YearToAvoid

2008 Chevrolet Aveo Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

71/100

#3 most-complained of 8 Aveo years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2008 Chevrolet Aveo has 163 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 71 out of 100 — #3 highest of 8 Aveo model years (verdict: Caution). The most reported problem area is airbags (70 complaints, 43% of the total). Complaints report 17 crashes, 16 fires, and 19 injuries.

Complaints
163
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
17 / 16
Injuries / deaths
19 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
26.5
23.5 city / 33 hwy

Top 2008 Chevy Aveo problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Airbags70 (43%)
  2. Electrical System63 (39%)
  3. Engine33 (20%)
  4. Transmission & Powertrain15 (9%)
  5. Suspension, Wheels & Tires14 (9%)
  6. Brakes10 (6%)
  7. Structure & Body9 (6%)
  8. Other6 (4%)
  9. Steering5 (3%)
  10. Fuel System4 (2%)
2008 Chevrolet Aveo complaints: complaints filed per quarter232007 Q42009 Q42012 Q22014 Q12015 Q42017 Q42019 Q4
234 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2007 Q4 to 2026 Q1; peak 2014 Q3 (23).

2008 Chevrolet Aveo recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 14V261000May 19, 2014Electrical System218,000 vehicles

    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.

    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.

2008 Chevrolet Aveo fuel economy and fuel cost

City
23.5 MPG
Highway
33 MPG
Combined
26.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,450
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2008 compared with other Aveo years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020052006200720082009201020112012
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2006Good43189125.5
2007Avoid86216226.5
2008Caution71163126.5
2009Avoid100169129
2010Good2966129

All Chevrolet Aveo years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo ranks #3 of 8 among Aveo model years (Complaint Index 71/100, verdict: Caution). It has 163 complaints and 1 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo?
The most reported problem areas are airbags (70 complaints), electrical system (63 complaints), and engine (33 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 62,000 miles.
Does the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo, most recently reported 2014, covering electrical system.
What is the fuel economy of the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo?
EPA rates the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo at 26.5 MPG combined (23.5 city / 33 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,450. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.