Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 616 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Chevrolet HHR, and it carries 5 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 244 | 40% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 64 | 10% |
| Electrical system | 46 | 7% |
| Service brakes | 30 | 5% |
| Air bags | 18 | 3% |
| Steering | 15 | 2% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 14 | 2% |
| Electrical system | 13 | 2% |
| Fuel system | 12 | 2% |
| Power train | 9 | 1% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
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 r
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
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 i
NHTSA complaint: Fuel system
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 deal
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
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
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
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 burn
NHTSA complaint: Visibility
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 pe
NHTSA complaint: Vehicle speed control
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 f
NHTSA complaint: Fuel system
Gas line leaking, leaves puddles and can visibly be seen dripping
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2008 Chevrolet HHR. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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 ignitio
Risk: 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" pos
Fix: 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 w
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
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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 s
UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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 c
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 REQUIR
Risk: THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS TO PROVIDE HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION FOR OCCUPANTS.
Fix: 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>HTT
| Reliability raw | 56 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 67 | good |
| Maintenance | 79 | good |
| Depreciation | 65 | good |
| Performance | 47 | below average |
| Efficiency | 46 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 616 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and steering is the most reported area with 244 of them (40%). There are 5 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 56/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 67/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2008 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 62/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.