2008 Chevrolet HHR Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 3%of 616 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 131,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Chevrolet HHR, 3% of the 616 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 131,500 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Our car had engine troubles where it kept shifting back into neutral while we were trying to drive on the highway and then on side streets on the way home. While driving it to get repaired, there was a loud popping noise and the engine burst into flames. The flames consumed a large portion of the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10883083, filed 2016-07, 80,000 miles“Around april my car started to have a hard time accelerating. A warning cane on the dash that read loosing enginepower or words to that effect. When I would brake my car would shake. When I would drive at about 35 my car steering wheel would start b to shake and was hard to control. I took it to my local chevy dealership where I had the oil change, all four breaks replaced, the tech took a ride with me to hear and feel what my car had been doing. …”
NHTSA complaint #10604350, filed 2014-06, 142,000 miles“I could easily complain about the cooling system as this cost me about $1400 this month due to first the water pump going and then a chrome pipe/hose that goes across the engine also rusting through...but because I guess that wouldn't be considered a dangerous issue other than possibly being stranded, this engine related complaint is in regards to the exhaust. The car is a 2008 and twice the exhaust flex hose which is just beyond the exhaust manifold and in front of the catalytic converters has rusted and developed leaks. …”
NHTSA complaint #10819331, filed 2016-01, 133,000 miles“The car completely shut down while driving, no noise no warning, could not steer, brake, roll windows down. This happened last year. Took to dealership. Said it was my alternator and charge me an extreme high charge to replace. Very scaredy when happened, for auto to cut off like that. Luckily I was driving about 30mpr an not on an interstate. Bought 2nd hand. Have not been happy with since. When bought did not receive key fan of, an the drivers door, will lock on its own, which left me baffled how to get into it with no other key holes on any other doors or especially the backend. …”
NHTSA complaint #11281119, filed 2019-11, 165,000 miles“I bought a used 2008 chevy HHR from lithia in eureka, ca 11/3/2017 and 11/24/2017 the car would not engage the drive function. Tried several times and no luck. Transmission seems blown, and the electrical was malfunctioning. No flasheers, radio with weird noises, strange sounds from engine after attempting to drive. We are now stuck 200 miles from home and lithia manager has not returned my phone call. I am a middle aged student, working minimum wahe. I gave the dealership all my momey for a broken car. I shouls have researched more that is apparent. I take responsibility for my mishaps. …”
NHTSA complaint #11048472, filed 2017-11, 130,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11009531Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11007116Aug 6, 2024This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11007091Aug 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or…
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10242298Aug 10, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10199238May 3, 2021This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.
- 10178949Jul 28, 2020This Bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC…
- 10178387Jul 27, 2020This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
Engine: 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 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsElectronic stability control
15 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 28, 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