This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Chevrolet HHR electrical problems
severe 78 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
78
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
2fires
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 78 electrical complaints filed for the 2008 Chevrolet HHR, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
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
Owners have filed 78 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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.
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.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer an issue where the vehicle's engine may crank over unprompted and not start afterward. This is the result of hooking up the Active Fuel Injector Tool incorrectly on vehicles equipped with a direct fuel injection system. This Preliminary information instructs the dealer of a repair kit they received that will prevent this issue when installed correctly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2008 HHR electrical system generates a long parade of failures, with the ignition lock cylinder leading the pack. Owners report keys jamming solid in the cylinder at any mileage—early (18,000 miles) or late (200,000 miles)—with steering and transmission also locking up. Some dealerships have replaced ignition switches multiple times on the same car, yet keys still stick. Owners forced to pay $300+ for housing damage the recall did not cover, or dealership disputes over who caused the damage.
Beyond the ignition, the entire electrical harness appears fragile. Complete power loss while driving—with no steering, brakes, or window operation—has trapped owners. One vehicle caught fire at 3,000 miles from a faulty wiring harness; another fire originated in the battery compartment. Door locks stick mid-way, trapping occupants inside despite repeated dealership visits (nine documented for one owner). Battery drains or charges erratically, requiring repeated alternator or battery swaps that do not cure the problem.
Warning lights fire up for no reason: traction control, ESC, check engine, TPMS, air bag—often with zero fault codes. Cruise control buttons light up but don't engage. Engine stalls at traffic speeds with no diagnostics found. Recall service itself has damaged key fob electronics on at least one car. Parts shortages have stretched recall repairs months beyond notification, leaving owners waiting indefinitely. The pattern suggests a fragile main electrical backbone that even experienced dealers struggle to pin down, let alone repair permanently.
Same Chevrolet HHR electrical reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2009 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Ignition Lock Cylinder - Key Won't Turn or Gets Stuck
Key refuses to turn in ignition, gets stuck, or becomes jammed in the cylinder. Owners report the steering wheel and gear shift can lock simultaneously. Some cases required disassembly or towing. Repeated failures reported even after initial repair attempts.
When: Varying mileage; reported as early as 18,000 miles and as high as 200,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Key will not turn in ignition; Key becomes stuck and cannot be removed; Steering wheel locks with ignition; Gear shift locks; Key stuck in OFF position, preventing engine start or shutdown
Codes mentioned: Ignition lock cylinder failure, Ignition housing damage
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition lock cylinder replacement or full ignition switch assembly replacement; ignition housing replacement; key reprogramming. Costs reported as $300+ for housing alone; owners forced to pay out-of-pocket when dealership or prior shop deemed at fault.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V047000 (Air Bags, Electrical System); NHTSA Campaign 14V171000 (Electrical System); Initial recall service performed but failures recurred. GM advised one owner to park straight, ensure wheels are straight, wiggle key, and wait. Housing replacement deemed not part of recall coverage.
Electrical System Complete Shutdown While Driving
Vehicle loses all electrical power while in motion—engine shuts down, power steering inoperative, brakes fail, windows won't operate, doors unlock or lock involuntarily. Hazardous situation requiring towing. Fuse box identified as faulty in at least one case.
When: Reported from 3,000 miles (early fire) to 100,000+ miles; one owner stalled twice at ~30-35 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of electrical power while driving; Engine cuts off without warning; No steering or braking function; Cannot operate power windows or locks; Doors lock or unlock involuntarily; Electrical fuse box failure; Battery drain requiring jump starts
Codes mentioned: Fuse box fault, Electrical system failure
Repairs/costs cited: Fuse box replacement confirmed in one case (mileage ~82,000). Battery and alternator replacement attempted in other cases but failures persisted. One vehicle totaled in fire.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V047000; NHTSA Campaign 14V171000; Some owners reported no recall coverage available or part unavailability. GM service offered no definitive fix; failures continued after alternator and battery replacement.
Ignition Switch Electrical Damage from Recall Service
Electronic control systems, key fob functionality, and electrical system damaged or disabled immediately following dealer ignition switch recall repair. Owners allege poor service quality at dealership caused collateral electrical damage during replacement work.
When: Post-recall service; failures noted within 1-2 days after recall work (March 2015 reported)
Symptoms owners cite: Key fobs stop functioning after recall service; Remote start inoperative; Lock/unlock buttons on fob non-responsive; Electronic control systems unresponsive; Mirrors not returning to saved positions; Poor service quality management
Codes mentioned: Key fob loss of functionality, Electronic control system damage
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed; owner unwilling to return to dealership. Key fobs eventually located but non-functional.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM complaint line unwilling to replace fobs until owner located them. No willingness to address collateral damage from recall service. Owner avoided dealership due to service quality concerns.
Engine Stall While Driving - No Diagnostics
Engine cuts out abruptly at various speeds (30–45 MPH) with no warning codes or diagnostic findings. Restarts immediately afterward. Dealers unable to replicate or diagnose despite multiple visits. Hazardous on busy roads.
When: Reported at varying intervals; one owner experienced two stalls 4 months apart; another had repeated incidents over time
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning at traffic speeds; No check engine light or diagnostic codes present; Vehicle restarts immediately; Dealer cannot replicate failure; Hesitation or rough running noted by some; Repeated stalls even after failed diagnostic attempt
Repairs/costs cited: No permanent fix achieved; dealers released vehicles unable to diagnose root cause. One owner reported having to shift to Park to restart during traffic, creating safety hazard.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V047000 mentioned in one case, but failure persisted post-recall. No successful remedy identified.
Door Lock System - Sticking and Involuntary Locking/Unlocking
Door locks stick in half-open or locked position, trapping occupants inside or preventing entry. Automatic door unlock fails. Locks cycle involuntarily while driving. Dealership visits (up to 9 documented) unable to resolve permanently.
When: Early in ownership or low mileage (15,663 miles reported); recurrent throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Door locks stick and will not unlock; Owner locked inside vehicle; Automatic unlock button must be pressed repeatedly; Door key won't open locked door; Locks cycle involuntarily while driving; Passenger door lock sticks in Park; Mechanical key hole missing on non-driver doors
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealer visits (documented 9 times by one owner) without permanent resolution. No parts or repair costs cited.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No effective recall or TSB identified. Owners reported no manufacturer assistance; one owner requested full vehicle replacement without success.
Electrical System Warning Lights and Instrument Panel Failures
Dashboard warning lights (check engine, traction control, ESC, TPMS, air bag) illuminate without corresponding issues or remain on despite absence of actual failures. Cruise control non-functional. LCD display shows service messages. Instrument cluster may reset unexpectedly.
When: Varying mileage; TPMS warning at 200,000 miles; ESC warning at 126,000 miles; cluster resets at ~86,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Traction control warning light remains on, button cannot turn it off; Check engine light stays illuminated; Electronic stability control (ESC) warning light comes on repeatedly; TPMS warning light on with correct tire pressure; Air bag warning light illuminates periodically; Cruise control switch lights up but set button does not engage; Interior lights flash and all systems reset when ignition turned to ON; Dashboard lights flicker off and on while driving
Codes mentioned: P0600 (or similar) for computer monitor malfunction, Oxygen sensor code (though replacement did not resolve)
Repairs/costs cited: One oxygen sensor replacement performed under warranty but failure recurred. No permanent fixes cited.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14E021000 (Electrical System) offered for some cases, though owners report part unavailability. GM advised some codes could not be found or addressed.
Electrical Fires and Wiring Harness Failure
Vehicle catches fire originating from battery compartment, under dashboard, or from wiring harness. Fire fully engulfs vehicle. Problem identified as faulty wiring harness in remote-start automatic transmission models.
When: Low mileage (3,000 miles, 18,000 miles reported); one fire while vehicle parked at home
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke under dashboard or from battery compartment; Fire erupts from under dash without warning; Total vehicle loss; fire fully engulfs car; Smoke from underneath dash area
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle totaled; one owner purchased vehicle with only 18,000 miles used and vehicle was unfit for use. No repair attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Insurance company investigation determined electrical fire. Fire department report filed. Problem with wiring harness in HHR models with remote start and automatic transmission noted. No recall prevention mentioned.
Battery Drain and Failed Start After Ignition Work
Battery drains rapidly, requiring frequent jump-starts. Failures persist or appear after ignition recall service. Key stuck in ignition prevents proper shutdown, worsening drain. Battery must be replaced multiple times.
When: After recall service (one case at ~64,000 miles); recurrent at ~100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Battery drains completely; Vehicle requires jump-start to restart; Repeated failure to start; Key cannot be removed from ignition in OFF position; Battery dies as result of key being stuck; Problem persists after alternator and battery replacement
Codes mentioned: Charging system failure (alternator issues suspected but not confirmed as root cause)
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replaced; battery replaced multiple times. Failures continued despite parts replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V171000 mentioned; replacements of alternator and battery attempted but manufacturer did not resolve root cause.
Recall Parts Unavailability - Extended Delays
Owners notified of recalls but parts remain unavailable for weeks, months, or indefinitely. Dealerships unable to provide expected repair dates. Manufacturer unable to estimate when parts will arrive. Reasonable repair timeframe exceeded.
When: April 2014 through at least August 2014; some cases unresolved
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notification received; Parts not in stock at dealership; No estimated date given for part availability; Manufacturer cannot provide expected date; Delay exceeds reasonable timeframe for repair
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs performed; parts procurement delayed indefinitely.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V047000; NHTSA Campaign 14V171000; NHTSA Campaign 14E021000. Multiple campaigns cited; parts unavailable despite notification sent. Manufacturer and dealer unable to provide timelines.
Interior Lighting and Warning Chime System Intermittent Failure
Seat belt warning chimes and all warning chimes stop operating, or operate intermittently for days at a time. Dashboard lights flicker on and off. Radio and warning systems cycle on and off.
When: Reported starting in 2012; ongoing intermittent failures weeks/months apart
Symptoms owners cite: Seat belt warning chime ceases to operate; All warning chimes stop working; Chimes and radio go offline for several days, then return for a day or so; Dashboard lights turn off while driving; Dashboard lights dim and brightness control fails; Tire sensor lights go off with no readings; Radio stops functioning intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: No parts cited; no repairs attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty denied; dealer stated chime operation is not a warranty issue. Manufacturer did not engage.
Key Fob and Remote Start System Malfunction
Key fobs fail to lock, unlock, or activate remote start. Some fobs lost during recall service. After fobs are located, they remain non-functional. No alternative access method when primary system fails.
When: Post-recall service or early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Key fobs lose all functionality; Remote lock/unlock buttons do not work; Remote start inoperative; Fobs damaged or lost during dealership service; No mechanical backup to access vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Fobs located but non-functional; owner refused dealership repair due to prior service quality issues.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM complaint line initially refused to replace fobs; relented only after owner located them. No assistance offered to restore functionality.
Synthesized from 78 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V047000 (Air Bags, Electrical System); but the vehicle experienced a failure. The contact stated that the key could not be removed from the ignition switch while the key was in the "OFF" position. In addition, the battery was being drained. The contact stated that the battery was…
Had electrical 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 electrical problem on the 2008 Chevrolet HHR?
It's a meaningful issue. 78 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 45 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 40,218 and 111,000 miles, with the median around 66,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,218; a quarter make it past 111,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
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.