Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 203 | −68% | 2 | Fuel System | Good |
| 2010 | 515 | typical | 3 | Steering | Average |
| 2009 | 508 | −18% | 4 | Electrical | Average |
| 2008 | 616 | typical | 4 | Steering | Average |
| 2007 | 726 | 1.3× | 4 | Steering | Average |
| 2006 | 1,006 | 1.9× | 5 | Steering | Caution |
* Complaints compared with the median HHR year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Chevrolet HHR problems
Latest Chevrolet HHR recalls
Electrical system › Ignition
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.
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…
Steering › Electric power assist system
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014.
Air bags
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.
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.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
General motors is recalling 276,729 my 2009 Buick enclave, Chevrolet cobalt, hhr, malibu, traverse, GMC acadia, Pontiac g5, g6 and Saturn aura and outlook passenger vehicles. These vehicles fail to comply with federal motor vehicles safety standard 102, "transmission shift position sequence, starter interlock, and transmission…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and ensure that the shift cable adjustment clip is fully engaged. In the event that the clip does not engage, the shift cable will be replaced free of charge.
Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
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.
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 http://www.gmownercenter.com .
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Chevrolet HHR should you avoid?
2006 — this year has the most complaints relative to other HHR years at the same age, led by steering problems in the 2006.
What is the best year for the Chevrolet HHR?
2011 has the fewest complaints compared with other HHR years at the same age, followed by 2009. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Chevrolet HHR problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the steering (1,562), electrical system (750) and fuel & propulsion system (370). Steering complaints peak in the 2006 model year.
How many recalls has the Chevrolet HHR had?
7 recalls across 2006–2011. The model year with the most is 2006. See all Chevrolet HHR recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.