VehicleVerdict

2008 Chevrolet Aveo problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2008 Chevrolet Aveo sits mid-pack among Aveo years: 251 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 270, with a single recall and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 31 injuries in total across these filings.

Airbags leads the complaint categories with 70 reports (28% of the total).

251

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

25

Crash-involved

24

Fires reported

31

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Aveo years?

Aveo NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted323 complaints2004: 271 complaints2005: 323 complaints2006: 280 complaints2007: 307 complaints2008: 251 complaints2009: 278 complaints2010: 105 complaints2011: 112 complaints2012: 3 complaints
Aveo NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Aveo years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Chevrolet Aveo problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags7028%
Electrical System4819%
Lighting3112%
Engine2811%
Transmission156%
Suspension94%
Speed Control83%
Brakes73%
Body & Structure73%
Other62%
Tires & Wheels52%
Steering52%
Fuel System42%
Seat Belts31%
Latches & Locks21%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Seats10%

Does the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V261000LightingMay 19, 2014 · 218,000 units

Defect

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, which could melt the DRL module.

Consequence

If the DRL module melts due to the heat generation, it could cause a vehicle fire.

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. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). General Motors recall number for this campaign is 14236.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET AVEO. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE DRIVER SNEEZED AND, AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 18, 2015 · crash

“IN MARCH THE VEHICLE SHUT COMPLETELY DOWN AND THE FAN BELT POPPED AND WRAP AROUND THE MOTOR AND HAD DAMAGED THE TIMER BELT. TWO MONTHS LATER THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE POST OFFICE AND WHEN CRANKING IT UP TO LEAVE IT WOULDN'T START BECAUSE IT HAD SHUT DOWN AGAIN. SEPTEMBER 27, 2013 THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 11, 2013 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET AVEO. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR PROLONGED PERIODS OF TIME, FUMES EMITTED FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD, SMOKE APPEARED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · June 1, 2015 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET AVEO. THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN BUT ORIGINATED IN THE ENGINE. THE VIN WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 23, 2011 · fire

“ON THE CHEVY AVEO, ALL MODEL YEARS, THE PARK LOCK SITCH , THAT ALSO MAKES THE BRAKE LIGHTS WORK , SOMETIMES DOESN'T FUNCTION . THIS MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, ALSO THE BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T COME ON. THEREFORE, WHEN DRIVING THE BRAKE LIGHTS SOMETIMES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 18, 2012

2008 Chevrolet Aveo — common questions

Is the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo reliable?

It is close to typical for the Aveo: 251 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2008 Aveo problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (70 complaints), electrical system (48 complaints), lighting (31 complaints).

Does the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.