Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Chevrolet HHR owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the vehicle caught fire while the contact and her sister were in the vehicle. The contact stated that the fire affected the engine compartment and was extinguished by pedestrians. A fire report was not filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 24,400.
Oil cooler that is mounted on top of engine started leaking. Took to GM dealer and after research they found that the part was only made for 6 months and was discontinued due to the issue I was having. There was a by pass produced for a short period that ended up being worse than the original part. As a result there is no way to fix my car except change out the engine with a newer model. I called GM to ask about it and at the dealers suggestion to ask for help paying for the $5,999 engine. GM flat out refused any responsibility for the defective part and refused any assistance. How can an American car company knowingly make a defective part and have millions of them on the road and not be responsible for replacing the part or making a replacement available? …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH and making a right turn, the power steering warning light illuminated and the steering wheel seized. The contact had to restart the vehicle in order for to resume normal function. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the fuse box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,966. ...updated 03-11-15 the consumer stated the part was replaced and there have been no more steering issue. However, the check engine light illuminated intermittently. Updated 03/26/15
Whenever the engine was running, there was a strong smell of engine exhaust coming into the vehicle through the A/C vents. The flex hose coming from the engine to the catalytic converter had developed a large crack. The exhaust fumes were being sucked into the ventilation system and out through the A/C vents, filling the cabin of the vehicle with exhaust fumes. The design of the flex pipe is seriously flawed as if it's made to fail. It was too dangerous to drive with my kids in the car because of the threat of the carbon monoxide that we were breathing from this issue. I believe that this May also be the cause of severe headaches that I had been suffering from.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14V171000 (electrical system). While driving approximately 40 MPH the vehicle stalled after the engine power greatly reduced and engine disabled warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle did restart; however, the failure recurred every 20 minutes on several occasions. The vehicle would restart after approximately 10 minutes. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the recall repair was guaranteed for one year. The approximate failure mileage was 148,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact was driving approximately 35 MPH when the vehicle began to decelerate independently. There was a strong burning odor and the contact discovered that there was a hole in the engine oil pan. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and he contacted the manufacturer. The manufacturer would not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The current and failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the power reduced warning indicator illuminated. The acceleration stopped and the vehicle stalled. The radio and brakes were working. The contact turned off the vehicle, restarted it, and it resumed normal operation. The vehicle was not diagnosed by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart. The contact was a certified technician and went to sunset Chevrolet (910 traffic ave, sumner, wa 98390) where he received mechanical advise. The vehicle was repaired by the contact, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a period of reduced engine power while being operated 45-50 MPH. The engine power reduced warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be replicated. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 140,000. Updated 01/26/2017
Driving at 70 MPH on freeway and suddenly "engine power reduced" warning comes on display and I can't accelerate. The engine cut off. On the freeway. This is not safe (obviously) and I don't see myself buying another Chevy again. I have a family and this problem could kill us all.
Engine complaints in other HHR years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2006 Chevrolet HHR?
NHTSA has 73 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2006 Chevrolet HHR, 7% of the model year's 1,006 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Chevrolet HHR engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2006 Chevrolet HHR, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Chevrolet HHR engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.