Owners have filed 280 complaints
about the 2006 Chevrolet Aveo with NHTSA between 2005 and 2025.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 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 — 58
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Aveo. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
20.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 44
26% 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.
Sensor/Control Module
1536.6%
Frontal
717.1%
Body
49.8%
Automatic Transmission
49.8%
Cooling System
37.3%
Rear
37.3%
Headlights
37.3%
Underbody Shields
24.9%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
73.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
136.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
198.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
4119.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
4219.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3616.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
4320.2%
150,000+ miles
125.6%
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
2006 Chevrolet Aveo 4-DR. w/SAB
—
—
—
—
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.
Nov 2005peak 17Aug 2025
Recalls on the 2006 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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Greensboro, NCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The interior dash caught on fire and burned only in the middle of the dashboard. This happened hours after it started smoking inside the car and the headlights would not turn off even though they were already off.
NHTSA complaint #11682754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 152,000 milesEkron, KYCrash
AIR BAGS
A DEER WAS HIT IN THE FRONT HOOD AND BUMPER OF THIS CAR WHILE DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT SECTION OF COUNTY ROAD AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #11331396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stockton, CAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
IT DOESN'T RUN AFTER THE SIDE DRIVER FRONT LIGHT GOT MESSED UP, IT OVER HEATS.
NHTSA complaint #11324531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stockton, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
IT DOESN'T RUN AFTER THE SIDE DRIVER FRONT LIGHT GOT MESSED UP, IT OVER HEATS.
NHTSA complaint #11324531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,000 milesBakersfield, CAFire
SEAT BELTS
I TRY TO PUT A SEAT BELT ON A CHILD IN THE BACK SEAT AND IT DOSE NOT WORK AT ALL. THE STEERING ON MY AVEO IS ALSO NOT SAFE IT FEELS AS IF MY AXEL ON MY CAR IS GOING TO BRAKE? ALSO THIS CAR HAS CAUGHT ON FIRE AS I WAS ON THE FREEWAY COMING FROM WORK. I HAVE REPLACE THE CADILLAC CONVERTER ON THIS CAR AS WELL AS 2,000 OTHER REPAIRS INTO MY CAR. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS KNOWING THAT ONE DAY WHEN I GET IN MY CAR IT MAY CAUGHT ON FIRE IF IT GET TO HOT. IT VERY SAD ALL I WOULD LIKE TO DO IS GO TO SCHOOL AND WORK GET HOME SAFE GUARANTEED EVERY DAY.
NHTSA complaint #11218221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,000 milesBakersfield, CAFire
STEERING
I TRY TO PUT A SEAT BELT ON A CHILD IN THE BACK SEAT AND IT DOSE NOT WORK AT ALL. THE STEERING ON MY AVEO IS ALSO NOT SAFE IT FEELS AS IF MY AXEL ON MY CAR IS GOING TO BRAKE? ALSO THIS CAR HAS CAUGHT ON FIRE AS I WAS ON THE FREEWAY COMING FROM WORK. I HAVE REPLACE THE CADILLAC CONVERTER ON THIS CAR AS WELL AS 2,000 OTHER REPAIRS INTO MY CAR. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS KNOWING THAT ONE DAY WHEN I GET IN MY CAR IT MAY CAUGHT ON FIRE IF IT GET TO HOT. IT VERY SAD ALL I WOULD LIKE TO DO IS GO TO SCHOOL AND WORK GET HOME SAFE GUARANTEED EVERY DAY.
NHTSA complaint #11218221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Greensboro, NCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The interior dash caught on fire and burned only in the middle of the dashboard. This happened hours after it started smoking inside the car and the headlights would not turn off even though they were already off.
NHTSA complaint #11682754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
St. Louis, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Lights malfunction. Headlights dim intermittently, turn signal causes headlights to turn off, dashboard lights do not work, running lights work intermittently. The splice pack in the fuse box is burnt and so are the wires connected to it.
NHTSA complaint #11664741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bristol, CT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Front subframe. Pulls one way during acceleration and pulling the opposite way during braking
NHTSA complaint #11593864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bristol, CT
STRUCTURE:BODY
Front subframe. Pulls one way during acceleration and pulling the opposite way during braking
NHTSA complaint #11593864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bristol, CT
SERVICE BRAKES
Front subframe. Pulls one way during acceleration and pulling the opposite way during braking
NHTSA complaint #11593864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ponca City, OK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The splicer connected to the fuse box in the engine burns up after a while of use causing the Dash lights, right brake light and front marker light to not work at night. It is a major safety issue and hundreds/thousands of complaints online (via google) have been made about it burning up.
NHTSA complaint #11567114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ponca City, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The splicer connected to the fuse box in the engine burns up after a while of use causing the Dash lights, right brake light and front marker light to not work at night. It is a major safety issue and hundreds/thousands of complaints online (via google) have been made about it burning up.
NHTSA complaint #11567114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Keizer, OR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
This is happening to my car. Would like them to fix it . Manufacture defect and it is a huge safety issue. Effect pedal function. Some customers may comment on an intermittent malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) being Illuminated with a message or an indicator that displays Reduced Engine Power. The technician may observe on a scan tool DTC P2138 - Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 1-2 Correlation set as Current or in History. This condition may be caused by water intrusion into the instrument panel (IP) to body harness connector, which carries the APP sensor signals to the ECM/PCM. This water intrusion results in a voltage difference between APP Sensor 1 and APP Sensor 2 that exceeds a predetermined value for more than a calibrated period of time, setting P2138. This technical bulletin provides repair information for repairing the ip to body harness connector to correct a customer concern for intermittent malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated with reduced engine power displayed and dtc p2138 set. Known issue. Has not been recalled yet. https://www.tsbsearch.com/Chevrolet/07-06-04-019E
NHTSA complaint #11510902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Keizer, OR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This is happening to my car. Would like them to fix it . Manufacture defect and it is a huge safety issue. Effect pedal function. Some customers may comment on an intermittent malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) being Illuminated with a message or an indicator that displays Reduced Engine Power. The technician may observe on a scan tool DTC P2138 - Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 1-2 Correlation set as Current or in History. This condition may be caused by water intrusion into the instrument panel (IP) to body harness connector, which carries the APP sensor signals to the ECM/PCM. This water intrusion results in a voltage difference between APP Sensor 1 and APP Sensor 2 that exceeds a predetermined value for more than a calibrated period of time, setting P2138. This technical bulletin provides repair information for repairing the ip to body harness connector to correct a customer concern for intermittent malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated with reduced engine power displayed and dtc p2138 set. Known issue. Has not been recalled yet. https://www.tsbsearch.com/Chevrolet/07-06-04-019E
NHTSA complaint #11510902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Keizer, OR
ENGINE
This is happening to my car. Would like them to fix it . Manufacture defect and it is a huge safety issue. Effect pedal function. Some customers may comment on an intermittent malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) being Illuminated with a message or an indicator that displays Reduced Engine Power. The technician may observe on a scan tool DTC P2138 - Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 1-2 Correlation set as Current or in History. This condition may be caused by water intrusion into the instrument panel (IP) to body harness connector, which carries the APP sensor signals to the ECM/PCM. This water intrusion results in a voltage difference between APP Sensor 1 and APP Sensor 2 that exceeds a predetermined value for more than a calibrated period of time, setting P2138. This technical bulletin provides repair information for repairing the ip to body harness connector to correct a customer concern for intermittent malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated with reduced engine power displayed and dtc p2138 set. Known issue. Has not been recalled yet. https://www.tsbsearch.com/Chevrolet/07-06-04-019E
NHTSA complaint #11510902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 179,000 milesJefferson, OH
STEERING
POWER STEERING FLUID IS LEAKING OUT, RELEASE VALVE GETS STUCK.
NHTSA complaint #11376072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 195,000 milesGreenville, SC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY CAR JUST NOT RUNNING RIGHT I JUST BOUGHT IT AND SEEN A RECALL
NHTSA complaint #11363502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 195,000 milesGreenville, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY CAR JUST NOT RUNNING RIGHT I JUST BOUGHT IT AND SEEN A RECALL
NHTSA complaint #11363502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 195,000 milesGreenville, SC
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
MY CAR JUST NOT RUNNING RIGHT I JUST BOUGHT IT AND SEEN A RECALL
NHTSA complaint #11363502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 152,000 milesEkron, KYCrash
AIR BAGS
A DEER WAS HIT IN THE FRONT HOOD AND BUMPER OF THIS CAR WHILE DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT SECTION OF COUNTY ROAD AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #11331396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stockton, CAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
IT DOESN'T RUN AFTER THE SIDE DRIVER FRONT LIGHT GOT MESSED UP, IT OVER HEATS.
NHTSA complaint #11324531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stockton, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
IT DOESN'T RUN AFTER THE SIDE DRIVER FRONT LIGHT GOT MESSED UP, IT OVER HEATS.
NHTSA complaint #11324531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,540 milesSalem, MA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
MY ELECTRICAL PANEL WAS DEFECTIVE, SENT IN 4 TIMES AND THEY CLAIMED TO REPLACE THE ELECTRICAL PANEL. IT WAS RIGGED BY CROSSING WIRES AND LIGHTS IN DASH DONT WORK AND RADIO TAPPED INTO WIPERS. THEN CALIPERS,SWAY ARMS,SHOCKS, CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS DEFECTIVE AND ALSO NEVER REPLACED RIGHT. PAID SOMEONE TO PUT EMISSIONS STICKER TO PASS.
NHTSA complaint #11242427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,540 milesSalem, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY ELECTRICAL PANEL WAS DEFECTIVE, SENT IN 4 TIMES AND THEY CLAIMED TO REPLACE THE ELECTRICAL PANEL. IT WAS RIGGED BY CROSSING WIRES AND LIGHTS IN DASH DONT WORK AND RADIO TAPPED INTO WIPERS. THEN CALIPERS,SWAY ARMS,SHOCKS, CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS DEFECTIVE AND ALSO NEVER REPLACED RIGHT. PAID SOMEONE TO PUT EMISSIONS STICKER TO PASS.
NHTSA complaint #11242427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,540 milesSalem, MA
SERVICE BRAKES
MY ELECTRICAL PANEL WAS DEFECTIVE, SENT IN 4 TIMES AND THEY CLAIMED TO REPLACE THE ELECTRICAL PANEL. IT WAS RIGGED BY CROSSING WIRES AND LIGHTS IN DASH DONT WORK AND RADIO TAPPED INTO WIPERS. THEN CALIPERS,SWAY ARMS,SHOCKS, CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS DEFECTIVE AND ALSO NEVER REPLACED RIGHT. PAID SOMEONE TO PUT EMISSIONS STICKER TO PASS.
NHTSA complaint #11242427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,794 milesTuhunga, CA
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET AVEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RADIATOR FLUID MIXED WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. AS A RESULT, THE TRANSMISSION HESITATED WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SWITCH GEARS AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO COMMUNITY CHEVROLET (200 W OLIVE AVE, BURBANK, CA 91502, (866) 610-2450) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLOCK SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE CHECK ENGINE AND AIR BAG WARNING INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,794.
NHTSA complaint #11220704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,794 milesTuhunga, CA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET AVEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RADIATOR FLUID MIXED WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. AS A RESULT, THE TRANSMISSION HESITATED WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SWITCH GEARS AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO COMMUNITY CHEVROLET (200 W OLIVE AVE, BURBANK, CA 91502, (866) 610-2450) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLOCK SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE CHECK ENGINE AND AIR BAG WARNING INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,794.
NHTSA complaint #11220704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,000 milesBakersfield, CAFire
SEAT BELTS
I TRY TO PUT A SEAT BELT ON A CHILD IN THE BACK SEAT AND IT DOSE NOT WORK AT ALL. THE STEERING ON MY AVEO IS ALSO NOT SAFE IT FEELS AS IF MY AXEL ON MY CAR IS GOING TO BRAKE? ALSO THIS CAR HAS CAUGHT ON FIRE AS I WAS ON THE FREEWAY COMING FROM WORK. I HAVE REPLACE THE CADILLAC CONVERTER ON THIS CAR AS WELL AS 2,000 OTHER REPAIRS INTO MY CAR. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS KNOWING THAT ONE DAY WHEN I GET IN MY CAR IT MAY CAUGHT ON FIRE IF IT GET TO HOT. IT VERY SAD ALL I WOULD LIKE TO DO IS GO TO SCHOOL AND WORK GET HOME SAFE GUARANTEED EVERY DAY.
NHTSA complaint #11218221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,000 milesBakersfield, CAFire
STEERING
I TRY TO PUT A SEAT BELT ON A CHILD IN THE BACK SEAT AND IT DOSE NOT WORK AT ALL. THE STEERING ON MY AVEO IS ALSO NOT SAFE IT FEELS AS IF MY AXEL ON MY CAR IS GOING TO BRAKE? ALSO THIS CAR HAS CAUGHT ON FIRE AS I WAS ON THE FREEWAY COMING FROM WORK. I HAVE REPLACE THE CADILLAC CONVERTER ON THIS CAR AS WELL AS 2,000 OTHER REPAIRS INTO MY CAR. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS KNOWING THAT ONE DAY WHEN I GET IN MY CAR IT MAY CAUGHT ON FIRE IF IT GET TO HOT. IT VERY SAD ALL I WOULD LIKE TO DO IS GO TO SCHOOL AND WORK GET HOME SAFE GUARANTEED EVERY DAY.
NHTSA complaint #11218221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,000 milesBakersfield, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I TRY TO PUT A SEAT BELT ON A CHILD IN THE BACK SEAT AND IT DOSE NOT WORK AT ALL. THE STEERING ON MY AVEO IS ALSO NOT SAFE IT FEELS AS IF MY AXEL ON MY CAR IS GOING TO BRAKE? ALSO THIS CAR HAS CAUGHT ON FIRE AS I WAS ON THE FREEWAY COMING FROM WORK. I HAVE REPLACE THE CADILLAC CONVERTER ON THIS CAR AS WELL AS 2,000 OTHER REPAIRS INTO MY CAR. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS KNOWING THAT ONE DAY WHEN I GET IN MY CAR IT MAY CAUGHT ON FIRE IF IT GET TO HOT. IT VERY SAD ALL I WOULD LIKE TO DO IS GO TO SCHOOL AND WORK GET HOME SAFE GUARANTEED EVERY DAY.
NHTSA complaint #11218221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
