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2008 Chevrolet Aveo problems

The most common problem on the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo is airbags, typically around 62,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Aveo model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Year score
75/100
Owner complaints
163
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
222
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
26-27mpg

The worst 2008 Chevrolet Aveo problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo

Airbag light 43Headlights 20No deployment 10Fire or smoke 10Check engine light 9Stalling 7Loss of power 5

Trouble codes owners of the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo mention

P2135 3

Recalls 1

Exterior lighting: headlightsReported May 19, 2014 · 218,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 14V261000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo

Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo 222

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 222 bulletins for the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo

2008 Chevrolet Aveo fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.6L 4‑cylFWD23-2432-3426-27

What 2008 Chevrolet Aveo owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 22, 2026 · Lights · NC

The wiring to my headlights have overheated and melted twice. I found the really on the year and model of my car but wasn't on the list when I entered my vin

Filed Sep 8, 2024 · Engine · TX

California catalytic converter breaking

Filed Aug 19, 2024 · Electrical · TX · fire

There was no prior warnings or notices that there was an issue. While diving on a major road with my children, smoke started coming into the cabin from the vents, and around the stereo. Luckily I was near a very vacant parking lot and immediately pulled over. I removed the kids from the car safely and did open the hood to try troubleshoot the problem. There was no smoke anywhere under the hood. Immediately after, sparks started falling from under the steering wheel to the gas pedal. Immediately after that the car was engulfed in flames. The car is currently located at my local police impound and is available for inspection upon request. From the time the smoke started to when the car was engulfed, it was approximately 5 minutes. This could have been dangerous had we been on a highway and unable to pull over and get out of the car safely within that time. It was only inspected briefly by the fire department who arrived to put out the fire and they reported it was an electrical issue that caused the fire.

Filed Jul 8, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · 121,000 miles · IN

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the transmission became unbolted and separated from the vehicle. Additionally, the engine separated from the motor mounts rendering the vehicle undrivable. The vehicle was later towed the local mechanic. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 121,000.

Filed Oct 26, 2022 · Transmission · WA

The left side mount-to-mount bracket bolt broke when accelerating normally from a stop. This is one of the bolts that holds the engine to the frame. This caused my shift stick to be thrown back on every acceleration. This is an obvious safety risk. I have not yet had this problem verified or confirmed by anyone. The car seemed to drive well and normal before and up to this incident.

Filed Feb 17, 2022 · Airbags · VA

The contact's son owns a 2008 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed that the passenger's side air bag needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

Filed Feb 1, 2022 · Electrical · NY

In-dash clock module contains the vehicle 'Check Engine Light' - required to pass inspection. Solder joints are defective ('cold' or cracked) creating intermittent electrical connections. Prevents warning of engine defects to driver. Solder defects eventually cause destruction of the module incurring unreimbursed denial of transport and expense to driver to repair.

Filed Aug 12, 2021 · Lights · 110,000 miles · MO · fire

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked and had the headlights illuminated. The contact's wife went to start the vehicle and turned off the lights when smoke began to emit from the dashboard and the engine compartment. The contact was able to disconnect the battery and the smoke had stopped. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with, the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V261000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) however the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of failure and told the contact that they were able to assist but would not without the contact having computer access. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Filed Mar 1, 2021 · Acceleration, Engine · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet aveo. The contact stated that the vehicle started losing motive power and decelerated however, the vehicle did not stall. The contact pulled over and waited for the vehicle to regain full power. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither a dealer nor the manufacturer were made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Nov 30, 2019 · Airbags · 130,200 miles · NJ

2008 chevy aveo sedan - [xxx] - airbag warning light remains on at all times - no body codes are present / detected - (using foxwell elite nt630 scanner which claims to read / clear airbag codes) - I've already researched this issue - "mucho problemos" - with over half of all chevy aveo complaints including airbag warning light remains on. It's most likely either the clock module - which passes the passenger side airbag signals to the main SRS controller, the SRS controller module (located under center shift console area) or the passenger side airbag itself - code scanner only sees passenger side airbag stage 2 - (no stage 1 seen) ... Driver's side shows both stage 1 and stage 2 ... All pretensioners are proper (2 ohms circuit resistance) ... Battery strong / good / new - 1 year old - 13.5 volts - I'm worried dealer (hawthorne chevrolet - hawthorne nj) will actually not know the extensive issue with chevy aveo airbag warning light coming on - and will wrongly diagnose and try to charge big bucks - and problem will return - this is a safety issue - since with airbag warning light staying on - SRS airbag system will not operate, no airbag protection - I have also now contacted chevrolet on this subject / problem - waiting for their reply - located in northern nj - hawthorne chevrolet would be the proper dealership - (I purchased the car there - 10 years ago - they have serviced the car for routine repairs) ... Will be contacting them on this SRS airbag warning light problem - but worried they are not really knowledgeable on it ... There should be a recall on this problem - SRS / airbag warning light staying on - safety related failure - chevy knows about this by now for sure - information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo

Is the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo reliable?

Owners have filed 163 complaints about the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo, close to a typical Aveo model year.

What is the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo year score?

The 2008 Chevrolet Aveo scores 75 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Aveo: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo?

Airbags, with 70 complaints, typically around 62,000 miles. Next is electrical (44).

How many recalls does the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo have?

1 recall, covering exterior lighting.

What year does the Chevrolet Aveo have bad airbags?

The Chevrolet Aveo model years with the most airbags complaints are 2007 (84 complaints), 2008 (70 complaints) and 2006 (58 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo get?

Official estimates for the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo range from 26 to 27 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.6L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 23-24 city and 32-34 highway.

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