Problems with 2008 Chevrolet HHR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

The power steering is suddenly inoperative. no power steering. it just came on the warning lights one time, power steering, and i can't find a fix. the vehicle was parked in my driveway when it happened.

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.

Power steering failure while moving down road

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.

Whial driving the power steering assistance turns off/fails and the power steering light showes on dash. when you stop and cut the car off and back on it works again for a wial then fails again.

I bought a used 2008 chevy hhr from lithia in eureka, ca 11/3/2017 and 11/24/2017 the car would not engage the drive function. tried several times and no luck. transmission seems blown, and the electrical was malfunctioning. no flasheers, radio with weird noises, strange sounds from engine after attempting to drive. we are now stuck 200 miles from home and lithia manager has not returned my phone call. i am a middle aged student, working minimum wahe. i gave the dealership all my momey for a broken car. i shouls have researched more that is apparent. i take responsibility for my mishaps. yet, this is 3 weeks after giving away $5000 for a working vehicle. please help if you can.

The electronic power steering turns off on a constant basis while driving the vehicle and all power steering is lost !

While driving my car on the city streets the doors suddenly unlock the lights flicker off and back on and the car jerks and then the car does the same thing and locks the doors again and then unlocks the doors again with the headlights going out again and back on again just as quickly. it does this over and over again while driving to work or to run to the store or where ever. i took it to the chevrolet dealer and they cannot tell me what the problem is. no codes are showing what the problem is. i have had it to three different garages and no one can seem to tell me what the problem is. the last dealer told me that i would have to leave the car there and every time they got into the car to drive it to see if it would do it again for them it would cost me right around $130.00 each time. i can't afford that. i asked them if it could be the ignition and they said no. i did have the recall done on the ignition switch but after reading many of these complaints it makes me think that maybe it has not been corrected. help *tr

My brake lights stay on all the time. i replaced the brake positioning sensor. it is under my impression that many people have problems with this. i think the fix is running a ground cable to the car's computer. i also cannot use my temperature gauge and cruise control. please email me at your convenience at [xxx]. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled. the contact was unable to restart the vehicle. the contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 14v047000 (air bags, electrical system); however, the failure recurred. the vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the vin and failure mileage were unknown.

Whenever i am driving, the steering wheel will suddenly lock up for seemingly no reason. i can be go anywhere from 35 mph to 70 mph. it's caused me to nearly get into multiple wrecks. i'm forced to pull over, turn off the car, and turn it back on and then the wheel is perfectly fine after. it happens in the middle of driving. i'm scared to keep driving this car but it's my only way to work every day. i have no choice. my car dealership has said many hhr's have been recalled in the past due to power steering issues. please help me know if my car needs to be recalled and what i need to do to keep safe. this happens nearly every day i drive it, i've only owned the car for about a month now.

Ever single time i turn my car on my power steering cust off.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. when the ignition was turned to the on position, the interior lights flashed and all of the systems reset. the ignition had to be turned to the off position and back to the on position in order for the vehicle to start. the failure recurred numerous times. the vehicle was previously repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 14e021000(electrical system), but the failure recurred. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 86,000. the vin was unavailable.

Intermittent canceling of turn signal, does not work all the time. youtube shows gm did not use strong enough spring in switch. i am hard of hearing, cannot hear the click click click of flasher. drivers behind me confused as to my intentions. injury possible by drivers expecting me to turn. they want a lot of money to fix their mistake!!! *tr

Was driving home from the store and there was smoke coming from underneath the dash. i pulled over and myself and the passenger got out. the next second or two, fire started erupting from the dash. the fire department was called immediately. about 15 minutes passed and the car was totally engulfed. the insurance company claimed it was an electrical fire, and the car was totaled. we were told that there was a problem with the hhr's that had remote start and automatic. the wiring harness was the blame. *tr

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

The electronic control systems were damaged during the ignition switch recall service performed at matthews-hargreaves chevrolet in royal oak mi. i recently had the ignition switch replaced as part of a recall. i picked up the vehicle on saturday 2/28/15. on sunday 3/1/15 the key fobs (remote start lock unlock panic) no longer work leading me to believe the electronic control system was damaged when the vehicle was repaired. something went wrong at the dealership. three facts the radio didn't seem to be reset so i believe the battery was left connected while the switch was replaced. the key fobs no longer work something is wrong with the electronic control system. the dealer washed the car and didn't return the mirrors to the correct position(break away fold mirrors) service quality is not being managed at this dealership.. i think is simply the result of poor service management at matthews-hargreaves chevrolet in royal oak mi but the result is i have a vehicle with a damaged electronic control system that is not safe for my wife to drive. i can't go back to the dealership because i don't want to risk myself to the quality of repair service provided. the gm complaint line isn't helping because they wouldn't replace the fobs that were lost until i found them today when their recall caused me to loose them in the first place with nothing hanging on the key of course the fobs got lost. gm complaint number 71-1444284438 because i found the key fobs today 3/1/15 but they don't work because the electronic control system was damaged by the poor quality of service at the dealership. *tr

My repairs to my recall was not done correctly back when i had lived in new york at an albany, new york named depaula chevrolet and two of the recalls i had called depaula chevrolet about and i had told them that it was doing that problem and they had refused to correct the problem about i now presently reside in athens, ga as of today and so forward

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine stalled and the windshield wiper activated independently. the contact mentioned that whenever any of the electrical components were turned on the vehicle would automatically turn off. the vehicle was not taken to dealer or independent mechanic. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was unknown.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. the contact stated that whether the vehicle was shut off or turned on, the power locks for all the doors would activate intermittently. the contact had to use the lock and unlock button on the front driver's side door to lock or unlock any of the other doors. the dealer was unable to diagnose the failure. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vin was unavailable. the approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

I start my car and go to pull out onto the road and there was no power steering which could have caused me to wreck. the power steering light came on. i pulled over and shut the car off and restarted the car. same problem. very very dangerous!!! ..updated 10/15/14 *bf updated 4/7/2015 *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. the contact stated that the door locks failed to unlock when using the remote access and were very difficult to pull up manually. the dealer stated that the door lock actuator needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. the approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. the vehicle required a jump start in order to restart. the failure recurred numerous times. the failure occurred after the vehicle was serviced under nhtsa campaign number: 14v171000 (electrical system). the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the alternator and battery were replaced at different times however, the failure persisted. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 100,000. updated 6/11/15*cn updated 10/16/2017*cn

2008 chevrolet hhr. consumer writes in regards to vehicle accident due to loss of power. *smd the vehicle was totaled. *jb

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. *tr

For the past couple months the power steering has locked up while driving if i shut my car off and turn it back on it will go back to normal, but never know when it will kick out again, the electric is cutting in and out, the lock on drivers side wont work when using key which happens periodically especially when it rains, my automatic start stopped working including my key-less entry will not unlock my doors or lock my doors even though i have changed the battery. i work for the youth service bureau/children's bureau of state of indiana as a case manager so often i have to transport clients to destinations, doctors, food pantry etc. i cannot take the chance of being in a wreck with clients, which has all most happened when i took a curve while by myself luckily. when i contacted the chevy dealer about recalls he stated there was only an ignition switch recall, which i beg to differ i have been on numerous websites where many other hhr owners are complaining about the same thing i am complaining about, i asked the chevy dealers maintenance guy if i could get a rental while waiting for it to be fixed because of my job, he stated that he had to order the part and then he would call me when it arrived for me to bring my car in and it would take only an hour to two hours to fix, so while we are still waiting now for two weeks i am putting my clients and their children in jeopardy over an issue i am not at fault for, i personally feel that chevy should cover the cost of a rental car until all issue are taken care of properly. this was my first time owning a chevy, and after what the maintenance man said about not letting me have a rental even though i work for county and state organizations i was very disappointed in chevy i am in the process of looking for a new car and not sure if i will purchase another chevy after this!

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14e021000 (electrical system). the contact stated that the dealer and the manufacturer was contacted numerous times and were uncertain of when the parts will be available for the repairs. the contact felt that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repairs. the contact had not experienced a failure. the manufacturer was not notified of the issue.the vin was not available.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine stalled without warnings. the problem recurred numerous times. the vehicle was taken to a dealer. the technician diagnosed that the electrical fuse box was faulty and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 82,000.

I received your recall on 5/2/14. i called the dealer & told them that i called them several times (i was getting tired of calling them) i was getting tired of using the fob and the key being separated and they told me that when i get the replacement key i would continue to have the same problem. i bought this car not to have the fob & key separated. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. the contact received recall notices for nhtsa 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.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. the contact received nhtsa recall campaign number 14e021000 (ignition switch). the dealer stated that the part was unavailable. the manufacturer was notified of the part delay. there were no failures.

Tl* the contact owns 2008 chevrolet hhr. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign id number 14e021000 (ignition switch). the dealer stated that the part was not available for the recall repair. the manufacturer was not made aware of delay. there were no failures at this time.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign id number: 14e021000 (aftermarket replacement ignition switches) and stated that the parts were not available. the dealer did not give a specific date when the parts would become available. the manufacturer was also contacted and could not provide an estimated date for when the contacts vehicle would receive the recall repairs. the contact had not experienced a failure.

2008 chevrolet hhr. consumer writes in regards to ignition switch recall notice. *smd the consumer stated prior to the recall, he was having trouble starting the vehicle, and the key would not go all the way in the ignition. the consumer it has been two months, since he received the recall notice, and nothing has been done.

champion chevrolet -athens al dates and witnesses can be provided 3 times ignition locked 3 times key would not work in the door-locked out one each since the recall ignition was replaced aug 7th the first ignition lock in april/may was towed to mclanders mcclardy huntsville al -repaired under the first ignition recall- have recall letter and the repair ticket. the ignition housing was busted in that incident and champion discovered it lockouts- i was an hour late for a fasting ultrasound. late for homecoming at church and food ruined locked in the heat. twice on ignition stranded late evening in parking lots. once after back surgery on a walker. i am genuinely concerned for my safety at this point. gm case number is [xxx]. gm insists i pay the $300 for the housing or take it up with mclanders-mccardy?? i have used all my roadside for 2 quarters. gm has not refunded the $50 lockout charge 3 days after the 2nd ignition was replaced. isn't the ignition housing part of an ignition? today from gm: . i just hung up with the dealership and they mentioned that the ignition switch housing is damaged and that is what is causing the key to hang up. the dealership mentioned that this needs to be replaced in order to prevent your key from getting stuck. once that is completed they can proceed with diagnosing the cause of the lockout concerns you've experienced. i understand that you said that a previous dealership was the one who worked with the ignition switch housing last. unfortunately, this is not something we can offer cost assistance for, as it is not an item included in the recall. since you mentioned it was in mclanders/mccardy's possession when the housing was damaged, i would recommend getting in contact with them to discuss available options. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. the contact received notifications for nhtsa campaign id numbers: 14v047000 (air bags, electrical system) and 14v171000 (electrical system) however, the parts needed were not available in order to perform the recall repairs. the manufacturer was not notified of the problem. the contact had not experienced a failure. the vehicle current mileage was unknown.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. the contact received a recall notification of nhtsa campaign id number 14v047000 (air bags , electrical system) and stated that the part needed was unavailable to perform the repair. the dealer was unable to provide an expected date for the remedy part to become available. the manufacturer was not notified of the problem. the contact had not experienced a failure.

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 chevrolet hhr. the contact received the recall notification related to nhtsa campaign id number 14v047000 (air bags, electrical system). the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. the vin was not available. the contact had not experienced a failure.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign id number: 14v047000 (air bags, electrical system). the contact stated that the recall had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. the dealer indicated that parts were not available. contact had not experienced a failure. the manufacturer was not notified of the delay.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. the contact received recall notifications of nhtsa campaign id numbers 14v047000 (air bag, electrical system) and 14v171000 (electrical system) and stated that the part needed was unavailable. the dealer was unable to provide a date when the part would become available. the manufacturer was notified of the problem. the contact had not experienced a failure. the vin was unavailable.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. the contact stated that the remedy for nhtsa campaign number: 14v047000 (electrical system) failed. the specifics of the failure were not available. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 75,000. updated 11/20/14*lj the ignition switch was replace twice. the consumer stated the problem still exists. updated 12/11/14*jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. the contact received notification for nhtsa campaign id number: 14v047000 (air bags, electrical system). the dealer stated that the repair was already completed in may of 2014 and would not repair the vehicle a second time. the contact indicated that the vehicle was never repaired under the recall. the manufacturer was not notified of the issue. the contact did not experience a failure.

2008 chevrolet hhr. consumer writes in regards to ignition switch recall problems. *smd the consumer received a recall letter, in april 2014. as of july 18, 2014, the parts were still not available. *jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. the contact stated that nhtsa campaign number: 14v171000 (electrical system) had exceeded a reasonable time for repair. the contact received the recall notification in april of 2014 however, the dealer stated that the part was not available for repair. the vin was not available. the contact did not experience any failure. updated 8/19/14*cn the consumer stated the ignition was replaced on 08/04/2014. updated 08/28/2014 *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v047000 (air bags, electrical system) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. the contact had not experienced a failure.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. the contact received a notification for recall nhtsa campaign number: 14v047000 (air bags, electrical system) and nhtsa campaign number: 14v171000 (electrical system) however, the part was not available to do the repairs. the manufacturer was made aware of the problem. the contact had not experienced a failure.

tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. the contact stated nhtsa campaign number: 14v171000 (electrical system) nhtsa campaign number: 14v047000 (air bags, electrical system) had exceeded the reasonable amount of time for repair. the dealer stated the an order was placed but the parts were not available at this time. the manufacturer was not made aware of the delay. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact had not experienced the failure.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. the contact received recall notification for nhtsa campaign id number 14v171000 (electrical system) and stated that the part needed was unavailable. the manufacturer was not notified of the delay. there were no failures.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. the contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign id number 14v047000 (air bags, electrical system). the contact stated that the dealer and the manufacturer on numerous occasions advised her that they have no idea when the parts will be available. the recall repair was not performed in a reasonable amount of time. there were no failures at this time.