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2008 Chevrolet Hhr

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2008 Chevrolet Hhr do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 565.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

499 reports with mileage · 117 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Steering. Review the 297 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 108 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 71 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

30 crash reports6 fire reports21 injury reports

Electronic Stability Control (esc) complaints

15 reports
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130,000 miles · Sep 17, 2020
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes

HELLO, HOW ARE YOU? THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON AND THE BUTTON CANNOT TURN IT OFF. THE ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON AND THERE IS A SERVICE PROMPT ON THE INFORMATION SCROLL LCD SCREEN. THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH LIGHTS UP BUT THE CRUISE DOES NOT ENGAGE WHEN THE SET BUTTON IS PRESSED AT ANY SPEED, IE, 30MPH, 50MPH, 55MP…

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HELLO, HOW ARE YOU? THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON AND THE BUTTON CANNOT TURN IT OFF. THE ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON AND THERE IS A SERVICE PROMPT ON THE INFORMATION SCROLL LCD SCREEN. THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH LIGHTS UP BUT THE CRUISE DOES NOT ENGAGE WHEN THE SET BUTTON IS PRESSED AT ANY SPEED, IE, 30MPH, 50MPH, 55MPH ETC. THE RESEARCH I READ RECOMMENDS TO CONTACT YOU TO HELP GET THIS VEHICLE INCLUDED IN AN EXISTING RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUES IN OTHER GM VEHICLES WITH THE SAME EQUIPMENT. IN OTHER WORDS, THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT AS OTHER GM VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR REPAIR. DUE TO THE FACT THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT THAT WAS RECALLED IN OTHER GM VEHICLES I REQUEST THIS VEHICLE BE COVERED UNDER THE SAME RECALL AND ABLE TO BE REPAIRED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

NHTSA ODI #11355488

138,000 miles · Aug 28, 2020
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING, SERVICE ESC CODE CAME ON. CAR HAS DONE THIS NUMEROUS TIMES OVER THE PAST YEAR, I HAVE REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN, THE POWER STEERING MOTOR, THE CAR RAN FINE FOR WEEKS AND TODAY WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE SERVICE ESC CODE CAME ON AND I LOST POWER STEERING

NHTSA ODI #11351910

126,000 miles · Jul 15, 2019
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED SEVERAL TIMES. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ESC WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY FAILED TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SEVERAL INDEPENDENT MECHANICS AND PRESTON…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED SEVERAL TIMES. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ESC WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY FAILED TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SEVERAL INDEPENDENT MECHANICS AND PRESTON HOOD CHEVROLET (212 HOLLYWOOD BLVD NW, FORT WALTON BEACH, FL 32548, (850) 610-7278) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STARTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, ALONG WITH SEVERAL OTHER ISSUES. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED PERIODICALLY ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED EACH TIME, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.

NHTSA ODI #11232045

78,000 miles · Dec 2, 2018
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Unknown Or Other

POWER STEERING FAILURE WHILE MOVING DOWN ROAD

NHTSA ODI #11155513

Mileage unknown · Aug 20, 2018
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

FOR THE PAST FEW MONTHS I NOTICED MY POWER STEERING, CRUISE CONTROL BEING CUT OFF AND JERKING WITH MY CAR. BUT UP TIL THE BEGINNING OF AUGUST MY CAR WOULDN'T START, IT WOULD CRANK BUT NOT START. COME AUGUST 18TH MY CAR COMPLLIFE ROY WON'T START. THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE AND THE PREVIOUS OWNER TOOK IN THE CAR FOR THE RECA…

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FOR THE PAST FEW MONTHS I NOTICED MY POWER STEERING, CRUISE CONTROL BEING CUT OFF AND JERKING WITH MY CAR. BUT UP TIL THE BEGINNING OF AUGUST MY CAR WOULDN'T START, IT WOULD CRANK BUT NOT START. COME AUGUST 18TH MY CAR COMPLLIFE ROY WON'T START. THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE AND THE PREVIOUS OWNER TOOK IN THE CAR FOR THE RECALL BUT NOW IT'S ACTING UP AGAIN. MULTIPLE TIME WHERE I LOOSE CONTROL OF MY CAR AND OR THE CAR WOULD SLOW DOWN TO THE POINT IT FELT LIKE I WAS STOPPING THEN IT WOULD JERK. I THOUGHT THE DEALERSHIP COULD FIX THIS BUT THEY CAN NOT, GM, RIGTH WAY AND ETC ARE NOT HELPING. I'M TERRIFIED MY CAR WON'T WORK AND ALSO IT'LL BE DANGEROUS TO DRIVE.

NHTSA ODI #11121132

43,000 miles · Jul 2, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Power TrainSteering

WHILE DRIVING MY HHR SS A SERVICE ESC MESSAGE APPEARED IN THE DIC ALONG WITH A CHIME LIKE THE DINGING OF NO SEAT BELT. THEN A POWER STEERING MESSAGE CAME AFTER THAT. WHEN THIS HAPPENS MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP AND IS HARD TO TURN. I HAVE HEARD THAT SOME OF THESE STEERING COLUMNS HAVE BEEN RECALLED! WHY NOT THE HHR SS!! I HAV…

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WHILE DRIVING MY HHR SS A SERVICE ESC MESSAGE APPEARED IN THE DIC ALONG WITH A CHIME LIKE THE DINGING OF NO SEAT BELT. THEN A POWER STEERING MESSAGE CAME AFTER THAT. WHEN THIS HAPPENS MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP AND IS HARD TO TURN. I HAVE HEARD THAT SOME OF THESE STEERING COLUMNS HAVE BEEN RECALLED! WHY NOT THE HHR SS!! I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT IT IS THE ANGLE POSITION SENSOR AND THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN HAS TO BE REPLACED! WHEN THIS FIRST ACCURD MY VEHICLE DID HAVE A WARRANTY BUT THEY SAID THAT BECAUSE IT WAS DEEMED AN ANGLE POSITION SENSOR THAT WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER IT EVEN THOUGH THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN HAS TO BE REPLACE BECAUSE OF IT BEING A SS. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM THAT I HAVE SEEN ALOT OF HHR OWNERS ARE HAVING AND THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED!

NHTSA ODI #11105171

30 miles · Feb 11, 2017
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING TURNS OFF ON A CONSTANT BASIS WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND ALL POWER STEERING IS LOST !

NHTSA ODI #10954044

118,000 miles · Jan 4, 2017
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Exterior Lighting

WHILE DRIVING MY CAR ON THE CITY STREETS THE DOORS SUDDENLY UNLOCK THE LIGHTS FLICKER OFF AND BACK ON AND THE CAR JERKS AND THEN THE CAR DOES THE SAME THING AND LOCKS THE DOORS AGAIN AND THEN UNLOCKS THE DOORS AGAIN WITH THE HEADLIGHTS GOING OUT AGAIN AND BACK ON AGAIN JUST AS QUICKLY. IT DOES THIS OVER AND OVER AGAIN WHILE DRI…

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WHILE DRIVING MY CAR ON THE CITY STREETS THE DOORS SUDDENLY UNLOCK THE LIGHTS FLICKER OFF AND BACK ON AND THE CAR JERKS AND THEN THE CAR DOES THE SAME THING AND LOCKS THE DOORS AGAIN AND THEN UNLOCKS THE DOORS AGAIN WITH THE HEADLIGHTS GOING OUT AGAIN AND BACK ON AGAIN JUST AS QUICKLY. IT DOES THIS OVER AND OVER AGAIN WHILE DRIVING TO WORK OR TO RUN TO THE STORE OR WHERE EVER. I TOOK IT TO THE CHEVROLET DEALER AND THEY CANNOT TELL ME WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. NO CODES ARE SHOWING WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I HAVE HAD IT TO THREE DIFFERENT GARAGES AND NO ONE CAN SEEM TO TELL ME WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. THE LAST DEALER TOLD ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO LEAVE THE CAR THERE AND EVERY TIME THEY GOT INTO THE CAR TO DRIVE IT TO SEE IF IT WOULD DO IT AGAIN FOR THEM IT WOULD COST ME RIGHT AROUND $130.00 EACH TIME. I CAN'T AFFORD THAT. I ASKED THEM IF IT COULD BE THE IGNITION AND THEY SAID NO. I DID HAVE THE RECALL DONE ON THE IGNITION SWITCH BUT AFTER READING MANY OF THESE COMPLAINTS IT MAKES ME THINK THAT MAYBE IT HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. HELP *TR

NHTSA ODI #10939701

Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 2016
Electronic Stability Control (esc)SteeringWheels

WHEN I BUHGT THIS VEHICLE IT WAS THE LEFT SIDE SHOCKED SOLVER WAS LOSS UNSCREWED LOCKY ME I FOUND THE BEFORE ANYTHING HAPPENED IN THE HWY THEN I FOUND UNTHER THE VEHICLE A BIG BUMP LIKE THIS CAR WAS IN A CRASH ACCIDENT I EXPLAINS THE DEALER SALES MAN AND HE TOLL ME TO HE DON'T KNOW A BOUGHT IT THEN ONE WHEEL WAS MORE BIG THAN TH…

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WHEN I BUHGT THIS VEHICLE IT WAS THE LEFT SIDE SHOCKED SOLVER WAS LOSS UNSCREWED LOCKY ME I FOUND THE BEFORE ANYTHING HAPPENED IN THE HWY THEN I FOUND UNTHER THE VEHICLE A BIG BUMP LIKE THIS CAR WAS IN A CRASH ACCIDENT I EXPLAINS THE DEALER SALES MAN AND HE TOLL ME TO HE DON'T KNOW A BOUGHT IT THEN ONE WHEEL WAS MORE BIG THAN THE OTHER WHEELS SO I BOUGHT ANOTHER TIRE I THEN START SEARCH THE INFORMATION ON THIS CAR WITH NO SUCCESS EVEN CAR MAX IS NO RECORD OF THE VEHICLE I THE CONTINUED DRIVING THE CAR AND I FIND OUT THIS CAR WAS A CAR CRASH VEHICLE BECAUSE I NOTICE DRIVER SIDE WAS PANEL FIX AND FOR MORE TO KNOW THIS CAR IS UNSAFELY TO DRIVE WHEN YOU GO MORE THAT 50" MILES IN A RAIN THE CAR EASY DERAIL AND LOCKY I BE HAVE NOT VEHICLE IN MY SIDE IT HAPPEN TO ME THREE TIME I CALL THE DEALERSHIP AND ASK TO CHANGE ME THIS VEHICLE IS TO DANGER TO DRIVE AND THERE RESPOND WAS SALE THE CAR AND BUY ME ANOTHER ONE THAT TELL ME THE UNRESPONSIVE THEY ARE NO CARE IF ANOTHER FAMILY BUY THE CAR AND THEN THEY CAN HAVE A ACCIDENT AND EVEN KILL THEM SALFE I TOLL HIM I CAN NOT SALE A VEHICLE THAT IS UNSAFE TO ANY ONE SO THAT'S WAY I REPORTED TO YOU GUYS TO PUT A STOP TO THIS DEALER BECAUSE I NOTICE THEY HAVE A BIG JUNK YARD IN THE BACK OF THE DEALERSHIP AND THAT TELL ME THAT THEY FIX JUNK CARS AND RESALES WITH UNSAFETY ESUE AND THEY NEED TO BE INSPECTED TO SEE THEY NOT RISK FAMILY'S OUT THERE AND I WANT MY MONEY BACK AND MY EXPENCESS I PUT TO THIS JUNK.

NHTSA ODI #10851677

315,000 miles · Sep 23, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)CrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT END OF A TRUCK. THE DRIVER WAS KILLED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT END OF A TRUCK. THE DRIVER WAS KILLED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 315,000. UPDATED 11/12/14*LJ UPDATED 4/29/2015 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10638476

Official recalls

4

14V171000 · Electrical System:ignition

Apr 10, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.

Consequence & remedy

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.

14V047000 · Air Bags; Electrical System:ignition:switch

Feb 10, 2014

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. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.

Consequence & remedy

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

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. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.

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.

Electrical System:ignition:switch

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. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.

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.

08V444000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Sep 3, 2008

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.

Consequence & remedy

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 <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .

08V046000 · Air Bags

Jan 30, 2008

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. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT.' IN TESTS, ONE OF THE UPPER INTERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION TEST POINTS EXCEEDED THE STANDARD'S REQUIREMENT.

Consequence & remedy

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 <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE20011 · Fuel Line Leak

Opened Jul 5, 2020 · Closed Aug 17, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Other:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings; Fuel/propulsion System

On July 5, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE20-011 to investigate instances of metal fuel lines under the vehicle corroding and leaking fuel in model year (MY) 2008 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and 2008 through 2009 Chevrolet HHR passenger cars manufactured by General Motors (GM). The metal fuel lines are corroding and leaking fuel in the area between the front and rear wheels on the driver's side of the vehicle before the muffler. Most consumers allege a fuel odor and/or an observable fuel leak that alerts them to the condition.The subject metal fuel lines have a protective AGE coating and, in the vicinity of the left rear wheel, are further wrapped in a foil heat shield. The AGE coating consists of an annealed zinc aluminum alloy metal coating with extended corrosion protection paint. Under certain conditions, water and corrosive road deicing agents may enter a crevice between the heat shield and the AGE coating. With extended environmental exposure in high corrosive environments, the AGE coating can degrade. If it degrades enough, the base metal lines may begin to corrode beneath the heat shield.Corrosion to the fuel lines may eventually cause a perforation to develop in the line, allowing fuel vapors to escape from between the line and the heat shield, emitting a fuel odor that will be detectable to the vehicle operator. If the corrosion progresses, fuel may begin to weep from the line. Further metal degradation due to corrosion could create a drip or a mist of fuel. If this occurs, vehicle owners may see drips, spots, or puddles on the ground near the rear portion of the vehicle, primarily along the driver's side rear wheel.The majority of allegations (85%) were reported for vehicles that are operated in the salt belt region of the United States. This area includes states in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions. Additionally, the average failure mileage in the subject vehicles is approximately 111,000 across all data sources.Considering the low manufacturer complaint/warranty rates of fuel line replacement, the fact that the majority of failures are concentrated in salt belt states, high failure mileages, as well as the field exposure time for the subject vehicles, and the highly detectable and progressive nature of this failure over time, the potential safety consequences of this issue are very low. To date, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. There are two reported fires in ODI data and no reported fires in GM data. Both ODI reported fires were minor, occurred after the vehicle was parked, and were extinguished utilizing fire extinguishers.In view of the progressive failure occurring at high mileages, the age of the subject vehicles, the high detectability of the leak, and the majority of failures occurred in salt belt states, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the attached identification numbers.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Fuel/propulsion System

On July 5, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE20-011 to investigate instances of metal fuel lines under the vehicle corroding and leaking fuel in model year (MY) 2008 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and 2008 through 2009 Chevrolet HHR passenger cars manufactured by General Motors (GM). The metal fuel lines are corroding and leaking fuel in the area between the front and rear wheels on the driver's side of the vehicle before the muffler. Most consumers allege a fuel odor and/or an observable fuel leak that alerts them to the condition.The subject metal fuel lines have a protective AGE coating and, in the vicinity of the left rear wheel, are further wrapped in a foil heat shield. The AGE coating consists of an annealed zinc aluminum alloy metal coating with extended corrosion protection paint. Under certain conditions, water and corrosive road deicing agents may enter a crevice between the heat shield and the AGE coating. With extended environmental exposure in high corrosive environments, the AGE coating can degrade. If it degrades enough, the base metal lines may begin to corrode beneath the heat shield.Corrosion to the fuel lines may eventually cause a perforation to develop in the line, allowing fuel vapors to escape from between the line and the heat shield, emitting a fuel odor that will be detectable to the vehicle operator. If the corrosion progresses, fuel may begin to weep from the line. Further metal degradation due to corrosion could create a drip or a mist of fuel. If this occurs, vehicle owners may see drips, spots, or puddles on the ground near the rear portion of the vehicle, primarily along the driver's side rear wheel.The majority of allegations (85%) were reported for vehicles that are operated in the salt belt region of the United States. This area includes states in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions. Additionally, the average failure mileage in the subject vehicles is approximately 111,000 across all data sources.Considering the low manufacturer complaint/warranty rates of fuel line replacement, the fact that the majority of failures are concentrated in salt belt states, high failure mileages, as well as the field exposure time for the subject vehicles, and the highly detectable and progressive nature of this failure over time, the potential safety consequences of this issue are very low. To date, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. There are two reported fires in ODI data and no reported fires in GM data. Both ODI reported fires were minor, occurred after the vehicle was parked, and were extinguished utilizing fire extinguishers.In view of the progressive failure occurring at high mileages, the age of the subject vehicles, the high detectability of the leak, and the majority of failures occurred in salt belt states, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the attached identification numbers.

Fuel System, Gasoline

On July 5, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE20-011 to investigate instances of metal fuel lines under the vehicle corroding and leaking fuel in model year (MY) 2008 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and 2008 through 2009 Chevrolet HHR passenger cars manufactured by General Motors (GM). The metal fuel lines are corroding and leaking fuel in the area between the front and rear wheels on the driver's side of the vehicle before the muffler. Most consumers allege a fuel odor and/or an observable fuel leak that alerts them to the condition.The subject metal fuel lines have a protective AGE coating and, in the vicinity of the left rear wheel, are further wrapped in a foil heat shield. The AGE coating consists of an annealed zinc aluminum alloy metal coating with extended corrosion protection paint. Under certain conditions, water and corrosive road deicing agents may enter a crevice between the heat shield and the AGE coating. With extended environmental exposure in high corrosive environments, the AGE coating can degrade. If it degrades enough, the base metal lines may begin to corrode beneath the heat shield.Corrosion to the fuel lines may eventually cause a perforation to develop in the line, allowing fuel vapors to escape from between the line and the heat shield, emitting a fuel odor that will be detectable to the vehicle operator. If the corrosion progresses, fuel may begin to weep from the line. Further metal degradation due to corrosion could create a drip or a mist of fuel. If this occurs, vehicle owners may see drips, spots, or puddles on the ground near the rear portion of the vehicle, primarily along the driver's side rear wheel.The majority of allegations (85%) were reported for vehicles that are operated in the salt belt region of the United States. This area includes states in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions. Additionally, the average failure mileage in the subject vehicles is approximately 111,000 across all data sources.Considering the low manufacturer complaint/warranty rates of fuel line replacement, the fact that the majority of failures are concentrated in salt belt states, high failure mileages, as well as the field exposure time for the subject vehicles, and the highly detectable and progressive nature of this failure over time, the potential safety consequences of this issue are very low. To date, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. There are two reported fires in ODI data and no reported fires in GM data. Both ODI reported fires were minor, occurred after the vehicle was parked, and were extinguished utilizing fire extinguishers.In view of the progressive failure occurring at high mileages, the age of the subject vehicles, the high detectability of the leak, and the majority of failures occurred in salt belt states, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the attached identification numbers.

Fuel System, Other:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

On July 5, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE20-011 to investigate instances of metal fuel lines under the vehicle corroding and leaking fuel in model year (MY) 2008 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and 2008 through 2009 Chevrolet HHR passenger cars manufactured by General Motors (GM). The metal fuel lines are corroding and leaking fuel in the area between the front and rear wheels on the driver's side of the vehicle before the muffler. Most consumers allege a fuel odor and/or an observable fuel leak that alerts them to the condition.The subject metal fuel lines have a protective AGE coating and, in the vicinity of the left rear wheel, are further wrapped in a foil heat shield. The AGE coating consists of an annealed zinc aluminum alloy metal coating with extended corrosion protection paint. Under certain conditions, water and corrosive road deicing agents may enter a crevice between the heat shield and the AGE coating. With extended environmental exposure in high corrosive environments, the AGE coating can degrade. If it degrades enough, the base metal lines may begin to corrode beneath the heat shield.Corrosion to the fuel lines may eventually cause a perforation to develop in the line, allowing fuel vapors to escape from between the line and the heat shield, emitting a fuel odor that will be detectable to the vehicle operator. If the corrosion progresses, fuel may begin to weep from the line. Further metal degradation due to corrosion could create a drip or a mist of fuel. If this occurs, vehicle owners may see drips, spots, or puddles on the ground near the rear portion of the vehicle, primarily along the driver's side rear wheel.The majority of allegations (85%) were reported for vehicles that are operated in the salt belt region of the United States. This area includes states in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions. Additionally, the average failure mileage in the subject vehicles is approximately 111,000 across all data sources.Considering the low manufacturer complaint/warranty rates of fuel line replacement, the fact that the majority of failures are concentrated in salt belt states, high failure mileages, as well as the field exposure time for the subject vehicles, and the highly detectable and progressive nature of this failure over time, the potential safety consequences of this issue are very low. To date, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. There are two reported fires in ODI data and no reported fires in GM data. Both ODI reported fires were minor, occurred after the vehicle was parked, and were extinguished utilizing fire extinguishers.In view of the progressive failure occurring at high mileages, the age of the subject vehicles, the high detectability of the leak, and the majority of failures occurred in salt belt states, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the attached identification numbers.