The 2008 HHR is a compact wagon built on GM's Delta platform sharing guts with the Cobalt. It's generally reliable for basic transportation but suffers from specific GM engineering shortcuts—particularly ignition switches, fuel system quirks, and age-related powertrain mounts that plague these chassis.
Ignition Switch Failure (Recall-Related)
Common · high severity
Symptoms: Key won't turn or gets stuck in ignition cylinder, Engine stalls while driving with no warning, Accessories lose power intermittently, Airbags may not deploy due to power interruption
Fix: Replace ignition lock cylinder and/or ignition switch assembly. GM issued recall 14V047 but many units still fail post-recall. 1.5-2.5 hours labor depending on steering column teardown complexity.
Estimated cost: $250-500
Fuel Pump and Fuel Filter Clogging
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard starting after sitting overnight, Loss of power under acceleration or uphill, Engine sputtering at highway speeds, Check engine light with fuel trim codes (P0171/P0174)
Fix: Fuel filter is integrated into the pump module on most HHRs—you replace the whole assembly. Drop the tank, replace pump/filter module, test pressure. 2.5-3.5 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $450-750
Transmission and Engine Mounts Collapse
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Severe clunking when shifting from Park to Drive/Reverse, Vibration at idle that smooths out when in neutral, Visible engine movement when revving in park, Torque steer or pull during hard acceleration
Fix: Replace upper transmission mount (notorious for oil contamination and tearing) and front engine mount. Typical to do both together. 2.0-3.0 hours labor with proper support equipment.
Estimated cost: $350-600
2.2L/2.4L Timing Chain Stretch and Camshaft Wear
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold starts that disappears when warm, Check engine light with VVT solenoid codes (P0011/P0021), Rough idle and reduced power, Metallic grinding from front of engine
Fix: Timing chain tensioner fails or chain stretches beyond adjustment. Often find cam lobe wear when inside. Replace timing set, guides, tensioners, VVT solenoids, cam phasers. If cam lobes worn, add camshaft replacement. 8-12 hours labor for timing job; add 4-6 hours if camshaft needed.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,800
Power Window Regulators and Door Lock Actuators
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Window drops into door or operates very slowly, Grinding or clicking noise from door when using window switch, Door locks cycle on their own or won't lock/unlock, Power lock switch works intermittently
Fix: GM used cheap plastic window regulator clips and weak lock actuator gears. Replace individual regulator or actuator per door. 1.5-2.0 hours per door labor.
Estimated cost: $200-400 per door
Harmonic Balancer Separation (2.2L/2.4L)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Severe vibration that worsens with RPM, Wobbling pulley visible at front of engine, Serpentine belt repeatedly throwing or shredding, Chirping or squealing that changes with engine speed
Fix: Rubber ring between hub and outer ring separates—outer ring can spin freely or fly off. Replace balancer immediately when detected; can damage front cover if ring comes loose. 2.0-2.5 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $350-550
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Corrosion (Auto Trans)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000+ mi or rust-belt exposure
Symptoms: Transmission fluid dripping near radiator or under engine, Low fluid level causes delayed engagement or slipping, Pink residue visible around cooler connections, Transmission overheating warnings
Fix: Steel cooler lines rust through at bends or fittings, especially in salt states. Replace cooler lines, flush system, refill with Dexron VI. 2.0-3.0 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Owner tips
Change transmission fluid every 50k miles—these 4-speeds are marginal when maintained, terrible when neglected
Inspect harmonic balancer at every oil change after 80k miles—wobble = immediate replacement
Use Top Tier gas and replace fuel filter at or before 100k to prevent pump damage
Check ignition switch recall status and replace proactively if approaching 100k miles even post-recall
Replace both transmission and front engine mounts together—one failure accelerates the other
Decent budget transportation if under 100k miles with service records, but avoid high-mileage examples or those with deferred maintenance—repair costs quickly exceed value.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the affected ignition switches to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and disabling the air bags.
Consequence: If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.
Remedy: UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should contact UCI-FRAM Group at 1-800-890-2075. GM vehicle owners requiring additional information on that recall campaign should contact GM at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac) or 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION · 14V171000
2014-04-10
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
Consequence: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not
previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.
AIR BAGS · 14V047000
2014-02-10
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring.
General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH · 08V444000
2008-09-03
GM IS RECALLING 296,422 MY 2006-2008 CHEVROLET HHR VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE DOOR ON THE STORAGE BIN IN THE TOP CENTER OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO REMAIN CLOSED AS REQUIRED.
Consequence: THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS TO PROVIDE HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION FOR OCCUPANTS.
Remedy: A REDESIGNED LATCH WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 23, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .
AIR BAGS · 08V046000
2008-01-30
GM IS RECALLING 181,516 MY 2006-2008 CHEVROLET HHR VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ROOF RAIL AIR BAGS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT.' IN TESTS, ONE OF THE UPPER INTERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION TEST POINTS EXCEEDED THE STANDARD'S REQUIREMENT.
Consequence: THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS TO PROVIDE HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION FOR OCCUPANTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ENERGY-ABSORBING PLASTIC PIECE TO THE HEADLINER TRIM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 2, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .
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