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ProblemsByVin File / 2008-CHEVROLET-AVEO NHTSA data synced 4 days ago
2008 · Chevrolet

Chevrolet Aveo problems

163 owner complaints and 1 active recall campaign on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.4 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2008 Aveo?
Avoid — the electrical system

The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

airbags
51 reports · fails ~62,262 mi · avg $1,100
severe
electrical
36 reports · fails ~81,365 mi · avg $850
severe
lighting
19 reports · fails ~90,154 mi · avg $250
severe
engine
11 reports · fails ~59,585 mi · avg $3,100
severe
powertrain
11 reports · fails ~67,194 mi · avg $2,500
moderate
suspension
7 reports · fails ~48,302 mi · avg $900
moderate
brakes
6 reports · fails ~22,112 mi · avg $450
moderate
cruise control
6 reports · fails ~35,248 mi · avg $600
moderate
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2008 Aveo's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2008 Aveo?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2008 Aveo · airbags
Air bag light stays on. Was told passenger side air bag problem are common on the 2008 Chevy aveo. I use this vehicle for a commuter car. Light came on around 25,000 miles. Hardly ever have a passenger in this car. Chevy needs to fix this problem. By the incredible large…
12/31/2016 · at 25,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10938951.0 · see airbags pattern →
2008 Aveo · airbags
There is a problem with the red air bag light, it stays on. It never goes off. *tr
2008 Aveo · brakes
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet aveo. While at a gas station, the contact noticed that the front driver's side tire was covered in brake dust. After leaving the gas station, driving approximately 70 MPH, another vehicle switched lanes in front of him. The contact applied…
12/29/2008 · at 14,733 mi · NHTSA ODI #10253044.0 · see brakes pattern →
2008 Aveo · engine Crash
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet aveo. While driving approximately 50 MPH the driver struck a deer in the roadway. The vehicle spun out of control. He then gained vehicle control, and pulled over to the side of the road and exited the vehicle. Suddenly, the vehicle…
12/22/2009 · at 36,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10296724.0 · see engine pattern →
View all 163 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2008 Chevrolet Aveo? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 14V261000 May 19, 2014

General Motors is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Aveo vehicles equipped with daytime running lights (DRL)

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

Fix: 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.

Common questions

Is the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 163 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

Should you avoid the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo?

On the NHTSA data, the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 7 fire-related complaints and 1 crash-related complaint on the electrical system; Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 51 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 62,262 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 62,262 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Chevrolet Aveo has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2008 Chevrolet Aveo?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 163 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Chevrolet/Aveo. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Chevrolet. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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