Total Complaints
323 filings
CHEVROLET AVEO · model year
323 NHTSA complaints, 25 crash reports, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2005CHEVROLETAVEO carries 323 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 25 crashes, 28 fires, 26 injuries, and 1 fatality. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2005 AVEO is electrical system with 61 filings, followed by exterior lighting (44) and engine and engine cooling (34). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 1 active recall campaign, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 57 investigation files overlapping the 2005 AVEO, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
323 filings
Crashes Reported
25 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 61 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 44 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 34 |
| ENGINE | 17 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM | 16 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 15 |
| POWER TRAIN | 12 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 11 |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | 10 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 8 |
| AIR BAGS | 8 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 6 |
| SUSPENSION | 6 |
| INTERIOR LIGHTING | 6 |
| STEERING | 5 |
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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.
The contact's daughter owns a 2005 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated that intermittently, the headlights failed to illuminate. The contact's daughter had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V261000 (Exterior Lighting). The contact made a local dealer aware of the failure and the recall; however, the dealer informed the contact that parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Mileage: 60,000
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH and making a stop, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact was able to push the vehicle to the nearby gas station with assistance. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir and was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that the vehicle had overheated, and the valve cover gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired however, the valve cover gasket was sealed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
Mileage: 140,000
Timing belt/chain broke. Car is below the 60,000 mile mark for scheduled replacement as stated from manufacturer. Car broke down suddenly in the middle of the road creating a hazard to the driver and others.
THIS IS NOT MY VEHICLE. I AM REPORTING FRAUD BY GM. PLEASE REVIEW THE INFORMATION I AM SUPPLYING BECAUSE THE NEW GM FAILED TO DO SO.*DT *JS
NOTHING HAPPENED, BUT I SAW THAT THE CHEVROLET AVEO'S STATUS WAS DEEMED, "RECALL INCOMPLETE," AND I WANTED TO KNOW WHAT I SHOULD DO WITH THE CAR; IF THERE ARE ANY REPAIRS THAT NEED TO BE DONE OR IF REPAIRS CANNOT BE DONE. I DON'T HAVE ANY PHOTOS BECAUSE I DON'T UNDERSTAND IN DEPTH WHY THIS VEHICLE WAS RECALLED, BUT I WANTED TO KNOW IF THIS IS VERY CONCERNING OR NOT.
TACADA RECALL I BOUGHT MY CAR HAD 121000 MILES ALL A SUDDEN I HAVE NO RIGHT TAIL LIGHT NO DASH LIGHTS AN NO PASSENGERS FRONT ORANGE LIGHT THER IS NO POWER GOING TO FUSE BOX UNDER HOOD I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THEY STATED MY VIN HAD BEEN FIXED FOR THAT RECAL AND IT HAS NOT
Mileage: 121,000
TACADA RECALL I BOUGHT MY CAR HAD 121000 MILES ALL A SUDDEN I HAVE NO RIGHT TAIL LIGHT NO DASH LIGHTS AN NO PASSENGERS FRONT ORANGE LIGHT THER IS NO POWER GOING TO FUSE BOX UNDER HOOD I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THEY STATED MY VIN HAD BEEN FIXED FOR THAT RECAL AND IT HAS NOT
Mileage: 121,000
GM MUST NOT KNOW THIS THIS HAS TO DO WITH THE ELECTRICAL WIRE HARNESS INSIDE OF THE ENGINE BLOCK FOR THE LIGHTS. FOR SOME REASON THE POWER IS OVER WRITING THE FUSES AND NOT BLOWING AND CAUSING SMALL ENGINE FIRES THAT COULD GET OUT OF CONTROL. I CAUGHT MINE IN ENOUGH TIME AND PUT IT OUT. A GUY HAS TO DO WITH THE RIGHT SIDE AND THE LEFT SIDE IN THE FUSE BOX BEING TWO SEPARATE ENTITIES OF WIRES WHICH IS 7 + 7 EQUALS 14 TO CONTROL TWO DIFFERENT SIZES. I WAS JUST WONDERING WHY AND GM NEEDS TO KNOW WHAT'S THE SENSE OF HAVING A FUSE BOX IF THE WIRES ARE GOING TO OVERRIDE THE FUSE. AND POSSIBLY CATCH FIRE OR WILL CATCH FIRE IT JUST A MATTER OF AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. I'VE BEEN ON YOUTUBE AND FOUND OUT THIS IS A COMMON THING TO HAPPEN FOR CHEVY AVEO WILL THERE BE A 2004 THROUGH 2008. I'M LETTING YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS CONCERN BECAUSE I DO NOT WANT ANYBODY TO DIE FROM A CAR FIRE BECAUSE GM.MAYBE NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS THAT IT'S A BIG ISSUE AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. SINCERELY [XXX] IF SOME
Mileage: 178,000
GM MUST NOT KNOW THIS THIS HAS TO DO WITH THE ELECTRICAL WIRE HARNESS INSIDE OF THE ENGINE BLOCK FOR THE LIGHTS. FOR SOME REASON THE POWER IS OVER WRITING THE FUSES AND NOT BLOWING AND CAUSING SMALL ENGINE FIRES THAT COULD GET OUT OF CONTROL. I CAUGHT MINE IN ENOUGH TIME AND PUT IT OUT. A GUY HAS TO DO WITH THE RIGHT SIDE AND THE LEFT SIDE IN THE FUSE BOX BEING TWO SEPARATE ENTITIES OF WIRES WHICH IS 7 + 7 EQUALS 14 TO CONTROL TWO DIFFERENT SIZES. I WAS JUST WONDERING WHY AND GM NEEDS TO KNOW WHAT'S THE SENSE OF HAVING A FUSE BOX IF THE WIRES ARE GOING TO OVERRIDE THE FUSE. AND POSSIBLY CATCH FIRE OR WILL CATCH FIRE IT JUST A MATTER OF AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. I'VE BEEN ON YOUTUBE AND FOUND OUT THIS IS A COMMON THING TO HAPPEN FOR CHEVY AVEO WILL THERE BE A 2004 THROUGH 2008. I'M LETTING YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS CONCERN BECAUSE I DO NOT WANT ANYBODY TO DIE FROM A CAR FIRE BECAUSE GM.MAYBE NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS THAT IT'S A BIG ISSUE AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. SINCERELY [XXX] IF SOME
Mileage: 178,000
MY DAUGHTER CAME TO A STOP IN TRAFFIC AT A RED LIGHT 50 FEET FROM THE CAR IN FRONT OF HER AND WAS HIT IN THE REAR TRAVELING AT ABOUT 40 MILES PER HOUR KNOCKING HER IN TO THE CAR IN FRONT OF HER THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND GM'S INVESTIGATION SAYS SHE WASN'T HIT HARD ENOUGH. SHE WAS SENT TO THE HOSPITAL VIA EMS WITH BACK AND NECK INJURY'S THIS WHOLE ACCIDENT WAS CAUGHT ON THE CAR WASH VIDEO CAM .
Mileage: 94,514
MY DAUGHTER CAME TO A STOP IN TRAFFIC AT A RED LIGHT 50 FEET FROM THE CAR IN FRONT OF HER AND WAS HIT IN THE REAR TRAVELING AT ABOUT 40 MILES PER HOUR KNOCKING HER IN TO THE CAR IN FRONT OF HER THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND GM'S INVESTIGATION SAYS SHE WASN'T HIT HARD ENOUGH. SHE WAS SENT TO THE HOSPITAL VIA EMS WITH BACK AND NECK INJURY'S THIS WHOLE ACCIDENT WAS CAUGHT ON THE CAR WASH VIDEO CAM .
Mileage: 94,514
I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW AND KEPT UP THE MAINTENANCE RELIGIOUSLY! I WAS HORRIFIED TO FIND OUT THAT MY TIMING BELT WENT OUT AT 46,000 MILES! MY MANUAL SAYS TO REPLACE TIMING BELT AT 60,000 MILES. I'VE READ THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED IN 2006, BUT IT DIDN'T GO TO OWNERS; JUST SERVICE SHOPS...I WAS NEVER ALERTED, THAT WAS DEFINITELY A MISTAKE ON GM'S PART. I FEEL AS THOUGH I SHOULD BE COMPENSATED!!!
Mileage: 46,000
INTERIOR DASH AND CONSOLE LIGHTS IN-OPERATIVE AS WELL AS THE RIGHT TAIL LIGHT. JESUS CHRIST, AFTER SEEING ALL OF THE PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS OUR BELOVED NO GOOD FOR NOTHING GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES SHOULD MAKE GM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF REPAIR FOR THIS OBVIOUS MANUFACTURERS OR ENGINEERING DEFECT. OR AT LEAST SEND OUT DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS TO THE OWNERS ON HOW TO FIX THIS PROBLEM SO THEY CAN TAKE IT TO THEIR MECHANIC OF CHOICE TO GET IT FIXED. THE DEALERS OBVIOUSLY DON'T WANT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. AND THEY CHARGE TOO MUCH ANY HOW. SINCERELY, GEORGE S.
Mileage: 112,000
INTERIOR DASH AND CONSOLE LIGHTS IN-OPERATIVE AS WELL AS THE RIGHT TAIL LIGHT. JESUS CHRIST, AFTER SEEING ALL OF THE PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS OUR BELOVED NO GOOD FOR NOTHING GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES SHOULD MAKE GM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF REPAIR FOR THIS OBVIOUS MANUFACTURERS OR ENGINEERING DEFECT. OR AT LEAST SEND OUT DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS TO THE OWNERS ON HOW TO FIX THIS PROBLEM SO THEY CAN TAKE IT TO THEIR MECHANIC OF CHOICE TO GET IT FIXED. THE DEALERS OBVIOUSLY DON'T WANT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. AND THEY CHARGE TOO MUCH ANY HOW. SINCERELY, GEORGE S.
Mileage: 112,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET AVEO. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE TIMING BELT, ENGINE, AND VALVES WERE MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.
Mileage: 53,000
AIR BAG FAULT INDICATOR HAS COME ON AND REMAINS ON. MECHANIC CAN NOT DIAGNOSE TO REPAIR. AIRBAGS ARE CRITICAL TO THE SAFETY OF PERSONS IN THIS SMALL LIGHTWEIGHT VEHICLE. NORMAL DRIVING, COMMUTER.
Mileage: 100,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET AVEO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 128,000.
Mileage: 128,000
WHEN I WENT OUT TO START THE VEHICLE I HAD NO DASH BOARD LIGHTS. EVERY OTHER LIGHT SYSTEM WORKED BUT I COULD NOT SEE THE SPEEDOMETER OR THE TACHOMETER. ALL THE FUSES WERE INTACT. I THEN BOUGHT NEW BULBS FOR THE ENTIRE GAGE CLUSTER AND THEY STILL ARE NOT FUNCTIONING. I HAVE LOOKED UP THIS PROBLEM ON MULTIPLE FORUMS AND THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITHOUT A SOLUTION OTHER THAN "RIGGING" THIS SYSTEM! THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE PRACTICE TO ALLOW THIS TO GO ON WITHOUT SOME SORT OF RECALL OR REPLACEMENT PART AVAILABLE!
Mileage: 124,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET AVEO. WHILE REVERSING, A GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR BRAKES WERE RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE BRAKES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. MA 10/21/15 THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR BRAKES LOCKED UP. THEY WERE NOT GETTING ANY LUBRICANT. UPDATED 01/15/16.*JB
Mileage: 100,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET AVEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS FAILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V261000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL REMEDY HOWEVER IT FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Mileage: 70,000
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
Loss of Motive Power due to the Battery Energy Control Module
Electric Vehicle Battery Fires
Outboard Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
Fuel Line Leak
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.