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Model year record

2008 Chevrolet HHR recalls & problems

The 2008 Chevrolet HHR has 5 safety recalls and 616 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is steering (307 complaints).

Recalls5safety recalls
Complaints616filed by owners
Crashes · fires30 · 6reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths31 · 4reported in complaints
2008 Chevrolet HHR in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Electrical systemApr 30, 2014

Ignition › Switch

Recall 14E02100014,529 vehicles

Problem
UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the affected ignition switches to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and disabling the air bags.
Risk
If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.
Fix
UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should contact UCI-FRAM Group at 1-800-890-2075. GM vehicle owners requiring additional information on that recall campaign should contact GM at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac) or 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn).
Electrical systemApr 10, 2014

Ignition

Recall 14V1710002,191,014 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
Risk
If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
Fix
General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.
Air bagsFeb 10, 2014

Air bags

Recall 14V0470002,190,934 vehicles

Problem
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Risk
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. GM’s 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.

Components: Air bags; Electrical system › Ignition › Switch

Latches/locks/linkagesSep 3, 2008

Doors › Latch

Recall 08V444000296,422 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem
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. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE DOOR ON THE STORAGE BIN IN THE TOP CENTER OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO REMAIN CLOSED AS REQUIRED.
Risk
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> .
Air bagsJan 30, 2008

Air bags

Recall 08V046000181,516 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem
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. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT.' IN TESTS, ONE OF THE UPPER INTERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION TEST POINTS EXCEEDED THE STANDARD'S REQUIREMENT.
Risk
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> .

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2008 Chevrolet HHR 2-DR. Panel Truck w/SAB

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

2008 Chevrolet HHR 4-DR. w/SAB

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

2008 Chevrolet HHR 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

2008 Chevrolet HHR 2-DR. Panel Truck

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated
2008 Chevrolet HHR NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2008 Chevrolet HHR NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

HHR FWD

25mpg combined
City / highway22 / 30 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel

HHR Panel FWD

25mpg combined
City / highway22 / 30 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel

HHR FWD

24mpg combined
City / highway21 / 30 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

HHR FWD

24mpg combined
City / highway22 / 28 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,400/year to fuel

HHR Panel FWD

24mpg combined
City / highway20 / 30 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

HHR Panel FWD

24mpg combined
City / highway22 / 28 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,400/year to fuel

HHR FWD

24mpg combined
City / highway21 / 29 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

HHR FWD

23mpg combined
City / highway20 / 28 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

HHR Panel FWD

23mpg combined
City / highway20 / 29 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

HHR FWD

22mpg combined
City / highway19 / 28 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
SteeringElectric power assist system; Hydraulic power assist system30790780,000 mi
Electrical systemIgnition; Ignition › Switch10822264,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system71010123,713 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicPower assist; Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip412005,100 mi
Air bagsSide/window; Frontal381402140,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkagesDoors › Latch2510045,000 mi
Power trainManual transmission; Automatic transmission2200035,015 mi
Engine20313131,500 mi
Unknown or other1611070,000 mi
SuspensionFront; Front › Hub1500048,550 mi
Electronic stability control (esc)1510195,000 mi
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings; Delivery › Fuel pump14000125,000 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations