Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
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).
Steering gets very stiff and sometimes locks up when turning left or right in a curve at highway speeds. Had dealer check it and they said they replaced steering motor. Did not correct problem. Made an appointment to check again but was told I would incur charges. I have had it to several mechanic shops and we cannot find anything loose or failing. In a parked position it locks up completely until you start rolling. Afraid steering is going to lock up in a curve and cause harm to driver and passengers. It is available for inspection. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police or insurance. Has no warning lights or messages pertaining to problem. The problem first appeared approximately 6 months ago.
Hello, how are you? The traction control warning light stays on and the button cannot turn it off. The engine light stays on and there is a service prompt on the information scroll lcd screen. The cruise control switch lights up but the cruise does not engage when the set button is pressed at any speed, ie, 30mph, 50mph, 55mph etc. The research I read recommends to contact you to help get this vehicle included in an existing recall for the same issues in other GM vehicles with the same equipment. In other words, this vehicle has the same defective equipment as other GM vehicles that have been recalled for repair. Due to the fact that this vehicle has the same defective equipment that was recalled in other GM vehicles I request this vehicle be covered under the same recall and able to be repaired as soon as possible.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that whenever she starts the vehicle and drives forward or backwards, there is no braking power. When the brake pedal is depressed, the vehicle continues to move. She must pump the brake pedal with much force in order for the vehicle to stop. On one occasion, the failure caused her to rear-end another vehicle. There were no injuries and the speed was unknown. The vehicle has been taken to the dealer at least four times, but they cannot determine the cause of the failure. The dealer provided her with a brochure to keep in her vehicle in case of a crash, which stated that she has been experiencing brake failure and was not at fault for the crash. The failure mileage was 7,350.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. When attempting to apply pressure to the brake pedal at 15 MPH, the vehicle would not stop and stalled simultaneously without warning. The contact crashed into another vehicle and was towed to the dealer. There were no injuries. The cause of the failure has not been identified. He has a copy of the police report. The failure and current mileages were 8,000. Updated 03/23/09. The consumer stated the engine failed right before the brakes were applied. Updated 03/24/09.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the brake pedal was stiff and took excessive force to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where no failures were found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,000.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR ss. When the vehicle is started in cold weather, the braking system takes approximately one minute to function. The brakes use an optimized assist and the brakes would respond slowly. It causes the brakes to respond slowly. The contact is concerned that the vehicle will be unable to stop immediately in the case of an emergency. The manufacturer is aware of the failure, but are not making consumers aware. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer on January 24, 2008 for repairs. The dealer did not replace any components. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the dealer could reference the TSB for that particular failure. The contact informed the manufacturer that a TSB repair was unacceptable. The manufacturer sent out an investigator, but he could not recommend a repair for the failure. The current mileage was 2,000 and failure mileage was 8. …
I am having a problem with the brakes on my new 2008 Chevrolet HHR/ss. When first applying brakes after initial start-up and after sitting long enough for vacuum to leak down. There is an increased effort to apply and travel of pedal is also increased. Pedal is spongy and booster is inoperative until vacuum is restored by revving engine or driving a short distance. This vehicle is equipped with a turbo and vacuum/boost gauge. The initial vacuum is dropped when applying brake. It has been in for this problem twice, left overnight both times, and duplicated both times. The dealer reprogrammed computer per service letter. The second time they supposedly ordered a mastercylinder but still no parts have been changed, probably not even examined! Now they tell me this is normal operation and I tell them it's not! The dealer service mgr. …
After purchase of a new 2008 HHR on 22 September 2008, I drove the vehicle home and upon getting into it the next morning I backed out of my garage and notice a very soft brake pedal. I then started down the drive way and when attempting to stop at the street the vehicle's brakes would not comply with my brake pressure and the vehicle proceeded into the street. This became a routine situation upon "cold startup's" and when reported to the dealer,(john donoghue Chevrolet, whiteville, nc) after several poor stops, my salesman advised "yeah we know about it as we've had the same problem on 2008 solstices". When confronted with a possible fix he advised that " a part on the turbo fixes the problem." I made arrangements to have the car serviced upon my return from vacation on or about 26 oct 08. …
We own a 2008 HHR and it has been nothing but trouble . First when we purchased the car in dec 2008 it had 23,000 miles on it. Two months after we got the car we had to replace both front rotors on it and after fighting with GM they agreed to pay for the rotors. At this time they told us that the car needed new tires and a front end alignment at 26,000 miles . Then just two months ago at 61,000 miles it had a rumbling noise in the front end ,the drivetrain was still under warrenty.the dealer told me that the right side axle bearing was bad and they replaced it,and also at this time they told us that the lower ball joint needed to be replaced at a cost to us of over $400.00 . Just last week the rumbling noise returned , I returned the car to the dealer again and they told us that this the left axle bearing was bad, warranty also covered this repair. …
This car is a safety hazard going down road. I bought it new in 2008. Rotors & brakes are horrible - have to have repaired multiple times. Bearings have went out, replaced & one went out again. I spend approx 1200 dollars a year just to get shaking out of front end, turning rotors & tires. But that isn't really the problem I am reporting: was having trouble with ignition switch - it was recalled - took it to dealer to have it replaced - understand that I was having no problems with car at this time - upon leaving dealers and within 15 miles power steering light comes on & I lose power steering. Now my power steering goes out unexpectedly whenever it decides to. Took back to dealer because I felt this was something they messed up and was told this is just a problem with hhrs and that power steering motor needs to be replaced. …
Brake complaints in other HHR years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2008 Chevrolet HHR?
NHTSA has 55 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 Chevrolet HHR, 9% of the model year's 616 complaints. The component named most often is power assist (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Chevrolet HHR brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2008 Chevrolet HHR, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Chevrolet HHR brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 6,000 miles, and 73% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to brakes 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.