2008 Chevrolet HHR Electronic stability control Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 2%of 616 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the electronic stability control of the 2008 Chevrolet HHR, 2% of the 616 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 complaint #11351910, filed 2020-08, 138,000 miles“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! …”
NHTSA complaint #11105171, filed 2018-07, 43,000 miles“I start my car and go to pull out onto the road and there was no power steering which could have caused me to wreck. The power steering light came on. I pulled over and shut the car off and restarted the car. Same problem. Very very dangerous!!! ..updated 10/15/14 updated 4/7/2015”
NHTSA complaint #10637138, filed 2014-09, 112,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10939701, filed 2017-01, 118,000 miles“I purchased my 2008 chevy HHR from a dealership in ky in february 2013, with around 55k miles on it. Due to the amount of miles I also purchased an extended GM power train warranty. Toward the end of may, I was driving on the hi-way coming off an exit, going between 45-55 miles an hour veering to the right, when the power steering in my car went out. The mileage screen flashed power steering and I could hardly steer my car to get off the exit onto another hi-way. I drove my car home and parked it in the driveway. The next morning I got up and started my car, drove it and it was ok. …”
NHTSA complaint #10524835, filed 2013-07, 70,000 milesElectronic stability control: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 Chevrolet HHR
297 complaintsElectrical system
108 complaintsFuel system
85 complaintsBrakes
55 complaintsAir bags
38 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
25 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
22 complaintsEngine
20 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsExterior lighting
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Chevrolet HHR
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology