2004 Chevrolet Aveo

No photo available — body style shown for reference.

The Verdict

Worst problem area

Engine

Engine leads by volume: 83 of 206 complaints (40%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (17) than those mentioning any other identified area.

Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology

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Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History

Fuel cost, fuel economy, and complaint history by model-yearScroll sideways to see all 3 years. Fuel figures show the range across trims for years with more than one EPA-rated configuration.
Category200420052006vs. 2004 Compact Cars
Annual fuel cost ($)2,300–2,4002,300–2,4002,400–2,500
Combined MPG26–2726–2725–26
City / Highway MPG23 / 31–3223 / 31–3221–22 / 31–32
CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi)329–342329–342342–355
Complaints filed206235189Not compared
Recalls issued211Not compared
Crash-involved complaints231913Not compared
Fire-involved complaints91716Not compared
Injuries reported20167Not compared
Deaths reported210Not compared
Configurations compared242

Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.

Common questions

How many recalls does the 2004 Chevrolet Aveo have?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.

What is the most common complaint about the 2004 Chevrolet Aveo?

Engine: 83 of 206 NHTSA complaints (40%) mention it.

What gas mileage does the 2004 Chevrolet Aveo get?

EPA rates it 26–27 MPG combined across 2 configurations.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2004 Chevrolet Aveo?

EPA estimates $2,300–$2,400 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.

EPA-Rated Configurations (2)

Every EPA-rated configuration on this page, one row each.A number tagged (low) or (high) is this page’s own cost-table figure of that name, above.
ConfigurationTransmissionCylindersDisplacementDrivetrainFuel TypeVehicle ClassCityHighwayCombinedAnnual Fuel CostCO₂
Configuration 1Automatic 4-spd41.6LFront-Wheel DriveRegularCompact Cars23 mpg31 mpg (low)26 mpg (low)$2,400 (high)342 g/mi (high)
Configuration 2Manual 5-spd41.6LFront-Wheel DriveRegularCompact Cars23 mpg32 mpg (high)27 mpg (high)$2,300 (low)329 g/mi (low)

Complaints by Category

Complaints by category, in the same fixed order on every page
CategoryComplaintsCrash-InvolvedFire-InvolvedInjuriesDeaths
Engine831500
Transmission & Drivetrain182000
Fuel System110110
Electrical381510
Brakes110000
Steering91000
Suspension, Wheels & Tires112021
Airbags & Restraints41160171
Driver Assistance & Speed Control61010
Body, Seats & Latches82021
Visibility & Lighting171200
Other70000

A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.

Recalls (2)

  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · Campaign 14V261000 · May 19, 2014

    Defect: 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.

  • SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER · Campaign 04V407000 · Aug 19, 2004

    Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR SAFETY BELT CAN BECOME TWISTED.

    Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS THE SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR MAY LOCK IN POSITION SO THAT THE BELT CANNOT BE USED. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT COULD OCCUR.

    Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SAFETY BELT WEBBING GUIDE TO PREVENT THE BELT FROM TWISTING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438. VEHICLE OWNERS LOCATED IN GUAM SHOULD CONTACT GM CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE AT 1-671-648-8453.