2008 Chevrolet HHR airbags problems
critical 22 complaints filed with NHTSA
· avg repair $1,100
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> .
airbags
· 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 OTH…
airbags
· 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. W…
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?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
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 — 1 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. 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.