2008 Chevrolet Hhr Problems: Steering (613 Complaints)

The most-reported problem on the 2008 Chevrolet Hhr is Steering (44% of 613 owner reports). There are 5 safety recalls. Check the VIN and inspect Steering — this is the NHTSA file, not a score.

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-09-07 613 complaints · 5 recalls

What problems show up on the 2008 Chevrolet Hhr?

271 of 613 filings named Steering (44% of the file). That is what owners wrote, not a shop diagnosis of the vehicle in the driveway.

Second is Fuel system (80 reports).

There are 5 official safety recalls on this year. They were filed about Electrical. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov — a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific truck.

The 2007 has 716 reports on file; this year has 613. A smaller lifetime total is not a clean bill of health. If you need a fairer comparison, use the equal-time view.

What to check before you buy a 2008 Chevrolet Hhr

A useful visit to this page takes five minutes. YearTell does not score years and cannot see the vehicle in front of you.

  1. Look up the VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov. This year has 5 campaigns on file below.
  2. Steering. Check for play in the wheel, noises on lock and whether it tracks straight.
  3. Fuel system. Check for fuel smell, leaks and whether it starts and idles cleanly.
  4. Electrical. Have a shop scan for stored codes and check battery, charging and any warning lights that stay on.
  5. Skim a few owner reports below for Steering. Look for the same symptom repeating.
  6. Take that list to a mechanic. Do not turn the complaint total into a score.

What owners reported

System named most often: Steering 271 complaints · 44.2% of the file
Crashes, fires, injuries and deaths in those filings:
  • Crashes 30
  • Fires 6
  • Injuries 31
  • Deaths 4
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Which systems owners named

Share of owner complaints filed against each vehicle system. These shares are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.

Which systems owners named Steering (STEERING) appears in 271 of 613 owner complaints (44.2%) in this vehicle snapshot. Steering (STEERING): 271 complaints, 44.2% of reports Steering (STEERING) 9 crash reports 271 · 44.2% Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM): 80 complaints, 13.1% of reports Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 1 fire reports 80 · 13.1% Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM): 71 complaints, 11.6% of reports Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 1 crash reports 2 fire reports 71 · 11.6% Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES): 43 complaints, 7.0% of reports Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 1 crash reports 43 · 7.0% Airbags (AIR BAGS): 23 complaints, 3.8% of reports Airbags (AIR BAGS) 12 crash reports 23 · 3.8% Engine (ENGINE): 18 complaints, 2.9% of reports Engine (ENGINE) 4 crash reports 1 fire reports 18 · 2.9% Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN): 13 complaints, 2.1% of reports Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 13 · 2.1% Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING): 12 complaints, 2.0% of reports Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) 1 fire reports 12 · 2.0% Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL): 10 complaints, 1.6% of reports Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) 10 · 1.6% Unclassified NHTSA leftover: 137 complaints, 22.4% of reports Unclassified NHTSA leftover 7 crash reports 2 fire reports 137 · 22.4% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

“Unclassified NHTSA leftover” is not a car part. It is a filing bucket and always sits last.

View component data as a table
System / Component Complaints Share of Reports Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires)
Steering (STEERING) 271 44.2% 9 crashes · 0 fires
Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 80 13.1% 0 crashes · 1 fires
Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 71 11.6% 1 crashes · 2 fires
Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 43 7.0% 1 crashes · 0 fires
Airbags (AIR BAGS) 23 3.8% 12 crashes · 0 fires
Engine (ENGINE) 18 2.9% 4 crashes · 1 fires
Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 13 2.1% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) 12 2.0% 0 crashes · 1 fires
Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) 10 1.6% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Unclassified NHTSA leftover 137 22.4% 7 crashes · 2 fires
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

When reports and recalls showed up

When owners filed reports, and when recall campaigns showed up.

When reports and recalls showed up Owner reports in this snapshot begin in Jan 2008; the first recall shown was reported in Jan 2008. 2008-Q1: 6 owner reports 6 2008-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2008-Q3: 15 owner reports 15 2008-Q4: 10 owner reports 10 2009-Q1: 3 owner reports 3 2009-Q2: 9 owner reports 9 2009-Q3: 8 owner reports 8 2009-Q4: 4 owner reports 4 2010-Q1: 4 owner reports 4 2010-Q2: 14 owner reports 14 2010-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 2010-Q4: 4 owner reports 4 2011-Q1: 5 owner reports 5 2011-Q2: 5 owner reports 5 2011-Q3: 8 owner reports 8 2011-Q4: 5 owner reports 5 2012-Q1: 4 owner reports 4 2012-Q2: 10 owner reports 10 2012-Q3: 9 owner reports 9 2012-Q4: 9 owner reports 9 2013-Q1: 12 owner reports 12 2013-Q2: 9 owner reports 9 2013-Q3: 26 owner reports 26 2013-Q4: 16 owner reports 16 2014-Q1: 19 owner reports 19 2014-Q2: 69 owner reports 69 2014-Q3: 66 owner reports 66 2014-Q4: 25 owner reports 25 2015-Q1: 19 owner reports 19 2015-Q2: 15 owner reports 15 2015-Q3: 10 owner reports 10 2015-Q4: 8 owner reports 8 2016-Q1: 5 owner reports 5 2016-Q2: 10 owner reports 10 2016-Q3: 12 owner reports 12 2016-Q4: 6 owner reports 6 2017-Q1: 5 owner reports 5 2017-Q2: 9 owner reports 9 2017-Q3: 5 owner reports 5 2017-Q4: 8 owner reports 8 2018-Q1: 8 owner reports 8 2018-Q2: 4 owner reports 4 2018-Q3: 10 owner reports 10 2018-Q4: 6 owner reports 6 2019-Q1: 3 owner reports 3 2019-Q2: 6 owner reports 6 2019-Q3: 4 owner reports 4 2019-Q4: 5 owner reports 5 2020-Q1: 5 owner reports 5 2020-Q3: 17 owner reports 17 2020-Q4: 6 owner reports 6 2021-Q1: 7 owner reports 7 2021-Q2: 7 owner reports 7 2021-Q3: 10 owner reports 10 2021-Q4: 2 owner reports 2 2022-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2022-Q2: 4 owner reports 4 2022-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 2022-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2023-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2023-Q4: 4 owner reports 4 2024-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2024-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2025-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2025-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2025-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2026-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2026-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 Owner reports Jan 2008 Jul 2026 Recall campaign 08V046000 ◆ Recall campaign 08V046000 Recall campaign 08V444000 ◆ Recall campaign 08V444000 Recall campaign 14V047000 ◆ Recall campaign 14V047000 Recall campaign 14V171000 ◆ Recall campaign 14V171000 Recall campaign 14E021000 ◆ Recall campaign 14E021000 Investigation PE20011 ● Investigation PE20011
  • Campaign 08V444000 was reported 238 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 14V171000 was reported 2,283 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 14E021000 was reported 2,303 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
View timeline records as a table
Date Record type Count Record identifier
2008-Q1 Owner reports 6
2008-Q2 Owner reports 1
2008-Q3 Owner reports 15
2008-Q4 Owner reports 10
2009-Q1 Owner reports 3
2009-Q2 Owner reports 9
2009-Q3 Owner reports 8
2009-Q4 Owner reports 4
2010-Q1 Owner reports 4
2010-Q2 Owner reports 14
2010-Q3 Owner reports 3
2010-Q4 Owner reports 4
2011-Q1 Owner reports 5
2011-Q2 Owner reports 5
2011-Q3 Owner reports 8
2011-Q4 Owner reports 5
2012-Q1 Owner reports 4
2012-Q2 Owner reports 10
2012-Q3 Owner reports 9
2012-Q4 Owner reports 9
2013-Q1 Owner reports 12
2013-Q2 Owner reports 9
2013-Q3 Owner reports 26
2013-Q4 Owner reports 16
2014-Q1 Owner reports 19
2014-Q2 Owner reports 69
2014-Q3 Owner reports 66
2014-Q4 Owner reports 25
2015-Q1 Owner reports 19
2015-Q2 Owner reports 15
2015-Q3 Owner reports 10
2015-Q4 Owner reports 8
2016-Q1 Owner reports 5
2016-Q2 Owner reports 10
2016-Q3 Owner reports 12
2016-Q4 Owner reports 6
2017-Q1 Owner reports 5
2017-Q2 Owner reports 9
2017-Q3 Owner reports 5
2017-Q4 Owner reports 8
2018-Q1 Owner reports 8
2018-Q2 Owner reports 4
2018-Q3 Owner reports 10
2018-Q4 Owner reports 6
2019-Q1 Owner reports 3
2019-Q2 Owner reports 6
2019-Q3 Owner reports 4
2019-Q4 Owner reports 5
2020-Q1 Owner reports 5
2020-Q3 Owner reports 17
2020-Q4 Owner reports 6
2021-Q1 Owner reports 7
2021-Q2 Owner reports 7
2021-Q3 Owner reports 10
2021-Q4 Owner reports 2
2022-Q1 Owner reports 1
2022-Q2 Owner reports 4
2022-Q3 Owner reports 3
2022-Q4 Owner reports 1
2023-Q3 Owner reports 1
2023-Q4 Owner reports 4
2024-Q2 Owner reports 2
2024-Q3 Owner reports 1
2025-Q1 Owner reports 1
2025-Q2 Owner reports 1
2025-Q4 Owner reports 1
2026-Q1 Owner reports 2
2026-Q3 Owner reports 1
Recall campaign 1 08V046000
Recall campaign 1 08V444000
Recall campaign 1 14V047000
Recall campaign 1 14V171000
Recall campaign 1 14E021000
Defect investigation 1 PE20011
NHTSA Safety Recalls Snapshot 2026-09-06 Open source record

Safety Recalls (5)

Official campaigns. Each one says what could go wrong and what the dealer was told to fix.

In short, these campaigns were filed about Electrical.

  1. Recall campaign 08V046000

    Safety recall 08V046000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS TO PROVIDE HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION FOR OCCUPANTS.
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
  2. Recall campaign 08V444000

    Safety recall 08V444000

    Report date
    Component:
    Unclassified NHTSA leftover
    Consequence:
    THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS TO PROVIDE HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION FOR OCCUPANTS.
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
  3. Recall campaign 14E021000

    Electrical

    Report date
    Component:
    Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
    Consequence:
    If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.
    Remedy:
    UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should contact UCI-FRAM Group at 1-800-890-2075. GM vehicle owners requiring additional information on that recall campaign should contact GM at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac) or 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn).
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
  4. Recall campaign 14V047000

    Safety recall 14V047000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    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. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GM’s recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
  5. Recall campaign 14V171000

    Electrical

    Report date
    Component:
    Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
    Consequence:
    If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
    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 ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

What owners actually wrote

Short excerpts from the public NHTSA file. Look for the same symptom repeating.

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-09-07
Safety incident filters
Showing 7 of 613 complaints · page 1 of 25
2026-08-14Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11757032
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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. Service staff buffed out burr on key which resolved switch binding, but vehicle refused to start. Borehole inspection of engine found damaged valves and pistons, leading to diagnosis of jumped timing. No other work other that diagnosis has been attempted at this point. Estimate to replace engine is $8600
2026-03-26Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11727264
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, the contact was informed that the vehicle was leaking gasoline. The vehicle was inspected, and the contact was informed that fuel was leaking from the driver’s side rear wheel well area, near the muffler. While at the residence, the contact observed that fuel was still leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a rusted fuel line located near the driver’s side rear wheel well, and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to have the vehicle diagnosed by a dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 68,900. The VIN was not available.
2026-02-24Airbags (AIR BAGS)
NHTSA ODI 11720216
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2025-12-23Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 11706785
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2025-04-03VISIBILITYUnclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11652486
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated while warming up the vehicle, the rear window exploded without warning or impact. There was smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. There was an abnormal burning odor detected. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000. The VIN was not available.
2025-02-06Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL)
NHTSA ODI 11641227
CrashFireInjuryDeath
vehicle ecm keeps reporting an error code p2138 that refers to a correlation issue between sensors on the throttle/pedal system, causing the vehicle to enter into reduced power and eventually disables engine. Problem persists even after replacing pedal component. Apparently water enters the compartment where the part is located and corrodes wiring between the ecm and the pedal system. GM is apparently aware but so far has done nothing. Problem is especially hazardous because engine power is reduced during acceleration and happens without warning. Vehicle could be in high density traffic and then suddenly experiences lack of power or total disability, and driver must try to navigate to the side of the road--not always possible or safe to do.
2024-08-07Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11607018
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that on one occasion after her friend parked the vehicle, the contact observed condensation underneath the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by the friend's nephew, and it was determined that the fuel line had a hole and was leaking fuel. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems on the 2008 Chevrolet Hhr?

Owners named Steering most often — 271 of 613 reports (44%). That is the NHTSA file, not a diagnosis of every vehicle.

Are there recalls for the 2008 Chevrolet Hhr?

NHTSA lists 5 safety recall campaigns. They were filed about Electrical. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov; a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific vehicle.

What should I inspect before buying a 2008 Chevrolet Hhr?

Look up the VIN for open recalls. Check for play in the wheel, noises on lock and whether it tracks straight. Then skim owner filings for the same symptom and take that list to a mechanic.

Does a high complaint count mean I should skip this year?

No. Counts are reports people chose to file and they are not adjusted for sales volume. YearTell does not publish scores or a list of years to skip. Inspect the vehicle.

EPA Fuel Economy Database Snapshot 2026-08-21 Open source record

Estimated Ownership Cost

EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates

Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-08-21
Supported range: 1,000–60,000 miles per year
Supported range: $1.50–$10.00 per gallon
55% city45% highway
Estimate unavailable

EPA fuel-economy data is unavailable for this vehicle.

No estimate is shown when required EPA values are unavailable.

Open Ownership Cost Calculator →

Adjacent Model Years

Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records

NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Methodology & Data Integrity

Source: NHTSA ODI / recalls, snapshot 2026-09-07. YearTell is not a government agency.

Read our complete data methodology → Sources