2005 Chevrolet Aveo: fire, smoke or burning smell

7 of the 235 complaints about the 2005 Chevrolet Aveo describe fire, smoke or burning smell.

owner complaints: 7
of this car's complaints: 3%
typical mileage: 82,937
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 80 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Fire, smoke or burning smell by model year

2011
3
2009
3
2008
10
2007
11
2006
13
2005
7
2004
10

What owners say

Filed Jun 8, 2014 · Electrical · UT

While I am driving I often smell burning plastic I could not tell where it was coming from. I called gm and the representative told me that it was coming from my dash behind my steering wheel. I also have noticed that after I have driven anywhere my key, after I have taken it out of the ignition, is really hot. The longer I drive the hotter my key becomes. When I called gm about this problem the representative told me that she can not tell my why my key got hot. When I asked her about the recall on my car that I had seen on the news she told me that it is not an official recall and she can not do anything about it. They also informed me that I can take it into a dealership to get it looked at but it would have to be out of pocket. I have talked to gm multiple times and they have told me only that the recall would be VIN specific, I don't understand how it is VIN specific if I am telling them that my car is not right. I really would just like my car looked at for the parts that are supposed to be recalled before something bad happens to me or my passengers. I also believe that since this is a known issue I should not have to take it to a dealership to get looked at and pay hundreds of dollars out of my pocket.

Filed Feb 22, 2013 · Electrical, Lights · OH

My engine light stay on after I replace censor and now my brakes lights are all out my clock don't work right my low beams are going on an off and after replacing bulbs still do the same thing I just don't wont this care to catch on fire on me I have had it sense 2005 and bought it bran new and these problems are of very serious concern to me this car has serious problems and I have been reading about them on the internet why no recall yet on these cars.

Filed Feb 16, 2012 · Seats · 123,000 miles · TX · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet aveo. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being inspected by a private mechanic, the wiring harness under the driver's side front seat caught fire. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer confirmed that the wiring harness failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired and the VIN was unknown. The failure and the current mileage was 123,000.

Filed Jan 10, 2012 · Transmission, Visibility · 93,000 miles · NC · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet aveo. The contact stated that the vehicle would hesitate when changing gears and in addition, the heater was inoperable. The contact would also smell smoke coming from the vents sporadically. The dealer and a local mechanic were unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 93,000 and the current mileage was 105,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Dec 25, 2010 · Engine · 82,937 miles · VA

While driving I noticed a smoke coming from under the hood. I looked down to see my engine temp indicator on hot. I wasn't far from my home luckily at the time, so I drove it home. I opened my hood a couple minutes later to find water sizzling on my thermostat housing. (which is constructed of two pieces of plastic, glued together) I tried to look up info on it and came across all kinds of people complaining about this exact same problem with their 2004-2005 chevy aveo ls. The earliest complaint I saw was as early as january of 2009. After looking at your website, I found out that there is no recalls on this item at all. Also, the only place to get a new one is at the dealership for $91.00 and that is without labor cost. In addition, it is not covered under warranty.

Filed Jan 4, 2009 · Engine · 55,600 miles · NC

My daughter was driving our 2005 chevy aveo when she noticed smoke coming from under the hood, she contacted me and I came and saw anti-freeze all over engine compartment, it is when I noticed the thermostat housing split at seam. We got the car home using 3.5 gallons of anti-freeze and several stops to let engine cool. I have read hundreds of postings on different websites with people having the same problem. This part is two plastic parts sealed together with the thermostat between them. I have noticed that chevy knew of this problem happening from 30k-50k mileage on the vehicles and the new replacement part is now metal. Once I get the part and install it I will have to pay to have the engine checked since most of the complaints also mention the head warping due to the heat caused by the thermostat housing breaking.

Filed Feb 20, 2005 · Visibility · 2,000 miles · MO

My 2005 chevy aveo has 2500 miles on it and I have had to replace the front wipers already and have had the car for less than 1 month. The front wipers also have a bad time with making a clicking sound to which I have smelt a burning smell under the dash only when the wipers are on. This has made it hard to see on the highway and almost caused a wreck when I smelt a smoke smell.