Should I buy a 2008 Chevrolet Aveo with documented lighting problems?

Depends on the price and the specific vehicle. Documented lighting issues should be priced into the purchase — if the seller is asking full retail, negotiate down by the expected repair cost. A pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop tells you whether THIS specific vehicle has already shown the symptoms or not.

2008 Chevrolet Aveo lighting problems

severe 19 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $250

Complaints

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$250

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 14V261000 19/05/2014

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.

What owners are reporting 5 most recent

lighting · filed 12/11/2016

AIRBAG MALFUNCTION. LIGHT IS ON AND STAYS ON. THERBY DISABLING AIRBAG FUNCTIONALITY. DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW THIS IS NOT A RECAL ALREADY. BELIEVE IT HAS ALREADY BEEN DETERMINED A RECALL ON PRIOR YEARS. HEADLIGHT PLASTIC DETERIORATION. PLASTIC HAS CRUMBLED AND WILL SOON MAKE VISIBILITY UNSAFE.

lighting · filed 12/08/2015

I WAS REAR ENDED AND IT WAS NOT A BAD ACCIDENT BUT NEEDED A BUMPER AND I NOTICED THAT AFTER THIS HAPPENED MY AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN WE TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR I TOLD THE TECHNICIAN THAT I WAS MORE CONCERNED ABOUT THE AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT THEN THE BUMPER. THEY SAID THEY WOULD LOOK AT IT. WHEN WE PICKED UP OUR VEHICLE THEY SAID THEY LOOKED AT THE AIRBAG LIGHT SENSOR AND RESET IT.…

lighting · filed 12/06/2017

CHIEF DEFICIENCY: HEADLIUGHTS HAVE SPONTANEOUSLY STOPPED ILLUMINATING. NO HIGH OR LOW BEAM FUNCTION OF THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER HEADLAMPS. BULBS WERE JUST REPLACED BECAUSE LIGHTS WERE DIMMING. UPON REPLACEMENT IT WAS NOTED THAT THE PASSENGER PLUG IN/SOCKET WAS PARTIALLY MELTED. WORKED FINE FOR 20 DAYS; NOW NO HEADLIGHTS AT ALL. THIS OCCURRED WHILE I WAS DRIVING AFTER DARK. I FOUND THERE IS A GM R…

lighting · filed 12/02/2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET AVEO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V261000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAIABLE.

lighting · filed 11/19/2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET AVEO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V261000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO INFORM WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Common questions

How serious is the lighting problem on the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo?

It's a meaningful issue. 19 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $250.

At what mileage does the lighting typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $250 for lighting repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to lighting?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover lighting issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.