Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Chevrolet HHR owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The service air bag soon message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that two unknown modules were defective and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the modules were no longer manufactured. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the part had been discontinued. The failure mileage was approximately 80,900.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. While driving 45 MPH over black ice, the contact lost control of the vehicle, drove off the road, and crashed into three trees. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained head, neck, back, and rib injuries. The passenger sustained multiple unknown injuries. Both occupants received medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent lot. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 134,000.
I had been calling GM about this issue, my daughter loved this car it was given to her for her birthday, out of the blue her car lost steering on highway, it was early afternoon when all were getting off from work while trying to get over without steering she hit another vehicle the car was towed home and has been sitting there waiting on GM to get this steering fixed my child could have lost her life call me [redacted].
Tl 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 other passenger also sustained minor injuries. The vehicle sustained major damage to the windows and the front end. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the shop. The dealer and manufacturer have not been notified. The current and failure mileages were 9,200.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, another vehicle crashed into her rear and pushed the vehicle forward, causing the contact to crash into the rear of a third vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed however, the driver sustained a concussion, and injuries to the shoulder and neck. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 38,000. Updated 06/24/14 ma updated 07/1/2014
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the driver was traveling approximately 35 MPH when another vehicle crashed into the vehicle. The driver lost control of the vehicle and it rolled over, crashing into a ditch. The air bags failed to deploy. The driver was killed and a passenger was injured and transported to a hospital for treatment. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering would suddenly malfunction causing the steering wheel to become very difficult to turn. After shutting the engine off and back on, the power steering would operate as normal. The contact also indicated that while operating the vehicle, the warning "service air bags" had illuminated. The was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. While driving 40 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the passenger side of the contact's vehicle. The vehicle was destroyed. The air bags failed to deploy. A passenger sustained neck and back injuries and the contact sustained shoulder injuries. Four months prior to the crash, the vehicle was involved in another crash in which the air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle had not been inspected. The failure and current mileages were 39,993. Updated 11/14/12
Related recalls
Air bags
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.
Remedy: 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.
Air bags
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.
Remedy: 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 http://www.gmownercenter.com .
Airbag complaints in other HHR years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2008 Chevrolet HHR?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the air bags of the 2008 Chevrolet HHR, 6% of the model year's 616 complaints. The component named most often is side/window (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Chevrolet HHR airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-047 (air bags, Feb 10, 2014); NHTSA recall 08V-046 (air bags, Jan 30, 2008). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2008 Chevrolet HHR airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 14 crashes, 0 fires and 21 injuries and 1 death to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.