up and people was saying that they were having the same problem. The fusebox under the hood wires, need to splice wires electrical problem.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet aveo. While operating the vehicle, the air bag warning indicator remained illuminated. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer (frank bashay in racine, wi) was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 70,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2018
When filing, owners marked a crash in 17 of these complaints and injuries in 19 - 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 2008 Chevrolet Aveo reliable?
NHTSA has 163 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo. The most complained-about area is air bags (40% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2008 Chevrolet Aveo problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 64,121 miles or less.
Does the 2008 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.