YearToAvoid

2010 Chevrolet Aveo Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Good The 2010 Chevrolet Aveo has a complaint index of 29, ranking 6th out of 8 model years, and earns a 'Good' verdict relative to other Aveo years. It carries 66 complaints, 1 recall, and 8 crashes, with the top problem area being the engine.

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

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
29/100
#6 of 8 Aveo years
Verdict
Good
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
66
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
8
reported in complaints
Fires
0
Injuries
8
Top issue
Engine
Best nearby year
2011
rated Best
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
29
26 city / 34.5 hwy
Injuries / deaths
8 / 0

Top 2010 Chevy Aveo problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine32 (48%)
  2. Electrical System16 (24%)
  3. Airbags9 (14%)
  4. Transmission & Powertrain9 (14%)
  5. Brakes7 (11%)
  6. Fuel System7 (11%)
  7. Suspension, Wheels & Tires7 (11%)
  8. Steering5 (8%)
  9. Other2 (3%)
  10. Seat Belts2 (3%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Airbags failed to deploy in multiple crash incidents, including a rollover and a collision with a bridge abutment.
  • Owners describe the vehicle unexpectedly losing power or dropping gears while driving at highway speeds, sometimes tied to a loss of transmission communication.
  • One owner reported the windshield washer fluid failing to clear the windshield at highway speeds, reducing visibility.
  • Some drivers reported check engine lights tied to software update needs, plus unrelated issues like a leaking clutch master cylinder and a loose window channel.
  • An unexplained odor from the exhaust system was reported that dealers could not diagnose.
2010 Chevrolet Aveo complaints: complaints filed per month4Feb 2010Feb 2012Sep 2013Jun 2014Mar 2015Dec 2015Jul 2017Oct 2022
66 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2010 to Oct 2022; peak Jan 2015 (4).

2010 Chevrolet Aveo recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 14V460000Jul 29, 2014Brakes1,968 vehicles

    Service brakes, hydraulic:fluid

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

2010 Chevrolet Aveo fuel economy and fuel cost

City
26 MPG
Highway
34.5 MPG
Combined
29 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,225
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.

2010 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
2008Caution71163126.5
2009Avoid100169129
2010Good2966129
2011Best1477028.5
2012No verdict010—

All Chevrolet Aveo years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2010 Chevrolet Aveo reliable?
Among Aveo model years, 2010 ranks favorably with a complaint index of 29 and a 'Good' verdict, ranking 6th worst out of 8 years tracked.
What problems does the 2010 Chevrolet Aveo have?
NHTSA complaints show the engine as the top problem area, accounting for 48% of complaints, followed by electrical system issues at 24% and airbag complaints at 14%.
Does the 2010 Chevrolet Aveo have any recalls?
Yes, one recall (14V460000) covers brake fluid that may not protect against corrosion of ABS module valves; GM replaces the ABS module free of charge.
How does the 2010 Aveo compare to other years?
The 2010 Aveo's complaint index of 29 is lower than 2007 and 2009, both rated 'Avoid' with complaint indexes of 86 and 100, and lower than 2005 and 2008, rated 'Caution'. The 2011 Aveo scores best with an index of 14.
Were there airbag issues in the 2010 Aveo?
NHTSA lists 9 airbag-related complaints tied to 8 crashes, with owners reporting airbags failing to deploy in various collision scenarios.

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.