Chevrolet AveoModel year report

2008 Chevrolet Aveo Problems

Shade compares each year’s NHTSA complaints with a typical Chevrolet Aveo year, allowing for the era and time on the road: darker means more. Unshaded years are too new, too old or have too few complaints to compare.

Compared with other Chevrolet Aveo years

Typical for this model

63/100 1.3× a typical year · 50 = typical

Complaint rate is 1.3× that of a typical Chevrolet Aveo year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
28 of its 163 complaints were filed by the end of 2010.
Most reported problem: Air bag warning light stays on / passenger seat sensor (66 complaints, median 56,000 mi).
1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.

Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2010, 2011

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints: 163filed with NHTSA
Median mileage: 59,747miles, 131 complaints with mileage
Recalls: 1campaigns 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 · 24 city / 34 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo most often write about the air bag warning light staying on or the passenger air bag indicator behaving inconsistently, and a second large group describes electrical and lighting trouble such as melted headlight connectors and dashboard lights failing. Reports arrive across a wide mileage range, from near-new cars to well over 100,000 miles, with many lighting and wiring complaints clustering at higher mileage. A few owners also describe throttle-related power loss and engine or transmission mount separation.

1
Air bags
Air bag warning light stays on / passenger seat sensor
- 66 complaints (40%)
- median 56,000 mi at 6.6 yrs old (54 state mileage)
- 14 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,195 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2007–2022
Owners describe the red air bag warning light coming on while driving and staying on, sometimes after a restart or intermittently at first and then steadily. The passenger air bag on/off indicator often stops showing a status, or fails to detect a person in the passenger seat, and some owners report the light activating only with occupants in a certain weight range. Dealers commonly replaced the passenger presence module or seat bottom, the air bag control module, or the wiring between the air bag component and the clock, and several owners say the warning returned after repair or that the dealer found no fault. Reported from very low mileage (under 200 miles) up to about 130,000 miles, with many complaints filed between roughly 30,000 and 90,000 miles.
What to check: With the key on, confirm the air bag warning light goes out after its self-check and that the passenger on/off indicator shows a clear status with and without someone seated there. Ask whether the passenger presence module, seat bottom, or air bag control module has ever been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Airbag indicator has disappeared from dashboard. The airbag on/off symbol is no longer illuminated on my dash and my airbag warning light has turned on. It started as the airbag on/off light would sometimes be illuminated, and sometimes not be illuminated, and now the indicator is completely gone (never shows on or off).”
NHTSA complaint #11075474, filed 2018-02, 90,000 miles
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11186052, filed 2019-03, 106,744 miles
Exterior lighting
Melted headlight connectors and burnt wiring
Mentioned in 14 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report headlights that dim, stay on high beam, or quit, and on inspection the plastic connector or socket feeding the bulb is melted, burnt, or smelling of burnt plastic or rubber. Some describe smoke from the dashboard or engine compartment around the lighting circuit, and a few mention the underhood fuse box wiring being affected. Owners frequently link this to the daytime running light recall and say their vehicle identification number was not included in it. Mostly reported between about 30,000 and 130,000 miles, often noticed after the headlight or DRL has been in use.
Recall 14V261000 1 related service bulletin
What to check: Inspect the headlight bulb connectors and the underhood fuse box wiring for melting, browning, or a burnt smell, and check whether the vehicle was ever repaired under the daytime running light recall.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Was driving smelling smoke like something burning, every other day I didn't known what it was until the front driver headlight not out but dim my son was about to remove it the bulb and found that the wires going to the socket is burned it wasn't the bulb it could have caught fire and burn the hold car a fire!”
NHTSA complaint #10862424, filed 2016-05, 90,000 miles
“I received NHTSA campaign number 14v26 in my email messages. I registered to receive them. I am not sure if the message was for an individual car or all cars involved. The message stated that 218,000 cars were involved. I gave the customer service representative the last 8 digits of my VIN. I am confused. My car is one of the cars involved. Why wasn't recalled? I have enclosed a copy of notice 14236. …”
NHTSA complaint #10593155, filed 2014-05, 75,000 miles
Electrical system
Electrical faults: dash lights, stalls, no-start
Mentioned in 12 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe instrument panel lighting dropping out, gauges misbehaving, the radio shutting off, and the vehicle stalling or refusing to start, sometimes with a hot key or a burning smell. Diagnosis has pointed to a melted fuse box, a bad battery cable or underhood electrical connection, a short in the wiring harness, or a failed alternator. Several owners report paying for diagnosis without a lasting fix, and some mention the ignition parked-lock switch keeping the car from coming out of Park. Reported from roughly 26,000 to 170,000 miles, with many complaints filed between about 60,000 and 110,000 miles.
2 related service bulletins
What to check: Check that all dashboard lights, gauges, and accessories work with the engine running, and ask about any history of fuse box, battery cable, or alternator replacement. Confirm the shifter moves freely out of Park with the brake applied.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I put my car in park and it will not come out of park. I found out it was torque locked and had to follow all the steps from my manual and at the end it says get fixed asap. I have read that there are the same things happening to alot of aveos 2008 and why is this not on the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10594666, filed 2014-05, 52,000 miles
“I noticed my driver's side headlight was out and wires attached to the headlight underneath the hood had burnt out. The next day the vehicle would not start at all. I had it jumped off and had a diagnostic ran on the battery. I was told it was not the battery but the alternator. The next day, I decided to take the vehicle to a Chevrolet dealer so I had it jumped off again. Initially, both headlights came on and a minute later; both headlights went out. …”
NHTSA complaint #10479771, filed 2012-10, 30,300 miles
Engine
Throttle body / power loss and stalling
Mentioned in 6 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe the car dropping into a reduced-power mode, stalling at speed or during braking and with the air conditioning on, and revving on its own at startup. A diagnostic code for throttle or pedal sensor voltage correlation is often reported, and the suggested repair is replacement of the whole throttle body, sometimes along with spark plugs and an oxygen sensor. Some owners say the problem returned after the throttle body was replaced, and others report the engine warning light coming on alongside air bag warnings. Reported from roughly 40,000 to 125,000 miles, with several complaints filed near 75,000 to 85,000 miles.
3 related service bulletins
What to check: Road test at steady speed and check for hesitation, unexpected revving, or a reduced-power message, and ask whether the throttle body has been replaced and whether any engine codes remain stored.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Somewhere in between the 81,100 - 81,300 miles mark my vehicle has received the check engine light p2135 code, for throttle/pedal sensor/switch a / b voltage correlation. At the time of receiving the code I did not notice anything irregular until I researched the problem. One of the symptoms being, revving of the engine when gas pedal is not pressed. That's when I realized my car had been doing that just recently on start up before receiving the code. …”
NHTSA complaint #11166124, filed 2019-01, 81,200 miles
“I have a 2008 AVEO that I purchased from a Chevrolet dealership in russellville, ky. Since the 2nd day I owned it, it has been nothing but problems. Air bag sensors not working, have had this repaired three times. Yesterday the air bag light came on again. My biggest trouble has been with the throttle position sensor. Get a p2135 code that tells you to replace the entire throttle body. I did this ($300 part) did no good. The car has been in the shop for over 7 months in the 15 months I've owned the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10627849, filed 2014-08, 76,300 miles
5
Engine
Trunk and door hardware issues
- 19 complaints (12%)
- median 54,974 mi at 6.6 yrs old (17 state mileage)
- 8 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2009–2024
A smaller group of owners describes the trunk lid opening by itself while driving and the gear shifter failing to engage a gear. Others report the hood popping open at highway speed or interior door handles developing a sharp split seam along the coating. These reports are sparse and describe different parts of the body hardware rather than one shared component. Reported from about 3,000 to 64,000 miles, including both nearly new and moderately used vehicles.
What to check: Open and close the trunk, hood, and all doors several times, look for sharp or separated edges on the inner door handles, and confirm the shifter engages and releases each gear position properly.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My sister recently cut her hand when she grabbed the inside door handle on my 2008 Chevrolet AVEO. When we looked closer at the handle, it appears to be separating at the top joined seams. It has a very sharp edge to it similar to the lid of a pull top can. I don't transport many people so I was not aware of it's condition. I'm glad that the incident did not involve a child because they could have sustained a serious cut. I have not had any wrecks or damage to my car to result in the door handle separating. …”
NHTSA complaint #10294279, filed 2009-12, 26,340 miles
“Present problem: 2008 Chevrolet AVEO on 09/30/2009, I cut a finger on my left hand trying to open the door to get out of my car. A break in 'silver coating material' on handle was what caused the cut. I was the driver of the vehicle, so that you will know the bad handles will be on the left side of the car. Either the driver or the passenger behind the driver, as these two handles are probably formed in the same type mold. My finger was bleeding and stinging in cut area. I have had to tape the handle of the car to use it to get out now. …”
NHTSA complaint #10285906, filed 2009-10, 54,974 miles

Buying note. Check the air bag and passenger seat sensor behavior carefully and get the lighting connectors and wiring inspected, since those two areas account for most owner complaints on this model year. Ask for service records showing whether the daytime running light recall work and any throttle body repairs were completed.

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 163 consumer complaints for the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo. 131 of the complaints include a mileage, and 42% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 59,747 miles. Of all complaints, 17 involved a crash, 16 a fire, 19 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 222 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 3 Chevrolet Aveo model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 63 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

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.

Also reported: Other or unknown (6), Steering (5), Fuel system (4), Electronic stability control (3), Seat belts (3), Tires (3), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Wheels (2), Interior lighting (1), Seats (1).

Example complaints

Air bags: “Chief deficiency: headliughts have spontaneously stopped illuminating. No high or low beam function of the driver or passenger headlamps. Bulbs were just replaced because lights were dimming. Upon replacement it was noted that the passenger plug in/socket was partially melted. Worked fine for 20 days; now no headlights at all. This occurred while I was driving after dark. I found there is a GM recall campaign 14236, dated 19may2014: recall # 14v261000 for exterior headlights. …”

NHTSA complaint #11052871, filed 2017-12, 120,000 miles

Electrical system: “I was driving on the highway on my way home from 3 hours away, and I was about an hour and 30 min from home. I stopped at mcdonald s to feed the 3 kids, I was there for 35 min with the car off. Not even 10 min later, back on the highway, the car sort of spit and/or sputtered. I thought maybe I had gotten some bad gas because it only did it about 3 times and it was ok, there were no lights on indicating anything was wrong. …”

NHTSA complaint #10731829, filed 2015-07, 102,000 miles

Exterior lighting: “My dash board lights, my passenger rear blinker light, passenger read break light, and front passenger running light all went out. Fuses were checked and the recall relay switch was replaced but the lights are still out. I smell hot electrical when they went out. The lights were acting weird for a couple weeks. They wouldn't turn on then would when I was driving or they would shut off while I was driving. Now I have nothing.”

NHTSA complaint #10692229, filed 2015-03, 83,865 miles

Engine: “I was rear ended by another vehicle while driving in traffic on the highway in slow and go traffic. I was driving at a slow pace, about 15 MPH.the other vehicle was traveling at about 30 MPH. When he hit me, he forced my vehicle into the one in front of me. My airbag did not go off. My car burst into flames about 5 minutes after the accident. The flames were coming up from the engine. My car is totaled as a result of this. I am 12 weeks pregnant with twins. One of my placenta's has a tear in it and is bleeding as a result of this accident. …”

NHTSA complaint #10980559, filed 2017-04, 130,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

42% of the 131 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 26,000 and 90,000 miles.

Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (131 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 59,747 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.

Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 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 · sedan FWD	not rated	5 / 4	—	—	—
Aveo · hatchback FWD	not rated	5 / 5	—	—	—

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 2008 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	24	34	27	$2,500
Aveo FWD	1.6L 4-cyl	4-speed automatic	23	32	26	$2,600
Aveo 5 FWD	1.6L 4-cyl	5-speed manual	24	34	27	$2,500
Aveo 5 FWD	1.6L 4-cyl	4-speed automatic	23	32	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, 2014
Exterior lighting › Headlights
Covers: 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…

Recall details for the 2008 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. 222 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
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…

See all 222 bulletins →

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 2008 Chevrolet Aveo?

Owners of the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo most often write about the air bag warning light staying on or the passenger air bag indicator behaving inconsistently, and a second large group describes electrical and lighting trouble such as melted headlight connectors and dashboard lights failing. The issues reported most often: Air bag warning light stays on / passenger seat sensor; Melted headlight connectors and burnt wiring; Electrical faults: dash lights, stalls, no-start.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo have?

NHTSA recorded 163 consumer complaints for the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo is reported most often?

Air bags is named most often, in 70 complaints (43% of the total), followed by electrical system with 44.

Has the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo been recalled?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo get?

The EPA rates the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo (Aveo, 1.6L 4-cyl) at 27 mpg combined, 24 city and 34 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 2008 Chevrolet Aveo reported?

Among the 131 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 59,747 miles and the middle half falls between 26,000 and 90,000 miles; 42% 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.