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2008 Chevrolet HHR airbags problems
critical
Owners of the 2008 Chevrolet HHR have filed 22 NHTSA complaints about the airbags, typically surfacing around 39,993 miles at roughly $1,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.See airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Q1 32kmed 40kQ3 81kn=19
Complaints
22
Recalls
2
Avg fix
$1,100
airbags complaints on the Chevrolet HHR, by model year
Of the 22 airbags complaints filed for the 2008 Chevrolet HHR,
here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
2 (100%)
25-50k
0 (0%)
50-75k
0 (0%)
75-100k
0 (0%)
100-125k
0 (0%)
125-150k
0 (0%)
150k+
0 (0%)
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted.
Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits
and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA airbags complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 17 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system
If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
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> .
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented
repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall
(it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Service BulletinPIC5650JJul 2021
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to complete a terminal replacement or connector re connection to correct a condition of Diagnostic Information for Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System, Intermittent AIR BAG Indicator/Lamp Illuminated with DTC(s) B0012, B0013, B0015, B0016, B0019, B0020, B0022, B0023, B0026, B0033, B0040, B0042 or B0044 Set (Inspect and Replace Connector Position Assurance (CPA) Retainer)
This informational bulletin provides Information on Passenger Presence Sensing System (PPS or PSS) Concerns with Custom Upholstery, Accessory Seat Heaters or Other Comfort Enhancing Devices
14314 - Special Coverage. Certain 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5, Solstice, Saturn Sky, and 2008-2009 Chevrolet HHR SS vehicles may have a condition in which the steering wheel airbag coil wires to the driver airbag may become chafed on a sharp edge of the steering wheel horn plate. In vehicles with this condition, the airbag indicator lamp may be continuously or intermittently illuminated in the instrument panel cluster, and DTC codes B0012 or B0013 may be stored in the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system. If this condition is not corrected and a chafed wire were to ground to the horn plate, the driver airbag may not deploy in the event of a vehicle crash. Dealers are to insta
CHEVROLET/PONTIAC/SATURN: TSB CONTAINS AN OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER. SELECT DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON BELOW. DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG, ON A SHARP EDGE OF STEERING WHEEL HORN PLATE, WILL BECOME CHAFED DUE TO STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG COIL WIRES AND CAUSES AIRBAG NOT TO DEPLOY, IF NOT CORRECTED. MODEL 2008-09 HHR SS, 2009 COBALT, G5, SOLSTICE, SKY.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2008 HHR has a consistent pattern of airbag deployment failure across multiple crash types. Owners describe frontal collisions, side impacts, rollovers, and rear-end crashes where airbags did not deploy despite impact severity. Speeds ranged from low-speed rear-ends to 45 mph collisions. Injuries sustained include head trauma, neck and back damage, concussion, shoulder injuries, hip fracture requiring surgery, and one fatality. Vehicles often were totaled, yet no airbag activation occurred.
Separately, owners report airbag warning lights and "Service air bag soon" messages appearing at high mileage (around 80k–143k miles). Dealers identified defective airbag modules needing replacement, but in at least one case the parts were discontinued by the manufacturer and unavailable. Another owner reported GM refused warranty repair.
One owner experienced spontaneous side curtain airbag deployment during low-speed reverse movement (5 mph) with no impact, injuring them when the seat belt tightened.
Additional complaints note the frustration of receiving airbag recall letters but being unable to obtain replacement parts. Owners also reported dealership scheduling obstacles preventing them from completing required safety recalls for months.
Same Chevrolet HHR airbags reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2009 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Airbag failure to deploy in crashes
In multiple crash scenarios—frontal impacts, rollovers, side collisions, and rear-end impacts—airbags completely failed to deploy despite impact severity warranting deployment. Owners reported injuries including head trauma, neck/back damage, concussion, shoulder injuries, hip fracture, and one fatality, all occurring in accidents where airbags should have activated.
When: At various mileages ranging from 35,430 to 143,000 miles; crashes occurred at speeds from 5 mph (rear-end) to 45 mph, and in rollover events.
Symptoms owners cite: No airbag deployment in frontal collisions; No airbag deployment in side-impact collisions; No airbag deployment in rollover accidents; No airbag deployment in rear-end impacts; Vehicle sustains major structural damage despite deployment failure
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; vehicles were totaled or destroyed. One owner noted dealer wanted to charge them to test the system after an accident.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case states GM was made aware. One owner referenced a recall notice regarding roof rail airbags but reported no deployment occurred. Recall letter received in #4 indicated parts were unavailable.
Airbag warning light and module faults
Check airbag warning indicators illuminated on vehicles, with some accompanied by 'Service air bag soon' messages. Dealers diagnosed defective airbag modules that required replacement but were either unavailable (discontinued by manufacturer) or repair was refused without warranty coverage.
When: At 80,900 miles (#3), 90,000 miles (#13), 128,000 miles (#11), 143,000 miles (#12).
Symptoms owners cite: Check airbag warning light illuminated; Service air bag soon message displayed; Error message displayed on message board; Warning light remains continuously lit
Repairs/costs cited: Two unknown modules identified as defective and requiring replacement in #3 but parts were no longer manufactured. In #12, dealer diagnosed airbags needed replacement but manufacturer refused to repair for free.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed owners that defective modules had been discontinued (#3). No recalls found to apply (#11). No recall associated with #12.
Inadvertent side airbag deployment
Side curtain airbags deployed unexpectedly during low-speed maneuvering (reversing at 5 mph) with no impact or collision. Seat belt tightened severely, injuring the driver.
When: At 35,430 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Side passenger curtain airbags deployed without impact; Seat belt pulled tight, injuring driver; No collision or contact with other vehicles or objects
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealer; no diagnosis provided at time complaint was filed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM called and stated they were investigating the failure.
Recall parts unavailable
Owner received airbag recall notice but could not obtain replacement parts because they were no longer manufactured. Vehicle could not be repaired to address the safety defect.
When: Condition noted as of 01/09/17.
Symptoms owners cite: Received recall letter for defective airbags; Replacement parts discontinued and unavailable
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall letter issued; parts were not available to complete the repair.
Dealership inability to complete recall repairs and scheduling difficulties
Owner attempting to complete two safety recalls experienced extended delays and poor customer service from dealership and GM customer assistance. Over three months of attempts to schedule weekend or obtain loaner car were unsuccessful, leaving owner driving unsafe vehicle without viable alternative.
When: Complaints filed 12/1/2016 covering previous attempts from 4/8/2015; issue unresolved after three months of follow-up.
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to schedule recall appointment for convenient time; Dealership unable to provide loaner vehicle; Repeated broken promises and lack of communication; Owner expressed feeling unsafe driving vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Two outstanding safety recalls identified; owner contacted Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center 12/1/2016 but received no productive help in scheduling or obtaining loaner.
Synthesized from 22 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting
2 most recent
airbags · 9,200 mi
· filed 12/26/2008
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet hhr. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact struck a patch of black ice and the vehicle rolled over 3 or 4 times. She struck the side of her head on the side window and stated that her head became numb. She went to the hospital the same day and the doctor informed her that the injuries were minor; however, she needed to visit her physician. The…
airbags · 15,663 mi
· filed 12/18/2012
Door locks stick. Have been locked in vehicle. Reported to gm they do not feel door locks sticking dangerous. Been in dealer were purchased 7 times for door locks to be fixed. Door locks still sticking. Was forced to sign a complaint letter with gm with lemon law attorney. We feel that vehicle can never be fixed. Still having trouble with door locks. Video of being locked in .was purchased new.…
Had airbags trouble with your 2008 Chevrolet HHR?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2008 Chevrolet HHR?
It's a serious issue. 22 complaints have been filed, including 13 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Across the 19 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 32,000 and 80,900 miles, with the median around 39,993. A quarter of owners report trouble before 32,000; a quarter make it past 80,900. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
Yes — 2 active recall(s) cover airbags issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Chevrolet/HHR.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.