2010 Chevrolet Aveo Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Aveo years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
32/100 0.7× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.7× 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.
- 14 of its 66 complaints were filed by the end of 2012.
- Most reported problem: Engine stalls or loses power while driving (24 complaints, median 49,250 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
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
- 66filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 46,750miles, 58 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
- 30 mpgcombined, 1.6L 4-cyl FWD · 27 city / 35 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2010 Chevrolet Aveo (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2010 Chevrolet Aveo most often describe the engine losing power or stalling while driving, sometimes with a check-engine light and sometimes with no warning, and a smaller but persistent group describes the key sticking in the ignition or the car failing to start. Complaints also cover airbags that owners say did not deploy in crashes, overheating tied to a thermostat, and brake-pedal or ABS concerns. Reports span a wide mileage range, from near-new vehicles to ones past 100,000 miles.
- Engine
Engine stalls or loses power while driving
- 24 complaints (36%)
- median 49,250 mi at 5.0 yrs old (22 state mileage)
- filed 2010–2020
Complaints describe the engine shutting off or the throttle going unresponsive at speed, on highways and at stop lights, sometimes with a sputter or rapid vibration beforehand and sometimes with no warning. Several owners say the car restarted after a wait, or that the dealer could not reproduce the fault; others were told the oxygen sensors, ignition coils, fuel pump or engine control module needed attention, and some had software reflashes performed. A few reports mention a check-engine light along with reduced power and hesitation. Reports appear across the range from about 25,000 to over 140,000 miles, with many in the 30,000-85,000 mile band and no clear seasonal pattern.
What to check: Ask whether the engine control software has been updated and whether oxygen sensors, ignition coils or the fuel pump have been replaced; a scan tool check for stored codes and a highway test drive are worth doing.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving 50 MPH the car suddenly lost power..gas pedal was not responding and car went down to 10 MPH third time this has happened first and second time were on the same drive( nine or so months ago) but car dead stopped the first time then started again and stopped and regained power again.the third time car regained power and continued on.traffic behind me had to go around me abruptly ....very dangerous ..”
NHTSA complaint #10660361, filed 2014-11, 19,677 miles“My daughter was driving on the highway and streets the car will loose speed while your driving and stall as if it's not getting fuel. She was on the expressway and lucky she was in the right lane and was able to coast to the shoulder before the car died out. I had this problem check several times and replaced the fuel pump and fuel sensor and still am having the problem. I have an appointment with the dealer for a diagnostic test on 10-1-2015”
NHTSA complaint #10778863, filed 2015-09, 63,000 miles - Air bags
Airbags did not deploy in a crash
- 8 complaints (12%)
- median 43,924 mi at 4.1 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 8 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2011–2015
Complaints describe frontal or side impacts in which owners say the airbags did not deploy, sometimes with the passenger-side bag only. Separate reports describe the passenger airbag warning light or the passenger airbag-off indicator staying illuminated while driving with the seat empty, traced to a faulty connector wire. In most cases no cause for the deployment failure was determined. Reported from roughly 45,000 to 100,000 miles in most of the sampled complaints, usually at the time of a collision.
What to check: Check that the airbag warning light goes out after the bulb test on start-up and ask whether any airbag-related repairs or connector work have been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The back seat belt behind the drivers seat did not lock up like it was suppose to on impacted, and my cousin hit the back of my seat and blacked out. Also, we hit head on to another car and the only airbag that went off was the drivers side and my husband was in the passenger seat. Luckily his seat belt locked up or he would have hit the windshield.”
NHTSA complaint #10555476, filed 2013-12, 75,000 miles“We broad sided a car that pulled out in front of us at about 40mph, the driver side airbag deployed but the passenger side did not. Luckily the seat belt saved me from going through the windshield, however had the airbag deployed like it was suppose to I wouldn't be on temporary disability and in the most pain I have ever experienced in my life. Major chest contusions, massive bruising across the chest and abdomen for weeks, strained back and neck and therapy for weeks are just a part of what I got to experience. …”
NHTSA complaint #10606480, filed 2014-06, 33,000 miles - Electrical system
Key stuck in ignition / car will not start
- 9 complaints (14%)
- median 67,927 mi at 4.8 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- filed 2013–2022
Owners describe the key binding in the ignition so the car cannot be shut off or released, and other cases where the vehicle is completely dead or cranks intermittently with no start. Some report blown ignition or fuel-pump fuses, a replaced ignition switch that did not resolve the problem, and a clutch switch repair on manual cars. In several complaints the dealer could not reproduce the condition and no repair was made. Mileage ranges widely, from a few thousand miles to nearly 200,000; several reports involve intermittent no-starts over months.
What to check: Test that the key turns freely and releases from the run position, confirm all positions work repeatedly, and ask whether the ignition switch or battery has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My vehicle would not start on a trip to florida and my boyfriend and I had to push start it all the way back to ohio. As soon as we got back I got back I got the clutch switch repaired which was $300. Then I went on a second trip to florida in july and once I arrived I got in my car to go somewhere and it would not start yet again. I took it to a repair shop where they could not find them problem yet still charged me $220 because it just started randomly. …”
NHTSA complaint #10651828, filed 2014-11, 50,000 miles“I went to start the car and it was completely dead, the lights worked and the door ajar light worked also, I had the car towed to a shop where I was told it was the ignition switch. A new one was put in, I paid $553 took the car and ran errands. After leaving the car not running for about 1-1/2 hours I went to start it and the same thing happened. Car was towed back to shop where mechanic called chevy dealer and they told him since it was an aftermarket part, it wasn't compatible. …”
NHTSA complaint #10555096, filed 2013-12, 69,500 miles - Engine cooling
Overheating and coolant loss
- 8 complaints (12%)
- median 68,000 mi at 6.1 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2013–2017
Owners describe the engine overheating or shutting down at speed with no warning light, with technicians later attributing it to a thermostat that stayed closed or failed to close. Some report head and gasket work afterward, along with coolant needing to be added repeatedly. One complaint notes smoke from under the hood while idling alongside head gasket and timing belt repairs. Mostly reported between about 60,000 and 130,000 miles, often during highway driving.
What to check: Check coolant level and condition, look for residue around the thermostat housing and hoses, and ask whether the thermostat or head gasket has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Overheating,they told me the thermostate opened and didn't close.no warnings,nothing to let me know this happened.blew the heads.I was driving on highway,just started shutting down.I only have 68,000.miles on this car.my oil got changed every 2000. 3000. Miles.always had it checked out with oil change.”
NHTSA complaint #10955165, filed 2017-02, 68,000 miles“Thermostat stayed closed.no warning lights came on.driving on interstate.car just shut down.speed was 65 to 70.o2 sensor has gone out also for the second time in two and half years.the car had only about 68000.miles when the thermostat got stuck.had to have major work done on the car.head did not crack.it had to be repaired.along with other issues because of that problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10959458, filed 2017-03, 68,000 miles - Brakes
Brake pedal low or soft, ABS fluid recall
- 5 complaints (8%)
- median 48,000 mi at 4.4 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2011–2021
Some owners describe the brake pedal traveling toward the floor before the car stops, or grinding and squealing noises from the brakes. A recall covers brake fluid that may not protect the ABS valves from corrosion, and complaints describe ABS-related brake work. In some instances the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Reported from about 50,000 to 93,000 miles in the sampled complaints.
What to check: Ask whether recall 14V460000 (brake fluid replacement) was completed, check the brake fluid level and condition, and test pedal feel on a long, firm stop.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“1st incident--due to the failure of the clutch master cylinder (leaking) its hard to make the gear shift(manual).dealer fixed it. 2nd incident-- check engine light came on (mileage-3909)-- software need update.dealer fixed it. 3rd incident-- rattling noise from the door back of the driver side.(mileage--6858). It was loose window channel. Dealer replace the parts. 4th incident-- check engine light came on again (mileage-8882).oxygen sensor failured.dealer replaced the parts. 5th incident-- brake light come and go(mileage--9449). …”
NHTSA complaint #10447460, filed 2012-02, 776 miles“The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet AVEO. While backing out of a parking space in reverse, the brake pedal traveled all the way down to the floorboard when depressed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10935660, filed 2016-12, 93,000 miles
Buying note. The 2010 Aveo's complaints cluster around stalling and no-start behavior that often resists diagnosis, so a thorough test drive and a scan for stored codes matter more than low mileage. Ask about the brake fluid recall, airbag warning lights and documented ignition or thermostat repairs before deciding.
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 66 consumer complaints for the 2010 Chevrolet Aveo. 58 of the complaints include a mileage, and 53% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 46,750 miles. Of all complaints, 8 involved a crash, 8 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 1,054 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 32 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer 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.
- Engine23 35%
- Electrical system16 24%
- Air bags9 14%
- Engine cooling7 11%
- Fuel system7 11%
- Brakes5 7.6%
- Steering5 7.6%
- Suspension4 6.1%
Also reported: Wheels (3), Electronic stability control (2), Other or unknown (2), Seat belts (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Seats (1), Body and structure (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “To echo this complaint: upon approaching a red light, I began slowing down and immediately the car started sputtering and once at a complete stop, the car rapidly vibrated for 5 seconds and then completely shut down. I waited a few seconds to try and restart and was able to make it home. This issue has been going on in different severities over the course of the past 7 months, dating back to october 2013. At other times the vehicle will begin decelerating while my foot is on the accelerator. …”
NHTSA complaint #10633464, filed 2014-09, 46,500 milesElectrical system: “Upon approaching a red light, I began slowing down and immediately the car started sputtering and once at a complete stop, the car rapidly vibrated for 5 seconds and then completely shut down. I waited a few seconds to try and restart and was able to make it home. This issue has been going on in different severities over the course of the past 7 months, dating back to october 2013. At other times the vehicle will begin decelerating while my foot is on the accelerator. …”
NHTSA complaint #10588948, filed 2014-05, 61,500 milesAir bags: “At point of collision, neither air bags deployed and seat belt did not work effectively to restrain my adolescent son. If the seat belt had restrained him properly and the air bag had indeed deployed; his teeth marks would not have been embedded into the dash. I firmly believe he and myself would not have suffered the amount of injuries if the mechanisms had worked properly. I had a head injury and whiplash, also.”
NHTSA complaint #10455919, filed 2012-04Transmission and drivetrain: “I was driving on the highway when the engine light came on. The vehicle ran for a few minutes before it started losing power and chugging along on the highway. When I pulled off, I had to flutter on the gas to keep the car from stalling at the stop sign. To make it home on the back roads, I did not stop at stop signs for fear of the car stalling, I had the gas pedal to the floor and it was only going approximately 10 MPH. I did not drive it to the dealership, it was towed. They found several engine control module updates. Reflashed ECM code s47490d. …”
NHTSA complaint #10490837, filed 2013-01, 27,713 milesMileage when problems were reported
53% of the 58 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 12,235 and 69,500 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 2010 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 2010 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 | 35 | 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 | 35 | 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 2010 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. 1,054 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 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.
- 11019693Jun 9, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
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 2010 Chevrolet Aveo?
Owners of the 2010 Chevrolet Aveo most often describe the engine losing power or stalling while driving, sometimes with a check-engine light and sometimes with no warning, and a smaller but persistent group describes the key sticking in the ignition or the car failing to start. The issues reported most often: Engine stalls or loses power while driving; Airbags did not deploy in a crash; Key stuck in ignition / car will not start.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2010 Chevrolet Aveo have?
NHTSA recorded 66 consumer complaints for the 2010 Chevrolet Aveo as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2010 Chevrolet Aveo is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 23 complaints (35% of the total), followed by electrical system with 16.
Has the 2010 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 2010 Chevrolet Aveo get?
The EPA rates the 2010 Chevrolet Aveo (Aveo, 1.6L 4-cyl) at 30 mpg combined, 27 city and 35 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 2010 Chevrolet Aveo reported?
Among the 58 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 46,750 miles and the middle half falls between 12,235 and 69,500 miles; 53% 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.