The Chevrolet Aveo spans 2004–2026 with 14 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2005, 2007, 2004 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2013, 2014, 2015. It delivers up to 30 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Chevrolet Aveo is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2004 to 2026 across multiple generations.
How to read a Chevrolet Aveo VIN — every digit explained
Every Chevrolet Aveo carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Chevrolet and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Aveo.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Aveo, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Chevrolet Aveo have?
The Chevrolet Aveo has 14 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2004–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2010 Chevrolet Aveo recalls 1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:fluid
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. If the ABS valve corrodes it may result in longer brake pedal travel or reduced performance, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix. 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.
2009 Chevrolet Aveo recalls 1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:fluid
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. If the ABS valve corrodes it may result in longer brake pedal travel or reduced performance, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix. 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.
2008 Chevrolet Aveo recalls 1
Exterior Lighting:headlights
What's 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.
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.
2007 Chevrolet Aveo recalls 2
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 1.6L ENGINE, DURING A NCAP SEVERE FRONTAL CRASH TEST, THE FUEL LINE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT DEVELOPED A FRACTURE. IN ADDITION, THE CRASH DAMAGE CAUSED FOUR SHORT CIRCUITS IN THE FUSE BLOCK, THE COMBINATION OF WHICH ALLOWED THE FUEL PUMP TO CONTINUE RUNNING AND FUEL LEAKED ONTO THE GROUND.
Risk. IF THESE CONDITIONS OCCURRED IN AN ACTUAL CRASH, A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUSE BLOCK AND INSTALL A NEW SECTION OF FUEL LINE THAT HAS BEEN REDESIGNED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 16, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.
Exterior Lighting:headlights
What's 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.
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.
2006 Chevrolet Aveo recalls 1
Exterior Lighting:headlights
What's 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.
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.
2005 Chevrolet Aveo recalls 1
Exterior Lighting:headlights
What's 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.
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.
2004 Chevrolet Aveo recalls 2
Seat Belts:rear/other
What's wrong. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR SAFETY BELT CAN BECOME TWISTED.
Risk. IF THIS OCCURS THE SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR MAY LOCK IN POSITION SO THAT THE BELT CANNOT BE USED. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT COULD OCCUR.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SAFETY BELT WEBBING GUIDE TO PREVENT THE BELT FROM TWISTING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438. VEHICLE OWNERS LOCATED IN GUAM SHOULD CONTACT GM CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE AT 1-671-648-8453.
Exterior Lighting:headlights
What's 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.
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.
Best and worst years for the Chevrolet Aveo
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 23 tracked years, the worst years are 2005, 2007, 2004 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2013, 2014, 2015.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 Aveo | Engine And Engine Cooling | Avoid | |
| 2005 Aveo | Electrical System | Avoid | |
| 2006 Aveo | Electrical System | Average | |
| 2007 Aveo | Air Bags | Avoid | |
| 2008 Aveo | Air Bags | Average | |
| 2009 Aveo | Electrical System | Average | |
| 2010 Aveo | Engine | Average | |
| 2011 Aveo | Engine | Average | |
| 2012 Aveo | Electrical System | Average | |
| 2013 Aveo | — | Best | |
| 2014 Aveo | — | Best | |
| 2015 Aveo | — | Best | |
| 2016 Aveo | — | Average | |
| 2017 Aveo | — | Average | |
| 2018 Aveo | — | Average | |
| 2019 Aveo | — | Average | |
| 2020 Aveo | — | Average | |
| 2021 Aveo | — | Average | |
| 2022 Aveo | — | Average | |
| 2023 Aveo | — | Average | |
| 2024 Aveo | — | Average | |
| 2025 Aveo | — | Average | |
| 2026 Aveo | — | Average |
What are the most common Chevrolet Aveo problems?
The most-reported Chevrolet Aveo problems are Other (2 reports), Seats (8 reports) and Tires (22 reports) — out of 1,322 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Chevrolet Aveo specifications & dimensions
The 2008–2011 Chevrolet Aveo measures 170″ long on a 98″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 2,531 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Chevrolet Aveo window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008–2011 | 170″ | 67″ | 59″ | 98″ | 2,531 lb |
| 2004–2005 | 153″ | 66″ | 59″ | 98″ | 2,348 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Chevrolet Aveo cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Aveo holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 107 cu ft of passenger volume and 31 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Chevrolet Aveo tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Chevrolet Aveo get?
The Chevrolet Aveo returns up to 30 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,100/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2011 Chevrolet Aveo (1.6L 4-cyl) gets 29 mpg combined and costs about $2,150/yr to fuel, emitting 306 g/mi CO₂ (smog 6/10) — that's about $250 saved over 5 years versus the average new vehicle.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Aveo | 27 | 34 | $2,150 | 306 | 6/10 | 1.6L 4-cyl | |
| 2010 Aveo | 27 | 35 | $2,100 | 296 | — | 1.6L 4-cyl | |
| 2009 Aveo | 27 | 34 | $2,100 | 296 | 6/10 | 1.6L 4-cyl | |
| 2008 Aveo | 24 | 34 | $2,300 | 329 | 6/10 | 1.6L 4-cyl | |
| 2007 Aveo | 23 | 33 | $2,300 | 329 | 6/10 | 1.6L 4-cyl | |
| 2006 Aveo | 22 | 32 | $2,400 | 342 | 6/10 | 1.6L 4-cyl | |
| 2005 Aveo | 23 | 32 | $2,300 | 329 | — | 1.6L 4-cyl | |
| 2004 Aveo | 23 | 32 | $2,300 | 329 | — | 1.6L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Aveo stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this Aveo's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Chevrolet Aveo have? Power & range
The Chevrolet Aveo is offered with 1 powertrain — 1.6L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-cyl | 1.6L · 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | FWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Chevrolet Aveo cost to own?
A used Chevrolet Aveo sells for a median of about $3,200 for a 2011 — most listed between $1,800 and $6,000, from 77 real US listings we track. That real market price is what depreciation eats into, so it's the true anchor of the cost to own:
| Year | Typical price | Market range | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Aveo | $1,800–$6,000 | 16 | |
| 2010 Aveo | $2,500–$3,499 | 5 | |
| 2009 Aveo | $1,800–$4,695 | 10 | |
| 2008 Aveo | $1,200–$3,900 | 16 | |
| 2007 Aveo | $1,250–$3,900 | 8 | |
| 2006 Aveo | $2,100–$2,800 | 18 |
For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a Aveo is worth today, or browse used-market prices for sedans.
A Chevrolet Aveo holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Aveo loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $10,500 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Aveo ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
How much is a Chevrolet Aveo to insure?
A Chevrolet Aveo costs about $1,625 a year to insure for a typical driver on full coverage — roughly 13% above the average car. That's from its real HLDI insurance-loss index (113, where 100 = average car); your own rate moves with state, age, record and coverage.
Estimate = US-average premium × the Aveo's HLDI loss index. See Chevrolet insurance cost by model, cost by state, or compare any car.
Is the Chevrolet Aveo safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Aveo yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Chevrolet Aveo last?
A well-maintained Chevrolet Aveo typically lasts 200,000–250,000 miles. With regular oil, transmission and timing service, most examples comfortably pass the 200,000-mile mark. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your Chevrolet Aveo’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Aveo’s VIN free →All Chevrolet Aveo model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Chevrolet Aveo — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Aveo | 0 | — | |
| 2025 Aveo | 0 | — | |
| 2024 Aveo | 0 | — | |
| 2023 Aveo | 0 | — | |
| 2022 Aveo | 0 | — | |
| 2021 Aveo | 0 | — | |
| 2020 Aveo | 0 | — | |
| 2019 Aveo | 0 | — | |
| 2018 Aveo | 0 | — | |
| 2017 Aveo | 0 | — | |
| 2016 Aveo | 0 | — | |
| 2015 Aveo | 0 | — | |
| 2014 Aveo | 0 | — | |
| 2013 Aveo | 0 | — | |
| 2012 Aveo | 1 recall | — | |
| 2011 Aveo | 1 recall | — | |
| 2010 Aveo | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2009 Aveo | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2008 Aveo | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2007 Aveo | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2006 Aveo | 1 recall | — | |
| 2005 Aveo | 1 recall | — | |
| 2004 Aveo | 2 recalls | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Aveo?
By owner-complaint volume, 2005, 2007, 2004 drew the most reports. 2013, 2014, 2015 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Aveo have?
14 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2004–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Chevrolet recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the Aveo get?
Up to 30 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Aveo last?
A well-maintained Aveo typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Aveo reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Aveo is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Chevrolet Aveo warranty?
New Chevrolet models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Chevrolet dealer.
Where is the Chevrolet Aveo made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Aveo's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Chevrolet may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Aveo have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.