2008 Chevrolet HHR: won't start

8 of the 616 complaints about the 2008 Chevrolet HHR describe won't start.

owner complaints: 8
of this car's complaints: 1%
typical mileage: 64,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 110 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Won't start by model year

2011
2
2010
7
2009
9
2008
8
2007
9
2006
16

What owners say

Filed Aug 20, 2018 · Driver assistance, Electrical · MI

For the past few months I noticed my power steering, cruise control being cut off and jerking with my car. But up til the beginning of august my car wouldn't start, it would crank but not start. Come august 18th my car compllife roy won't start. There was a recall on my vehicle and the previous owner took in the car for the recall but now it's acting up again. Multiple time where I loose control of my car and or the car would slow down to the point it felt like I was stopping then it would jerk. I thought the dealership could fix this but they can not, gm, rigth way and etc are not helping. I'm terrified my car won't work and also it'll be dangerous to drive.

Filed Mar 9, 2015 · Electrical · KS

2008 chevrolet hhr. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle would not start, the shifter would not engage and ignition issues.

Filed Jan 5, 2015 · Transmission · 103,948 miles · IA

About 2wks ago all the sound in my car went out for about 5mins then came back on! Tonight 1/4/15 about 8:50pm I stopped at a gas station to get gas I put my foot on the brake and went to put it in park and it wouldn't shift it took me 5mins to finally get it into park! Once in park I tried to take the key out and it wouldn't come out it was stuck in accessory mode! I kept trying to take it out finally after about 10/15mins I got it out! Went to leave to and my car wouldn't start! It will turn to accessory mode but wont turn over and actually start! I had to call roadside assistance to tow me home! I had the recall for the ignition switch fixed but now its doing this? I don't know what it is but this is currently my only car!

Filed Sep 2, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · 100,000 miles · OK · crash

I was driving and the car died and I lost my power steering and hit the ditch and apparently hit something in the ditch and busted my oil pan. Now I cannot tell if my motor locked up or what. It will not start. This is not the first time my car has died while driving.

Filed Aug 12, 2014 · Body, Electrical · 15,663 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. The contact stated that the doors inside the vehicle could not be opened. As a result, the contact was locked inside the vehicle. The automatic lock button had to be pressed numerous times in order to open the doors. The dealer repaired the vehicle, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 15,663. The consumer stated the body and trim were defective, due to the door locks getting stuck half way and the doors would not unlock, the electrical system was also defective, as the radio and cd player were inoperative, and the engine would not start at times. Updated 09/17/14

Filed May 17, 2012 · Brakes, Electrical · 24,000 miles · FL

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.

Filed Mar 28, 2012 · Electrical · 64,000 miles · VA

Opened car door. Sat in seat. Put key in ignition started car. Turned ignition to off to stop motor.turned key to on (not starting motor) all electrical systems died. Had no access to rear hatch to check battery (electric latch release). Could not remove key from ignition in off position. From what I have been reading on line this is a common known issue that chevrolet is aware of and had already has a replacement part for. Went back to the car on 03/27/2012 to remove personal items prior to a tow to dealership. Tried starting the car. It started up ok. Drove the car to the dealer and left it there over night for early bird service. Called this morning, 03/28/2012 and was told by the service associate that the vehicle would not start ans the electrical system was dead when they went to move it. Service department called me ay 3pm to let me know that my assessment of the bad ignition cylinder was correct and what the charges would be.

Filed Jul 22, 2009 · Electrical · 11,377 miles · MI

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. The contact stated that the key would not turn in the ignition. In addition, the steering wheel and gear shift would lock. The dealer could not duplicate the failures. The manufacturer stated that the failure was a common issue with her model vehicle; however, there were no recalls. General motors advised the contact to drive into a parking spot in a straight position and ensure that the wheels were also straight. Afterwards, the contact was informed to wiggle the key. After ten minutes, she was able to remove the key from the ignition, but the vehicle would not start once she inserted the key again. The failure mileage was 11,377 and current mileage was 24,000. Updated 8/18/09 *cn the dealer replaced the ignition lock cylinder. Updated 08/21/09.