2008 Chevrolet HHR Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 4%of 616 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2008 Chevrolet HHR, 4% of the 616 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Our HHR's lock/latch system stopped working completely on 4/18/2012. We started having problems in march 2012 and had our mechanic look at it, but he couldn't get the problem to duplicate, so he cleaned the key lock and lubed it. The car is permanently locked. We don't have a key lacentry on this vehicle, it is a manual lock. We now have to incur a lock smith and/or towing bill + a repair bill for the mechanic to fix what he believes is a failure/breakdown of the latch system. …”
NHTSA complaint #10455914, filed 2012-04, 74,000 miles“The lock will not unlock when I use the key. It is as though the lock is jammed. Both keyless entries have stopped working. I keep onstar activated so I can get into my car.”
NHTSA complaint #10548724, filed 2013-10, 60,000 miles“My 2008 HHR looses power steering while turning, then suddenly returns power causing to oversteer. This is a sever safety issue as it is a come and go type problem,I do not drive during inclement weather fearing body damage to persons and vehicles other than myself. I have taken to dealer only to be told we can not determine the problem as it is intermittent. Also the tire pressure display is on even tho all tire pressure is correct, not sure if they are related to electric power steering. …”
NHTSA complaint #10371161, filed 2010-12, 40,000 miles“I currently own a 2008 chevy HHR that I purchased in august. My complaint is on the back passenger doors. In several occassions my kids have not closed the doors hard enough, and the doors have stayed open. The car has failed to inform me. We only noticed because we can hear the wind as I am driving faster. Also in testing the car, the door wasn't even on the hatch and the car still did not warn of the door being open and the car was in movement. While no accident or death has occurred yet, this a is problem that could result in someone's death.”
NHTSA complaint #10249562, filed 2008-11, 2,800 miles“Was locked in vehicle and unable to get door to open from inside. Have had defect with door locks sticking from purchase. Door has failed to unlock with sister in vehicle, failed to unlock with husband in vehicle and my daughter. Been in dealer nine times for locks sticking. Is being locked in vehicle dangerous? Updated 01/28/15 ..updated 10/08/15”
NHTSA complaint #10672963, filed 2015-01, 15,633 milesRelated recalls
- 08V444000Sep 3, 2008Gm 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…Covers: Chevrolet HHR 2006–2008
Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 Chevrolet HHR
297 complaintsElectrical system
108 complaintsFuel system
85 complaintsBrakes
55 complaintsAir bags
38 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
22 complaintsEngine
20 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 Nov 1, 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