Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Steering — runs 7.7× the fleet median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.
615Complaints
5Recalls
30Crashes
6Fires
31Injured
4Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Steering (47.8% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.
Steering complaints here are 7.7× the median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Steering
294 · 47.8%
not available
—
Electrical System
93 · 15.1%
Recalled
Recall 14V171000 · Recall 14E021000
Fuel/propulsion System
71 · 11.5%
not available
—
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
37 · 6%
not available
—
Air Bags
33 · 5.4%
Recalled
Recall 14V047000 · Recall 08V046000
Latches/locks/linkages
19 · 3.1%
Recalled
Recall 08V444000
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 615 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
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… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS TO PROVIDE HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION FOR OCCUPANTS. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WAS MALFUNCTIONING INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THEY HAVE TO TURN THE…”NHTSA complaint 10479759 — filed 10/11/2012 · STEERING
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, THE POWER STEERING MOTOR TURNED OFF INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED…”NHTSA complaint 10475412 — filed 09/14/2012 · STEERING
“I HAD JUST PULLED OUT OF A DRIVEWAY. I HEARD A FEW ALERT TONES AND LOOKED AT MY DASH AND THE POWER STEERING MESSAGE WAS…”NHTSA complaint 10475280 — filed 09/13/2012 · STEERING
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Chevrolet HHR?
Steering issues are the most-reported category, cited in 294 of 615 NHTSA complaints (47.8%), followed by electrical system (93), fuel/propulsion system (71), service brakes, hydraulic (37). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2008 Chevrolet HHR have?
615 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 30 involved a crash, 6 involved a fire, and 31 reported injuries. 4 deaths were reported.
Does the 2008 Chevrolet HHR have any recalls?
Yes — 5 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 14V171000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2008 Chevrolet HHR's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
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