VehicleVerdict

2009 Chevrolet Aveo problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2009 Chevrolet Aveo sits mid-pack among Aveo years: 278 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 270, with a single recall and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 18 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (66), electrical system (55), and suspension (22), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

278

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

23

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

18

Injuries

3

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Aveo years?

Aveo NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 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, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Aveo years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Chevrolet Aveo problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine6624%
Electrical System5520%
Speed Control228%
Suspension228%
Fuel System197%
Airbags166%
Tires & Wheels155%
Transmission145%
Lighting124%
Other114%
Steering93%
Brakes73%
Body & Structure62%
Latches & Locks21%
Seat Belts10%
Seats10%

Does the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo have recalls?

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

14V460000BrakesJuly 29, 2014 · 1,968 units

Defect

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, affecting the closing motion of the valves.

Consequence

If the ABS valve corrodes it may result in longer brake pedal travel or reduced performance, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS module, free of charge, in any vehicle that did not have its module replaced under a previous customer satisfaction campaign. The recall began in late September 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac). GM's number for this recall is 14505.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE TRAVELLING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, US ROUTE 93 AT EXIT 33, SOUTH IN MASSACHUSETTS, AND BURNT AND THE GAS TANK EXPLODED. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT PRECEDING THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 1, 2018 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET AVEO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND WENT INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THREE OF THE TIRES BECAME DETACHED FROM THE WHEELS AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 11, 2012 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET AVEO. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE SPARK PLUG AND THE AIR FILTER WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · June 18, 2015

“HAD AN ACCIDENT WHEN SOMEONE RAN INTO ME. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. SUSPENSION BARS HAD TO BE REPLACED. ALSO HAVE A CRACK IN THE VACUUM HOSE. I WAS DRIVING APPRX 25-30 MILES.THE PROBLEMS HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE ACCIDENT..MY QUESTION IS THAT I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO REPLACE THE SUSPENSION BARS THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · June 2, 2016 · crash

“THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE TRAVELLING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, US ROUTE 93 AT EXIT 33, SOUTH IN MASSACHUSETTS, AND BURNT AND THE GAS TANK EXPLODED. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT PRECEDING THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 1, 2018 · fire

2009 Chevrolet Aveo — common questions

Is the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo reliable?

It is close to typical for the Aveo: 278 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2009 Aveo problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (66 complaints), electrical system (55 complaints), suspension (22 complaints).

Does the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2009 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.