2008 Chevrolet Aveo
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 206 |
| 2005 | 235 |
| 2006 | 189 |
| 2007 | 216 |
| 2008 | 163 |
| 2009 | 169 |
| 2010 | 66 |
| 2011 | 77 |
| 2012 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
39% of complaints: air bags — 64 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET AVEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BECAME INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED LACERATIONS TO THE ARMS AND FACE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130812
MY HUSBAND REAR ENDED A CAR DUE TO A CAR STOPPING SUDDINGLY AND THE ROADWAY WAS WET. THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED BUT THE OPENING IT CAME OUT OF SPLIT THE AIRBAG ON BOTH SIDES, SO IT DID NOT INFLATE PROPERLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120425
MY GRANDDAUGHTER WAS INVOLVED IN AN MVC IN FLORIDA. SHE WAS EXITING ON AN INTERSTATE RAMP AND FAILED TO LEAVE ROOM FOR ANOTHER STOPPED VEHICLE RESULTING IN A FRONT END/REAR END CRASH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20090120
25% of complaints: electrical system — 40 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
There was no prior warnings or notices that there was an issue. While diving on a major road with my children, smoke started coming into the cabin from the vents, and around the stereo.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240819
WHILE PARKED OUTSIDE WHERE MY HUSBAND WORKS, A FIRE OCCURRED IN THE DASHBOARD OF THE CAR. THE HEAT WAS SO INTENSE, THE WINDSHIELD SHATTERED. A GIANT HOLE - BIGGER THAN A BOWLING BALL WAS LEFT IN THE TOP OF THE DASHBOARD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120419
17% of complaints: exterior lighting — 28 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY12% of complaints: engine — 20 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY9% of complaints: power train — 14 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240708
SAFETY TIMELINE
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Aveo vehicles equipped with daytime running lights (DRL).
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.
Campaign 14V261000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Chevrolet Aveo — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (64 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (40 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (28 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 14V261000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.