2007 Chevrolet Aveo Problems
- Complaints
- 216filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 52,000miles, 173 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 27 mpgcombined, 1.6L 4-cyl FWD · 23 city / 33 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this 2007 Aveo most often write about the airbag readiness or "passenger airbag off" light staying on, and about electrical trouble centred on the ignition key, dash lighting and fuse box. Many complaints were filed at relatively low mileage, and a number describe the same symptom recurring after dealer repairs, so service history matters as much as mileage when looking at one of these cars.
- Air bags
Airbag warning light stays on / passenger airbag disabled
- 86 complaints (40%)
- median 40,490 mi at 6.0 yrs old (66 state mileage)
- 21 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $900 (median of 7 quotes)
- filed 2006–2026
Owners describe the airbag readiness light or the "passenger airbag off" indicator staying lit with an adult in the seat, or coming on intermittently. Several say dealers replaced the seat, sensor or a module and the light returned, and one complaint notes a service bulletin covering counterfeit airbag modules in these cars. Many owners say they were told the system could not be repaired or that the symptom could not be duplicated. Reported from very low mileage (under 10,000 miles) up to about 120,000 miles, and often intermittent from the first months of ownership.
What to check: With the key on, confirm the airbag light goes out after the bulb check and that the passenger indicator reads correctly with an adult seated. Ask for any prior seat sensor or module repairs in the service records.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“We purchased a new 2007 Chevrolet AVEO from devoe Chevrolet in alexandria, indiana, on 4-12-2007. From the beginning, the passenger side front air bag has only worked intermittently. We have taken the car back to devoe several times, but they could never duplicate the problem, or find anything wrong. Yet, the problem still persisted. They did replace the seat, checked the seat with weights, etc., but it did not fix the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10257657, filed 2009-02, 20 miles“Passenger airbag is off light comes on when adult is seated indicating airbag is disabled. Have had it in for service four times. Have been told we were not sitting in the seat properly. Gm replaced seat and sensor, but did not correct the problem. Last service date is 12/24/2008. Was told that the problem cannot be fixed. Reported at 8297 miles; current mileage is 53783. I was informed that the airbag may not deploy in an accident increasing chance of injury.”
NHTSA complaint #10253372, filed 2008-12, 8,297 miles - Electrical system
Ignition key hot or stuck, dash lights and gauges fail
- 43 complaints (20%)
- median 53,000 mi at 6.9 yrs old (35 state mileage)
- 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2006–2026
Complaints describe the key becoming very hot when removed, the key failing to turn or release from the ignition, and dash lighting, gauges or the radio cutting out, sometimes along with a burning smell. Some owners also report being unable to shift out of park during these episodes. Dealers replaced the ignition switch module, ignition lock cylinder or fuse box wiring in some cases, and in others the symptom returned. Spread from about 1,000 miles to over 140,000 miles, with many reports in the 60,000 to 100,000 mile range.
Recall 14V2610003 related service bulletins
What to check: Check that the key turns freely and is not warm after a drive, that all dash lights and gauges work, and that the shifter releases from park. Ask whether the ignition switch or lock cylinder has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The dashboard over the speedometer becomes very hot and the key is hot when removed. I feel this may be related to recall 14236 regarding running lights. I am concerned about the recall 06133 regarding fuel line/fuse block as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10610799, filed 2014-07, 90,000 miles“I was about to pay off my 2007 chevy AVEO....I am having electrical problems....when I was driving I notice that sometimes the dash lights and controls and the radio and electrical systems die....they come and go...if I try to park while this is happening....my key gets stuck in the ignition...I can start the car but cannot shift gears...stays in park....when I try to turn the car off...the key is stuck in the ignition....it is a problem that comes and goes....took to the dealer....rented a car and left it there for 1 week....they said it was …”
NHTSA complaint #10347976, filed 2010-08, 80,000 miles - Exterior lighting
Headlights dim or not working, day running lights and fuse
- 39 complaints (18%)
- median 84,500 mi at 8.2 yrs old (26 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2007–2026
Owners report headlights that are dim, greyed or fail entirely while high beams or daytime running lights still work, and repeated bulb and fuse replacements that did not help. Some say the dealer found the fuse box needed replacement, and a few mention a hot or melting area near the day running light module or centre console. Complaints also describe dash lights, tail lights and the horn dropping out together. Mostly reported between roughly 60,000 and 140,000 miles, often noticed first as poor night visibility.
Recall 14V2610002 related service bulletins
What to check: Test low beams, high beams and daytime running lights, look for scorching or a hot smell around the centre console, and ask whether the recall for the day running light module was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My headlights are completely burning out. I've changed them a couple times and my father told me my wires keep burning out. Also my fuel system keeps not giving enough fuel. I keep getting a gas line emissions when I get a check on my car. Check engine light on then off a few days later. Also my seatbelt in the back keep coming out.”
NHTSA complaint #10823228, filed 2016-01, 144,000 miles“I have problems with whenever I go to put gas in my car, some of it goes on the ground. Not all of the gas goes on the ground, but a little less than half of what I purchased. My headlights are so dim that I can't hardly see when I'm driving at night. Also, my passenger side air bag light is constantly on? There's one there and nothing bigamy wrong with it that I can see. …”
NHTSA complaint #11306218, filed 2020-01, 177,900 miles - Brakes
Brake and ABS trouble, weak stopping and stuck brake switch
- 30 complaints (14%)
- median 30,400 mi at 3.1 yrs old (20 state mileage)
- 8 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2006–2026
Owners describe brakes that did not engage as expected at low speed, requiring the parking brake, and noisy front brakes with cracked or warped rotors at low mileage. Others report the brake pedal switch sticking so the brake lights stay off and the car will not shift out of park, with one owner connecting it to an intermittent no-shift condition. Reported from a few thousand miles for rotor noise up to around 100,000 miles for ABS and switch complaints.
What to check: Test braking at low speed on a quiet road, confirm the brake lights come on with the pedal, and check that the shifter leaves park with the brake applied.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Chevrolet AVEO 2007 ABS braking system failure to brake during slow speeds and one time on the highway. I currently have 98,000+ miles on a Chevrolet AVEO 2007 and while recently getting several services completed in the $500 range I got new brake pads on my vehicle because they were worm out. I was also having breaking problems while parking my vehicle. The ABS don't allow the breaks to engage and I have to use the emergency break. …”
NHTSA complaint #10300380, filed 2010-01, 98,000 miles“The mechanical brake switch sticks in the open position. The driver depresses the brake pedal but the switch does not close and the brake lights do not come on. At least eight other complaints about this issue appear to be listed on the ntsb web site, however, many drivers appear to be unaware that the brake lights do not work and instead, they complain about a second symptom of the stuck switch: that they are unable to shift the car out of park. …”
NHTSA complaint #10393492, filed 2011-03, 54,802 miles - Engine cooling
Coolant loss, oil and coolant mixing, head gasket repairs
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe coolant disappearing, steam from the exhaust, and oil mixing with antifreeze. Owners say dealers or independent shops diagnosed a failed head gasket or throttle body and quoted engine-level repairs, and one owner links a broken timing belt to water pump and gasket damage. Some reports mention the coolant level sensor or related modules being flagged during diagnosis. Generally reported between about 80,000 and 130,000 miles.
What to check: Check the coolant level and colour, look for milky residue under the oil cap or in the overflow tank, and ask whether the head gasket, water pump or timing belt have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Timing belt breaks too often. The car has now had the timing belt replace 3 times since I have owned it I bought it at 69,000 miles I was replaced at around 74k then broke and left me stranded on the side of the road at night time after hours at 121k then has broke again at 134k this is supposed to be a 60k part and is not lasting like it should and when it breaks causes other stuff around it to be affected as well. The first time I had to replace water pump, the 2nd time water pump as well as engine gaskets and it cost me $2600 to fix. …”
NHTSA complaint #10637826, filed 2014-09, 134,310 miles“The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet AVEO. The contact stated that steam began emitting from the exhaust system. The contact then noticed that antifreeze was abnormally leaking into the oil. The dealer advised the contact that the head gasket would need replacing and performed the repairs. The current mileage was 137,000 and the failure mileage was 122,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10393504, filed 2011-03, 122,000 miles
Buying note. Look for a car with documented repairs to the airbag sensor or module, ignition switch and fuse box, and check the coolant and brake behaviour on a test drive. Because complaints often describe symptoms returning after repairs, service records are more telling than the odometer alone.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 216 consumer complaints for the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo. 173 of the complaints include a mileage, and 47% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 52,000 miles. Of all complaints, 25 involved a crash, 13 a fire, 25 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 210 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags84 39%
- Electrical system50 23%
- Exterior lighting32 15%
- Engine cooling17 7.9%
- Brakes15 6.9%
- Transmission and drivetrain14 6.5%
- Engine13 6.0%
- Suspension11 5.1%
- Steering10 4.6%
- Vehicle speed control10 4.6%
Also reported: Fuel system (8), Other or unknown (7), Body and structure (7), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (6), Seat belts (4), Wheels (4), Seats (3), Tires (3), Equipment (2), Electronic stability control (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “In june, 2011 my sister was driving a AVEO and clipped a road sign on the right front bumper, continued to go straight over to left down an embankment of approx. 6 ft and 40-45 MPH and hit steering wheel so hard that it broke steering wheel and busted her heart killing her instantly. I went to school for automotive and know a lot about cars and this accident makes no sense. I took pics of everything. …”
NHTSA complaint #10734817, filed 2015-07, 90,000 milesElectrical system: “Key got stuck in ignition and would not come out. My car in not on the GM recall list so dealer wanted to charge me an arm and two legs to fix. Took to an auto repair shop. How do cars get added to the recall list? Mine should definitely be on this one for ignition problem to the tune of $357.”
NHTSA complaint #10679876, filed 2015-01, 4,440 milesExterior lighting: “Recall for daylight running lights over heating didn't apply to my particular car, but seems to be a problem in my car regardless. Ground wires in my headlight assembly have fried and left scorch marks on headlight connection. No actual fire yet just a melted plastic under the hood. Not sure if my car is invalid as have been fixed or just not covered but in either case part is failing.”
NHTSA complaint #11142230, filed 2018-10, 90,000 milesEngine cooling: “Back in may of 2008 I picked my son up from school, I smelled a smelled like antifreeze. I stopped at the store but I didn't think it was my car. About an hour later, when we went to church, I smelled the same smell, being we were the only car in the parking lot, I knew then it had to be my car. We put water in it and waited until the next morning to take to the dealership we purchased the car from. …”
NHTSA complaint #10239689, filed 2008-08, 23,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
47% of the 173 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 14,541 and 85,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aveo · hatchback FWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | — |
| Aveo · sedan FWD | not rated | 5 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2007 Chevrolet Aveo version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aveo FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 23 | 33 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Aveo FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Aveo 5 FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 23 | 33 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Aveo 5 FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,600 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 14V261000May 19, 2014Exterior lighting › HeadlightsCovers: Chevrolet Aveo 2004–2008
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…
- 06V398000Oct 17, 2006Fuel system, gasolineCovers: Chevrolet Aveo 2007
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with a 1.6l engine, during a ncap severe frontal crash test, the fuel line in the engine compartment developed a fracture. In addition, the crash damage caused four short circuits in the fuse block, the combination of…
Recall details for the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 210 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11019074May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019073May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019072May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11009531Sep 27, 2024Engine. This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk…
- 11008956Sep 9, 2024Other or unknown. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11007208Sep 6, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Electrical system. Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need…
Other model years of the Chevrolet Aveo
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 77 | 56,322 | 0 | — | 29 | 31 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 66 | 46,750 | 1 | — | 30 | 32 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 169 | 43,000 | 1 | — | 30 | 81 · More | Stable |
| 2008 | 163 | 59,747 | 1 | — | 27 | 63 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 216 | 52,000 | 2 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 189 | 58,500 | 1 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2005 | 235 | 63,000 | 1 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 206 | 60,000 | 2 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Chevrolet Aveo model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo?
Owners of this 2007 Aveo most often write about the airbag readiness or "passenger airbag off" light staying on, and about electrical trouble centred on the ignition key, dash lighting and fuse box. The issues reported most often: Airbag warning light stays on / passenger airbag disabled; Ignition key hot or stuck, dash lights and gauges fail; Headlights dim or not working, day running lights and fuse.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo have?
NHTSA recorded 216 consumer complaints for the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 84 complaints (39% of the total), followed by electrical system with 50.
Has the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo get?
The EPA rates the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo (Aveo, 1.6L 4-cyl) at 27 mpg combined, 23 city and 33 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,500 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo reported?
Among the 173 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 52,000 miles and the middle half falls between 14,541 and 85,000 miles; 47% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.