2008 Chevrolet HHR Consumer Discussions

2006 Chev HHR piece of crap

• Wheel Bearings

  Written by: kelly2565 on Dec 12, 2011 3:18:26 PM

  My 2008 HHR has been making a terrible humming sound, I found out today that the wheel bearings are going bad and need to be replaced. It's going to cost about 300 dollars. I looked up my Powertrain warranty because supposedly I'm still covered, and "wheel bearings" are excluded!!! I don't think I'll buy another Chevy car again.

Cruise control, remote start, auto locks not working

• Re: Remote entry issues [dfornet]

  Written by: bparker4 on Nov 3, 2011 1:40:37 PM

  The door locks bound up seems like a common issue with these pieces of junk. Seems that the locking rod inside the door some how bends and causes the door unlocking issue. It is not just the front driver side door either. My wifes 2008 HHR has the issue with several of the doors that happen at random times when they feel like locking or unlocking. Pressing the unlock button over ... Read More

HHR suddely not starting, cranks fine, runs great

• 2008 HHR re-start problems

  Written by: jcarle1 on Jun 10, 2011 1:57:49 PM

  I own 2008 Chevy HHR. It has been a great car until recently. On a very hot day after I had been driving and restarting without problems the car would not restart. I even added gas thinking the gas gauge had a problem. Still no restart. GMC roadside took the car to a dealer and naturally it ran fine and restarted multiple times for them. Picked up car and drove for ... Read More

Chevy HHR Brake Problems

• Rotor problems

  Written by: kewasson on May 14, 2011 3:36:37 PM

  Today calling to find a few things for our 2008 Chevy HHR. The first part my husband asked about was a bushing, the guy immediately says "Wow, that's the first time I have had anyone ask about anything but rotors for an HHR!" My husband responds that well, need those too. So why hasn't this been recalled??

Chevy HHR Interior Problems

• another broken handle on an HHR!!!!

  Written by: wonkaswheels1 on Mar 27, 2010 5:06:59 PM

  My wife loved the "Majestic Amethyst" color when the 2006 HHR came onto the market. I bought her a 2006 in 2008 and she has had a great experience with the car up until about three weeks ago when the passenger's side inside door handle "released". I was sure it was some type clip device and that it would just need to be reconnected. My wife usually drives the car back ... Read More

Chevy HHR Brake Problems

• My many problems with the HHR

  Written by: jhicks2 on Mar 25, 2011 1:01:17 PM

  I am a proud (lol) owner of 2008 Chevy HHR. My first problem was the brakes. at 20,000 miles had to have rotors turned and new pads put on. At 36,042 miles went back for same problem was told it was out of warranty and needed to pay for myself. Then 3,000 miles later my struts went bad, which also at the same time my swaybar links went bad also. Then ... Read More

HHR Electrical/Lighting Questions

• RE: Stumped

  Written by: laurcour on Feb 15, 2011 4:27:08 PM

  This is exactly what my HHR does, it has been going on for six months and I had to have it towed to the dealer again today. I get the standard answer every time from them: Well it's not doing it now so we don't know what it is. This was bought as a certified used car in 2008 from Chevy and I purchased an extended warranty. I have three more ... Read More

Chevy HHR Brake Problems

• Ditto to Rotors(dealership ripoff warning)

  Written by: rcannon on Sep 30, 2010 6:30:07 PM

  I have a 2008 HHR with 60k miles. The Chevy dealer is horrible - had 2 bad experiences with minor service problems that shouldn't have been problems ie. they messed up the computer sensor when doing a tire change a tried to sell me a new expensive auto-remote. Didn't go back and bought a new battery for my keyless remote Having the car serviced elsewhere I also learned there was a ... Read More

• Re: HHR [captain143]

  Written by: kymmb on Sep 30, 2010 4:14:11 PM

  I gave up and went to a local Chevy dealership and purchased the OEM brake pads for my 2008 HHR. My mechanic put them on the vehicle this afternoon, he also recommended new rotors, but just cannot afford them, so he had the rotor's turned again. Short test ride this afternoon and no squealing was heard. It will go back on the road tomorrow and we'll see what happens.

• Me Too

  Written by: hhr_lemon on Aug 31, 2010 9:38:17 AM

  I'm just echoing what has already been said. I have just under 36K. 2008 model. Most of miles are highway miles and I have done nothing but treat the car with kid gloves. It started mildly vibrating when braking a while back, but just a little grabby. At 35K it vibrated more violently when braking. Dealership claims it is normal wear and tear and needs new pads and front rotors resurfaced. ... Read More

HHR 2007 Lemon

• 2008 HHR Continuous Stalling issues: This car is not safe to drive

  Written by: angryhhrowner on Jul 28, 2010 12:38:13 PM

  Bottom line is this: Our 2008 HHR is unsafe and unreliable.GM knows HHRs have various issues and I am very upset! My wife will no longer drive in this car and I feel unsafe as well.Heres our story: Our 2008 HHR which we bought new, is currently setting at Reynolds GMC in Covina CA, and our case being reviewed by a "smug" District GM manager by the name of Aeris (pronounced ... Read More

Chevy HHR Brake Problems

• RE: The Squeeky Brake Story...continues

  Written by: kymmb on Jul 13, 2010 2:39:32 PM

  Ok, so I took my 2008 HHR to the local Chevy dealer and explained what was going-on with the brakes...(i.e., 2 new sets of brake pads, my mech says rotors are warped..etc....),..a few hours later I get a phone call "the front brakes are fine; a little brake noise is normal". You rear brakes need to be cleaned and adjusted and this should take some of the load off of your ... Read More

2008 HHR won't shift out of park

• 2008 HHR won't shift out of park

  Written by: lulu76 on Jul 7, 2010 2:25:55 PM

  I saw some other posts on this topic, but it seems like people jump around here, so I wasn't sure where to put this. I need some help and/or feeback on my 2008 HHR. This morning, I started up my car and went to shift out of park and nothing happened. (No, I did not use my autostart and yes my key was in the ignition in the on position). The ... Read More

Chevy HHR Brake Problems

• May Have Fixed It

  Written by: edesimone on Jun 23, 2010 8:41:44 AM

  I, too, have run into a string of Chevy dealers with lousy sales and maintenance departments in my years of moving around the country in the military. I started using GMC dealers and found they were better service departments for some reason. Presently I am using Tincher's in Plattsmouth, Nebraska and Joey Whistler has done right by me on a number of occasions. Last Fall I purchased a used 2008 HHR ... Read More

• Re: more problems. [warvin]

  Written by: judikilbane on Jun 6, 2010 6:14:08 AM

  2008 HHR here When I had to redo my rotors and brakes at 26k I talked w/ no-customer service at exec.level. the company line is no problems have been reported....they gave me a years worth of oil changes--and sent me packing. So....I make it a point to tell ANYONE who will listen not to buy a Chevy HHR -and why. I actually had material removed from an e-mail I posted on ... Read More

• Re: HHR SS TURBO Brake problem [87silver]

  Written by: mastrout on Apr 12, 2009 7:44:21 PM

  here is the fix for the hard brake pedal on cold startup.contact your chevy dealer and have them look up service bullitin # 09-05-22-001A .Hard brake pedal,extra effort needed to depress brake pedal on cold start-up (add auxillary vacuum pump) Models 2008 2009 Chevy HHR SS with automatic transmission.

Chevy HHR Interior Problems

• Re: Chevy POS alias HHR [madatgm]

  Written by: starfruit55 on Jan 12, 2010 5:04:17 PM

  I agree about starting class action lawsuits, I returned to service department for my 2008 HHR 6 times, there of those for water leaks driver side car soaked from to back. First time 7 days after purchase July 1, 2008 electrical problem, dealership never realize car had been leaking. Recently return to service department something drained the batteries, they swore the light switch was left on, but I know it was ... Read More

Chevy HHR Brake Problems

• 2008 Chevy HHR LS 4Dr Wagon, Front End/Brake Problem

  Written by: leef2009 on Oct 30, 2009 7:26:08 AM

  Bought the HHR on Dec 4, 2008 with 21,067 miles. Shortly thereafter began noticing a brake problem and vibration. Called the dealer and was told nothing to be alarmed about. On Apr 30, 09, with 32,635 miles got so bad the dealer made good: "Inspected and found both front rotors warped. Replaced front Brake Pads and machined both front rotors per service bulletin." Suppl sheet on invoice states "Important: Please inform ... Read More

HHR Engine Problems

• Re: Problems with 2007 Chevrolet HHR and General Motors [hesjr1972]

  Written by: ajiles on Aug 21, 2009 1:47:03 PM

  So how to General Motors or the dealership resolve this issue for you. We are having a similar problem (reduced engine power) with our 2008 and it is has been in the shop 7 times now. We are driving it AGAIN but who knows for how long.

Chevrolet HHR

• Re: Recall Notice Sept 2008, Storage bin latch [poncho167]

  Written by: poncho167 on Oct 2, 2008 4:19:27 PM

  The recall/home fix will make the HHR a problem vehicle according to that misguided rag Consumer Reports. I remember a couple years ago they gave a Chevy Astro van a bad rating just because it was recalled for a seat belt warning buzzer that was less than a half second off from going on. Otherwise the vehicle was sound, reliable, and very safe in a frontal collision according to conducted tests. ... Read More

• Re: Recall Notice Sept 2008, Storage bin latch [dmathews3]

  Written by: poncho167 on Sep 24, 2008 4:34:49 PM

  The recall/home fix will make the HHR a problem vehicle according to that misguided rag Consumer Reports. I remember a couple years ago they gave a Chevy Astro van a bad rating just because it was recalled for a seat belt warning buzzer that was less than a half second off from going on. Otherwise the vehicle was sound, reliable, and very safe in a frontal collision according to conducted tests. ... Read More

Chevy HHR Test Drive - What Did You Think?

• 2009 HHR LS test drive

  Written by: chris80233 on Sep 18, 2008 10:18:22 PM

  I've been looking at getting a new car and I've narrowed it down to either the HHR or the Malibu. I stopped by my local Chevy dealer today and was able to compare the two side by side and take both vehicles out for a quick test drive. I drove the HHR first and here's what I thought of the vehicle. I tested a 2009 HHR LS automatic with the 2.2L. ... Read More

HHR Engine Problems

• Re: Nevermind [mah123]

  Written by: stacker on Jul 1, 2008 5:51:27 PM

  I just purchased a 2008 hhr ss and it also wouldn't start after 50 miles, but when the tow truck arrived about an hour later it started so we went on home then the next day it did the same thing after a 5 mile trip to the store, and once again after about an hour and the tow truck arrived it started , but this time it got towed to ... Read More

• Re: thinking about buying this hhr i really like [jonnym]

  Written by: abbyty on Jun 24, 2008 9:03:22 AM

  I'm sorry I have to disagree, I have a 2008 HHR and think it is a wonderful car. No, this isn't my first HHR, I bought a 2007 last summer. My husband and went on a trip to Atlanta and it did overheat, but after being repaired by a local dealership there we were on our way home and didn't have another problem with it. However, on March 17th it became ... Read More

New HHR Owners - Give Us Your Report

• Re: hhr [jhvegas]

  Written by: poncho167 on Sep 27, 2007 6:59:12 PM

  I only mentioned the Toyota parts along with there pickup assembly plant in Tijuana. All the others-Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Suburu, Isuzu, Volkswagon, GM, Chrysler, Ford, and I am sure others are also being manufactured in Mexico. All you need to do is go to a search engine and type in the auto manufacturer manufactured in Mexico. It will bring up your Japanese cars and everything else. You will get the ... Read More

• Rattling in the dash...Steering Column

  Written by: mellshhr on Feb 16, 2008 5:53:49 AM

  I think from what I read the issue concerning the rattling in the dash was solved. My wife has the '06 Spring Addition and it started rattling about 6 months after we got it. She said she didn't hear a thing and fought me over taking it in...the statement was "you always say there is something wrong with my car".. So we dropped it off at Gordon Chevrolet here in Jacksonville, ... Read More

Chevrolet HHR Lease Questions

• Re: What's a good lease deal on an LS HHR [juna]

  Written by: Car_man on Jan 15, 2008 2:47:15 AM

  Hey juna. GMAC's current base lease rate and residual value for a 36 month lease of a 2008 Chevrolet HHR with 12,000 miles per year are 8.3% and 47%, respectively. The lease rate for a 39 month lease would be the same, but its residual value would be 1% higher. As you can see, like the Equinox that you are also considering the HHR's lease program is pretty bad right now. ... Read More

• Re: Current lease #'s [tripowergto]

  Written by: Car_man on Jan 15, 2008 2:43:17 AM

  Hello tripowergto. Here's the information that you're looking for. GMAC's current base lease rate and residual value for a 24 month lease of a 2008 Chevrolet HHR LT with 12,000 miles per year are a terrible 8.3% and 55%, respectively. The numbers for an otherwise identical 36 month lease would be 8.3% and 47%. As you can see, GMAC publishes lease rates instead of money factors for the vehicles that it ... Read More

Article Comments - 2008 Chevrolet HHR SS First Drive

• Re: Article Comments - 2008 Chevrolet HHR SS First Drive [dubfun]

  Written by: poncho167 on Dec 30, 2007 5:11:46 AM

  A VW GTi is a totally different kind of vehicle. If I was to go for a sporty car like that I would probably get the Cobalt SS turbo.

• Re: Article Comments - 2008 Chevrolet HHR SS First Drive [dubfun]

  Written by: dubfun on Dec 29, 2007 7:47:55 AM

  Sorry, forgot to add to the above that the GTI has virtually no torque steer.

• Re: Article Comments - 2008 Chevrolet HHR SS First Drive [poncho167]

  Written by: dubfun on Dec 29, 2007 7:21:02 AM

  Just end the discussion and get a VW GTI. I drove my neighbor's Caliber and it's a piece of crap. The HHR has a launch system that sounds way too complex. A GTI with the manual or amazing six speed DSG just flat moves out with no fuss. Plus you have plenty of utility with the hatchback even though it may be a bit smaller than the other two vehicles. The ... Read More

• Re: Article Comments - 2008 Chevrolet HHR SS First Drive [mbukukanyau]

  Written by: poncho167 on Dec 22, 2007 5:31:06 AM

  I agree that Edmunds seems to have some biases as does CR. All high powered vehicles have some sort of torque steer with front wheel drive. It will take more than 10-years of producing excellent cars to change people perceptions and their love for foreign Japanese brand vehicles.

• Re: Article Comments - 2008 Chevrolet HHR SS First Drive [KarenS]

  Written by: mbukukanyau on Dec 18, 2007 10:57:53 PM

  This thing runs the Nürburgring course in eight minutes and forty-three seconds. It will spank a Mazda 3 speed or any VW GTi. I think your reviews tend to be biased aganist American manufacturers, but, thats just me.

• Article Comments - 2008 Chevrolet HHR SS First Drive

  Written by: KarenS on Dec 17, 2007 10:14:15 AM

  This cannot be said of all its competitors. We don't want to name names here, so let's just say that the HHR SS has really only one direct competitor, the Dodge Caliber SRT-4. This competitor acts like a drug-addled co-driver who grabs the steering wheel and saws wildly if you dare to use more than a feather's touch of throttle. Post your comments about the article here! First Drive: 2008 Chevrolet ... Read More

HHR Electrical/Lighting Questions

• Did I buy A POS?

  Written by: hyrolla on Nov 14, 2007 9:32:33 AM

  Well...I just got an 2008 HHR LT1 full nine, the 1st day the remotes stopped working, So I went back to chevy they fixed that next the remote start stopped working, then the air presser stopped, the the sunroof locked up and to top it all of now there is a ticking coming from under the hood..Just so you know I only have 300 miles on the thing, and it has ... Read More

Chevrolet HHR Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• 07 LT2 Black

  Written by: afs9 on Sep 8, 2007 10:40:29 AM

  Invoice: $26K Out the door: approx $18.500K Black, LT2 with chrome package, sun and fun package, mud flaps, running boards, remote start, chrome rails, gray leather with heated front seats, side airbags, HHR cargo organizer (got this thrown in for free). Dealer add on's: PAL attachment for iPod, door sill plate kit, extra tint on windows, 19" chrome rims that I changed (cute, but too flashy and expensive) & put back ... Read More

HHR Future Powertrains?

• HHR Diesel

  Written by: mike91326 on Jul 14, 2006 1:01:06 PM

  I was at the Chevy dealer last week looking at the HHR when I was approached by someone (not a salesperson) who wanted my opinion of the HHR. I told him that I liked the car but with the high price of gas it would be nice if there was a diesel option. He told me to look for a diesel option starting in the 2008 MY. After I was done ... Read More