2008 Chevrolet HHR electrical problems

Filed Aug 14, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MI

Remedy for campaign 14V047000 was executed defectively, creating an unsafe mechanical failure that destroyed the powertrain. Failure occurred while or shortly before vehicle stalled in heavy traffic. Vehicle would not restart, but ignition switch stuck in start position while attempting restart, causing starter motor to crank continuously until the switch was turned to the off position. It is believed that starter motor was running while engine was running since last successful start about 3 minutes prior to stall, interfering with normal operation of the engine and eventually causing engine to jump timing and sustain catastrophic internal damage. Subsequent GM dealer service visit found that a burr on the new key provided with campaign 14V047000 repair caused ignition switch to bind in start position. Service staff buffed out burr on key which resolved switch binding, but vehicle refused to start. Borehole inspection of engine found damaged valves and pistons, leading to diagnosis of jumped timing. No other work other that diagnosis has been attempted at this point. Estimate to replace engine is $8600

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 Jul 17, 2022 · Electrical, Steering · TX

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

Filed Jun 18, 2021 · Electrical · WI

The poer steering warning message keeps comeing on

Filed Apr 21, 2021 · Electrical · 150,000 miles · OK

Two issues: key won't remove from ignition, searched google and got keys out. Second ; power locks ,car won't unlock, not even with keys. So far, this has cost me $150.00

Filed Sep 17, 2020 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 130,000 miles · NY

Hello, how are you? The traction control warning light stays on and the button cannot turn it off. The engine light stays on and there is a service prompt on the information scroll lcd screen. The cruise control switch lights up but the cruise does not engage when the set button is pressed at any speed, ie, 30mph, 50mph, 55mph etc. The research I read recommends to contact you to help get this vehicle included in an existing recall for the same issues in other gm vehicles with the same equipment. In other words, this vehicle has the same defective equipment as other gm vehicles that have been recalled for repair. Due to the fact that this vehicle has the same defective equipment that was recalled in other gm vehicles I request this vehicle be covered under the same recall and able to be repaired as soon as possible.

Filed Dec 12, 2019 · Electrical, Steering · 183,000 miles · WV

The power steering went out as we were dealing with a starter issue. It indicated only once on the dash that there might be something wrong with the power steering. Now it's completely gone. The dash doesn't show any information that there could be an issue. It's very hard to take turns. Both wide or tight. It takes a lot of strength to get the steering wheel to move. If I drive it, moving from lane to lane is difficult. I now have it back in the shop for the mechanic to check it out and run a diagnostic test on the electrical system.

Filed Nov 19, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 165,000 miles · IN

The car completely shut down while driving, no noise no warning, could not steer, brake, roll windows down. This happened last year. Took to dealership. Said it was my alternator and charge me an extreme high charge to replace. Very scaredy when happened, for auto to cut off like that. Luckily I was driving about 30mpr an not on an interstate. Bought 2nd hand. Have not been happy with since. When bought did not receive key fan of, an the drivers door, will lock on its own, which left me baffled how to get into it with no other key holes on any other doors or especially the backend. I feel this is very troublesome for anyone, and a bad design feature. The airbag is questionable, and now the water pump has went out, and they say the manifold has to come off to get to and want to charge 750.00 at a car repair to fix, but will check first to see if that's for sure where leaking. Then one tire has the thing that tells if my airs okay in the tire on my dashboard. It stays on cause it fell off in the tire. The whole darn thing is a nightmare to me, that I'm stuck with. From the motor an expense it is to have worked on to the poor expensive design that got on the market. It's a nightmare.

Filed Jul 15, 2019 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 126,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. The contact stated that the electronic stability control (ESC) warning indicator illuminated several times. While driving 45 MPH, the ESC warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle completely failed to operate. The contact took the vehicle to several independent mechanics and preston hood chevrolet (212 hollywood blvd nw, fort walton beach, fl 32548, (850) 610-7278) where it was diagnosed that the starter needed to be replaced, along with several other issues. The contact also stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated periodically on various occasions. The vehicle was repaired each time, but the failure continued. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 126,000.