The Chevy Aveo is an affordable subcompact car that was produced between 2004 and 2011.
For those who need basic transportation from point A to point B with no thrills, the Aveo is an appealing choice.
The sedan is referred to as the Aveo whilst the hatchback is known as the Aveo5.
In this article, we’ll be going through all of its best and worst years.
Table of Contents
Here’s The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The Chevrolet Aveo Are:
The best Chevrolet Aveo model years are 2011 and 2010. The worst model years of this model are 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009. This is based on auto industry reviews, NHTSA statistics, reported problems, and consumer feedback.
What Are The Best Years For The Chevrolet Aveo?
2011 and 2010 Chevrolet Aveo
The 2011 and 2010 Aveo models are the final model years ever produced and you should be able to find them on the used market with not too many miles on the clock.
These models are praised for their attractive pricing, high fuel economy and good headroom.
Keep in mind though, there might be better alternatives on the market and auto critics have pointed out these models have a weak engine, poor luggage capacity and are sluggish on the highway.
For 2011 the Aveo came with a standard cabin air filter whilst the 2010 model year received a 1-horsepower increase, updated manual transmission gear ratios for enhanced fuel efficiency and a rear spoiler as standard for Aveo5 models.
Whether you have the sedan or Aveo5 four-door hatchback body style, there are 3 trim levels: LS, 1LT, and 2LT.
Each model is powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine (108 horsepower) mated to a 5-speed manual transmission system (with an optional 4-speed automatic transmission).
According to the EPA, the Aveo offers 30 MPG for combined city and highway driving.
Owners gave these models the thumbs up due to their appearance, comfort, value, low maintenance, fuel efficiency, and overall reliability.
2011 Chevrolet Aveo:
- Edmunds: 3.1 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 3.7 / 5.0
- J.D. Power: 72 / 100
2010 Chevrolet Aveo:
- Edmunds: 3.5 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 3.7 / 5.0
- J.D. Power: NA
Consumer Scores For Best Chevrolet Aveo Years
| Model Year | Edmunds Consumer Rating | Kelley Blue Book Consumer Rating | J.D. Power Consumer Rating |
| 2011 Chevrolet Aveo | 3.1 / 5.0 | 3.7 / 5.0 | 72 / 100 |
| 2010 Chevrolet Aveo | 3.5 / 5.0 | 3.7 / 5.0 | NA |
What Are The Worst Years For The Chevrolet Aveo?
2004 and 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
The debut 2004 and 2005 Aveo models are the most problematic. Most of the complaints were due to timing belt failure, which is not a cheap fix.
The timing belt is essential for keeping the engine running – it harmonizes crankshaft and camshaft rotation, and if both are synced up properly, then the car’s pistons and valves will operate correctly.
“Timing belt snapped at 73k miles while driving 70mph on the highway. Total loss of power: steering, brakes, and gas pedal all not responding.” – NHTSA.gov
“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!” – NHTSA.gov
“Timing belt failure at highway speed. Almost got into an accident. Chevy Aveo only had 65,000 miles.” – NHTSA.gov
There were also widespread problems with the exterior lights and instrument panel not working. Some owners have reported that these issues are due to burnt-out wires and faults within the wiring harness.
“The instrument panel and shifter lights along with the dimmer for the clock, radio, and other interior lights stopped functioning yesterday. There have been several times the lights blinked off and back on but they are completely out now.”
“I have a Chevrolet Aveo with inoperable tail lights, front parking lights and instrument panel lights. I am unable to operate the vehicle at night. Can NHTSA assist with getting gm to repair the vehicles?” – NHTSA.gov
- The 2004 Aveo had a total of 120 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 223 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
- The 2005 Aveo had a total of 81 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 286 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
Common problems:
- Timing belt failure
- Cylinder head and valve failure
- Engine stalls/dies while driving
- Idler pulley broke in half
- Interior lights stopped working
2006, 2007, and 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
The 2006, 2007, and 2008 Aveo model years received a large number of complaints due to various airbag issues.
Common symptoms include:
- Airbag warning light indicator flashing
- Airbag light fails to illuminate when a passenger is seated
- Airbag light will not turn off.
- Front passenger seat airbag sensor failure
“The passenger side air bag works about 33% of the time for my wife. I have had the vehicle to the shop 2 or 3 times concerning this problem. This defect still continues to occur.” – NHTSA.gov
“The air bag sensor light stays on while someone is riding in the passenger seat. According to the dealer if you weight between 80 and 120 lb. This may occur. However, it happens when my daughter who weights 140 lbs rides in the seat as well.” – NHTSA.gov
“Airbag light stays on all the time dealer says it is $900 to fix it. You would think with all the other complaints chevy would take care of the problem.” – NHTSA.gov
- The 2006 Aveo had a total of 46 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 253 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
- The 2007 Aveo had a total of 58 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 265 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
- The 2008 Aveo had a total of 67 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 235 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
Common problems:
- Steering wheel shakes and pulls to one side
- Lock on the door fell inside the door
- Airbag light is on
- Engine stalls/dies while driving
- Engine failure
- Blown head gasket
- Wind noise, chatter
- Seat belt does not lock
- Broken timing chain
2009 Chevrolet Aveo
Owners of the 2009 Aveo frequently complained about engine-related problems, specifically engine overheating and stalling (which are most likely connected in this case).
Below is a report posted by a frustrated owner on CarProblemZoo.com:
“When the car warms up it will not respond to gas pedal inputs. This happens on and off at random times, sometimes in the middle of an intersection, other times on the highway. We have parked the car as it is unsafe for our child to drive in the current condition…”
Other issues cited include coolant leakage, loss of engine power and speed, an unresponsive gas pedal, and transmission issues.
- The 2009 Aveo had a total of 71 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 249 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
Common problems:
- Air conditioning compressor went out
- Loss of engine power
- Dies intermittently
- Transmission failure
What Years Have The Most Complaints?
| Model Year | Complaints (CarComplaints.com) | Problems (CarProblemZoo.com) | Recalls (NHTSA.gov) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Chevrolet Aveo | 31 | 112 | 0 |
| 2010 Chevrolet Aveo | 15 | 104 | 1 |
| 2009 Chevrolet Aveo | 71 | 249 | 1 |
| 2008 Chevrolet Aveo | 67 | 235 | 1 |
| 2007 Chevrolet Aveo | 58 | 265 | 2 |
| 2006 Chevrolet Aveo | 46 | 253 | 1 |
| 2005 Chevrolet Aveo | 81 | 286 | 1 |
| 2004 Chevrolet Aveo | 120 | 223 | 2 |
What Problems Do Chevrolet Aveos Have?
- Timing belt failure
- Idler pulley broke in half
- Cylinder head and valve failure
- Engine stalls/dies while driving
- Interior lights stopped working
- Air conditioning compressor went out
- Loss of engine power
- Dies intermittently
- Transmission failure
What Are The Best Alternatives To The Chevrolet Aveo?
| Make & Model | Score | MSRP | Fuel Economy (MPG) |
| Kia Forte | 8.2 | $4,121 – $6,876 | City: 22 – 27 /Highway: 31 – 37 |
| Chevrolet Cruze | 8.1 | $5,337 – $7,111 | City: 22 – 28 /Highway: 35 – 42 |
| Hyundai Elantra | 8.1 | $5,031 – $6,679 | City: 28 /Highway: 38 |
| Toyota Corolla | 8.1 | $4,194 – $9,349 | City: 26 – 28 /Highway: 34 – 35 |
| Volkswagen GTI | 8.1 | $5,483 – $9,213 | City: 21 – 24 /Highway: 31 – 32 |
| Ford Focus | 8.0 | $5,474 – $6,473 | City: 25 /Highway: 34 – 35 |
| Toyota Matrix | 7.8 | $4,728 – $8,888 | City: 20 – 26 /Highway: 26 – 32 |
| Volkswagen Eos | 7.7 | $7,054 – $8,282 | City: 21 – 22 /Highway: 30 – 31 |
| Nissan Cube | 7.6 | $5,479 – $7,314 | City: 25 – 27 /Highway: 30 – 31 |
| Nissan Sentra | 7.4 | $5,601 – $6,732 | City: 21 – 27 /Highway: 28 – 34 |
| Chevrolet Aveo | 7.0 | $4,116 – $5,431 | City: 25 – 27 /Highway: 34 – 35 |
| Dodge Caliber | 6.7 | $4,902 – $7,147 | City: 22 – 24 /Highway: 27 – 32 |
Source: cars.usnews.com, edmunds.com
Related: Chevrolet Aveo Alarm Going Off? (11 Common Causes)
References
https://www.caranddriver.com/chevrolet/aveo
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/chevrolet/aveo
https://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/aveo/2011/review/
https://www.kbb.com/chevrolet/aveo/
https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2011/chevrolet/aveo
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Chevrolet/Aveo/
https://www.carproblemzoo.com/chevrolet/aveo/
https://www.cars.com/research/chevrolet-aveo/recalls/
