Airbag complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
There is a serious electrical glitch that's in the computer, that causes the car to perform poorly at a slow speed, which cases the steering to become very hard to turn, and maintain lanes while driving. All lights, warnings, and gauges fluctuate back and forth, while the bell inide the car when stared keeps chiming.
The above vehicle has been in for repairs 6-7times for intermit anti-theft light coming on while driving and a recall for anti-theft/air bag malfunctions. Intermittingly the car will also not recognize the key(s) and will not start. My concern for safety is when the car begins to ding while I'm driving and then the anti-theft light comes on it will also decide to stall because it does not recognize the key and thinks it's being stolen. (it has not done that yet, but it is a fear). I had the Chevy 2014 anti-theft/airbag recall aug 2014. In dec 2014 my air bag light came on with a warning to repair. In jan 2015 the anti-theft light came on 2 times. Walker jones Chevy of waycross, ga detected no code for air bag. The anti-theft code revealed unrecognized key but no code to repair (jan.2015) the light has come on 5 times and not started on one occasion, since the recall repair. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet HHR. While driving 10-25 MPH, the power steering assist warning light illuminated and the power steering failed. The contact stated that the steering required excessive force to operate. The contact also stated that the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the power steering torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000. Updated 08/17/16 consumer stated for some reason, the described failures were announced as recalls on other 2010 Chevrolet HHR vehicles, but not this make/ moder, according to the VIN. The power steeringg locked up in the middle of traffic and made driving conditions very dangerous. …
First my airbag system started coming on saying service airbags and the sensors are all new, second the service ESC comes on intermittently causing vehicle to shift extremely hard from 1st gear (automatic tranny) braking system was working fine and all of a sudden the brake pedal goes to the floor no brakes and the fluid is full and the system was working just fine after making GM aware of this their response to it all is the vehicle is out of warranty and there is nothing they can do but this was an issue from date of mfg and GM refuses to fix or correct the ongoing issues all of these things have happened on city streets and highways if NHTSA cant help with this issue then I have no where left to turn except either to a morgue or a scrap yard
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the passenger's side air bag warning light illuminated and occasionally flashed on and off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The contact had previously received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 199,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Service Air Bag message was displayed. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that she needed to pay out of pocket for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer to be serviced. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
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.
Related recalls (3)
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 .
Air bags › Frontal
Certain vehicles originally built with cloth seats that were equipped with an automatic air bag passenger sensing system and later reupholstered with aftermarket leather seat cover kits are involved. Testing has indicated that the aftermarket leather seat covers can cause the passenger sensing system to malfunction.
Remedy: Because a replacement leather seat cover that is compatible with the passenger sensing system is not available, general motors (GM) will repurchase these vehicles in accordance with the terms stated in GM's letter to…
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet HHR years have airbag problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2009 (104), 2006 (63), 2010 (49), 2007 (48) and 2008 (38) model years. Airbag complaints make up 20% of all complaints for the 2009.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet HHR airbag problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 14V-047 (air bags, Feb 10, 2014); 08V-046 (air bags, Jan 30, 2008); 06V-417 (frontal, Oct 31, 2006). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet HHR airbag problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles; 43% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the frontal (10 mentions), followed by the side/window (7).
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.