2011 Chevrolet Aveo: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2011 Chevrolet Aveos, from 954 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2011 Chevrolet Aveos than on all cars registered in 2011.
- Rigid brake pipes3.5× usualChevrolet Aveo21.4% All 2011 cars6.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.
- Track rod ends3.2× usualChevrolet Aveo17% All 2011 cars5.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 9.6%, against 2.6% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Braking performance2.9× usualChevrolet Aveo15.6% All 2011 cars5.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 7.4%, against 2.1% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
- Suspension arm bushes and joints1.9× usualChevrolet Aveo20.1% All 2011 cars10.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, against 2.3% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
- Front strut mounts and bushes9.1× usualChevrolet Aveo6.4% All 2011 cars0.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.1% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
Brake discs: 6.6% here, against 14.5% of all 2011 cars.
By area
The share of 2011 Chevrolet Aveo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension55% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Brakes40% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Tyres35% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Lights and electrics33% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks14% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Exhaust and emissions13% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1,165 | Suspension 54% |
| 2012 | 1,260 | Suspension 52% |
| 2010 | 1,071 | Suspension 56% |
| 2009 | 2,251 | Suspension 58% |
| 2008 | 587 | Suspension 63% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2011 Chevrolet Aveos registered in 2011. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score