Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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 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.
Needless to say, General Motors has dealt with their share of recalls lately and while much of the GM recall news has been devoted to the ignition failures which have forced new CEO Mary Barra to stand before the US Government, this new recall has nothing to do with the ignition cylinder failures. Although the ignition problems can cause a steering issue and some of the vehicles included in the ignition recall are also included in this new recall, this recall pertains specifically to the power steering system. It seems that in the 1.3 million affected vehicles, one or more components of the electric power steering assist system could fail and when that happens, the car will not have the same level of power assist. …
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 that a burr on the new key provided with campaign 14V047000 repair caused ignition switch to bind in start position. …
Was driving home from the store and there was smoke coming from underneath the dash. I pulled over and myself and the passenger got out. The next second or two, fire started erupting from the dash. The fire department was called immediately. About 15 minutes passed and the car was totally engulfed. The insurance company claimed it was an electrical fire, and the car was totaled. We were told that there was a problem with the HHR's that had remote start and automatic. The wiring harness was the blame.
The car completely shut down while driving, no noise no warning, could not steer, brake, roll windows down. This happened last year. Took to dealership. Said it was my alternator and charge me an extreme high charge to replace. Very scaredy when happened, for auto to cut off like that. Luckily I was driving about 30mpr an not on an interstate. Bought 2nd hand. Have not been happy with since. When bought did not receive key fan of, an the drivers door, will lock on its own, which left me baffled how to get into it with no other key holes on any other doors or especially the backend. I feel this is very troublesome for anyone, and a bad design feature. The airbag is questionable, and now the water pump has went out, and they say the manifold has to come off to get to and want to charge 750.00 at a car repair to fix, but will check first to see if that's for sure where leaking. …
While driving my car on the city streets the doors suddenly unlock the lights flicker off and back on and the car jerks and then the car does the same thing and locks the doors again and then unlocks the doors again with the headlights going out again and back on again just as quickly. It does this over and over again while driving to work or to run to the store or where ever. I took it to the Chevrolet dealer and they cannot tell me what the problem is. No codes are showing what the problem is. I have had it to three different garages and no one can seem to tell me what the problem is. The last dealer told me that I would have to leave the car there and every time they got into the car to drive it to see if it would do it again for them it would cost me right around $130.00 each time. I can't afford that. I asked them if it could be the ignition and they said no. …
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* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the electronic stability control (ESC) warning indicator illuminated several times. While driving 45 MPH, the ESC warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle completely failed to operate. The contact took the vehicle to several independent mechanics and preston hood Chevrolet (212 hollywood blvd nw, fort walton beach, fl 32548, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the starter needed to be replaced, along with several other issues. The contact also stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated periodically on various occasions. The vehicle was repaired each time, but the failure continued. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 126,000.
I bought a used 2008 Chevy HHR from lithia in eureka, ca 11/3/2017 and 11/24/2017 the car would not engage the drive function. Tried several times and no luck. Transmission seems blown, and the electrical was malfunctioning. No flasheers, radio with weird noises, strange sounds from engine after attempting to drive. We are now stuck 200 miles from home and lithia manager has not returned my phone call. I am a middle aged student, working minimum wahe. I gave the dealership all my momey for a broken car. I shouls have researched more that is apparent. I take responsibility for my mishaps. Yet, this is 3 weeks after giving away $5000 for a working vehicle. Please help if you can.
Related recalls
Electrical system › Ignition
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.
Remedy: 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…
Electrical complaints in other HHR years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2008 Chevrolet HHR?
NHTSA has 108 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 Chevrolet HHR, 18% of the model year's 616 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Chevrolet HHR electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-171 (ignition, Apr 10, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2008 Chevrolet HHR electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries to electrical system 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.