2008 Chevrolet Aveo: common problems and reliability

The 2008 Chevrolet Aveo has 163 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and electrical system. Owners most often flag catastrophic engine failure due to neglected timing belt: interference engine design means belt failure destroys the engine; replacement required every 50,000-60,000 miles (80,000-97,000 km). frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2008 model year

163
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
17
Crash reports
16
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2008 Chevrolet Aveo vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2008 a good year for the Aveo?

Across the 4 Aveo model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2012) to 206 (2004). With 163 complaints, the 2008 Aveo sits about the same asthe model's median of 163.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

air bags
70
electrical system
44
exterior lighting
30
engine
20
power train
15

Recalls affecting the 2008 Aveo

exterior lighting:headlights

Campaign 14V261000

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 cent

What owners say across generations

Extremely polarized sentiment with no clear consensus. A vocal subset of long-term owners report high satisfaction, praising the vehicle for its low purchase price, inexpensive repairs, surprising interior space, and potential for high…

  • Catastrophic engine failure due to neglected timing belt: interference engine design means belt failure destroys the engine; replacement required every 50,000-60,000 miles (80,000-97,000 km). Frequency: very frequent.
  • Persistent and elusive electrical/electronic failures: check engine lights for undiagnosable reasons (codes P0300, P0700, U0001), faulty sensors (camshaft, wheel speed, output speed), wiring harness issues, gauge cluster malfunctions, complete electrical system gremlins. Frequency: very frequent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Aveo. See the full Aveo owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used Aveo listings typically run $3,208–$5,900 across 2004 to 2011 model years.

Other Aveo model years

Compare every Aveo year side by side to see how 2008 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Aveo against its rivals