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2011 Chevrolet Aveo Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 2026
Ethan Miller
2011 Chevrolet Aveo Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2011 Chevrolet Aveo has 112 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve engine and electrical system.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.4/ 10

Based on 112 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ENGINE

22 19.6%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

13 11.6%

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

11 9.8%

POWER TRAIN

10 8.9%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

8 7.1%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 19.6% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 19 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2011 Chevrolet Aveo

The 2011 Chevrolet Aveo has 112 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 20% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2011 Chevrolet Aveo are ENGINE (22), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (13), VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (11).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 71 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2011 Chevrolet Aveo?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2012 Aveo complaints2013 Aveo complaints2014 Aveo complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 19 of 19 systems

ENGINE

22 Reports20% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET AVEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE AND OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS, WHO STATED THAT THE CAMSHAFT WAS DAMAGED. IN ADDITION, THE HEAD GASKETS WERE BLOWN AND NEEDED A NEW TIMING BELT. THE PARTS WERE REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER AGAIN AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY LOW COOLING FLUID. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,861. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 33,890.

6/6/2013

I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET THIS ISSUE RESOLVED FOR ABOUT A YEAR TO NO AVAIL. MY 2011 CHEVY AVEO 1.4L HAS A VERY BAD VIBRATION AT IDLE THAT CAN BE FELT ON THE WHOLE FRONT END AND THROUGH TO THE STEERING COLUMN. I HAVE MOTOR MOUNTS REPLACED (THEY HAD BROKEN), REPLACED SPARK PLUGS, AND MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION SHIFTED TO SIT BETTER. UNFORTUNATELY, NONE OF THIS HAS RECTIFIED THE ISSUE. I HAVE BEEN SPEAKING WITH CHEVY'S CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT HAS PROVEN USELESS AND DEALERSHIPS STATING THAT THIS IS JUST WHAT THE CAR DOES. I'M CONCERNED THAT SINCE THIS VIBRATION CAN BREAK MOTOR MOUNTS IT CAN OBVIOUSLY CAUSE DAMAGE ELSEWHERE. I NOW HAVE A BURNING SMELL THAT CAN'T SEEM TO BE LOCATED AND NONE AT CHEVY SEEMS TO BE CONCERNED. *TR

10/24/2013

20 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

13 Reports12% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET AVEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND DECELERATED RAPIDLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOUR TIMES PRIOR TO THE MOST RECENT FAILURE AND WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. AFTER DIAGNOSIS, THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE BUT THEY WOULD TRY REPLACING THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSITANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,249.

2/29/2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET AVEO. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATE 30 MPH WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ACTIVATED WHEN A STRONG ODOR OF SULFUR EMITTED THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. WHILE PARKING, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR AND A BURNING SMELL CIRCULATED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT INSPECTED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND THERE WAS NO SMOKE OR FLAMES VISIBLE; HOWEVER THE ENTIRE HOOD COMPARTMENT OVERHEATED. ALSO, THE HOOD WAS EXTREMELY HOT TO THE TOUCH. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,180.

6/22/2012

11 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

11 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I HAVE BEEN AT THE DEALERS REPAIR SHOP LIKE 10+ TIMES FOR THE SAME TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. TODAY I WAS OUT ON A QUICK TRIP TO THE STORE AND WHEN I CHANGED GEARS FROM REVERSE (TO GET OUT OF MY DRIVE WAY) THEN TO DRIVE THE GEAR SHIFTER BECAME HARD TO MOVE? AND THEN THE "HOLD" LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER THAT MY CAR WENT ON AND OFF ACCELERATION DRAGGING, THEN ON MY WAY OUT OF THE PARKING LOT OF THE STORE, I PUSHED TO ACCELERATE AND THEN MY CAR BARELY MOVED LIKE SLOWER THAN THE CARS REGULAR CRUISE (LIKE WHEN YOU LET THE CAR MOVE ON ITS OWN IN MOTION OFF THE ACCELERATOR) IT WENT SLOWER THAN THAT. I AM ABOUT UP TO MY SHOULDERS IN FRUSTRATION WITH IT, NOW THE HOLD LIGHT WONT COME OFF AND I ALMOST GOT IN A CAR ACCIDENT NOW IT FEELS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *KB

10/12/2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET AVEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND DECELERATED RAPIDLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOUR TIMES PRIOR TO THE MOST RECENT FAILURE AND WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. AFTER DIAGNOSIS, THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE BUT THEY WOULD TRY REPLACING THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSITANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,249.

2/29/2012

9 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

10 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET AVEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY HESITATING FROM A STOP. THE VEHICLE WOULD MOMENTARILY HESITATE BEFORE RAPIDLY ACCELERATING. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND STALLED ON A FEW OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON FOUR OCCASIONS, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP AFTER BEING STUCK IN SECOND GEAR AND EXPERIENCING CATASTROPHIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE ECU, TCU, AND F MODULE WERE ALL REPLACED AND DID NOT SOLVE THE ISSUE. UPDATED 08/16/2012 *JS

7/16/2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET AVEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING THE SPARK PLUGS REPLACED, THE ENGINE BEGIN TO MALFUNCTION WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR AND AN EGG SMELL ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST HOWEVER, THE DEALER COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE DEFECT OF THE ENGINE. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE HEATER BLOWER BUT THAT DID NOT REMEDY THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,699. UPDATED 12/30/13*CN

11/14/2013

8 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

8 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AFTER PUTTING TGE CAR IN PARK I COULDN'T GET THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. IT'S STUCK IN THE ACCESSORY POSITION AND WON'T BUDGE. I LOOKED IT UP A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THIS SAMS PROBLEM WITH THE AVEO.

10/25/2015

THE KEY IS STUCK IN THE IGNITION.

8/28/2016

6 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

7 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHEN TURNING VEHICLE ALL THE WAY TO LEFT OR RIGHT BRAKES FAIL TO OPERATE CORRECTLY. THE BRAKE PEDAL BECOMES HARD AND GIVES YOU LESS THAN 10% BRAKING FUNCTION. IS NOT INTERMITTENT, IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME VEHICLE IS TURNED COMPLETELY TO LEFT OR RIGHT AND THE BRAKE IS APPLIED. *TR

6/24/2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET AVEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH THE BRAKE WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SHE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY ENGAGING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,600 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,660.

7/31/2012

5 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

7 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET AVEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY AN ACTIVATED CELL PHONE THAT WAS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE DEFECT RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES AND THAT THE DEALER REPLACED THE AIR BAG ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR THE SAME DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000

4/23/2014

MY GRANDDAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND WAS THE ONLY ONE INVOLVED IN THE ACCIDENT FRIDAY, JULY 25 2014. . SHE WAS CRITICALLY INJURY, AND IS STILL IN THE HOSPITAL. IT LOOKS LIKE THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND FOR UNKNOWN REASON THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD AND HIT A UTILITY POLE. AS EVERYONE REPORTED A SIMILAR PROBLEM/ACCIDENT. *TR

8/18/2014

5 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

6 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET AVEO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO PULL TO THE RIGHT ABNORMALLY THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWICE FOR A WHEEL AND STEERING ALIGNMENT BUT NONE OF THE REPAIRS REMEDIED THE STEERING ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BECOMING UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND THE FAILURE COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 607. UPDATED 01/14/11*LJ

12/2/2010

WHEN TURNING VEHICLE ALL THE WAY TO LEFT OR RIGHT BRAKES FAIL TO OPERATE CORRECTLY. THE BRAKE PEDAL BECOMES HARD AND GIVES YOU LESS THAN 10% BRAKING FUNCTION. IS NOT INTERMITTENT, IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME VEHICLE IS TURNED COMPLETELY TO LEFT OR RIGHT AND THE BRAKE IS APPLIED. *TR

6/24/2012

4 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

6 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I HAVE BEEN AT THE DEALERS REPAIR SHOP LIKE 10+ TIMES FOR THE SAME TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. TODAY I WAS OUT ON A QUICK TRIP TO THE STORE AND WHEN I CHANGED GEARS FROM REVERSE (TO GET OUT OF MY DRIVE WAY) THEN TO DRIVE THE GEAR SHIFTER BECAME HARD TO MOVE? AND THEN THE "HOLD" LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER THAT MY CAR WENT ON AND OFF ACCELERATION DRAGGING, THEN ON MY WAY OUT OF THE PARKING LOT OF THE STORE, I PUSHED TO ACCELERATE AND THEN MY CAR BARELY MOVED LIKE SLOWER THAN THE CARS REGULAR CRUISE (LIKE WHEN YOU LET THE CAR MOVE ON ITS OWN IN MOTION OFF THE ACCELERATOR) IT WENT SLOWER THAN THAT. I AM ABOUT UP TO MY SHOULDERS IN FRUSTRATION WITH IT, NOW THE HOLD LIGHT WONT COME OFF AND I ALMOST GOT IN A CAR ACCIDENT NOW IT FEELS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *KB

10/12/2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET AVEO. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE IN THE COMPUTER SYSTEM. THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO STALL WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN INFORMATION WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,000.

12/5/2011

4 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

5 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE LOOSES POWER WHILE AT CRUISING SPEED WITH NO WARNING. HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE PAST 24 MONTHS. DEALER CAN NOT DUPLICATE ISSUE. THIS IS A RANDOM OCCURRENCE AND HARD TO DUPLICATE. ACKS LIKE IT IS VAPOR LOCKING. I SUSPECT A DEFECT IN THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. FORTUNATELY I HAVE NOT BEEN IN HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC WHEN THIS HAPPENS. *TR

6/24/2014

I HAVE A 2011 CHEVY AVEO WITH 58,800 MILES. IT HAS A SERIOUS STALLING ISSUE AND GETTING WORSE. MY LOCAL CHEVY DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAD THE CAR FOR OVER TWO DAYS AND CAN'T GET IT TO "THROW A CODE" ON THE COMPUTER. IT DID STALL FOR THEM BEFORE THEY GOT THE COMPUTER ON IT. I HAVE EMAILED GM ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND PLAN TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH FTC. I AM GOING TO HAVE TO GIVE THE CAR BACK TO THE BANK AND SUFFER FINANCIALLY AS I AM IN NO POSITION TO PAY FOR 2 CARS SO THIS CAR CAN SIT. IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. IT SEEMS THAT GM IS ONLY WILLING TO REPAIR CARS ONCE SOMEONE AS DIED OR BEEN INJURED BY SOMETHING THAT THEY SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FROM THE BEGINNING. THE FIRST 2 ITEM THEY SHOULD BE REPLACING ARE THE IGNITION SWITCH AND FUEL PUMP, BUT THEY WON'T. *TR

6/28/2014

3 more complaints are available in this category.

WHEELS

4 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. THEN THE WHEELS STARTED TO PULL AND THE CAR BEGAN GOING FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. SOON AFTER THE CAR BEGAN TO SPIN ON THE HIGHWAY AND I ATTEMPTED TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND COLLIDED WITH A WALL. *TR

7/11/2012

12-1-12 PURCHASED VEHICLE FROM [XXX], THE VEHICLE HAD A SLIGHT PULL AND SALE PERSON SAID IT WAS JUST THE LOW TIRE. WHILE FILLING OUT PAPERWORK AND FINANCE DOCS VEHICLE WAS DETAILED AND TIRE WAS ADJUSTED. WE HAD THE FINANCE PEOPLE PUT AN EXTRA CLAUSE IN ABOUT THE TIRE AND THE ISSUE BEING FIXED. 1/3/13- CAR GOES IN BECAUSE OF IT PULLING AND TIRE LIGHT ON- THEY SAID IT WAS JUST BECAUSE THE DETAIL PERSON OVER FILLED ALL OF THE TIRES. BECAUSE OF MEDICAL SURGERIES I WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR FROM TIME OF PURCHASE UNTIL JANUARY 29, 2013. I GAVE IT A MONTH JUST BECAUSE I WAS GOING FROM AN SUV TO THIS SMALL CAR AND I KEPT THINKING THAT IT WAS JUST THE DIFFERENCE IN CARS. THEN I DECIDED NO THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS CAR. 3/2/13 BACK TO [XXX] FOR PULLING AND WHISTLE NOISE. SHOP CROSS ROTATED TIRES AND DID ALIGNMENT AND SAID CAR WAS ALL FIXED. 3/18/13- TOOK CAR BACK SAME THING CAR PULLS AT 60-65 FEELS LIKE THE FRONT AND BACK ARE FIGHTING AGAINST EACH OTHER. [XXX] REPLACED TIRE AND FORCED ALIGNMENT(NO WHERE ON THE INVOICE CAN I FIND THAT THEY REPLACED THE TIRE BUT PER [XXX] THEY DID) 3/25/13- CAR BACK TO [XXX] SAME THING, PUT A SHIM IN AND ALIGNED AGAIN. (DURING THIS VISIT A SCRATCH AND A DENT OCCURRED WHILE THEY HAD VEHICLE) 3/29/13- LOOKED AT DENT AND SAID THEY DID IT TO BRING CAR IN ON 4/2/13 FOR REPAIRS I ALSO ADVISED THAT THE CAR IS STILL DOING THE SAME THING PULLING. 4/2/13- CAR BACK FIXED PAINT AND TWO OR THREE PEOPLE TEST DROVE CAR AND YES THE CAR IS PULLING BUT THAT'S JUST BECAUSE THE CAR IS SMALL AND IT'S JUST HOW THE AVEO DRIVES. BOTTOM LINE I AM BEING TOLD IS EVEN THOUGH SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR A CHEVY AVEO IS JUST A VEHICLE THAT PULLS AGAINST ITSELF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

4/4/2013

2 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

3 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. THEN THE WHEELS STARTED TO PULL AND THE CAR BEGAN GOING FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. SOON AFTER THE CAR BEGAN TO SPIN ON THE HIGHWAY AND I ATTEMPTED TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND COLLIDED WITH A WALL. *TR

7/11/2012

I WAS DRIVING AND MY WHOLE RIGHT REAR WHEEL CAME OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD OUT OF NOWHERE. I SLID ABOUT 30 YARDS DOWN THE STREET AND HIT AN OBJECT THAT DAMAGED MY FRONT END. THOUGHT IT WAS MY TIRE BUT COME TO FIND OUT IT WAS LITERALLY MY WHOLE WHEEL AND IT RIPPED OUT MY BACK BUMPER. MY TIRE IS IN GOOD SHAPE BUT MY WHOLE WHEEL BEARING CAME OFF. THE DRUM LUG NUT IS STILL INTACT. I BELIEVE THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT THAT NEEDS TO BE BROUGHT TO YOUR ATTENTION. MY LIFE WAS JEOPARDIZED AND I'M SO GLAD I WASN'T ON THE FREEWAY BECAUSE IF SO I MAY NOT BE HERE TODAY. I STRONGLY SUGGEST SOME ACTION NEEDS TO PARTAKE IN THIS SITUATION AND MATTER! *TR

10/31/2014

1 more complaint is available in this category.

SUSPENSION

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET AVEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH THE TIE ROD FAILED, CAUSING THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE TO BECOME SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE TIE ROD FAILED AND BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.

8/1/2013

IDENTIFIED ONLINE THERE WAS A PRIOR ISSUE DOCUMENTED FOR 2011 CHEVROLET AVEO WITH FRONT END SUSPENSION. I AM BEING TOLD BY DEALER THIS IS A WHEEL BEARING ISSUE THERE WERE 2 NUMBERS ASSIGNED THAT BEGIN WITH AN " N AND T". I BECAME AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE INFORMATION I LOCATED AND THE NOISE IT MADE WHEN IN MOTION. MY CAR HAS BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY BU CHEVROLET AND THIS IS REALLY A MAJOR CONCERN TO LEARN OF THIS PROBLEM. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2012 AND STRANGELY THIS AUTOMOBILE IS NOT NO LONGER A PRODUCT OF CHEVROLET. I HAVE NEVER BEEN ADVISED OF A SAFETY RECALL AND DO NOT WANT TO BE A FATALITY AND WHEN THERE WERE OPPORTUNITIES TO CORRECT THE SITUATION BY CHEVROLET. I DO VALUE MY LIFE AS WELL AS OTHERS WHO ARE NOT BEING NOTIFIED OF DEFECTS IN AUTOMOBILES THEY PURCHASE. WE DESERVE BETTER CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SUPPORT.

8/4/2016

SEAT BELTS

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I WAS PULLING S ONTO HWY 515 FROM HWY 382 IN ELLIJAY, GA WHEN A CAR HIT MY DRIVERS SIDE PASSENGER DOOR. ON IMPACT, MY SEAT BELT BUCKLE BROKE RELEASING ME INTO THE VEHICLE CAUSING MULTIPLE INJURY. I WAS TAKEN TO PIEDMONT MOUNTAINSIDE HOSPITAL. I HAD RIB FRACTURES; CHEST WALL CONTUSION; SEVERE CERVICAL AND LUMBAR SPINE SPRAIN;SEVERE WHIPLASH; AND LEFT HAND LACERATION. I WAS PRESCRIBED NARCOTIC PAIN MED; MUSCLE SPASM MED; MED FOR INFLAMMATION. NEXT WENT TO KAISER URGENT CARE FOR SEVERE BACK SPASMS. MUSCLE SPASM MED CHANGED TO STRONGER MED; AGAIN NEXT WEEK CHANGED AGAIN. MOM HAD TO COME FROM TN; TO STAY WITH ME SO MY HUSBAND COULD WORK; I COULDN'T GET UP AND DOWN MYSELF & HAD TO SLEEP IN RECLINER DOWNSTAIRS IN MY LIVING ROOM FOR 3 MONTHS. WHEN SWELLING FINALLY REDUCED MRI SHOWED NO SPINAL FLUID FROM C5-C7 DISCS; SURGERY SCHEDULED FOR MAY 28 FOR FUSION. MAY 1, MY HUSBAND WAS FIRED FROM HIS JOB; SEPARATION NOTICE STATED 'RELEASED WITHOUT PREJUDICE' WE NO LONGER HAD MEDICAL INSURANCE; BUT GOT IT FROM MARRIOTT AT COST IMMEDIATELY AND HAD DISC FUSION ON MAY 28; STILL IN PHYSICAL THERAPY. ON MEDICAL LEAVE OF ABSENCE MAR 3-JULY 28; MY POSITION AT MARRIOTT HAD TO BE FILLED I HAD TO AWAIT ANOTHER POSITION, APPLY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT. GM WOULD NOT DISCUSS THIS DEFECTIVE SEAT BELT ISSUE BECAUSE THE CAR WAS TOTALED AND I NO LONGER HAD IT. I TRIED CONTACTING AN ATTORNEY, BUT THEY DID NOT TAKE MY INJURIES SERIOUSLY AND EVEN THOUGH I GAVE THEM THE EXACT LOCATION OF THE VEHICLE AND THEY AGREED TO DO AN INVESTIGATION THEY DID NOTHING AND MY CAR WAS SOLD FROM CO-PART. MY MAIN CONCERN IS THAT ANYONE WHO STILL HAS A CHEVROLET AVEO KNOW THAT THIS HAPPENED. ALLSTATE AND I HAVE PICTURES OF THE DAMAGED SEAT BELT. I HAVE FINALLY RECOVERED ENOUGH TO GO BACK TO WORK. MY GREATEST FEAR IS THAT ANOTHER SEAT BELT BUCKLE IN ANOTHER CHEVROLET AVEO COULD BREAK AND SOMEONE COULD GET KILLED. *TR

8/29/2014

I WAS PULLING S ONTO HWY 515 FROM HWY 382 IN ELLIJAY, GA WHEN A CAR HIT MY DRIVERS SIDE PASSENGER DOOR. ON IMPACT, MY SEAT BELT BUCKLE BROKE RELEASING ME INTO THE VEHICLE CAUSING MULTIPLE INJURIES. I WAS TAKEN TO PIEDMONT MOUNTAINSIDE HOSPITAL. I HAD RIB FRACTURES; CHEST WALL CONTUSION; SEVERE CERVICAL AND LUMBAR SPINE SPRAIN;SEVERE WHIPLASH; AND LEFT HAND LACERATION. I WAS PRESCRIBED NARCOTIC PAIN MED; MUSCLE SPASM MED; MED FOR INFLAMMATION. NEXT WENT TO KAISER URGENT CARE FOR SEVERE BACK SPASMS. MUSCLE SPASM MED CHANGED TO STRONGER MED; AGAIN NEXT WEEK CHANGED AGAIN. MOM HAD TO COME FROM TN; TO STAY WITH ME SO MY HUSBAND COULD WORK; I COULDN'T GET UP AND DOWN MYSELF & HAD TO SLEEP IN RECLINER DOWNSTAIRS IN MY LIVING ROOM FOR 3 MONTHS. WHEN SWELLING FINALLY REDUCED MRI SHOWED NO SPINAL FLUID FROM C5-C7 DISCS; SURGERY SCHEDULED FOR MAY 28 FOR FUSION. MAY 1, MY HUSBAND WAS FIRED FROM HIS JOB; SEPARATION NOTICE STATED 'RELEASED WITHOUT PREJUDICE' WE NO LONGER HAD MEDICAL INSURANCE; BUT GOT IT FROM MARRIOTT AT COST IMMEDIATELY AND HAD DISC FUSION ON MAY 28; STILL IN PHYSICAL THERAPY. ON MEDICAL LEAVE OF ABSENCE MAR 3-JULY 28; MY POSITION AT MARRIOTT HAD TO BE FILLED I HAD TO AWAIT ANOTHER POSITION, APPLY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT. GM WOULD NOT DISCUSS THIS DEFECTIVE SEAT BELT ISSUE BECAUSE THE CAR WAS TOTALED AND I NO LONGER HAD IT. I TRIED CONTACTING AN ATTORNEY, BUT THEY DID NOT TAKE MY INJURIES SERIOUSLY AND EVEN THOUGH I GAVE THEM THE EXACT LOCATION OF THE VEHICLE AND THEY AGREED TO DO AN INVESTIGATION THEY DID NOTHING AND MY CAR WAS SOLD FROM CO-PART. MY MAIN CONCERN IS THAT ANYONE WHO STILL HAS A CHEVROLET AVEO KNOW THAT THIS HAPPENED. ALLSTATE AND I HAVE PICTURES OF THE DAMAGED SEAT BELT. I HAVE FINALLY RECOVERED ENOUGH TO GO BACK TO WORK. MY GREATEST FEAR IS THAT ANOTHER SEAT BELT BUCKLE IN ANOTHER CHEVROLET AVEO COULD BREAK AND SOMEONE COULD GET KILLED. *TR

8/29/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET AVEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS UNABLE TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED AND WORSENED FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (SHELLWORTH CHEVROLET, 631 ORANGE DRIVE, VACAVILLE, CALIFORNIA 95687) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000. *TT *TR

6/26/2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET AVEO. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND THE IGNITION SWITCH SEIZED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A FUSE OR THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REMOVED IN ORDER TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000.

7/9/2018

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I HAVE BEEN AT THE DEALERS REPAIR SHOP LIKE 10+ TIMES FOR THE SAME TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. TODAY I WAS OUT ON A QUICK TRIP TO THE STORE AND WHEN I CHANGED GEARS FROM REVERSE (TO GET OUT OF MY DRIVE WAY) THEN TO DRIVE THE GEAR SHIFTER BECAME HARD TO MOVE? AND THEN THE "HOLD" LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER THAT MY CAR WENT ON AND OFF ACCELERATION DRAGGING, THEN ON MY WAY OUT OF THE PARKING LOT OF THE STORE, I PUSHED TO ACCELERATE AND THEN MY CAR BARELY MOVED LIKE SLOWER THAN THE CARS REGULAR CRUISE (LIKE WHEN YOU LET THE CAR MOVE ON ITS OWN IN MOTION OFF THE ACCELERATOR) IT WENT SLOWER THAN THAT. I AM ABOUT UP TO MY SHOULDERS IN FRUSTRATION WITH IT, NOW THE HOLD LIGHT WONT COME OFF AND I ALMOST GOT IN A CAR ACCIDENT NOW IT FEELS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *KB

10/12/2011

TIRES

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

12-1-12 PURCHASED VEHICLE FROM [XXX], THE VEHICLE HAD A SLIGHT PULL AND SALE PERSON SAID IT WAS JUST THE LOW TIRE. WHILE FILLING OUT PAPERWORK AND FINANCE DOCS VEHICLE WAS DETAILED AND TIRE WAS ADJUSTED. WE HAD THE FINANCE PEOPLE PUT AN EXTRA CLAUSE IN ABOUT THE TIRE AND THE ISSUE BEING FIXED. 1/3/13- CAR GOES IN BECAUSE OF IT PULLING AND TIRE LIGHT ON- THEY SAID IT WAS JUST BECAUSE THE DETAIL PERSON OVER FILLED ALL OF THE TIRES. BECAUSE OF MEDICAL SURGERIES I WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR FROM TIME OF PURCHASE UNTIL JANUARY 29, 2013. I GAVE IT A MONTH JUST BECAUSE I WAS GOING FROM AN SUV TO THIS SMALL CAR AND I KEPT THINKING THAT IT WAS JUST THE DIFFERENCE IN CARS. THEN I DECIDED NO THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS CAR. 3/2/13 BACK TO [XXX] FOR PULLING AND WHISTLE NOISE. SHOP CROSS ROTATED TIRES AND DID ALIGNMENT AND SAID CAR WAS ALL FIXED. 3/18/13- TOOK CAR BACK SAME THING CAR PULLS AT 60-65 FEELS LIKE THE FRONT AND BACK ARE FIGHTING AGAINST EACH OTHER. [XXX] REPLACED TIRE AND FORCED ALIGNMENT(NO WHERE ON THE INVOICE CAN I FIND THAT THEY REPLACED THE TIRE BUT PER [XXX] THEY DID) 3/25/13- CAR BACK TO [XXX] SAME THING, PUT A SHIM IN AND ALIGNED AGAIN. (DURING THIS VISIT A SCRATCH AND A DENT OCCURRED WHILE THEY HAD VEHICLE) 3/29/13- LOOKED AT DENT AND SAID THEY DID IT TO BRING CAR IN ON 4/2/13 FOR REPAIRS I ALSO ADVISED THAT THE CAR IS STILL DOING THE SAME THING PULLING. 4/2/13- CAR BACK FIXED PAINT AND TWO OR THREE PEOPLE TEST DROVE CAR AND YES THE CAR IS PULLING BUT THAT'S JUST BECAUSE THE CAR IS SMALL AND IT'S JUST HOW THE AVEO DRIVES. BOTTOM LINE I AM BEING TOLD IS EVEN THOUGH SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR A CHEVY AVEO IS JUST A VEHICLE THAT PULLS AGAINST ITSELF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

4/4/2013

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, ALL OF THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WENT OUT MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE HOW FAST I WAS TRAVELING. *TR

3/2/2014

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER & HAD TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. TOOK NUMEROUS TIMES TO TRY TO START IT AGAIN. NOT HAPPY WITH THIS. *TR

8/5/2014

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Aveo?

The most reported complaint category for the 2011 Chevrolet Aveo is ENGINE, with 22 owner reports. That is about 20% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL.

Are complaints about the 2011 Chevrolet Aveo a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 71 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2011 Chevrolet Aveo?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2011 Chevrolet Aveo severe?

71 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Chevrolet Aveo: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
112
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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