2008 Chevrolet HHR Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 4%of 616 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 35,016miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 Chevrolet HHR, 4% of the 616 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 35,016 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving on the major roadway in 5:00 traffic after work and while stopped to go forward in the car wash the power steering light gave a warning then dis engaged and steering was almost impossible. I read the owners manual and it said to turn the car back on and turn the wheel a couple times then the steering was ok to get me home I am afraid to drive it now ,in checking the website this is a known issue. Can you help me please?!”
NHTSA complaint #11210088, filed 2019-05, 95,623 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“The fuel line on my vehicle developed a leak at the left rear tire. I had to buy and install an aftermarket fuel line kit. I found that the metal fuel line has rusted through. When removing the old fuel line the purge line broke open at a rusty area. These two lines and a brake line run through a tubular knitted heat shield in this area. The heat shield had collected dirt and salt and was damp on a dry day when I was working on the line replacement. Poor design.”
NHTSA complaint #11338691, filed 2020-07, 130,000 miles“We own a 2008 HHR and it has been nothing but trouble . First when we purchased the car in dec 2008 it had 23,000 miles on it. Two months after we got the car we had to replace both front rotors on it and after fighting with GM they agreed to pay for the rotors. At this time they told us that the car needed new tires and a front end alignment at 26,000 miles . …”
NHTSA complaint #10320499, filed 2010-03, 63 miles“Transmission needs to be rebuilt with less than 100k miles on it. This is the same transmission that is in the colbalt, HHR, and malibu. My transmission shop has a colbalt and malibu in the bay with my car, 10k less miles than mine, with the same issue. The transmission starts by over reving when shifting from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd. There is no cel present. Then the car gets a drag like you are driving a brick. Took car to eagle transmission (after chevy house said flush and filter would fix the issue) and now I have to pay for a rebuilt transmission. …”
NHTSA complaint #10892844, filed 2016-08, 98,689 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 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.
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10242061Aug 7, 2023This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10237387May 30, 2023This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
Transmission and drivetrain: 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 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 Oct 31, 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