I purchased this car in december of 2010, as a certified used car. It had 13435 miles at the time of purchase. After six months, 17000 miles, service lights began to light up---I took it to the dealer. After taking it home all seemed to be operating normally when in august, 17100 miles, I began to experience a shuttering when braking and a clunking noise while driving. Dealer repaired, harness and hub bearing and I purchase two new front tires. Within about a year car began to shimmy again when braking. At 25000 mile , dealer stated now brakes are bad, warped and rotors need work. Within 6 months of taking car home, shimmying began to start again. I have seen many complaints on line with regard to the brakes, but gm denies any knowledge of problems. Hmmmmmmmm!
2008 Chevrolet HHR brakes complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 55, newest first, as owners wrote them.
There was not a single incident that I could document the mileage and MPH.the problem was most noticeable and frightening when going down an extended stretch of relatively steep grade in the mountains at a speed of 45 - 50 MPH. The problem is vibration with the brakes. The car began shaking when applying the brakes in the summer 2011. We had the rotors (I think this is the part) turned sometime shortly before sept 25, 2011 and the problem returned at a low level very soon after and gradually increased. We had the same procedure done in august 2012 at a mileage of 52,000. The problem returned in february 2013 when the mileage was probably around 60,000.
This car is a safety hazard going down road. I bought it new in 2008. Rotors & brakes are horrible - have to have repaired multiple times. Bearings have went out, replaced & one went out again. I spend approx 1200 dollars a year just to get shaking out of front end, turning rotors & tires. But that isn't really the problem I am reporting: was having trouble with ignition switch - it was recalled - took it to dealer to have it replaced - understand that I was having no problems with car at this time - upon leaving dealers and within 15 miles power steering light comes on & I lose power steering. Now my power steering goes out unexpectedly whenever it decides to. Took back to dealer because I felt this was something they messed up and was told this is just a problem with hhrs and that power steering motor needs to be replaced. After researching this...it is very common with this car, along with brake issues, severe shaking in front, bearings going out and many other problems that I have also had. I realize my car is high mileage, I work as a home health nurse & use this car for work, but I do keep it maintained. I hope that I will be able to get into different car before I get in accident in this one.
I bought this car in june of 2008. It has been in the shop 17 times with electrical problems the brakes have quite working came to a stop sign and they went to the floor the car has shut off several times going down the road and when it rains really hard the car will not start it drains my brand new battery I got the car from bob steel chevrolet in cocca fl they kept telling me there was nothing they could do I called a lawyer and gm motors decided to give me 10% of the car and they never fixed the car this it the 4th battery because it is draining them so much there no good gm motors told me they were going to label the car as a lemon but because I bought it used they weren't going to buy it back they also told me that the 2007 had the same problem but because this was a 2008 and no other problems with this model to just deal with it I don't know what lest to do please help.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. While applying the brakes at a speed of 25 MPH, the contact noticed that the front end of the vehicle began to shake violently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the front rotors were replaced. The failure recurred two weeks after the repair. The recent failure was not repaired. The current and failure mileages were 59,000.
When braking to come to a stop the brakes/wheels shutter and shake violently.
I purchased a 2008 chevrolet hhr in 2009 with 40,000 miles on it. I noticed braking/shaking problem. Dealer fixed it the day after I bought it. Under 500 miles later, braking/shaking starts again. Different dealer turns rotors two more times. Pads are wearing evenly, so the dealer mechanic advised me to purchase after-market rotors as the oem do not appear to resist warping very well. When the dealer's mechanic recommends putting on a non-dealer part, there has got to be something wrong with the engineering of the car or the integrity of the metal in the rotors. There are many complaints on people turning and re-turning these rotors all over the web, ultimately leading them to replace with non-gm parts.
For the third time since purchasing this vehicle, I have had to have the brake rotors turned due to warping. Had the pads replaced with lifetime pads last year. The wobble caused by this warping causes danger to driver, passengers, and others due to difficulty in controlling the vehicle.
Very rough front end vibration and difficulty steering while braking at speeds over 50mph. Dealer turn rotors but came back after a few thousand miles.
Brakes shudder in front when moderate application at highway speed 120kph - dealer fix is having rotors machined but every time they do that they get thinner and heat up quicker therefore warp quicker. This time they had to replace rotors and machined rear drum because I literally had to you use the parking brake to stop on the highway to get back home from our trip. I'm a licensed mechanic and have never seen such poor performance in brakes, my solution would be to install disc brakes on the rear axle to improve the performance in braking. This problem started at since car was purchased 2008 first occurrence was at 5k (km) new rotors were put in at 45k (km). Please recall these brakes.
Very rough front end vibration and difficulty steering while braking downhill. This is the "second time" this has occured and I notified my dealership. Dealership re-cut my rotors "due to rust on rotors".
Very rough front end vibration and difficulty steering while braking downhill. This first noticed and notified my dealership. Dealership cut my rotors "due to warping".
Brake rotors warped and the car would shake with such a severe force controlling the car was very hard. After the dealer replaced four sets, before the car had 50,000 miles on it, the dealer told me that the brake pads were worn out and that would cause this to happen again. Just before the last rotors were, replaced the electric power steering would cease working and effectively hinder our ability to steer the car. The electric power steering is still a problem daily at different times. I am going to check into the repair process soon. I feel that this problem is caused by the rotors warping and shaking the front end equipment of the hhr. In closing, I replaced the pads and they were not worn out. I kept them for future reference.
I also own a 2008 chevy hhr lt that is loaded. I purchased this vehicle brand new and currently have 39,000 miles on it. I have had nothing but trouble with this vehicle. I have had all of the following problems and gm replaced some of them. Gm installed a new intermediate steering column, drag links,turned rotors 4 times and right side upper ball joint. After the warranty expired, the brakes once again went to hell in a hand basket. I ordered a set of racing rotors and ceramic brakes, this cured the brake problem. At 37,000 miles, the check engine light came on and I had it checked out and it was the cam sensor. I replaced the sensor and reset the light and it did not fix the problem. I really like the vehicle, but gm needs to do their homework and do more research and development.
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 . Then just two months ago at 61,000 miles it had a rumbling noise in the front end ,the drivetrain was still under warrenty.the dealer told me that the right side axle bearing was bad and they replaced it,and also at this time they told us that the lower ball joint needed to be replaced at a cost to us of over $400.00 . Just last week the rumbling noise returned , I returned the car to the dealer again and they told us that this the left axle bearing was bad, warranty also covered this repair. Also they said that the car needed the front rotors turned and new brake pads on it .my wife hit a pothole about three weeks ago and bent the wheel . Cost to replace the wheel was $150.00 . When I rotated the tires as per gms advice I noticed that the right front strut was leaking ,and as well as the left rear shock absorber. The only thing I like about this car was its looks. So next week we are going to buy a ford focus.. Its no wonder gm had to have the government bail them out...
My mother experienced shaking and pulling to the side when applying the brakes. I told her to take it to chevy for repairs. They put new rotors and brake pads on the car at my expense. I am a mechanic and it is not normal for the friction pad to be missing on the brakes, that is a part failure not wear and tear. I have the parts taken off my car in september when the repair occurred, that proves my statement. Two months later this same problem is occurring again. I contacted chevy and they said it was normal wear and tear. I feel the new rotors are warped. Also I have complained to chevy several times because when the car is first started the brakes are hard. If a small child walks out there could be a fatality due to this failure. I am in the military and live on post with many young children and the sidewalk goes by my house. I have seen several complaints online about the brakes being hard upon starting the vehicle made by other owners of the chevy hhr's.
2008 hhr ss faulty brakes from cold start. Excessive frontal brake dust. Serviced at 2000 miles. Serviced again at 17,000 miles needing new brakes.dealership says this is normal condition. My ss model has 2 different front seats which dealership says this is normal .speed control floats,slow to respond..originally froze at 70mph. I did receive a citation for speeding cuz of malfunctioned. L/f /f and r/f tire pressure readings are reversed according to the ip. Very irate 30 year gm employee who paid cash for this mess.
Car was approx 4 months old and brakes started squeaking-took into dealer-they turned the rotors-fixed for about 2 wks - its back again and now when I apply brakes the front end of the car shakes violently. I am scared to drive this vehicle. I've tried to enter several times - it will not take it.
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. The contact stated that whenever she starts the vehicle and drives forward or backwards, there is no braking power. When the brake pedal is depressed, the vehicle continues to move. She must pump the brake pedal with much force in order for the vehicle to stop. On one occasion, the failure caused her to rear-end another vehicle. There were no injuries and the speed was unknown. The vehicle has been taken to the dealer at least four times, but they cannot determine the cause of the failure. The dealer provided her with a brochure to keep in her vehicle in case of a crash, which stated that she has been experiencing brake failure and was not at fault for the crash. The failure mileage was 7,350.
Twice in the first 30000 miles a pulsating feeling in the brake peddle had developed. The dealer said the front rotors were warped. The fix was to turn the rotors. The next time they will have to be replaced. This need for brake service every 15,000 miles is not right. The next time this happens the car will not be under warranty and will cause me to incur a considerable expense.
I have a 2008 chevy hhr. Four months after receiving the vehicle, I noticed that the brakes were squealing excessively. Additionally, it was pulling to the right when stopping. I took it into val-mark chevrolet, new braunfels, texas. I was told that they could really find anything wrong other than the front pads were wearing unevenly. They were replaced. In december of 08, I took my car to champion chevrolet, corpus christi, texas complaining of the same problem. They advised the back rotors were warped and needed to be resurfaced. That was done. I have just taken my car back in to val-mark. Now the front rotors are warped and need to be resurfaced. Mr. Jim robinson of val-mark says that I will need to pay for the resurfacing. It is my contention that this is an ongoing problem and should be covered. Additionally, I feel resurfacing in only putting a bandaid on the problem. The dealership has now changed positions and states that the front pad were not replaced for uneven ware, but only as a goodwill gesture.
Popping, cracking, grinding sound and car vibrating upon applying brakes. Very hard to get car to stop took it to the dealer they said something was loose under the car and they had to cut and piece it back together. Sound stopped for about 2 weeks and is back worse than before have had the car for 10 months 8,400 miles on it. I am afraid to drive it because I don't want to hurt myself or anyone else I am actually looking at buying and older car to drive around in.
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. When attempting to apply pressure to the brake pedal at 15 MPH, the vehicle would not stop and stalled simultaneously without warning. The contact crashed into another vehicle and was towed to the dealer. There were no injuries. The cause of the failure has not been identified. He has a copy of the police report. The failure and current mileages were 8,000. Updated 03/23/09. *lj the consumer stated the engine failed right before the brakes were applied. Updated 03/24/09.
Brakes lose vacuum when car sits for a while. On a cold start there is little braking power until the vacuum builds up. The dealership has been unable to correct the problem due to the fact gm does not have a fix for it. I have had the car 6 months with no fix. It's unsafe and I have a major concern due to having teenage drivers.
After purchase of a new 2008 hhr on 22 september 2008, I drove the vehicle home and upon getting into it the next morning I backed out of my garage and notice a very soft brake pedal. I then started down the drive way and when attempting to stop at the street the vehicle's brakes would not comply with my brake pressure and the vehicle proceeded into the street. This became a routine situation upon "cold startup's" and when reported to the dealer,(john donoghue chevrolet, whiteville, nc) after several poor stops, my salesman advised "yeah we know about it as we've had the same problem on 2008 solstices". When confronted with a possible fix he advised that " a part on the turbo fixes the problem." I made arrangements to have the car serviced upon my return from vacation on or about 26 oct 08. I dropped the car off with the service writer/manager and no mention was made as to poten tial problems fixing the car. Upon my return several hours later I was advised by the service manager that the problem is systemic to 2008 turbo engines and general motors doesn't want to recall the cars. The dealership service manager provided me with a service bulletin that gm put out as a potential "fix" but he refused to service the car. I took the vehicle to another chevrolet dealership and they readjusted the computer, per the bulletin; however, the vehicle still does not stop properly on cold startup. Gm customer service personnel and the bulletin advised that "they are working on the issue."
Chevy 2008 hhr ss inadequate brake power assist. Extremely hard pedal during first 3-5 minutes fails to stop car during this period.
Brakes do not work correctly and brake pedal goes to floor after car has been parked for any extended time (overnight, etc..) brakes fail to stop vehicle, and there have been 3 barely avoided accidents. Car has been taken to dealership where gm disallowed any further action to be taken due to their technical bulletin saying that the defect is a characteristic of the car.
My 2008 chevy hhr ss brakes do not have power assist on a cold start. After thirty seconds or more the brakes work fine. Unless I wait for the brakes to warm up there is not enough brake power to stop the vehicle in a normal manner. It seems to take twice as long to stop. When I apply the brakes the pedal goes to the floor and vibrates. Gm says this is a normal characteristic of the vehicle and that is does not pose a safety issue. I disagree, if a drive neglects to let the brakes "warm up" he or she could potentially run a child over or just not stop in time to avoid an accident. This is only an issue on the ss models.
I have a 2008 hhr ss with the 2.0l turbo engine that in my opinion has a severe brake problem. When the car starts up after being left off for a period of time the brakes do not apply pressure properly making it difficult to stop. Most times the problem goes away as the car warms up and is being driven. I took the vehicle to the dealership and they programmed the vehicles computer and told me that was the fix. They described the fix as adjusting the anti-lock brakes to compensate for the loss of pressure. This only helped slightly and now when the engine is cold if I apply pressure to the brakes I can feel the ABS pulsating and even with full pressure applied the car jerks when stopped and even inches forward when at stop lights and stop signs until the car has warmed up for at least a few minutes. I do not think the "fix" of programming the vehicles computer is adequate and when I called back about the problems after the dealership applied their fix they told me that is all they can do. They also said they have had many reported issues of drivers of the same vehicle having similar problems so it appears to be wide spread enough to constitute a permanent fix.
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. While backing out of the driveway, the contact noticed that maximum pressure needed to be applied to the brake pedal in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that it was performing normally. The speed and failure mileage were unknown. The current mileage was 5,198.
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