2008 Chevrolet HHR Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

4 safety recalls on file

The 2008 Chevrolet HHR has 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 616 complaints with NHTSA, including 30 crashes, 6 fires, 31 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Steering (307 reports).

4Recalls
616Owner complaints
30Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your HHR?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2008 Chevrolet HHR recalls

Electrical System:Ignition

Recall 14V171Apr 10, 20142,191,014 vehicles affected

Air Bags; Electrical System:Ignition:Switch

Recall 14V047Feb 10, 20142,190,934 vehicles affected

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch

Recall 08V444Sep 3, 2008296,422 vehicles affected

Air Bags

Recall 08V046Jan 30, 2008181,516 vehicles affected

Most common 2008 Chevrolet HHR problems

Problem areas named in the 616 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Steering307
Electrical System108
Fuel/Propulsion System71
Service Brakes, Hydraulic41
Air Bags38
Latches/Locks/Linkages25
Power Train22
Engine20
Unknown Or Other16
Suspension15

What owners report

2026-08-14, Electrical System
Remedy for campaign 14V047000 was executed defectively, creating an unsafe mechanical failure that destroyed the powertrain. Failure occurred while or shortly before vehicle stalled in heavy traffic. Vehicle would not restart, but ignition switch stuck in start position while attempting restart, causing starter motor to crank continuously until the switch was turned to the off position. It is believed that starter motor was running while engine was running since last successful start about 3 minutes prior to stall, interfering with normal operation of the engine and eventually causing engine to jump timing and sustain catastrophic internal damage. Subsequent GM dealer service visit found
2026-03-26, Fuel System, Gasoline
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, the contact was informed that the vehicle was leaking gasoline. The vehicle was inspected, and the contact was informed that fuel was leaking from the driver’s side rear wheel well area, near the muffler. While at the residence, the contact observed that fuel was still leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a rusted fuel line located near the driver’s side rear wheel well, and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was
2026-02-24, Electrical System
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the key was stuck in the ignition switch and failed to release. Additionally, the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who confirmed that the key was stuck and needed to be broken, and any damages would be at the owner's expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V171000 (Air Bags, Electrical System). The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
2025-12-23, Air Bags
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 previously replaced several months ago. The contact stated that the key was stuck in the ignition switch. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000
2025-04-03, Visibility
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated while warming up the vehicle, the rear window exploded without warning or impact. There was smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. There was an abnormal burning odor detected. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000. The VIN was not available.

2008 Chevrolet HHR questions

Does the 2008 Chevrolet HHR have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2008 Chevrolet HHR: Electrical System:Ignition; Air Bags; Electrical System:Ignition:Switch; Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch; Air Bags. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Chevrolet HHR?

Based on 616 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Steering (307), Electrical System (108), Fuel/Propulsion System (71).

How do I check if a recall on my 2008 Chevrolet HHR has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Chevrolet HHR years

Other 2008 Chevrolet models