Recall 14V261 affects 218,000 2004-2008 Chevrolet Aveo vehicles for a daytime-running-light module fire risk. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
Chevrolet is recalling 218,000 2004-2008 Aveo vehicles equipped with daytime running lights because heat can build inside the DRL module in the center console and melt it. If the module melts, it can start a vehicle fire; Chevrolet dealers will replace the module free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The daytime running light module on the 2004-2008 Chevrolet Aveo controls the lights that stay on during daytime driving. On these Aveos, the module is located in the center console area of the instrument panel, not out at the headlamp itself. Its job is to manage power to the daytime running light circuit so the exterior lights operate as designed.
In campaign 14V261, the problem is heat inside that daytime running light module. The filing does not identify a separate broken switch or bulb as the main issue. Heat builds within the module and the module can melt, which means the control part for the daytime running lights is damaged by its own heat.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner should not count on a dashboard message, smell, or change in driving feel before the module overheats.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2004-2008 Aveo model years, all tied to the same headlight component.
| 2006 Chevrolet Aveo | Headlights |
|---|---|
| 2008 Chevrolet Aveo | Headlights |
| 2005 Chevrolet Aveo | Headlights |
| 2007 Chevrolet Aveo | Headlights |
| 2004 Chevrolet Aveo | Headlights |
| Units affected | 218,000 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
Heat buildup in the daytime running light module can melt the module and lead to a vehicle fire. There is no warning sign before failure, so schedule the recall repair soon if your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2004-2008 Chevrolet Aveo is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer to schedule the free DRL module repair that fixes heat buildup in the center-console daytime running light module.
- Bring the recall notice if Chevrolet mailed one. If not, reference recall number 14V261 and Chevrolet recall 14236 when you call.
- Ask the dealer to inspect the DRL wiring connector for heat damage and clean the DRL circuit grounds as part of the repair.
- Call Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 with questions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chevrolet technician installs a revised daytime running light module, checks the wiring connector for heat damage, and cleans the DRL circuit grounds. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. If you already paid out of pocket for a related DRL module, connector, or circuit-ground repair before the recall work, GM provides reimbursement under its submitted reimbursement plan. Bring your repair paperwork to the Chevrolet service desk or contact Chevrolet customer service for the claim process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 19, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 14, 2014 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| February 6, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V261?
Recall 14V261 covers 218,000 2004-2008 Chevrolet Aveo vehicles with daytime running lights. Heat inside the daytime running light module can melt the module and cause a vehicle fire. Chevrolet dealers install a revised module, inspect the wiring connector, and clean the circuit grounds for free.
What should I do if my 2004-2008 Chevrolet Aveo is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Aveo is included in recall 14V261. If it is, contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer to schedule the daytime running light module repair. Reference recall number 14V261 or Chevrolet campaign 14236 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Chevrolet dealers install the revised daytime running light module, inspect the wiring connector for heat damage, and clean the circuit grounds free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 14V261?
The safety risk is a vehicle fire. In the affected 2004-2008 Chevrolet Aveo vehicles, heat inside the daytime running light module can melt the module. The dealer repair addresses that module and related wiring checks at no cost.
What if I bought my Chevrolet Aveo used?
The free repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Aveo is included in recall 14V261, then contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer for the no-cost repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V261000 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet customer service | 1-800-222-1020 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V261 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V261000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →