Hi guys! I found this page because I was "googling" the timing belt for my 2004 aveo, as I was driving this morning to work that thing broke. So far I didn't have any complaints about my "little bug" except for some troubles that the brakes gave me in the beginning...
With the recall for the gas cap, I took my car for a regular service and my dealer was decent enough to replace the cap without me asking for it and he notify me about it showing me a letter for the recall. So far, I think that the SERVICE provided by the dealer has a lot to do with how the car behaves so watch out for those "SNEAKY DEALERS" and write to GM if any of them misbehave.
OVERALL I think this car is only to take you from point A to point B and then one day it'll die.
Anyways, I hope I can make enough money in the next two years so I can buy my self an European car that is made for the AUTOBAHN and it does not do the "Chicken dance" on the highway. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!
I bought my Chevrolet Aveo Value Edition new in February 2004.
I had a major problem with it after about 30,000 miles. The car hesitated, but that's wording it mildly. If I were at a stop sign and wanted to get into traffic, The car would not go when I stepped on the gas. Also, if I was at highway speed and wanted to pass, when I stepped on the gas pedal, the car slowed down. It was in the repair shop for over a month, free loaner in the meanwhile. They replaced 4 fuel injectors, computer module, catalytic converter, returned it to me and it was still broken. When I finally got it back working they told me they replaced everything past the computer module. So far, at 60,000, it is working fine. 42 mpg. They never told me what was wrong with it, I don't think they know.
Lesser problems:
1. Fuel pump needed to be replaced under warranty.
2. Fuel Tank empty warning light broke, was fixed 2 times, still doesn't work. I keep gas in the tank so I won't spend my money to fix it.
3. Clock was replaced once because it would not set.
4. The new clock re-sets itself for no apparent reason. I'm not paying to fix it.
5. Day Time Running lights do not go on. Well, once in a while they do, but then they go right out again while I am driving. Not required, so I'm not spending my money to fix them.
6. Gas Cap broke before the recall, cost $15 to replace and I don't have a receipt to get a refund.
7. The manual and maintenance books do NOT say to change timing belt at 60,000 miles. I know better, I am getting mine changed. But wouldn't this be covered under the extended warranty if there is no scheduled maintenance for it?
I would probably not buy another '04 Aveo, but I will be looking for a car next year or the year after. I'll read the Aveo reviews. If they are improved, I will consider one, fuel efficient, inexpensive, economical... Might be worth it if the bugs are worked out.
I bought a 2004 Chevy Aveo hatchback with 16,000 miles and now it up to 39,000, compared to my 96 toyota corolla, it handles fine going over 70mph, it shakes quite a bit if you try to push it over 90... I installed my old rims and tires which are a size or two bigger then the original ones and they added more stability, also replaced the original air filter with a K&N it gave it a little bit faster response.
It does great on gas, it's a small car that is easy to handle in the city, fits in any tight spaces, so far I would recomend it to anyone looking for a car that won't cost an arm and a leg, a car that will take you places and won't gulp down lots of gas, there is sitting for 5 but I don't know just how comfy that would be for the ones in the back.
I bought the extended warranty and I take it to the dealership whenever its does for an oil change or maint. services. They are very friendly and seem to know what they are doing, I've been lucky so far with this little vehicle and I hope it continues working the way I want it until I can afford a 6 cylinder. Hope this comment helped.
'04 aveo hatchback
N.J.
Yes if your timming belt breaks it is under warranty until 60 thousand miles. they know the timming belts are bad. mine broke at 58 thousand miles and it tore heads up also they fixed it all not a dime did I spend. I also told them I was affraid to keep the car because I to have replaced the fuel pump the cadallic converter the muppler and all, but it was all under warranty so they have extended my warranty. people there are problems with the 04 aveos so get with gm make them do right. i will get rid of this car before my warranty runs out. good luck to all
weeza1958@yahoo.com.
My 04 Aveo has 65,000 miles on it, and I just learned today it is timing belt time. This is not a new issue; I had to change the SHO belt every 50 or lose the engine.
The first month I lived with the car, I thought it was a bad buy; wishy/washy handling, it danced around, stopping hard, and going fast into corner, it acted like the tail would beat the front around. Took it to the Tire Rack, and changed the rims and tires, and have been in love since.
My issues were bad exhaust weld; required a full replacement; it was free.
It is a stick, driven hard and fast all the time, got a 98 in 65 in Ohio.
Car has been trouble free, and I would rate it as one of my best buys in cars. Dollar for dollar it can't be beat.
Hi to all.
I am from Jordan (Middle East) and I have a Chevrolet Aveo 2004.
This car is almost trouble free, no abnormal behaviour, and is easy to park and manoeuvre. Its mileage is about 45000 miles and it's still doing fine.
I am not thinking to replace it in the coming two years.
I bought a 2004 Aveo new and it has just turned 100,000 miles. I have replaced the front brakes, plugs, airfilter (one time only) and a couple of sets of tires, with one of those sets being defective.
I have never had to take the car back for any warranty work, and I put around 120 to 150 miles per day on it.
It does not handle good at high speeds, but I very seldom drive over 75 MPH any way.
I guess I will take it in for a timing belt change, since I am reading all the horror stories about everyone else's bad luck.
My last car was a Ford Festiva, and can you believe it, died on me at over 300,000 miles. Service and drive like they are small cars, after all these are what I call throw away cars.
I have a 2004 chevy aveo with 55,000 miles on it and had it in for service 3 times. Clock replaced, Key wouldn't open the door locks and recently the timing belt replaced. For what I paid for the car and what it has cost me, it has been a great value.
So I have a Chevy Aveo 2004. DO NOT BUY THEM. I just hit 48388 miles and NO ONE informed me the belt needed to be REPLACED by 45000. THEY are telling me CHEVY that I am not covered...
It is dead at a mechanics shop who is trying to work with me.
IF ANYONE has advice how to fight them... please let me know. I have had no problems until now so I reported this to the better business page and the NC DOT safety line and a Chevy lemon page.
I am so frustrated. I called three dealerships and they WERE all rude and NOT helpful at all. At least in this town. It seems they DO not want to admit to a timing belt issues...
EVERYONE get yours changed before 45000 OR you will deal with bent valves... snapped belt and possible more damage. As soon as I EVER get this fixed, I am selling it and NEVER buying a Chevy AGAIN.
Please help me fight...
I have (had) a 2004 Aveo with 92,000 kilometres. The timing belt failed last week halfway up the Alaska Highway. After an expensive tow, the mechanic tells me it has valve damage.
Admittedly, ignorance of the engine type and failure on my part to observe the maintenance schedule contributed to the breakdown.
On the other hand, talk of inspecting the timing belt after a mere 30,000 hardly inspires confidence, nor any kind of reliability factor. 30,000!! That's basically saying that this could break down any time. NEVER BUY ONE!!!
My timing belt went out at 73,000 miles. Was not aware of the timing belt issues this car has. 4 valves need replaced and head cracked in 3 places. Looking at 1800 bucks to fix. Just paid the last year payments off two weeks ago. Also had a left front wheel bearing go out last year that was 600 bucks to repair. Paid 10 grand for this piece of crap car. Everything is "dealer only" items. I will never ever ever buy another chevy product in my lifetime. The dealership tried to tell my husband it was my driving that was causing the damage. When he stood up to them and they knew he was mechanically inclined they relented and said it was "cheap korean parts". Wow doesn't that make you feel warm and fuzzy?
I purchased my 04 Chevy Aveo with only 16miles on it. I've been very happy with my Aveo, having no problems with it, besides the check engine light, that will go on occationally when I have my oil changed. The guys who change it just plug it into computer and then all is right again, evidently, they hit a sensor while changing the oil and makes it go off. Today... I had to have my belts checked and was informed about the timing belt issues this car has. I would have had no clue about it otherwise... and from all the stories I've just read, I'm lucky I happened to need my windshield washer fixed... LOL Thanks to all of those who posted with warning about their cars and troubles... sure helps those of us who wouldn't have known otherwise.
My timing belt just went on my 04' Aveo at 52K miles, obviously short of the recommended 60k check. I had my local garage tow and replace the timing belt for $367.88. After replacement, they discovered that because of the belt failure, 3 valves became bent and the engine has lost all compression. Hence I need a new engine. Today I called Chevrolet at 800-222-1020 and they told me they needed to have a GM technician diagnose the problem before they would offer me any 'moneteary assistance'. They wanted me to pay the additional towing and diagnosis fees before they could 'determine' if 'monetary assistance' would become available. My first question was:
If they deem the problem (bent valves) to be the fault of the timing belt failure, how much 'assistance' would be offerred?
They could not answer this for me. So looking at the odds that I would get screwed even more, I declined thier so-called offer of assistance.
The bottom line is: Chevey knows they have a problem with their Daewoo supplier's timing belts and they basically don't give a damn. Who cares if the customer paid $14k for a supposed 'quality' product and is looking at losing $4k because of a stinking $15 timing belt.
Chevrolet - this will be the last car I purchase from you!!
My husband has a 2004 Chevy Aveo. What a waste of money, IMHO!
We have to change the timing/serpentine belt every 40,000 miles, and considering he drives 1000 miles or more a week. it isn't long between changes.
The first time it went out, of course, no one had told us and it cost over $2000 for my Dad to fix it. He is a certified mechanic and did not charge us labor!!!
Buy the belt online for $30, the dealer charges $110, find a reputable mechanic and get it changed before the belt breaks!!!
If you want to do it yourself, which after awhile becomes second nature! Go to alldata. =com and get a subscription to their online chilton-like manual. There is not a manual available last time I checked at the parts house.
I hope this info helps someone, before they get ripped off.
They say that every model vehicle has some lemons, but this model has more than some!!!
My 04 Aveo's tires only lasted 40,000 miles and now at 55,000 miles it won't start when the car has been warmed up. let's say you drive it and shut it off to go into a store, you come back out to start it and it doesn't start.. Has anyone started a class action suit with these 2004 Aveo's? I do believe this model is a lemon and will try to drive until September of 09 when it is paid for.