Chevrolet Aveo problems
The Chevrolet Aveo (/əˈveɪ.oʊ/ ə-VAY-oh) is a five-passenger, front-drive subcompact car (B-segment) marketed by General Motors (GM) since 2002 over two generations. Originally developed by South Korean manufacturer Daewoo Motors and marketed as the Daewoo Kalos, the takeover of Daewoo by GM to form GM Daewoo Auto & Technology (GMDAT) resulted in the car's marketing in 120 countries under seven brands (Chevrolet, Daewoo, ZAZ, Holden, Pontiac, Ravon and Suzuki) — prominently as the Aveo.
The second-generation Aveo, developed by GM Korea (formerly GMDAT), was introduced in 2011 and was also marketed as the Chevrolet Sonic in markets including the Americas, Japan, Middle East, South Africa and several Southeast Asian markets. Production of the second-generation model ended in October 2020.
Since 2017, GM marketed the Chinese market Chevrolet Sail sedan in Mexico and other Central American countries as the Aveo. Developed by GM PATAC in China and produced by joint venture SAIC-GM, it was positioned below the more advanced Sonic. In 2023, GM imported a new version to Mexico in a sedan and hatchback form, developed and manufactured by another Chinese joint venture, SAIC-GM-Wuling.
Social links
Chevrolet Aveo model years
Common Chevrolet Aveo problems
The Chevrolet Aveo, produced by General Motors, has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues span across various model years, with engine problems being the most prevalent category of complaints.
One of the most frequently reported problems is timing belt failure. This issue is particularly common in the 2004 model year, with 57 complaints.
Another engine-related issue is the idler pulley breaking in half. This problem has been reported 10 times in the 2005 model year. The idler pulley is part of the engine's accessory drive system, and its failure can cause the engine to run poorly or not at all.
The 2007 model year has also had engine problems, with 8 complaints about engine failure and 7 complaints about the engine stalling or dying while driving. These issues can be caused by various factors, such as electrical problems, mechanical failure, or issues with the engine's fuel system.
In addition to engine problems, the Chevrolet Aveo has also been known to have issues with its fuel pump. This problem has been reported 5 times in various model years. A faulty fuel pump can prevent the engine from starting or cause it to stall while driving.
The Aveo's starting system has also been a source of complaints, with 9 reports of starting problems across various model years. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, such as electrical problems, issues with the starter motor, or problems with the engine's ignition system.
The car's check engine light has also been a common source of complaints, with 8 reports across various model years. The check engine light can indicate a wide range of problems, from minor issues like a loose gas cap to more serious problems like engine misfires or issues with the catalytic converter.
The Chevrolet Aveo has also been known to have issues with its gearbox. One common problem is difficulty shifting gears, particularly from 1 to 2 or from 3 to 2. This issue has been reported by several owners and can be caused by various factors, such as worn clutch components or issues with the transmission's hydraulic system.
Finally, the Aveo has also had issues with its exhaust system, with several reports of excessive gasoline consumption after cleaning the oxygen sensor in the exhaust system. This issue can be caused by various factors, such as issues with the engine's fuel system or problems with the car's emissions control system.
In summary, the Chevrolet Aveo has been known to have several common problems, particularly with its engine and starting system. These issues can be caused by various factors and can lead to significant repair costs. It is essential for Aveo owners to stay vigilant and address any issues promptly to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of their vehicle.
Is the Chevy Aveo a reliable car?
RepairPal gave the Aveo an above-average 4.0 out of 5.0 rating, ranking it 13th out of 21 subcompact cars. According to reports, this car can last over 200,000 miles as long as you take good care of it.
Is the Chevrolet Aveo good for long drive?
Good for travel for long distance travels but not much suitable for daily commute within city limits.
Are Chevy Aveos good on gas?
However, the Aveo largely abandoned this niche. For a start, fuel economy was surprisingly poor for such a little car. The EPA rated it at 27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined in old three-cycle testing, and that's if you didn't opt for the four-speed automatic.
What is the maintenance cost of Chevrolet Aveo?
Chevrolet Aveo Service Cost & Maintenance Schedule
| Service No. | Kilometers / Months | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Service | 5,000/6 | Rs.972 |
| 2nd Service | 10,000/12 | Rs.260 |
| 3rd Service | 15,000/18 | Rs.972 |
| 4th Service | 20,000/24 | Rs.840 |
Percentage distribution of complaints by Chevrolet Aveo years
We have researched Chevrolet problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Chevrolet Aveo cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Chevrolet Aveo model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Chevrolet Aveo model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Chevrolet Aveo years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Chevrolet Aveo car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Chevrolet Aveo , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Chevrolet Aveo vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Aveo model years
A total of 128 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Aveo model years
There were a total of 74 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Aveo model years
There were a total of 112 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Aveo model years
There were a total of 7 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 1317 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Chevrolet Aveo . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Chevrolet Aveo vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Chevrolet Aveo 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-08
- VIN: KL1TD56698B
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: California catalytic converter breaking
Chevrolet Aveo 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-19
- Fire: 1
- VIN: KL1TD66618B
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: There was no prior warnings or notices that there was an issue. While diving on a major road with my children, smoke started coming into the cabin from the vents, and around the stereo. Luckily I was near a very vacant parking lot and immediately pulled over. I removed the kids from the car safely and did open the hood to try troubleshoot the problem. There was no smoke anywhere under the hood. Immediately after, sparks started falling from under the steering wheel to the gas pedal. Immediately after that the car was engulfed in flames. The car is currently located at my local police impound and is available for inspection upon request. From the time the smoke started to when the car was engulfed, it was approximately 5 minutes. This could have been dangerous had we been on a highway and unable to pull over and get out of the car safely within that time. It was only inspected briefly by the fire department who arrived to put out the fire and they reported it was an electrical issue that caused the fire.
Chevrolet Aveo 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-08
- VIN: KL1TD56658B
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the transmission became unbolted and separated from the vehicle. Additionally, the engine separated from the motor mounts rendering the vehicle undrivable. The vehicle was later towed the local mechanic. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 121,000.
Chevrolet Aveo 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-05
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-12
- VIN: KL1TD56676B
- Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Front subframe. Pulls one way during acceleration and pulling the opposite way during braking
Chevrolet Aveo 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-01-23
- VIN: KL1TD66E29B
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle shut off independently. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that they could not diagnose the vehicle because the vehicle failed to start. The dealer informed the contact that an unknown wiring harness might need to be installed to restart the vehicle; however, the part had been discontinued. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to GM Campaign Number: N110290. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Chevrolet Aveo 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-01-22
- VIN: KL1TG66686B
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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.
Chevrolet Aveo 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2023-05-09
- VIN: KL1TG62605B
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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 on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Chevrolet Aveo 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-01
- Date Complaint: 2023-03-08
- VIN: KL1TD66686B
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: 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
Chevrolet Aveo 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-31
- Date Complaint: 2023-01-31
- VIN: KL1TD66687B
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 06V398000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact stated that after the vehicle was involved in an accident, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to restart on various occasions. No warning lights were illuminated, and the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the failure had reoccurred, and the vehicle failed to restart. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Chevrolet Aveo 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2010-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2022-10-28
- VIN: KL1TD5DE7AB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to stop the vehicle, the vehicle was bouncing. The contact also stated the key had gotten stuck inside the ignition switch. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the failure could be attributed to driver's error. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
Chevrolet Aveo 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-23
- Date Complaint: 2022-10-26
- VIN: kl1td66618b
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The left side mount-to-mount bracket bolt broke when accelerating normally from a stop. This is one of the bolts that holds the engine to the frame. This caused my shift stick to be thrown back on every acceleration. This is an obvious safety risk. I have not yet had this problem verified or confirmed by anyone. The car seemed to drive well and normal before and up to this incident.
Chevrolet Aveo 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-17
- Date Complaint: 2022-02-17
- VIN: KL1TD56608B
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact's son owns a 2008 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed that the passenger's side air bag needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Chevrolet Aveo 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-01
- Date Complaint: 2022-02-01
- VIN: KL1TD66608B
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: In-dash clock module contains the vehicle 'Check Engine Light' - required to pass inspection. Solder joints are defective ('cold' or cracked) creating intermittent electrical connections. Prevents warning of engine defects to driver. Solder defects eventually cause destruction of the module incurring unreimbursed denial of transport and expense to driver to repair.
Chevrolet Aveo 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-08
- Date Complaint: 2021-10-08
- VIN: KL1TD52695B
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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 restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that the vehicle had overheated, and the valve cover gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired however, the valve cover gasket was sealed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
Chevrolet Aveo 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-28
- Date Complaint: 2021-08-28
- VIN: kl1td62615b
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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.
Latest 5 recalls Chevrolet Aveo
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 9 recalls for different components of the Chevrolet Aveo.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Chevrolet Aveo 2009
- Report Received Date: 2014-07-29
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID
- Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Chevrolet Aveo and 2009 Pontiac G3 vehicles. The vehicles may contain brake fluid which does not protect against corrosion of the valves inside the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module, affecting the closing motion of the valves.
- Consequence: If the ABS valve corrodes it may result in longer brake pedal travel or reduced performance, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS module, free of charge, in any vehicle that did not have its module replaced under a previous customer satisfaction campaign. The recall began in late September 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac). GM's number for this recall is 14505.
- Model: Chevrolet Aveo 2010
- Report Received Date: 2014-07-29
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID
- Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Chevrolet Aveo and 2009 Pontiac G3 vehicles. The vehicles may contain brake fluid which does not protect against corrosion of the valves inside the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module, affecting the closing motion of the valves.
- Consequence: If the ABS valve corrodes it may result in longer brake pedal travel or reduced performance, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS module, free of charge, in any vehicle that did not have its module replaced under a previous customer satisfaction campaign. The recall began in late September 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac). GM's number for this recall is 14505.
- Model: Chevrolet Aveo 2004
- Report Received Date: 2014-05-19
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: 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.
- Model: Chevrolet Aveo 2005
- Report Received Date: 2014-05-19
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: 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.
- Model: Chevrolet Aveo 2006
- Report Received Date: 2014-05-19
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: 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.
Latest negative Chevrolet Aveo car reviews
Latest positive Chevrolet Aveo car reviews
-
Vehicle year: 2006
Your car is an automatic, not a stick shift. It's great to hear that you've had your Aveo for 4 years and have put 97,000 miles on it. I'm glad to hear that you're pleased with your car. You've done a great job keeping up with the normal maintenance, including the timing belt, transmission, and radiator service. It's understandable that you need to get the front struts replaced after almost 100,000 miles. Although the around town MPG is a little disappointing, the highway MPG of 35 is awesome. This car may not have all the bells and whistles, but it gets the job done. It's important to have the car properly serviced, and you should do fine. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
-
Vehicle year: 2011
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to say that I absolutely love my 2010 Chevy Aveo! Even though it's not the most powerful or stylish car on the road, I still think it's great. The interior is roomy and comfortable, and I've even taken it on a few cross-country moves with my husband and three dogs. Plus, it's super efficient, which is really important to me. I can fill up for about $40 and get almost 300 miles out of it! I've never had any major issues with it, except for a small rip in the driver's seat fabric from wear and tear. Just remember to change the oil regularly and it'll last you a long time. Thanks for listening!
-
Vehicle year: 2011
There aren't many new vehicles out there that you can buy for the same price as the Aveo. However, if you're looking for a nicer vehicle at the same price point, you might want to consider browsing the pre-owned section. The Aveo's interior was a pleasant surprise for me - it was much more comfortable than I expected. I purchased the 2LT trim level, but even the LS trim level had a decent interior. My boyfriend is tall and weighs about 270LBs, and he found the Aveo to be quite comfortable. Additionally, the Aveo I purchased came with armrests at no extra cost, and I feel secure when driving it.
-
Vehicle year: 2007
I recently purchased the 2007 special value model Chevy Aveo 5 (hatchback) and I absolutely love it! The spicy orange color and style are fantastic. Although it is a base model and not particularly fancy, it is still very comfortable, roomy, and zippy. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with my purchase. The spicy orange style is definitely a plus!
-
Vehicle year: 2010
I purchased this car brand new from the lot. After a few months, I noticed a screeching noise while driving on the open highway in a crosswind. I later discovered that it was due to the design of the vehicle, but it was quickly fixed at the shop. This car is perfect for me as I wanted a simple car with fewer features and less expense. It can be parked anywhere, and while it's not overly spunky, it performs well on the highway. The fuel mileage is great, and I've only had to make a few minor repairs due to lack of use, such as creaky doors and a rear hatch release that sticks. The heater only works on blast, but at least it works. If you're looking for a car to get you from point A to B without a lot of bells and whistles, this is the perfect ride for you. 'The Intimidator' now has 78,000kms on it, and I recently had the control arm and water pump replaced. These are things that will need replacing regardless, and I think after 6 years, it's fair. The car still has its original brakes, clutch, wipers, and numerous other things. I am more than happy with it and would buy another one in a minute. It's also great in the snow, but of course, that depends on your driving skills. As a Canadian, I have mastered this skill.
Are you having problems with your Chevrolet Aveo?
Amari Schultz 2025-03-27
Vehicle year: 2006
Update.... My car broke a timing belt at 60,112 miles and destroyed the engine. Unfortunately, the repair cost was more than the value of the car so I had to sell it for junk ($100). However, I have been driving my 2006 Chevy Aveo for 2 years now with no mechanical problems. It gets very good gas mileage at around 30+ MPG and handles well on long trips. Although the interior is not fancy and has only minimum creature comforts, it is still comfortable. I purchased the car for only $900 with 46,000 miles on it with a dent in the fender and hood. The parts to repair it were available in the local junkyard at a very low price. I believe that the car will hold up for another 50,000 miles without any major problems and will continue to provide great service at a very low cost. The car may not project an image, but it is a great car for students and people on a budget.
Robb Goodwin 2025-03-27
Vehicle year: 2009
The 09 Chevy Aveo5 LT is a decent economy vehicle with some great features such as safety, eco-friendliness, and good gas mileage. It could be a perfect fit for high school or college students, but it may not be the best choice for families. If you do decide to purchase this vehicle, it's recommended to get all warranties and extended warranties. Also, it's important to take the car to your nearest Chevy Dealer and have all recalls changed immediately for your safety. While the vehicle may not have much room and there are some issues with the A/C, it could still be a good option for those living in colder climates. However, it may not be the best choice for those living in warmer areas like Florida.
Darrel Frami 2025-03-22
Vehicle year: 2009
This car has been a disappointment. It has had several malfunctions, including a transmission cooler that was placed inside the radiator, causing the transmission fluid to mix with the radiator juice. However, I believe that the manufacturer can do better and I hope that they will improve their products in the future. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Bell Blick 2025-03-19
Vehicle year: 2008
I've owned this car since 4/08 and wanted to share a few comments. Unfortunately, it doesn't handle well in the snow here in Chicago, so be prepared to shovel or use traction pads when parallel parking with over 5 inches on the ground. The smaller tires, low power, and low-to-the-ground design make parking a bit of a challenge. Additionally, the small tire treads tend to pick up every stone on the road, which can be quite annoying when the windows are down. On the bright side, the car has only required maintenance outside of oil changes, with the exception of a brake job around 14K miles due to rusted rotors. I only drive about 15 miles a day, but it's mostly stop-and-go traffic. Overall, it's not a bad car, especially considering its affordability. I even bought an aftermarket radio and speakers to make my commute more enjoyable!
Haley Wisozk 2025-03-16
Vehicle year: 2009
I purchased this car in 2016 with only 50,000 miles on it. At the time, it was just a temporary car while we prepared to move abroad. Unfortunately, I experienced a few issues with the car, such as the tires, tire sensors, alignment, battery, and brake switch going out, which caused the car to be locked in park. Additionally, both headlights and the rear flasher went out, and the headlight issue was due to a melted socket. The valve cover gasket also had to be replaced as it leaked oil on the exhaust manifold. Furthermore, most of the air conditioning and the radiator failed, and there was also a faulty wiring issue that caused the check engine light to go on and off. Currently, one of the ABS sensors is malfunctioning, but I plan to fix it myself, just like I did with the brake switch. Despite these issues, I have learned a lot about car maintenance and repair. Although the resale value has dropped about 60% in three years, I still appreciate the experience. In hindsight, I may have chosen a Toyota instead of a Chevy, but I have learned a valuable lesson. Thank you for reading my story!