Chevrolet Aveo 2nd generation (2011–2020)
Generation-specific owner insights from 120+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2011–2020 Aveo?
155
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2011–2020
0
recall campaigns
engine
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment for the 2011-2020 Aveo is overwhelmingly negative, with the car repeatedly described as cheaply built, underpowered, and unsafe.
13 problems reported (2 very frequent, 4 recurrent, 7 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentRattles, clunks, and creaks from poor build quality
- Very frequentWeak acceleration and difficulty merging at highway speeds
- RecurrentUnstable, uncomfortable handling and poor ride
+ 10 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentCheap, low-rent interior materials
- RecurrentPoor safety ratings and perception as unsafe in a crash
- RecurrentTiming chain or timing belt failure
- IsolatedTransmission shifting slow or hesitant (automatic)
- IsolatedEngine problems requiring replacement
- IsolatedOverheating issues
- IsolatedDoor lock falling into the door
- IsolatedLarge A-pillars creating blind spots
- IsolatedBelt noise or rattle from a loose belt or belt-driven component
- IsolatedDiscontinued parts availability
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Partial signal: one owner states the 1.6L Ecotec engine and six-speed automatic are solid, and calls the five-speed manual more bulletproof, while another owner with a manual reports strong acceleration relative to automatic models and criticizes the four-speed automatic's gearing. No model year within the generation is singled out as best.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Honda Fit, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Yaris, Honda Civic and Toyota Camry.
Is a 2011–2020 Aveo right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Owner sentiment for the 2011-2020 Aveo is overwhelmingly negative, with the car repeatedly described as cheaply built, underpowered, and unsafe. The most common criticisms center on poor build quality, rattles and creaks, weak acceleration that makes highway merging feel dangerous, and unstable handling. A small minority of owners defend it as a reliable, fuel-efficient, inexpensive commuter that holds up if maintained, with one long-term delivery driver reporting 43,000 miles of hard use and good fuel economy. There is no clear split between early and late model years in the discussions; criticism is applied broadly across the generation, though a few owners note the 2012-2013 facelift and question whether it improved anything.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners consistently position the Aveo at the bottom of its class, describing it as the cheapest or second-cheapest new car in the US and recommending nearly any competitor over it. The Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris are the most frequently named alternatives, praised for better space, reliability, and driving feel, with owners saying even an older, higher-mileage Fit or Yaris is a better buy. The Corolla and Civic are cited as more reliable and cheaper to own, and the Matrix/Vibe as a hatchback alternative. The Chevy Sonic is suggested as a more respectable in-brand upgrade, and the Nissan Versa is preferred over the Aveo in a direct comparison. Several owners note the Aveo was a rebadged Daewoo, which they treat as a negative.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available. The only configuration-level guidance is that the manual transmission is viewed more favorably than the automatic by the owners who discuss it, and that the 1.6L Ecotec engine is described as solid by one owner. No trim or model-year recommendation emerges.
General recommendations
Owners broadly advise against buying this generation, telling prospective buyers to look at a Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Corolla, Civic, or Mazda 3 instead, even if older or higher-mileage. Those who do consider an Aveo are told to get a pre-purchase inspection, run a CarFax and Autocheck, avoid branded or salvage titles, and be wary of cars titled in multiple states or former rentals. One owner notes that maintenance costs do not rise just because the car is discontinued, since parts and service remain available, but also warns that many parts have been discontinued and few remain on the road. Another advises confirming the ignition switch has been fixed. Owners who keep the car are told to stay on top of maintenance, including timing belt/water pump service, and to find a trustworthy independent mechanic rather than relying on dealership service.
Remarks
A recurring theme is that the Aveo was designed and built by Daewoo (later GM Korea) and rebadged as a Chevrolet, which owners cite as the root of its quality problems. One owner reports buying a 2011 Aveo for just under $10,000 and being told it was overpaid for a bottom-of-segment car. Another notes that high-mileage Aveos typically do not sell and get crushed. A few owners describe the car as a "death trap" and emphasize safety concerns over cost savings. One owner reports the car is fun to drive and reliable with maintenance, and another reports 250,000 km on a related Spark, but these are minority views. Analysis based on approximately 120 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 | 0 | electrical system |
| 2011 | 154 | 0 | engine |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.