Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (door latches, locks, hood and tailgate latches).
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).
My 2008 HHR looses power steering while turning, then suddenly returns power causing to oversteer. This is a sever safety issue as it is a come and go type problem,I do not drive during inclement weather fearing body damage to persons and vehicles other than myself. I have taken to dealer only to be told we can not determine the problem as it is intermittent. Also the tire pressure display is on even tho all tire pressure is correct, not sure if they are related to "electric" power steering. Would like this as a record if any persons are injured or worse killed due to the possible short circuit in powersteering. How many people have to leave the vehicles at home after spending all their money on them for this to be a recall?
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. While the contact's wife was driving 55 MPH, the rear passenger door independently opened and failed to latch. The contact also stated that the front and rear turn signal switch failed to properly operate. The contact had to manually deactivate the signal switch to turn off the signals. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear passenger door latch and the turn signal lever/ switch assembly to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 48,000.
Was locked in vehicle and unable to get door to open from inside. Have had defect with door locks sticking from purchase. Door has failed to unlock with sister in vehicle, failed to unlock with husband in vehicle and my daughter. Been in dealer nine times for locks sticking. Is being locked in vehicle dangerous? Updated 01/28/15.updated 10/08/15
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. While in park, the driver side door failed to open. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the door lock and the key remote needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 47,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the doors inside the vehicle could not be opened. As a result, the contact was locked inside the vehicle. The automatic lock button had to be pressed numerous times in order to open the doors. The dealer repaired the vehicle, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 15,663. The consumer stated the body and trim were defective, due to the door locks getting stuck half way and the doors would not unlock, the electrical system was also defective, as the radio and cd player were inoperative, and the engine would not start at times. Updated 09/17/14
Door locks stick. Have been locked in vehicle. Reported to GM they do not feel door locks sticking dangerous. Been in dealer were purchased 7 times for door locks to be fixed. Door locks still sticking. Was forced to sign a complaint letter with GM with lemon law attorney. We feel that vehicle can never be fixed. Still having trouble with door locks. Video of being locked in .was purchased new. We feel we have done our part taking back to dealer to be fixed. They are unable to fix defects. The consumer received a recall letter, regarding defective air bags. However, the parts were not available. Updated 01/09/17.
Our HHR's lock/latch system stopped working completely on 4/18/2012. We started having problems in March 2012 and had our mechanic look at it, but he couldn't get the problem to duplicate, so he cleaned the key lock and lubed it. The car is permanently locked. We don't have a key lacentry on this vehicle, it is a manual lock. We now have to incur a lock smith and/or towing bill + a repair bill for the mechanic to fix what he believes is a failure/breakdown of the latch system. We have an extended warranty, but we're not sure if the warranty covers this part; even if they do we still have a $100 deductible.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that he was locked inside his vehicle for approximately three to three and a half hours with no way out. OnStar attempted to get the contact out, but was unsuccessful. Only the rear latch would open from the outside. Aaa was able to open one of the doors. The following day, the contact had to have a friend let him out of the back door of the vehicle. The dealer stated that they did not know what caused the malfunction. The vehicle is currently in the shop. The current and failure mileages were approximately 3,638. Updated 03-04-08
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated since purchasing the vehicle, all five doors and latches would not remain closed. At times when driving at speeds of at least 55 MPH, the door would independently swing open. On one occasion, while traveling with a child passenger in a child restraint, the door closest to the child independently swung open. The contact stated she would have to use a rope to hold the doors closed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for repairs or diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was 71,000 and the current was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speed, the door ajar light illuminated. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of road, the doors were checked and secure. The contact continued to drive when the front passenger's door swung opened independently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the door latch failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 74,426.
Related recalls
Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
GM is recalling 296,422 my 2006-2008 Chevrolet hhr vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 201, 'occupant protection in interior impact." the door on the storage bin in the top center of the instrument panel failed to remain closed as required.
Remedy: A redesigned latch will be made available. The recall began on December 23, 2008. Owners May contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, or through their website at http://www.gmownercenter.com .
Door Lock & Latch complaints in other HHR years
Frequently asked questions
How common are door lock & latch problems on the 2008 Chevrolet HHR?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the locks & latches of the 2008 Chevrolet HHR, 4% of the model year's 616 complaints. The component named most often is doors › latch (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Chevrolet HHR door lock & latch problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 08V-444 (latch, Sep 3, 2008). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2008 Chevrolet HHR door lock & latch problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to locks & latches 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.