2008 Chevrolet HHR problems
Owners have filed 784 complaints about the 2008 Chevrolet HHR with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 39.2% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of electrical system at 13.8%.
Complaints784
Crashes37
Fires7
Injuries37
Deaths4
What owners report breaking
Steering 39.2% · 307
Electrical system 13.8% · 108
Fuel/propulsion system 9.1% · 71
Service brakes, hydraulic 5.2% · 41
Air bags 4.8% · 38
Latches/locks/linkages 3.2% · 25
Power train 2.8% · 22
Engine 2.6% · 20
Severity
Of those complaints, 37 describe a crash, 7 describe a fire, 37 report an injury and 4 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 6 model years of the Chevrolet HHR in this data, 2008 ranks 3rd by complaint volume — 2006 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 14 in the last three years against 48 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 74,000 miles.
In owners' own words
I have a chevy 2008 HHR lt, and I been having problems with my power steering, a message keep coming on when im driving on the road at speed of 25 miles per hour. Making it hard for me to drive and turn, I called chevy and they told me there is no recall for the 2008 HHR, but when I check online they have the 2006,2007,2009,2010,2011 HHR on recall why did they pass my car im having the same problem. Please help! Steering · reported at 114,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that when attempting the make a left or right turn or change lanes the power steering would intermittently fail without warning. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was alerted about the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000 miles. The current mileage was 59,000. Steering · reported at 52,000 miles
I was drive and out of where the power steering line came on and then when I try to make a right hand turn the wheel was very hard to turn. Made me think what could happen if am in the freeway n have to do a turn. I love my HHR its the first problem I have came across. However, I have been reading n noticed am not the only one with problem. All I want is to fix it before something happens to me and my family. Steering · reported at 87,199 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…