Check a VIN

2008 Chevrolet HHR airbags problems

38 complaints (6% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 40,000. 14 crashes reported.

owner complaints
38
of this car's complaints
6%
typical mileage
40,000
crashes
14
recalls
2

Which part fails

  • Side/window
    3
  • Frontal
    2

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chevrolet HHR airbags problems in other years

200620072008200920102011

Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Chevrolet HHR airbags

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

No deployment 10

Related recalls

Air bagsReported February 10, 2014 · 2,190,934 vehicles affected
What is wrong
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Risk
If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020, Pontiac at 1‑800‑762‑2737 or Saturn at 1‑800‑553‑6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GM’s recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.

Recall number 14V047000 · Recall details

Air bagsReported January 30, 2008 · 181,516 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Gm is recalling 181,516 my 2006-2008 chevrolet hhr vehicles not equipped with optional roof rail air bags for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 201, 'occupant protection in interior impact.' in tests, one of the upper interior occupant protection test points exceeded the standard's requirement.
Risk
This standard specifies performance requirements to provide head impact protection for occupants.
Remedy
Dealers will install an energy-absorbing plastic piece to the headliner trim. The recall began on april 2, 2008. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 or through their website at http://www.gmownercenter.com .

Recall number 08V046000 · Recall details

What 2008 Chevrolet HHR owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 24, 2026 · Airbags, Electrical · 200,000 miles · TX

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 the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V171000 (Air Bags, Electrical System). The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Filed Dec 23, 2025 · Airbags, Electrical · 64,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Oct 25, 2023 · Airbags · 80,900 miles · NC

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.

Filed Nov 26, 2019 · Airbags · 134,000 miles · IL · crash · 2 injuries

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. While driving 45 MPH over black ice, the contact lost control of the vehicle, drove off the road, and crashed into three trees. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained head, neck, back, and rib injuries. The passenger sustained multiple unknown injuries. Both occupants received medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent lot. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 134,000.

Filed Nov 7, 2018 · Airbags · 90,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. While driving various speeds, the air bag warning indicator illuminated and remained lit. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Filed May 20, 2018 · Airbags, Body · 40,000 miles · MS · crash · 2 injuries

Single car accident/hit an animal / car spun out of control/hit several trees(car was a total loss) wife & daughter severely injured//not one air bag deployed(highway patrolman verified in his report

Filed Feb 6, 2018 · Airbags · 128,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. The contact stated that the check air bag warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer (pinkerton chevrolet buick gmc cadillac, 801 graves mill rd, lynchburg, ca 24502) where it was determined that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

Filed Mar 8, 2017 · Airbags, Brakes · AK

I am unable to get gm or my local chevy dealership to complete the two outstanding safety recalls in a timely manor. I've been extremely patient but they refuse to accommodate my simple needs. I've been working with chevy of south anchorage (dealership) since 4/8/2015 attempting to schedule the work for the weekend or get a loaner car. They were unable to accommodate my needs (a car while mine is being repaired or a loaner car). I contacted chevrolet customer assistance center on 12/1/2016 after repeatedly being ignored or lied to by the dealership. For the past three month I've been getting absolutely no help from chevrolet in getting a appointment for the weekend or a loaner car. I feel very unsafe driving the car but have no alternative. This has continued to cause me serious emotional distress. I have 57 emails between myself and chevrolet customer assistance center or the dealership attempting to get this resolved on top of the countless phone calls, voicemails, and numerous visits to the dealership.

Filed Nov 9, 2016 · Airbags · 143,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. While driving at an unknown speed, an error message displayed across the message board. In addition, the air bag module failed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the air bags needed to be replaced. The manufacturer did not want to repair the vehicle for free. There were no recalls associated with this vehicle. The failure mileage was 143,000.

Filed Jun 29, 2016 · Airbags, Steering · 55,000 miles · LA · crash · 2 injuries

I had been calling gm about this issue, my daughter loved this car it was given to her for her birthday, out of the blue her car lost steering on highway, it was early afternoon when all were getting off from work while trying to get over without steering she hit another vehicle the car was towed home and has been sitting there waiting on gm to get this steering fixed my child could have lost her life call me [xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Questions about the 2008 Chevrolet HHR airbags

Does the 2008 Chevrolet HHR have airbags problems?

Owners have filed 38 complaints about the airbags of the 2008 Chevrolet HHR, 6% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2008 Chevrolet HHR airbags problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 40,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2008 Chevrolet HHR airbags?

Yes, 2 recalls: 14V047000, 08V046000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Chevrolet HHR have bad airbags?

The Chevrolet HHR model years with the most airbags complaints are 2009 (104 complaints), 2006 (63 complaints) and 2010 (49 complaints).

Other 2008 Chevrolet HHR problems

Steering 297Electrical 108Fuel system 85Brakes 55Engine 28Locks 25Transmission 22Driver assistance 15Suspension 15Body 13Acceleration 12Lights 12Wheels 9Tires 6Visibility 6Seats 2Seat belts 1

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2008 Chevrolet HHR?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history