2005 Chevrolet Aveo recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. 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.
What could happen: If the DRL module melts due to the heat generation, it could cause a vehicle fire.
The fix: 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 (Chevr…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2005 AVEO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 14V261000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-222-1020.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2005 Chevrolet Aveo owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (79), Electrical system (67), Lights (54), Transmission / drivetrain (18), Airbags (16).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
05/09/2023 · Lights
The contact's daughter owns a 2005 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated that intermittently, the headlights failed to illuminate. The contact's daughter had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V261000 (Exterior Lighting). The contact made a local dealer aware of the failure and the recall; however, the dealer informed the contact that parts were…
10/08/2021 · Engine
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH and making a stop, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact was able to push the vehicle to the nearby gas station with assistance. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir and was able to re…
08/28/2021 · Engine
Timing belt/chain broke. Car is below the 60,000 mile mark for scheduled replacement as stated from manufacturer. Car broke down suddenly in the middle of the road creating a hazard to the driver and others.
09/13/2020 · Fuel system · crash · fire
THIS IS NOT MY VEHICLE. I AM REPORTING FRAUD BY GM. PLEASE REVIEW THE INFORMATION I AM SUPPLYING BECAUSE THE NEW GM FAILED TO DO SO.*DT *JS
08/28/2019 · Unknown Or Other
NOTHING HAPPENED, BUT I SAW THAT THE CHEVROLET AVEO'S STATUS WAS DEEMED, "RECALL INCOMPLETE," AND I WANTED TO KNOW WHAT I SHOULD DO WITH THE CAR; IF THERE ARE ANY REPAIRS THAT NEED TO BE DONE OR IF REPAIRS CANNOT BE DONE. I DON'T HAVE ANY PHOTOS BECAUSE I DON'T UNDERSTAND IN DEPTH WHY THIS VEHICLE WAS RECALLED, BUT I WANTED TO KNOW IF THIS IS VERY CONCERNIN…
07/06/2019 · Electrical system
TACADA RECALL I BOUGHT MY CAR HAD 121000 MILES ALL A SUDDEN I HAVE NO RIGHT TAIL LIGHT NO DASH LIGHTS AN NO PASSENGERS FRONT ORANGE LIGHT THER IS NO POWER GOING TO FUSE BOX UNDER HOOD I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THEY STATED MY VIN HAD BEEN FIXED FOR THAT RECAL AND IT HAS NOT
11/20/2018 · Electrical system · fire
GM MUST NOT KNOW THIS THIS HAS TO DO WITH THE ELECTRICAL WIRE HARNESS INSIDE OF THE ENGINE BLOCK FOR THE LIGHTS. FOR SOME REASON THE POWER IS OVER WRITING THE FUSES AND NOT BLOWING AND CAUSING SMALL ENGINE FIRES THAT COULD GET OUT OF CONTROL. I CAUGHT MINE IN ENOUGH TIME AND PUT IT OUT. A GUY HAS TO DO WITH THE RIGHT SIDE AND THE LEFT SIDE IN THE FUSE BOX…
06/19/2017 · Airbags · crash
MY DAUGHTER CAME TO A STOP IN TRAFFIC AT A RED LIGHT 50 FEET FROM THE CAR IN FRONT OF HER AND WAS HIT IN THE REAR TRAVELING AT ABOUT 40 MILES PER HOUR KNOCKING HER IN TO THE CAR IN FRONT OF HER THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND GM'S INVESTIGATION SAYS SHE WASN'T HIT HARD ENOUGH. SHE WAS SENT TO THE HOSPITAL VIA EMS WITH BACK AND NECK INJURY'S THIS WHOLE A…