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ProblemsByVin File / 2008-CHEVROLET-HHR
2008 · chevrolet

chevrolet HHR problems

2 safety recalls. 615 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.0 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
0
Severe
2
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

steering
297 reports · avg $700
critical
electrical
78 reports · avg $850
severe
brakes
41 reports · avg $450
moderate
airbags
22 reports · avg $1,100
critical
fuel system
14 reports · avg $1,200
moderate
powertrain
14 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
engine
13 reports · avg $3,100
severe
cruise control
9 reports · avg $600
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2008 HHR · lighting
ALL FOUR LIGHTS ON THE 3RD BRAKE LIGHT ARE OUT AND THE CRUISE CONTROL IS NOT WORKING
12/31/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11164174.0
2008 HHR · steering
I WAS SITTING IN TRAFFIC TRYING TO MERGE AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT FLASHED ON THE DASH AND I LOST MY POWER STEERING. I GOT HOME AND SHUT THE CAR OFF FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS AND THE STEERING WAS FINE.I DROVE TO THE STORE AND AS I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE IT HAPPENED…
12/31/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11164191.0
2008 HHR · steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER…
12/31/2013 · NHTSA ODI #10557967.0
2008 HHR · steering
POWER STEERING KEEPS GOING OUT. USUALLY WHEN TURNING. THE FIRST TIME IT WENT OUT, I WAS DRIVING 45 MPH AND IT WENT OUT WHILE I WAS ROUNDING A CURVE, AND I ALMOST HIT A TREE BECAUSE I WAS UNAWARE THAT IT WAS GOING TO DO THIS. AFTER THAT, IT WENT OUT ABOUT 2-3 TIMES A WEEK,…
12/29/2012 · NHTSA ODI #10490464.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 2 of 2

moderate NHTSA 08V046000 30/01/2008

GM IS RECALLING 181,516 MY 2006-2008 CHEVROLET HHR VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ROOF RAIL AIR BAGS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO

THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS TO PROVIDE HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION FOR OCCUPANTS.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ENERGY-ABSORBING PLASTIC PIECE TO THE HEADLINER TRIM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 2, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .
moderate NHTSA 08V444000 03/09/2008

GM IS RECALLING 296,422 MY 2006-2008 CHEVROLET HHR VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO

THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS TO PROVIDE HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION FOR OCCUPANTS.

Fix: A REDESIGNED LATCH WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 23, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .

Common questions

Is the 2008 Chevrolet HHR reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.0 out of 10 based on 615 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Chevrolet HHR is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2008 Chevrolet HHR?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 297 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Chevrolet HHR has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2008 Chevrolet HHR?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 615 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 9 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with chevrolet. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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