2009 Chevrolet Aveo Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Aveo years
More complaints than typical for this model
81/100 2.1× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 2.1× 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.
- 44 of its 169 complaints were filed by the end of 2011.
- Most reported problem: Dash, shifter and exterior lights stop working (23 complaints, median 49,624 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
- 169filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 43,000miles, 143 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 30 mpgcombined, 1.6L 4-cyl FWD · 27 city / 34 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo most often describe the car stalling, losing power or refusing to respond to the accelerator, sometimes at highway speed and often with no warning light. Electrical complaints - cars that keep running after the key is removed, no-start conditions, dead batteries and inoperative dash or console lighting - are the largest single group in the sample. Many reports are filed at moderate mileage and dealers frequently say they cannot duplicate the problem.
- Engine
Engine stalls or loses power; no response to accelerator
Mentioned in 56 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe the engine cutting out or dropping to a limp, low-power state at random, sometimes on the highway and sometimes pulling away from a stop; several owners say the pedal does nothing while the RPM gauge swings up and down. Restarting usually brings the car back briefly before it happens again. Owners report repeated dealer visits where the fault could not be reproduced, and some describe parts such as spark plugs, ignition coils, oxygen sensors, throttle body or fuel pump being replaced without a lasting fix. Reported from a few thousand miles up to roughly 120,000 miles, with many filed under 80,000 miles and in ordinary driving conditions.
What to check: Drive the car long enough to get it fully warm and include a highway stretch and a stop-and-go section; watch for hesitation, a surging idle or a pedal that feels unresponsive. Ask for any stored diagnostic codes and for service records showing what has already been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The dash lights, shifter lights and all console lights are out. This appears to be a known problem as I have found it all over the chevy forum. Is there a recall on this? Not real safe especially for my 16 year old daughter. Please let me know the fix and if there is a recall I can apply to this not so unique problem”
NHTSA complaint #10455609, filed 2012-04, 41,414 miles“When I go to turn off my car it will still run even if the key is out of the ignition. I seen a lot of people have this problem and it definitely is a safety hazard.I have a 4 year in my car when this was happening.I made it home off the high way with no problems but when I go to park my car it won't turn off.”
NHTSA complaint #10967050, filed 2017-03, 10,012 miles - Electrical system
Car keeps running or won't shut off; key stuck or no-start
Mentioned in 11 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe turning the key off and finding the engine still running, sometimes having to pull a fuse or disconnect the battery to stop it. Others report the key will not turn or cannot be removed from the ignition, and some describe the car going completely dead with no crank, no dash lights or flickering gauges. Complaints mention ignition switch or housing cylinder replacement and, in some cases, dealers saying the fault was not covered by the ignition switch recall. Reported from very low mileage up to about 117,000 miles, across all model years of use, with no clear seasonal pattern.
What to check: Start and shut the car off several times during the test drive and confirm the key turns freely and comes out cleanly. Ask whether the ignition switch or ignition housing has ever been replaced, and check that the battery holds charge after sitting overnight.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My key is stuck in the ignition and doest shut off to take the key out. I had to take the battery cable off so it wouldnt die. I looked up on the web why it would do this and alot of people complained that it happens in 2009 and 10 AVEO cars. If thats the case why hasnt chevy done a recall on it.”
NHTSA complaint #11015868, filed 2017-08, 117,320 miles“2009 chevy AVEO - since purchased last july have had intermittent shut downs. Will be driving and go to make a turn and with out any warning the car shuts off. I have brought it back to chevy numerous times and they cant seem to find the problem. Told them this is a safety issue and if the car shuts off while on the interstate there is no way for me to get out of the way of traffic. I loose all power in the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10345427, filed 2010-07, 1,500 miles - Suspension
Front-end noise, creaks and worn suspension or hub parts
- 17 complaints (10%)
- median 42,500 mi at 5.2 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2018
Owners report growling, roaring or grinding noises from the front end when turning, going over bumps or parking with the wheels turned, along with creaking that persists after control arms, wheel bearings and struts were replaced. Some describe repeated wheel bearing replacement and uneven front tire wear. Several say the dealer or customer assistance declined further help. Mostly reported between about 20,000 and 50,000 miles, though some appear near 100,000 miles.
What to check: Listen for grinding or roaring while turning at low speed and over bumps, and check front tire tread for uneven inner and outer wear. Ask for receipts showing whether bearings, control arms, struts or tie rods have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 2009 aveo5 2009. My brakes keep going out. But I am having to replace my wheel bearings 3 times in last 3 years. I don't understand why. I am scared because the back one is now making lots of noise so I know it's another wheel bearing grinding.is this considered in the recall of 2014 on AVEO 5 2009.”
NHTSA complaint #11101341, filed 2018-06, 100,000 miles“I have a 2009 AVEO 4 door with hatchback I bought brand new in april 2010. We have had tons of issues with it. It had a battery leak due to a bad weld job that cracked the battery and acid went throught the engine area (and all over our new home's garage and drive) all the front end has been replaced from the axle, cv boots, lower control arms (just replaced yesterday). This has been an ongoing issue with mulitple trips to the dealer and stays in the shop. …”
NHTSA complaint #10390584, filed 2011-03, 15,000 miles - Electrical system
Dash, shifter and exterior lights stop working
- 23 complaints (14%)
- median 49,624 mi at 4.9 yrs old (18 state mileage)
- filed 2009–2019
Complaints describe the instrument cluster, shifter and console lights going dark, sometimes together with a tail light or headlight, and reappearing intermittently. Owners mention burnt connectors in the engine fuse box, burnt wiring at the headlight bulb and instrument module damage found during dealer inspection. Several owners note they found similar reports from other Aveo owners online. Appears from near-new mileage through roughly 100,000 miles, often noticed at night or when driving after dark.
What to check: With the engine running, check every dash, console, shifter and exterior light, including tail lights and both headlights. Ask whether the instrument cluster or fuse box connectors have been repaired or replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The instrument lights on my new 2009 Chevrolet AVEO do not work. The fuse is fine but it appears to be a burnt connector in the engine fuse box. I have read online that hundreds of aveos have had the identical problem. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #10286198, filed 2009-10, 100 miles“My dashboard light suddenly went out, at the same time the right tailgate light and the front right light went off. I checked online and a number of people having the exact same problem. It is a wiring issue”
NHTSA complaint #10863972, filed 2016-05, 102,000 miles
Buying note. This model year draws the most owner reports for stalling and no-response acceleration, which are hard to verify with a short drive, so a thorough test drive at operating temperature and a pre-purchase inspection are worthwhile. Also confirm whether the ABS brake fluid recall has been done and whether the ignition and lighting repairs described in complaints have already been addressed.
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 169 consumer complaints for the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo. 143 of the complaints include a mileage, and 55% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 43,000 miles. Of all complaints, 13 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 13 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 916 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 81 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than 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.
- Electrical system50 30%
- Engine36 21%
- Engine cooling29 17%
- Suspension22 13%
- Vehicle speed control22 13%
- Fuel system19 11%
- Air bags16 9.5%
- Transmission and drivetrain14 8.3%
- Exterior lighting10 5.9%
- Other or unknown10 5.9%
Also reported: Steering (9), Tires (8), Brakes (7), Wheels (7), Body and structure (6), Electronic stability control (4), Interior lighting (2), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Equipment (1), Seat belts (1), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “I notice that my left head light when out. I replace the bulb with a high price bulb but headlight was very dim. I then notice that my headlights went out all together and no high beams, but my high beam light indicator on my dashboard is on. Also I my radio display will go in and out sometimes.”
NHTSA complaint #10641960, filed 2014-10, 90,000 milesEngine: “You can't drive it anywhere it runs right then for no reason it loose power and won't accalrate while driving it will drop below 10 MPH in traffic or lose all power while crossing road or turning I'm afeead I'll b hit in side or ran over in traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #10991383, filed 2017-05, 70,615 milesEngine cooling: “Bought a 2009 chevy AVEO last year sept. 2010 I am just now having a problem with it. Yesterday at the traffic light my car shook and jerked. Then the engine service light flashed along with the hold light. I couldn't hardly manage to move my car. I already had the spark plugs check, what could it be?”
NHTSA complaint #10422758, filed 2011-08, 70,000 milesSuspension: “I have had to replace the suspension rods, (tie rods, struts, and brakes and now the ball bearrings in the tires. I bought this car in 2010 which from my understanding it was supposed to be new at the time of purchase from baum Chevrolet in clinton, illinois. I have bought three sets of tires (new) what is up with this car? Drive daily. I have reported it to general motors who insist it is not on recall. It should be.”
NHTSA complaint #11044087, filed 2017-11, 50,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
55% of the 143 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 21,000 and 75,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 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 2009 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 | 27 | 34 | 30 | $2,250 |
| Aveo FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 25 | 34 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Aveo 5 FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 27 | 34 | 30 | $2,250 |
| Aveo 5 FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 25 | 34 | 28 | $2,400 |
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
- 14V460000Jul 29, 2014Service brakes, hydraulic › FluidCovers: Chevrolet Aveo 2009–2010, Pontiac G3 2009
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Chevrolet Aveo and 2009 Pontiac G3 vehicles. The vehicles may contain brake fluid which does not protect against corrosion of the valves inside the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module…
Recall details for the 2009 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. 916 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…
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 2009 Chevrolet Aveo?
Owners of the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo most often describe the car stalling, losing power or refusing to respond to the accelerator, sometimes at highway speed and often with no warning light. The issues reported most often: Engine stalls or loses power; no response to accelerator; Car keeps running or won't shut off; key stuck or no-start; Front-end noise, creaks and worn suspension or hub parts.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo have?
NHTSA recorded 169 consumer complaints for the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 50 complaints (30% of the total), followed by engine with 36.
Has the 2009 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 2009 Chevrolet Aveo get?
The EPA rates the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo (Aveo, 1.6L 4-cyl) at 30 mpg combined, 27 city and 34 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,250 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo reported?
Among the 143 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 43,000 miles and the middle half falls between 21,000 and 75,000 miles; 55% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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.