2008 Chevrolet HHR: engine failure

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 Nov 24, 2015 · Steering · 108,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. The contact stated that while driving at appoxitmately 10 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not included in a manufacturer's recall related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage 108,000.

Filed Jan 26, 2015 · Steering · 124,000 miles · AZ

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated as the steering ability seized. The vehicle was maneuver to the side of the road where it was turned off. The vehicle was restarted and resumed normal function. The vehicle was not taken to a mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that after calling the dealer, the technician stated that the failure might be caused by a faulty power steering module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 124,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Oct 27, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. The contact stated that the security warning light illuminated and other unknown warning lights flickered. The contact also stated that when driving up a hill or making a u-turn, the power steering and the security warning lights illuminated and unknown warning lights flickered. In addition, the vehicle jerked and the steering wheel seized on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on three occasions where the failure was unable to be replicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was not available.

Filed Sep 11, 2014 · Steering · 38,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the power steering warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received a recall notification for the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v047000 (air bags, electrical system); however, the parts needed for the repair were unavailable. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000.

Filed Sep 10, 2014 · Steering · 90,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated and the steering wheel seized causing excessive force on the steering wheel to be required. On one occasion, the vehicle was restarted and operated as normal. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Filed Sep 10, 2014 · Steering · 75,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized. The contact mentioned that the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.

Filed Sep 2, 2014 · Steering · 168,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. While driving at low speeds, the steering wheel seized and became difficult to turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 168,000. Updated 10/22/2014 updated 02/03/15

Filed Jul 18, 2014 · Steering · 100,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the power steering failed and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering motor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Jun 12, 2014 · Brakes, Steering · 89,551 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle started to shake violently when the brakes were applied. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. However they did advised the contact by phone that the vehicle could have developed tire flat spots and the rotors could have seized due to the vehicle seating for two months on dealers lot waiting for parts in order to repair recall the federal safety agency campaign id number 14v047000(air bags, electrical system). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 89,551.

Filed Jun 11, 2014 · Electrical · 77,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. The contact received recall notices for the federal safety agency campaign id numbers: 14v047000 (air bags, electrical system) and 14v1710000 (electrical system). While driving approximately 45 MPH, the ignition switch seized and the vehicle shut off completely. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but no repairs were made. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000.

Filed Dec 31, 2013 · Steering · 80,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated as the steering wheel seized. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.