Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and would not properly accelerate. Additionally, the front passenger's side door would not open while using the interior door latch. The contact stated while using the cigarette lighter, the vehicle shut off, and smoke filled the cabin of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 92,000.
Some portion of the shifter mechanism failed. It allows the vehicle to shift gears at will, with or without a key and with or without the engine running. It also allows the vehicle to be put into gear without depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle can 'bump' from 'park' into any gear and from any gear to any other gear, including "reverse". While driving, one bump caused it to shift into 'neutral'. Another caused a downshift. One can leave turn off the ignition & leave the car without putting it securely into 'park'. I am not positive, but I believe I could also make the steering column lock while the ignition was on. I tried this while attempting to remove the key. I did nto want to try again, fearing I would make the situation worse. Additionally, the key is now retained in the ignition and can not be removed. The car can be more easily stolen. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact indicated that there had been no failures with the vehicle until the manufacturer had the dealer complete a manufacturer recall repair for the ignition switch. The repair caused several failures and did not provide a permanent repair solution. Within weeks of the dealer's repair, the key was difficult to remove from the ignition switch and the contact had to constantly maneuver the gear shift, which had also been an issue. In addition, the speedometer failed to provide a reading and the instrument cluster gauges failed to fully function after the repair. The contact was unable to determine what the solution would be to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified. The NHTSA campaign number was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 147,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. After the contact returned to the vehicle shortly after it had been parked, she found it had rolled away three houses downhill. The vehicle had driven over a curb, sideswiped a tree, and crashed into cinder blocks. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and repaired. The cause of the failure was unknown. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 115,000. Updated 8/28/14 the consumer stated the dealer advised that the cover interlock was removed. The shifter did not lock into gear. The lock was missing. The consumer was not given any paperwork to explain the issues. The consumer was advised by multiple mechanics the vehicle would not drive with these defects. Updated 11/25/2014
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The vehicle jerked whenever the contact shifted gears. The failure occurred whether the vehicle were in drive, neutral, or reverse. The contact received a notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14V171000 (electrical system). The contact adhered to the recall; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 181,732.
My air bag service light comes on and my power steering dont work while this air bag service light is on. My heat dont work either while my air bag service light is on. I can drive it for awhile and when my air bag light goes off my power steering starts to work and my heat does too.
I pulled my car into the driveway at home and shifted into park and when I attempted to remove the key it would not turn all the way to the removal position. So I moved the shift lever again and noted that the shift button didn't pop out when I put it into park. I knew then that the key would not come out until the vehicle was put into park which the shift lever was not allowing. I took the vehicle straight to my GM dealer service manager who stated that I was the sixth or seventh customer who had had this problem in the last 12 months. The manager called me back and told me that my car was out of warranty and the cost would be $215.04. …
2006 Chevy HHR. Gear shift control pin falls out of plastic retainment piece resulting in gear shift button sticking in the inward position and the key remaining locked in steering column. Due to a defect in manufacturing, the plastic cracks around the pin retainment hole. The control pin then becomes loose, thus resulting in the control pin either moving out of it's intended position and jamming the gear selector, or falling out completely and allowing the gear selector to move in any gear at any time, weather the car is running or shut off. Once control pin moves out of position or falls out, the micro switch cannot be activated to release the key from the ignition, thus resulting in a dead battery very dangerous. The dealerships are aware of this problem but insist there is no t.s.b. Or recall. …
I have a 2006 Chevy HHR, I love it but, it has issues 1st I bought it used 15,000 miles. Since then I have had 1. The rear logo replaced 4 times, then, 2.the key get stuck when I turn off the car so I used the plunger and 3. The gear shift moves when the car is off or on. Now, 4. The key won't turn to start the car I have to jiggle it till it works. 5. My power steering goes out randomly, while driving it so I can't turn the 6.-,7.-, and 8.3 recalls, then, 9. The wheels shakes at 60 MPH, I have 10. And 11. Replaced both front door handles with in 2 weeks 12. I hear a loud crackling or static sound from my speakers and the radio is off. Oh and 13. My check engine light won't go off plus 14. Every time I have to change the battery I have to get my remote reprogrammed for the auto start... It came with the car. What is going on? …
I purchased a 2006 Chevrolet HHR for my daughter with a 72 months /100,000 miles extended warranty (which has one year and six months left). She brought her car home from school on summer vacation saying that her car was shifting funny. We took it tarr Chevrolet service department believing that with our extended warranty they would be able to figure out the problem, repair it, and all would be good. However, that was not the case. It took them two weeks to figure out the transmission was blown. I was called today and had with a very confusing conversation with the service manager. I was told that I had two options for getting my car repaired. It was explained to me that I could either get a used transmission with 33,000 miles on it already and it would be covered by a one year warranty (the transmission that just broke down with only 55,000 miles on it). …
Transmission complaints in other HHR years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2006 Chevrolet HHR?
NHTSA has 82 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2006 Chevrolet HHR, 8% of the model year's 1,006 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (25 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Chevrolet HHR transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.