Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
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. …
Our car had engine troubles where it kept shifting back into neutral while we were trying to drive on the highway and then on side streets on the way home. While driving it to get repaired, there was a loud popping noise and the engine burst into flames. The flames consumed a large portion of the car.
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. …
I could easily complain about the cooling system as this cost me about $1400 this month due to first the water pump going and then a chrome pipe/hose that goes across the engine also rusting through...but because I guess that wouldn't be considered a "dangerous" issue other than possibly being stranded, this engine related complaint is in regards to the exhaust. The car is a 2008 and twice the exhaust "flex" hose which is just beyond the exhaust manifold and in front of the catalytic converters has rusted and developed leaks. Because of the proximity of the part close to the engine, not only do the exhaust fumes rise up into the passenger cabin but it sounds like large diesel truck. The dealer will not replace only the flex hose and will only replace the entire pipe back from the manifold which includes 2 catalytic converters for around $2000. …
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. While stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the timing belt failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred three more times. The vehicle was towed to the same mechanic each time, given the same diagnosis, and given the same repairs. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the contact should take the vehicle to a Chevrolet dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
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. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost power and failed to accelerate. The check engine indicator illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the throttle position sensor failed. The dealer was not notified. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the warranty was expired and the contact would be responsible for the repair cost. The failure mileage was 135,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled without warning and caused the contact to lose control of the vehicle, crashing into an embankment. A police report was not filed and the driver sustained a shoulder injury. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 90,000.
Was at a stop sign and went to cross the highway got halfway across and relied the car was slowing down looked at dashboard and everything lok normal made it across highway safely and pulled over engine was not running put car in park and restarted the car proceeded home to find the doors would not lock with interior buttons or remote the remote will turn on the alarm you can manually lock the doors but you can't lock the hatch update 9/15/15
Engine complaints in other HHR years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2008 Chevrolet HHR?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2008 Chevrolet HHR, 5% of the model year's 616 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system › radiator assembly (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Chevrolet HHR engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 101,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries to engine & cooling 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.