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KLUNK
KLUNK

2008 Chevrolet Hhr

The Verdict

19 Total Klunk

The 2008 Chevrolet Hhr has 614 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (310 complaints) and electrical (124 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 19/100, it earns a "Total Klunk" rating. If you're shopping for a Chevrolet Hhr, consider the 2011 model year which has 66% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2011 has 66% fewer complaints

View the 2011 Chevrolet Hhr dashboard →

19

Klunk Score: Total Klunk

Among the most complained-about vehicle years on record. Strongly consider alternatives.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
20065415521412372
2007443461148537
20083105012411020
20091462621510714
2010265261307418
2011641249708

By Category

Body
310
Electrical
124
Engine
110
Brakes
50
Transmission
20

By Severity

1
296
2
279
3
4
4
31
5
4

Worst Problems

Complaints

Engine 2

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 informed that fuel was leaking from the driver’s side rear wheel well area, near the muffler. While at the residence, the contact observed that fuel was still leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a rusted fuel line located near the driver’s side rear wheel well, and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to have the vehicle diagnosed by a dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 68,900. The VIN was not available.

3mo ago
Electrical 1

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 dealer, who confirmed that the key was stuck and needed to be broken, and any damages would be at the owner's expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V171000 (Air Bags, Electrical System). The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

4mo ago
Electrical 2

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 the key could not be removed from the ignition switch while the key was in the "OFF" position. In addition, the battery was being drained. The contact stated that the battery was previously replaced several months ago. The contact stated that the key was stuck in the ignition switch. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

6mo ago
Body 2

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 burning odor detected. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000. The VIN was not available.

15mo ago
Body 1

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 persists even after replacing pedal component. Apparently water enters the compartment where the part is located and corrodes wiring between the ecm and the pedal system. GM is apparently aware but so far has done nothing. Problem is especially hazardous because engine power is reduced during acceleration and happens without warning. Vehicle could be in high density traffic and then suddenly experiences lack of power or total disability, and driver must try to navigate to the side of the road--not always possible or safe to do.

17mo ago
Engine 2

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 friend's nephew, and it was determined that the fuel line had a hole and was leaking fuel. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

23mo ago
Engine 2

Gas line leaking, leaves puddles and can visibly be seen dripping

25mo ago
Engine 1

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the contact detected an abnormally strong fuel odor. Upon inspection, the contact noticed a leak coming from underneath the rear driver's side door. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE20011 (Fuel System, Other, Fuel/Propulsion System, Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was 184,025.

27mo ago
Engine 1

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the contact became aware of a fuel leak nearby the rear driver’s side wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel line had completely rusted due to being wrapped in heat-reliant tape. The contact was informed that the fuel lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and was informed that there was a recall related to the rust failure of the fuel line of another make and model vehicle however, the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 199,000.

31mo ago
Engine 1

FUEL LINE LEAKING IN TWO PLACES, IN THE REAR AND IN THE FRONT. COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. MY CAR ONLY HAS 60,800 MILES ON IT. TYPE OF CAR IS A 2008 CHEVY HHR LT 2.4. GAS IS LEAKING ON THE GROUND AND A STRONG SMELL OF GAS IS EMITTED FROM THE CAR. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE CAR COULD CATCH FIRE. I DID NOT THINK THIS WOULD HAPPEN TO MY CAR WITH SO FEW MILES ON THE CAR. I DID NOT KNOW THERE WAS A PROBLEM AND DROVE THE CAR 130 MILES AWAY FROM HOME TO MY DAD'S FUNERAL. THEN I HAD TO DRIVE IT BACK BECAUSE TH E TOW WOULD HAVE BEEN $700. THE MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE CAR. BUDDY LLOYD'S LAKEVIEW AUTOMOTIVE AT 4757 SANG RUN ROAD IN MCENRY, MD 21541, SAID IT WOULD COST ABOUT $2,000 TO FIX BECAUSE OF THE EXTENT OF THE CORROSION AND THE CHAEP MATERIALS USED. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL LINES ARE LOCATED UNDERNEATH OTHER MAJOR PARTS AND WOULD HAVE TO BE TAKEN OFF TO GET TO THE FUEL LINES. THE MECHANIC SAID AT ANY MOMENT IF I HIT A BUMP THAT THE GAS COULD EMPTY THE TANK AND POSSIBLY CATCH FIRE!

33mo ago
Electrical 2

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The service air bag soon message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that two unknown modules were defective and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the modules were no longer manufactured. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the part had been discontinued. The failure mileage was approximately 80,900.

33mo ago
Body 2

While driving steering motor just stops working causing hard steering and not steer properly. You try to pull off busy highway. stop put in park shut off car then restart steering works fine just out nowhere you loose steering. its intermitten.,

33mo ago
Engine 2

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that there was fuel leaking from the fuel tank. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the fuel tank however, the failure persisted. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.

36mo ago
Engine 1

Corrosion of the metal fuel lines underneath the vehicle towards the rear and in the vicinity of the left rear wheel well.

43mo ago
Engine 1

2008 HHR Chevy LS 4D. Within 10 months of purchasing this car (October, 2017) the smell of gasoline became so strong I took it to the local mechanic. The fuel line had completely rusted out. I was told it could have caught fire! Cost of replacement was $420.00. A huge financial burden for a senior citizen. I have original bill for this amount and receipt of payment.

48mo ago
Electrical 2

Needless to say, General Motors has dealt with their share of recalls lately and while much of the GM recall news has been devoted to the ignition failures which have forced new CEO Mary Barra to stand before the US Government, this new recall has nothing to do with the ignition cylinder failures. Although the ignition problems can cause a steering issue and some of the vehicles included in the ignition recall are also included in this new recall, this recall pertains specifically to the power steering system. It seems that in the 1.3 million affected vehicles, one or more components of the electric power steering assist system could fail and when that happens, the car will not have the same level of power assist. The General Motors statement announcing this recall is a bit on the vague side in terms of explaining exactly what is causing this loss of power assist, but the automaker has explained that it could be due to a problem with the power steering motor, the steering column assembly, the power steering control unit or a combination of the power steering column and the power steering control unit. Regardless of which of those components fail, it will become much more difficult to steer the car at low speeds, although when driving at higher speeds it may almost be unnoticeable. However, with the increased possibility of accidents, GM isn’t taking any chances so they have made the decision to add these 1.3 million cars to their already lengthy list of recalled models. My 2008 HHR is not listed in any recalls by it's VIN

48mo ago
Engine 1

Gas leak has started on the driver side in front of the rear tire.

48mo ago
Body 1

Power steering dashboard light came on. Difficult to steer vehicle. Losing power steering is dangerous. Will report the matter to the Chevrolet dealership. No other inspections were done. The dealership may inspect the vehicle. Trying to find recalls to fix this problem for free, but it looks like Chevrolet has not provided a recall for this problem although there are numerous complaints about the failed power steering in their HHR vehicles.

49mo ago
Engine 1

Purchased vehicle in Sep 2021. After 4 months of purchase, muffler became loose from exhaust after hitting a pothole on highway and, having a mechanical background, I repaired the exhaust by placing a solid stainless steel exhaust sleeve around the weak area and tac welding it. Within a month, I began to smell a rich fuel odor after every trip. I jacked up vehicle and found a fuel leak within insulated area just left of exhaust. I also located another small exhaust leak and repaired it as best as possible with an exhaust wrap, then took it to an exhaust repair shop. I was told fuel leak had to be repaired before exhaust repairs could be done. Mechanic said HHRs we're well known for fuel line corrosion due to poor design and eventually leaking. He said he has turned away many HHRs and Cobalts for this problem over the last 2-3 years.

50mo ago
Brakes 1

Steering gets very stiff and sometimes locks up when turning left or right in a curve at highway speeds. Had dealer check it and they said they replaced steering motor. Did not correct problem. Made an appointment to check again but was told I would incur charges. I have had it to several mechanic shops and we cannot find anything loose or failing. In a parked position it locks up completely until you start rolling. Afraid steering is going to lock up in a curve and cause harm to driver and passengers. It is available for inspection. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police or insurance. Has no warning lights or messages pertaining to problem. The problem first appeared approximately 6 months ago.

50mo ago

614 total

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