Problems with 2008 Chevrolet HHR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The car hit a bump on the street and power steering alarm went off indicating a loss of that function. when pulled over to the side of the road,and ignition was turned off and back on, the problem resolved. from there on out, this problem would occur at irregular times whether the car hit a bump or not and the same remedy was used: pull over, turn switch off, turn switch back on and proceed. within a distance of 32 miles, this averaged about 6 times. today the dealership called and reported the car was fixed, but when my wife asked about the power steering problem, we were told "if it happens again, just bring it back", which doesn't sound as if that part of the ignition switch was fixed. we did not want to sign off on our car until the entire problem was taken care of. thank you for any help in this matter. *tr

Was driving at highway speed and all of a sudden my car got hard to steer and a chime dinged and my screen on the dash read (power steering) was coming up on a turn and it took me and the passenger to manually turn the wheel with great effort on both our parts, this was scary! if i had been alone i'm not sure if i could have negotiated the turn thus ending in a one vehicle collision. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. while in park, the driver side door failed to open. the vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the door lock and the key remote needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure recurred on numerous occasions the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 47,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign id numbers: 14v04700 (air bags, electrical system) and 14v17100 (electrical system). the contact stated that the parts were unavailable to perform either recall repair. the manufacture was made aware of the problem. the contact had not experienced a failure.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. the contact stated that the ignition failed to turn to the on position. the contact received recall notifications for nhtsa campaign number: 14v0470000 (electrical system) and nhtsa campaign number: 14v171000 (air bags, electrical system). the parts needed for the repairs were unavailable. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. the failure mileage was unknown.

While operating, my vehicles power steering shuts off and my "power steering" alert appears on the dash. if the car is shut off, and turned back on it works properly; and then shuts off again randomly. this happens nearly every time i drive it, sometimes several times. there is nothing consistent with driving conditions, speed, duration of driving when it occurs. *tr

My battery went out on me. then i had it replaced and then the power steering went out. i noticed that they was a recall on it. also that this has happen to so many other folks. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. the contact stated that the key would sporadically release from the ignition. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, who performed an inspection and stated that the ignition locking system and ignition cylinder failed. the locking system and the ignition were replaced. the manufacturer advised was also contacted and advised that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number14v047000 (air bags, electrical system). the failure mileage was 113,000 and the current mileage was 121,000.

While driving at speeds upwards of 45 mph, the power steering light came on and i lost power steering. i almost got into a crash and was unable to safely steer the vehicle. once the vehicle was turned off the steering was returned. and then it would go out again until the vehicle was turned off again. upon searching the internet i saw that 1.3 million vehicles were recalled for the exact same issue but the chevy hhr was not one of them. it seems to be a hazardous issue according to chevy's recall, and the have received multiple complaints from hhr owners and haven't recalled this part on the hhr.*tr

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.

Power steering stopped working while driving. if i turn off the car and restart it, the power steering starts working again for a short time and then goes out again. with all the similar complaints i've been reading, chevrolet should do a recall before someone gets seriously hurt. *tr

The ignition is locked in the on position. it will not shut off, the only way to turn it off s to removed the fuel pump fuse and then disconnect the battery. the battery is located under the spare tire in the trunk area. *tr

My key won't turn the ignition on at all take you 5 mins just to get it to work

It would not shut off. i cannot turn the key. i received a recall notice in october, but they said it was not my car. they refuse to fix it because it has too many miles and it is ruled a courtesy thing not an official recall. i am not happy,and have to disconnect wires under the hood to shut it off. *tr

The power steering keeps turning on so it makes it hard to drive or steer and it cuts into my mpg. *tr

2008 chevrolet hhr. consumer requests reimbursement. *smd the ignition lock cylinder was replaced. *jb

back in 2012 my seat belt warning chimes and all warning chimes quit operating. since then about once a week the chimes and the radio quit for a few day's and then will come back on for a day or so. my biggest complaint is when it's not working you have no seat belt warning chime and i've caught my grand kids unbuckled a couple of times. i brought this to gm's attention but they didn't seem to think it was a warranty issue. i was told by my dealer it doesn't matter if the chimes worked or not. i seem to be the only person concerned and call it what it is, a safety problem! *tr

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. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. the contact stated that the ignition became stuck as he attempted to shut off the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the ignition was repaired. the failure mileage was 45,000 and the current mileage was 46,000. updated 7/26/12 *cn

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.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. the contact stated that the key became stuck in the ignition and the vehicle could not be started. the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer and was told that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. the dealer stated that if the housing was damaged, that would also have to be replaced and the keys would have to be reprogrammed. the front wheels on the vehicle had also seized abnormally. the failure and the current mileages were 43,000.

Both key fobs began working intermittently, finally failing completely. problem began around 38,000 mileage. complete failure around 40,000 mileage. now key in door no longer works (only one key entry on entire car) so taking to dealer tomorrow. mileage around 45,000. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. the contact stated that the vehicle would not shut off due to the key being stuck in the ignition. in order to shut the vehicle off, the contact had to engage the clutch and manual shifter until it stalled. the key still would not remove from the ignition. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they were unable to diagnose the failure. the battery died as a result. the failure mileage was 57,000. the vin was unavailable.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. the contact stated that after inserting the key into the ignition switch, the vehicle failed to start. the contact indicated that the defect had occurred on several occasions. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the ignition switch was defective. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 40,000.

I live in deltona, fl and drove to palm bay, fl from home and got out of my car, returned to it a few minutes later and started it with the key fob and got in and the key would not turn in the ignition. had to let the car turn itself off and tried several times to turn the key. the steering wheel was not locked, i walked to a nearby firestone dealer who kindly agreed to let a technician come over to my car and try to turn the key, he was unsuccessful as well after several attempts. he was able to pull the steering wheel into the locked position however was still unable to turn the key in the ignition. i had to call a tow truck to tow me to the nearest chevy dealership, in melbourne, fl. this dealership wouldn't even tell me if they had the part in stock to replace it so that i could drive home they told me to pay to be towed and let them look at it and see what the issue really was. i went online and saw that many other hhr owners have experienced this issue and they had suggestions on how to correct it, due to the fact that the tumbler was frozen. i walked to a gas station to by wad-40 and sprayed it in the ignition hole and unlocked my steering wheel adjustment to allow me to pull it up and down as quickly and as hard as i could to get the tumbler to free itself up, to no avail. 1.5 hours after the issue began the tow truck driver showed up and asked me what was wrong and i told him he could try and he was able to get the key to turn. i drove back home the 1.5 hours and my husband is ordering a replacement piece to install. why should we pay to replace this piece when this has been happening to so many owners of this vehicle make and model? *tr

After driving for more than 10-30 min, at any speed but usually at or above 50 mph, the power steering would malfunction intermittently, steering/handling became difficult. feels like it's over-correcting or is ice-skating around the lane when keeping the wheel straight. occasionally hhr will buck while driving on the highway, would slow down to 55-65mph and still experience rough bucking & poor handling. took to dealership to fix what i thought was an alignment issue, they said there were no other problems, but still experience them almost daily. also have had troubles removing the key from ignition after shifting the car into park. *tr

The electric power steering turned itself off mid turn causing a drastic understeering leading the vehicle into oncoming traffic, upon research i found that gm recalled the exact same steering components that failed in the hhr in other gm vehicles but not the hhr. if this does not warrant serious investigation what does. the second time this happened everything was fine as we were driving straight, the problem occurred when the electric power steering turned back on mid-turn causing my wife to over turn into someone's front lawn, had anyone been in the way this would have been tragic. we've been lucky this far but as we are a low income household we don't have the means to pay some dealer to fix this as they all say it's on us the owners to take care of even though it's the same defective equipment that was in vehicles like the cobalt and pontiacs lines, why hasn't there been a recall issued, this is a sever driving impairment that can cause accidents and gm doesn't seem to care due to it's an acceptable loss! no life is an acceptable loss, please address this issue as there are many complaints into this same issue in the research i preformed, by the way, why is it gm canada issued a recall on this part for the hhr and not the us branch? our hhr is a 2008 with 66000 miles on it and the electric power steering is the issue.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. after numerous attempts, the key released from the ignition switch. the contact received nhtsa campaign number: 14v047000 (air bags, electrical system) however, the part needed was unavailable to perform the recall repair. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. the contact stated that the computer monitor was providing incorrect information and the warning lights were illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the failure of the computer monitor was caused by the oxygen sensor. the vehicle was repaired under the vehicle warranty however, the failure recurred. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 84,000, and the current mileage was 90,000.

My 2008 hhr has 45000 miles and is a year and half old. the ignition locked up and i can place my key into the ignition but not turn on. i called road side assistance and since i have more miles than the warranty, i have to pay over $600 to get a problem fixed that seems to happen to a lot of people. i was a chevy guy, however i know now that since many are having this problem and have to pay for it themselves. i will never pay another chevy. poor quality and poor customer service. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. the contact was driving 35 mph when the vehicle decreased in speed despite the accelerator pedal being depressed. the traction warning light illuminated during the failure. the vehicle was taken to the dealer nine times. the dealer confirmed the fuse box the wiring housing and transmission needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was contacted. the vehicle was not repaired and the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was 55,000 and the current mileage was 83,000.

I took car into dealership because it's stalling in traffic repeatedly when i am trying to come to a stop and even once when just driving. i took it in and they said they didn't know what it was and diagnostics weren't reporting any problems. they released vehicle that next day and it stalled on me in lot. they stated they could not get the vehicle to stall yet it happened within five min of me picking it up. i then took it back they kept it for the weekend. released it back to me after i was told it had stalled once but they didn't know what it was. i contacted g.m customer service and then the dealership when i got the report stated it hesitated and when i asked why they put that down and not that it had stalled like the kathy had told me on 3 different occasions it had done, they refused to answer me. the car still stalls in traffic and they refuse to fix it. i will no longer take it here. i just want my car to be safe where i won't get hit doing uturns into traffic like i almost have been with my baby the day i picked up vehicle. i have to put it in park to start it over again. i can't do that on this busy hwy i live on with traffic coming at me as fast as it does in this city. *tr

2008 chevy hhr, stall 5 times, electrical system failed, no hazard light to warned other drivers of vehicle present. *tr

Ignition switch locked. *tr

Ignition lock assembly failed and car would not turn off - key was stuck in the "on" position. *tr

So far it has happened twice my wife leaving work the car stalled. first time her speed was aprox. 40 mph, 10 minutes into her drive. the next day we took the 2008 chevy hhr to the dealer in chino california on feb,26,2009 .they kept the car for a couple of days,and could not find a problem. second time her speed was aprox, 35 mph, 5 minutes into her drive. date june 30,2009. both times see was able to coast over to the side of the road. and both times the car started right away with no indication of trouble. *tr

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

The door locks stick and still do. i have even been locked in my vehicle. hhr has been in dealer 9 times for door locks sticking (have work orders). don't trust dealer or gm to fix problem. you put vehicle in park and the passenger door lock sticks. the door lock will not unlock with automatic door un lock. we worked hard to purchase a new vehicle to have it not live up to the quality we were lead it to be. vehicles no count we want our money back. we had a washing machine it was worked on 4 times the fifth time it acted up they replaced it with a new one. what would you do if you were locked in your vehicle . i have video of it on cell phone. the vehicle was purchased new from dealer. *tr updated 02/06/14. *jb updated 02/19/15. *jb

Was locked in vehicle and unable to get door to open from inside. have had defect with door locks sticking from purchase. door has failed to unlock with sister in vehicle, failed to unlock with husband in vehicle and my daughter. been in dealer nine times for locks sticking. is being locked in vehicle dangerous? updated 01/28/15*bf..updated 10/08/15 *bf

Takata recall, don't know is the airbags are in my vehicles. got a airbag recall letter. have called dealer two times wrote down dates. dealer said parts weren't in they would call us when parts are in they also told us vehicle is safe to drive. vehicle . if its a safety recall and people are getting hurt and killed how is it safe to drive? i have a number of recall letter on my hhr. how many are to many ? if you read all recalls the vehicle is a rolling death trap. you need to know i wrote chevrolet a letter 05-31-2015 to ask them if my vehicles were in the airbag recall chevrolet did not write back they called i recorded the conversation. the chevrolet person i spoke with told me there were no recalls on my vehicles .i didn't build the vehicle so why am i getting punished for there mistakes.some of the recall letter from gm recalls they want fix unless your having trouble. if they send you a recall letter why want they fix it right then. on one recall i had fixed it took then 2 years to figurer out they had not finished the repair. do you call that safe? chevrolet has made a vehicle that's loaded with problems. i feel that i am due a full refund. chevrolet (gm) mislead people on this vehicle. i have a number of recall letters i'm sending you. i also have a recorded airbag recall phone call. the airbag recall is on my 2009 chevrolet truck. *tr

Gauge shows you are going 120mph, has happened 4 times, last for a few hours to a few days. not safe not knowing what speed you are driving. *tr

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.*jb

Just bought an 2008 hhr 18000 miles on it drove it home then went to go out and now the ignition key won't turn. key just goes in and out. the 800 service people no help just said jiggle keys and keep turning the steering wheel to get the key to turn... any answers out there??? think they need a recall after reading so many problems the hhr ignition switch has... some even say they can't get it to shutoff and they keys are stuck. *tr

Chevy hhr 2008 - complete electrical failure while attempting to enter traffic from home depot parking lot. couldn't unlock doors or window to escape vehicle. called 911 fairfield ct, fire dept responded to open vehicle. trapped inside for 15 minutes. problem with car's fuse box, cutting off all electrical power just 10 minutes earlier traveling at 60 mph on i-95. *tr

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." *tr

Ever since i have had this car that i bought new, there have been electrical problems. the dashboard lights just go off while driving down the road. when the dash lights blink back on , the lighting brightness switch does not work, the roller to make it brighter does not dim the dash lights, until they all just go off again.? the tire sensors all go off and there is no readings for tire pressure. you check the tire pressure manually and they are all ok. the door locks don't work properly. if you use the key fob, the doors will lock and then you can't get them open again with the key fob and you are stuck. the key in the door won't even open the door, it is locked up tight. i have taken it into the dealer under warranty 3 times and they can find nothing wrong. i just don't lock my car anymore. *tr

2008 chevy hhr with a burning hair odor intermittently. consumer states that the vehicle also stopped running. she states that when it shut off he had no brakes or steering. *kb the consumer also stated there was a problem with the speakers. *jb

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. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. the contact's vehicle caught fire while parked at his residence. the fire department stated that the fire originated from the battery compartment, located directly above the fuel system. a fire report was filed. the manufacturer was notified and the contact is waiting for an investigator to inspect the vehicle. he has pictures of the vehicle in its current condition. the current and failure mileages were 3,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. the instrument panel does not indicate when the doors are ajar. the doors lock; however, the instrument panel does not warn that the doors are not closed completely. the dealer and manufacturer stated that nothing could be done. the failure mileage was 206 and current mileage is 3,100. updated 01/29/08 *bf