Owners have filed 271 complaints
about the 2004 Chevrolet Aveo with NHTSA between 2004 and 2019.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 8 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 56
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Aveo. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
23.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 50
29% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Cooling System
1424.1%
Engine
1322.4%
Rear/Other
915.5%
Automatic Transmission
813.8%
Frontal
58.6%
Emission Control
35.2%
Ignition
35.2%
Windshield Wiper/Washer
35.2%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
157.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
2110.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
126.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2713.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
6431.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3416.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2311.4%
150,000+ miles
52.5%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2004 Chevrolet Aveo 5-DR. Hatchback
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2004 Chevrolet Aveo 4-DR.
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When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2004peak 9Jul 2019
NHTSA investigations into the 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA08005Opened 14 Feb 2008Closed 14 Oct 2008ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
STUCK THROTTLE VALVE
TO DATE, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) IS AWARE OF 29 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS/FIELD REPORTS AND 52 WARRANTY CLAIMS RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT AFFECTING 69 UNIQUE SUBJECT VEHICLES.BECAUSE THE ALLEGED DEFECT CONDITION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR DURING WINTER MONTHS WHEN AMBIENT TEMPERATURES ARE BELOW FREEZING, ODI UPGRADED THIS INVESTIGATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS ON FEBRUARY 14, 2008 SO THAT IT COULD CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE FIELD EXPERIENCE DURING THE 2007/2008 WINTER SEASON.BY LETTER DATED MAY 22, 2008, GENERAL MOTORS CORP. (GM) SUPPLEMENTED ITS PREVIOUS INFORMATION REQUEST...
PE07051Opened 19 Oct 2007Closed 14 Feb 2008ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
STUCK THROTTLE VALVE
ON OCTOBER 19, 2007, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED STUCK THROTTLE INCIDENTS DUE TO ICE FORMATION WITHIN THE ENGINE AIR INTAKE TRACT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2004-2005 CHEVROLET AVEO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FOR SALE OR LEASE IN THE UNITED STATES.THIS INVESTIGATION WAS PROMPTED BY A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN (05F-069) CONDUCTED BY GENERAL MOTORS CORP. (GM) INVOLVING SUBSTANTIALLY SIMILAR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FOR SALE OR LEASE IN CANADA.AT THAT TIME, GM ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB #05-06-04-065) TO ADDRESS THE ALLEGED D...
Recalls on the 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201418567,042 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, heat generated within the daytime running light (DRL) module could cause the module to melt, potentially resulting in a fire, which may result in injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the DRL module.
Recall 2012274100,739 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain vehicles, the Daytime Running Lamp (DRL) module may fail, causing one or more of the following conditions: the DRLs may flicker but remain illuminated; the DRL indicator in the instrument panel may flash; the DRLs may remain illuminated after the vehicle is turned OFF; the DRLs may cease to function and the DRL indicator in the instrument panel will turn OFF. A loss of DRL illumination could render the vehicle less visible to other motorists and pedestrians during daylight hours, which could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the DRL module, if the above condition exists, for a period of up to 10 years or 240,000 km from first vehicle registration.
Recall 200727536,678 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles, the engine throttle may stick in the open position due to throttle body icing in temperatures near or below -20 degrees Celsius. If the throttle sticks open while the vehicle is moving, a crash could occur without prior warning. The vehicle may experience this condition even if one or both of the previous two campaign services have been performed. See recall 2005235 (GM 05521) & 2006239 (GM 06515). Correction: Dealers will replace the PCV and throttle body systems.
Recall 200623936,678 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles, the engine throttle may stick in the open position due to throttle body icing in temperatures near or below -20 degrees Celsius. If the throttle sticks open while the vehicle is moving, a crash could result without prior warning. Correction: Dealers will repair the PCV system update kit previously installed in recall 2005235 (GM 05521).
Recall 200523536,678 units in Canada
Other
Certain vehicles may experience throttle body icing in conditions where temperatures are near or below -20 degrees Celsius. Vehicle with this conditions could have the throttle stick open after a cold soak or they can experience a frozen throttle while driving. Correction: Dealers will install new parts that integrate with the coolant system to heat the PCV lines and avoid PCV freezing.
Recall 20043034,076 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the rear outboard shoulder seat belts can contact the seat-back-folding release knob during seat belt use and can twist the seat belt webbing. The twisted webbing may not fully retract into the seat belt retractor, preventing deactivation of an activated Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode. The activated ALR mode prevents extracting the partially retracted webbing, which may make the seat belt unusable. Correction: Dealers will attach a seatbelt webbing guide with three screws to the back shelf panel at the outboard sides.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 208,000 milesLAS Vegas, NVCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL. ON OCTOBER 13TH 2018 I WAS IN A HORRIFIC ACCIDENT WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY WAS AN SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT MY TIRE SHREDDED BUT STILL MAINTAINED AIR AND MY AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY ON EITHER SIDE AND I GOT A BROKEN NOSE AND A FEW FACIAL FRACTURES. NOW I HAVE SEVERE HEADACHES EVERYDAY SINCE THEN.
NHTSA complaint #11234617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 208,000 milesLAS Vegas, NVCrash1 injured
WHEELS
TAKATA RECALL. ON OCTOBER 13TH 2018 I WAS IN A HORRIFIC ACCIDENT WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY WAS AN SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT MY TIRE SHREDDED BUT STILL MAINTAINED AIR AND MY AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY ON EITHER SIDE AND I GOT A BROKEN NOSE AND A FEW FACIAL FRACTURES. NOW I HAVE SEVERE HEADACHES EVERYDAY SINCE THEN.
NHTSA complaint #11234617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesWestborough, MAFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET AVEO. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COOLANT PUMP HOUSING FRACTURED AND COOLANT LEAKED OUT, WHICH CAUSED THE SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND SUGGESTED TAKING THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 116,000.
NHTSA complaint #11132146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,200 milesStockton, CACrash
AIR BAGS
THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT A HIGHWAY SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, WHEN IT GOT INTO A COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE OTHER VEHICLE MADE AN ABRUPT STOP ON THE HIGHWAY IN FRONT OF THE 2004 CHEVROLET AVEO, WHICH CAUSED THE AVEO TO HIT THE BACK OF THE SUDDENLY STOPPED VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, WHICH FROM MY UNDERSTANDING SHOULD HAPPEN WHEN TRAVELING AT THAT SPEED. IN FACT IT ESPECIALLY SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED, DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE IMPACT DAMAGED THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. MY CONCERN IS THAT I HAVE BOUGHT TWO OTHER VEHICLES FROM THE SAME MANUFACTURER SINCE MY PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE. I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT MY FAMILY IS SAFE WHEN RIDING IN THESE VEHICLES.
NHTSA complaint #10821804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesGunnersville, ALFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET AVEO. WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL TANK CAUGHT FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED PNEUMONIA. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #10806240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesGunnersville, ALFire1 injured
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET AVEO. WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL TANK CAUGHT FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED PNEUMONIA. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #10806240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 208,000 milesLAS Vegas, NVCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL. ON OCTOBER 13TH 2018 I WAS IN A HORRIFIC ACCIDENT WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY WAS AN SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT MY TIRE SHREDDED BUT STILL MAINTAINED AIR AND MY AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY ON EITHER SIDE AND I GOT A BROKEN NOSE AND A FEW FACIAL FRACTURES. NOW I HAVE SEVERE HEADACHES EVERYDAY SINCE THEN.
NHTSA complaint #11234617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 208,000 milesLAS Vegas, NVCrash1 injured
WHEELS
TAKATA RECALL. ON OCTOBER 13TH 2018 I WAS IN A HORRIFIC ACCIDENT WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY WAS AN SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT MY TIRE SHREDDED BUT STILL MAINTAINED AIR AND MY AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY ON EITHER SIDE AND I GOT A BROKEN NOSE AND A FEW FACIAL FRACTURES. NOW I HAVE SEVERE HEADACHES EVERYDAY SINCE THEN.
NHTSA complaint #11234617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesChico, CA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
WHAT'S WITH AVEO'S PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER? IT SKIDS OFF THE WINDOW AND WIPES THE TRIM. WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT MY CAR I THOUGHT SOMEONE MADE A MISTAKE AND PUT ON THE WRONG SIZE. WHEN THEY NEEDED REPLACED, I REPLACED THE WHOLE ARM WITH A SET MATCHING MAKER SPECIFICATIONS. AND MADE NO IMPROVEMENT AT ALL. THE TIP OF THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER STILL SWINGS CLEAR OFF THE WINDOW. DID SOMEBODY MAKE OFF WITH THE DESIGNER'S RULER? ANY CHANCE THEY MIGHT GIVE IT BACK? I'D REALLY LIKE A WINDSHIELD WIPER THAT FITS; DON'T REALLY NEED ONE FOR THE TRIM...
NHTSA complaint #11155289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesWestborough, MAFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET AVEO. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COOLANT PUMP HOUSING FRACTURED AND COOLANT LEAKED OUT, WHICH CAUSED THE SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND SUGGESTED TAKING THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 116,000.
NHTSA complaint #11132146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,468 milesTroy, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
IGNITION SWITCH IS OVERHEATING. THE LONGER THE CAR IS DRIVEN (10-15 MILES) THE HOTTER IT IS BECOMING. IT HEATS UP SO MUCH THAT THE IGNITION KEY BECOMES QUITE HOT AS WELL...BUT THE SWITCH ITSELF IS EVEN HOTTER. I FEAR THERE WILL BE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE STARTING SOON, AND HAVE ALREADY DECIDED TO STOP AT INTERVALS TO TURN THE IGNITION OFF SO IT COOLS DOWN. IT DOESN'T MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE IF IT'S DRIVEN FAST OR SLOW, DRIVING STILL HEATS UP THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE ONLY ODD OCCURRENCE THAT MIGHT BE SOMEHOW CONNECTED IS THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL BULB NEEDED REPLACED SINCE THIS STARTED.
NHTSA complaint #11112274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesNorth Chesterfield, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET AVEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY SHUT OFF WHEN PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HALEY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP DEALER LOCATED IN RICHMOND, VA BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000. ...UPDATED 08/31/17 *BF
NHTSA complaint #11010734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,250 milesSammanish, WA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE BACKING UP MY VEHICLE I SHIFTED THE TRANSMISSION FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE. THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATED TO APPROXIMATELY 500 RPM. I IMMEDIATELY PUT MY FOOT ON THE BREAK, SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL, AND TURN THE IGNITION TO OFF. I WAS ABLE TO IMMEDIATELY RESTART TO VEHICLE WITH NO PROBLEM. THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE TWO OR THREE TIMES. ONETIME WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE AND I HAD TO PRESS HARD ON THE BREAK AND SHUT OFF IGNITION TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. I SEEMS LIKE IT MOSTLY HAPPENS WHEN IT IS COLD OUTSIDE ( IN THE 30"S F) . I THINK THIS IS AN UNSAFE SITUATION AND AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN.
NHTSA complaint #10935088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,250 milesSammanish, WA
ENGINE
WHILE BACKING UP MY VEHICLE I SHIFTED THE TRANSMISSION FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE. THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATED TO APPROXIMATELY 500 RPM. I IMMEDIATELY PUT MY FOOT ON THE BREAK, SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL, AND TURN THE IGNITION TO OFF. I WAS ABLE TO IMMEDIATELY RESTART TO VEHICLE WITH NO PROBLEM. THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE TWO OR THREE TIMES. ONETIME WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE AND I HAD TO PRESS HARD ON THE BREAK AND SHUT OFF IGNITION TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. I SEEMS LIKE IT MOSTLY HAPPENS WHEN IT IS COLD OUTSIDE ( IN THE 30"S F) . I THINK THIS IS AN UNSAFE SITUATION AND AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN.
NHTSA complaint #10935088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,390 milesFrankford, MO
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET AVEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,390. UPDATED 09/22/16*LJ
NHTSA complaint #10883634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesMarcellus, NY
TIRES:SIDEWALL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET AVEO EQUIPPED WITH MILESTAR MS932 (NA) TIRES, SIZE: 185/65/R14 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BOOM SOUND AND THE VEHICLE VEERED LEFT WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND OBSERVED THAT THE SIDEWALL OF THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS BLOWN OPEN. THE TIRE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOT NUMBER OF THE TIRE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15T004000 (TIRES). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
NHTSA complaint #10873854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,500 milesCincinnati, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET AVEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE MIGHT BE DUE TO A DEFECTIVE GEAR SHAFT OR IGNITION SWITCH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,500.
NHTSA complaint #10873192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,321 milesCamp Verde, AZ
POWER TRAIN
I AM ON A FIXED INCOME. I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED WITH 22,000 MILES ON IT WHICH I INTENDED TO TAKE CARE OF AND DRIVE FOR YEARS TO COME, IN FACT INTO THE GROUND. THE MANUAL I RECEIVED WITH THE CAR INDICATED THAT THE TIMING BELT SHOULD BE REPLACED AT 100,000. I LIVE IN A RURAL AREA WHERE YOU REALLY NEED A VEHICLE. I HAD DRIVEN TO ANOTHER TOWN FOR A MEDICAL APPOINTMENT. WHILE TRAVELING AT 55 MPH THE CAR JUST DIED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC IN A 55 MPH ZONE. I WAS LUCKY THAT A GOOD SAMARITAN HELPED ME OUT OF THE DANGEROUS CONDITION I WAS IN ON THE ROAD. MY VEHICLE HAD 65,321 MIIES ON IT. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO A DEALER. IT WAS DETERMINED THE TIMING BELT BROKE CAUSING VALVE DAMAGE. I WAS TOLD IT WOULD COST $5,000 TO REPAIR IT WHICH IS WHAT I PAID FOR THE VEHICLE. I DID NOT HAVING $5,000 SO I JUNKED THE CAR. THIS ORDEAL CAUSED SIGNIFICANT PROBLEMS FOR ME FINANCIALLY, EMOTIONALLY AND PHYSICALLY. I WAS 62 AT THE TIME. THE WEBSITE CARCOMPLAINTS HAS 56 SIMILAR COMPLAINTS RELATED TO 2004 CHEVY AVEOS. ALL OF THE TIMING BELTS FAILED BELOW 100,000 MILES. THERE ARE SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FOR THE 2005 CHEVY AVEO. WHY WASN'T I NOTIFIED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM SO I WOULD NOT LOSE MY SHORTS ON MY VEHICLE. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THE EVENT WAS TERRIBLY FRIGHTENING. I SUFFER FROM HEART FAILURE. MY NEW CAR PAYMENT IS VERY HARD TO DEAL WITH ON A FIXED INCOME. I TOOK EXCELLENT CARE OF THE CAR. I SHOULD HAVE BEEN CONTACTED ABOUT SUCH DANGEROUS CONDITION. I WOULD LIKE SOME ANSWERS.
NHTSA complaint #10850538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,321 milesCamp Verde, AZ
ENGINE
I AM ON A FIXED INCOME. I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED WITH 22,000 MILES ON IT WHICH I INTENDED TO TAKE CARE OF AND DRIVE FOR YEARS TO COME, IN FACT INTO THE GROUND. THE MANUAL I RECEIVED WITH THE CAR INDICATED THAT THE TIMING BELT SHOULD BE REPLACED AT 100,000. I LIVE IN A RURAL AREA WHERE YOU REALLY NEED A VEHICLE. I HAD DRIVEN TO ANOTHER TOWN FOR A MEDICAL APPOINTMENT. WHILE TRAVELING AT 55 MPH THE CAR JUST DIED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC IN A 55 MPH ZONE. I WAS LUCKY THAT A GOOD SAMARITAN HELPED ME OUT OF THE DANGEROUS CONDITION I WAS IN ON THE ROAD. MY VEHICLE HAD 65,321 MIIES ON IT. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO A DEALER. IT WAS DETERMINED THE TIMING BELT BROKE CAUSING VALVE DAMAGE. I WAS TOLD IT WOULD COST $5,000 TO REPAIR IT WHICH IS WHAT I PAID FOR THE VEHICLE. I DID NOT HAVING $5,000 SO I JUNKED THE CAR. THIS ORDEAL CAUSED SIGNIFICANT PROBLEMS FOR ME FINANCIALLY, EMOTIONALLY AND PHYSICALLY. I WAS 62 AT THE TIME. THE WEBSITE CARCOMPLAINTS HAS 56 SIMILAR COMPLAINTS RELATED TO 2004 CHEVY AVEOS. ALL OF THE TIMING BELTS FAILED BELOW 100,000 MILES. THERE ARE SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FOR THE 2005 CHEVY AVEO. WHY WASN'T I NOTIFIED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM SO I WOULD NOT LOSE MY SHORTS ON MY VEHICLE. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THE EVENT WAS TERRIBLY FRIGHTENING. I SUFFER FROM HEART FAILURE. MY NEW CAR PAYMENT IS VERY HARD TO DEAL WITH ON A FIXED INCOME. I TOOK EXCELLENT CARE OF THE CAR. I SHOULD HAVE BEEN CONTACTED ABOUT SUCH DANGEROUS CONDITION. I WOULD LIKE SOME ANSWERS.
NHTSA complaint #10850538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,200 milesStockton, CACrash
AIR BAGS
THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT A HIGHWAY SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, WHEN IT GOT INTO A COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE OTHER VEHICLE MADE AN ABRUPT STOP ON THE HIGHWAY IN FRONT OF THE 2004 CHEVROLET AVEO, WHICH CAUSED THE AVEO TO HIT THE BACK OF THE SUDDENLY STOPPED VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, WHICH FROM MY UNDERSTANDING SHOULD HAPPEN WHEN TRAVELING AT THAT SPEED. IN FACT IT ESPECIALLY SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED, DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE IMPACT DAMAGED THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. MY CONCERN IS THAT I HAVE BOUGHT TWO OTHER VEHICLES FROM THE SAME MANUFACTURER SINCE MY PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE. I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT MY FAMILY IS SAFE WHEN RIDING IN THESE VEHICLES.
NHTSA complaint #10821804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond Heights, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2004 CHEVROLET AVEO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERAL VEHICLE REPAIR PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM. A REPAIR SHOP, REPLACED A FUSE, DUE TO KNOW BATTERY POWER.
NHTSA complaint #10691432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesGunnersville, ALFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET AVEO. WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL TANK CAUGHT FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED PNEUMONIA. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #10806240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesGunnersville, ALFire1 injured
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET AVEO. WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL TANK CAUGHT FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED PNEUMONIA. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #10806240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2004 CHEVROLET AVEO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WARRANTY NOTICE #14093 ISSUES. *SMD THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE WARRANY HAD EXPIRED. ALSO, THE WATER PUMP AND TIMING BELT WERE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10726061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,000 milesEast Northport, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2004 CHEVROLET AVEO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE TIMING BELT FAILURE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE STOPPED WITH NO WARNING.
NHTSA complaint #10679178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BASICALLY I AM WRITING BECAUSE GM ISSUED A RECALL IN JUNE 2014 LETTING ME KNOW THAT MY CAR HAS AN ISSUE WHICH MAY LEAD TO A FIRE IN MY CAR. THE PROBLEM IS THAT A YEAR HAS PASSED AND THE STATUS OF THAT RECALL STILL IS "GENERAL MOTORS WILL PROVIDE ITS PLAN FOR REMEDYING THE DEFECT AS SOON AS IT IS CONFIRMED." I HONESTLY FEEL THEY HAVE FORGOTTEN ALL ABOUT IT. I DON'T THINK THIS SHOULD BE AN ISSUE THAT SHOULD TAKE SUCH A LONG TIME TO GET FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #10766321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jonesboro, AR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET AVEO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V261000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10761184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZ
SEAT BELTS
THIS IS JUST ONE PROBLEM...THE CAR HAD MAJOR PROBLEMS IN THE PAST LIKE DYING TOTALLY ON A HIGHWAY BUT THAT'S NOT MY CONCERN RIGHT NOW. THE BACK SEAT BELT IS LOCKED UP & IT WILL NOT RETRACT. I HAVE A CHILD SO IT'S REALLY INCONVENIENT.
NHTSA complaint #10722536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesSomerville, MA
ENGINE
TIMING BELT SNAPPED AT 73K MILES WHILE DRIVING 70MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. TOTAL LOSS OF POWER: STEERING, BRAKES, AND GAS PEDAL ALL NOT RESPONDING. MANUALLY MANAGED TO COAST TO A STOP ON THE HIGHWAY SHOULDER WITH MY EMERGENCY LIGHTS ON, AND WITHOUT HITTING OR BEING HIT BY ANYTHING ELSE. I'M ALIVE AND SO IS MY PASSENGER, BUT I FEAR WE COULD HAVE DIED ON THAT DAY. RELATED TSBS AND NHTSA BELOW TO AUGMENT REPORTING THIS PROBLEM. ---- TSB #3936 / NHTSA ID #10020573 STATES THAT THIS CAN HAPPEN PRIOR TO 60K MILES TO OTHERS AS FAR BACK AS 2006; TOTAL ENGINE LOSS DUE TO DAMAGE FROM THE BELT AT HIGH SPEED NOT REPORTED OR FIXED. SUGGESTED MAINTENANCE ALSO IS NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR THIS PART: # TSB #060601021 -- TIMING BELT INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, WORN, WEAR.*KB (NHTSA ID #10020843, OCTOBER 01 2006)
NHTSA complaint #10721552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesAshtabula, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE A 2004 CHEVY AVEO AND A 2005 CHEVY COBALT MY IGNITION SWITCH ON MY AVEO DOES THE SAME THING AS COBALT BUT AVEO NOT RECALLED ITOOK COBALT IN DEALER REPLACED IGNITION SWTICH TOOK AVEO IN FOR RECALL FOR DRL SWITCH DEALER WANTS OVER 300.OO DOLLORS TO REPLACE IGNITION SWITCH I WILL BE DRIVING ALONG AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS CAR WILL SHUT OFF STARTS BACK UP WHEN I PUT KEY IN HAVE TO MOVE KEY SEVERAL TIMES TO START CAR DEALER SAYS NO RECALL ON THE AVEO FOR IGNITION SWITCH BUT IT IS DOING THE SAME THING AS MY COBALT DID IS THIS A DIFFERENT SWITCH THE AVEO HAS DONE THIS SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE LAST YEAR OR SO.
NHTSA complaint #10721238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesSomerville, MACrash
ENGINE
IN MID-FEBRUARY AFTER ONE OF OUR MANY BLIZZARDS, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER SEDAN HOME. THERE WAS A PILE OF SNOW ON OUR STREET THAT HAD HARDENED OVER. I GUESS SHE MISCALCULATED ITS HEIGHT (AND HARDNESS) AND WHEN SHE WENT OVER IT, THE CAR LURCHED UP AND SHE HEARD A LOUD GRINDING SOUND AGAINST THE UNDERCARRIAGE. THE ENGINE STARTED SHAKING IMMEDIATELY AND WITHIN SECONDS DIED. SHE CALLED ME OUT AND I TOOK A LOOK AT THE CAR. IT WAS DEAD. I WALKED OVER TO THE ICE AND IT WAS ROCK HARD, SO I TRIED TO TAKE A SHOVEL TO IT AND IMMEDIATELY EMAILED MY NEIGHBORS TO BE CAREFUL OF IT. I AM NOT MECHANICALLY-INCLINED, SO WHEN I GOOGLED WHAT MIGHT'VE HAPPENED, I SAW SEVERAL COMMENTS THAT IT COULD BE AS MINOR AS A DAMAGED OIL PAN THAT CAUSES THE ENGINE TO SHUT DOWN. FIGURING IT MIGHT BE SOMETHING MINOR, I CALLED AAA (HAD TO WAIT A FEW DAYS SINCE THEIR LINES WERE DOWN) AND HAD THE CAR TOWED DOWN THE STREET TO A SERVICE STATION. I WAS NOT EXPECTING THE ASSESSMENT FROM THE MECHANIC: APPARENTLY DURING THE COLLISION, THE TIMING BELT SLIPPED AND CAUSED THE PISTONS TO BEND. THIS WOULD COST SEVERAL THOUSAND TO FIX. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS CAR HAS AN "INTERFERENCE" DESIGN WHICH IS PRONE TO EXTENSIVE DAMAGE WHEN THIS HAPPENS. MANY AVEO OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ONLINE. THE WORST PART ABOUT ALL OF THIS IS THAT EVEN THOUGH IT HAPPENED DURING A COLLISION, OUR INSURANCE CHALKED THIS UP TO "WEAR AND TEAR" AND WE WERE FORCED TO JUNK THE CAR. OUR CAR HAD LESS THAN 60K MILES ON IT AND WE KEPT IT IN GOOD CONDITION. THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. THIS SHOULD HAVE EITHER BEEN HANDLED THROUGH A MANUFACTURER RECALL OR MY INSURANCE SHOULD HAVE TREATED IT AS THE COLLISION IT WAS AND COVERED IT.
NHTSA complaint #10712712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
