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 2007 Chevrolet HHR owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Driving and pushed on clutch to change gears , I heard a snap and the clutch lost all pressure and went to the floor of the vehicle. Upon inspection by a mechanic , it was determined that the clutch cylinder had punched through the firewall. This should not have happened and is a manufacturing defect. I was driving in traffic and this caused the car to turn off. It could have caused a very serious accident.
Out of no where, speed odometer went to flashing and car would not speed up even when pushing the gas... Had it checked and was told to check to see if there was a recall because mechanic could not find anything wrong with it. It stopped working while on the highway, had to tow it home because was too scared to try to make it home. When pushing the gas, you can feel it losing power.
Ignition switch was replaced under recall in nov 2014. On date of failure it was not possible to turn the key, but it could be removed and reinserted. Because the ignition key couldn't be turned, the steering wheel was locked and the transmission was locked in park. Vehicle had to be towed to chev dealer that advises they will replace it under warranty.
Driving 45 MPH pressed the brakes , vehicle started accelerating then I applied excessive force on the brakes, finally engine started to reduce RPM's no check engine light came on, lucky that I am a very experienced driver lol to other drivers
I was driving home and got into the turning lane to turn across two lanes of traffic. My speed was about 25 MPH and I heard a "ding" and looked at the information panel on my dash. It said "power steering". I wasn't aware at the time, but once I tried to turn (once traffic cleared) I realized I had lost power steering. I was only 2 miles from my house, so I continued home---manhandling the steering wheel through each turn until I arrived in my driveway. It has happened three more times since then, and I continue to drive until I get to a red traffic signal, turn the car off, and restart it. Luckily, (so far), it has reset itself and the power steering works again. I am concerned as to why there has been no recall on this, as there are tons of issues on this make, model, and year. I have a 1 1/2 yr. …
Approximately 6 weeks ago, I was driving my Chevrolet HHR 2007, (40 MPH), when traction control light came on, and the info showed traction control off, and then service traction, at the same time I could hear and feel the car was shifting hard. It was like kicking. I parked, turned off the car and turned on again, and the light disappear but after few hours, it was there again, shortly after the engine light came on with the info check engine, and stayed on with the traction control light, then this disappear but the engine light stayed. Also the car has made noise since 2008 when my husband bought it.I don't know if both problems are related. On 10/15/14 I went to the dealer because my car has 5 different recalls to fix, and the service traction light was on, they didn't check it, they said if I want them check it, I have to paid for the inspection. …
Purchased 2007 HHR new in October 2006. With only 249 miles on the car, I returned to the dealer and reported a loud banging noise from the drivers side front end. The could not verify the noise. Since then they replaced two shift assemblies, one steering column and in November 2007 they replaced the drivers side front strut. The banging noise was still there. Now they think it May be the chassis tweaking ,but still cannot find or fix the the rattling noise. Also the transmission makes a clunking noise and the car surges when starting it while still in park. The say this is normal. My car has been in courtesy Chevrolet's shop for moore than 30 days since I purchased it. I do not drive it anymore as I believe it is unsafe, and a lemon. The car now has less than 15,000 miles. The car was taken to their shop on 10/19/06, 1/08/07, 7/19/07, 10/27/07, 10/22/07 and 11/13/07.
I have a 2007 Chevy HHR and starting having problems with trying to shift out of park. At first it was every so often it happened all the time. While I was on vacation my friend took the car to a Chevy dealership and they said the gear shift had to be replaced it cost me 497.99. In the mean time I went on line and found that 15,000 other owners of HHR's had the same exact problem. I went to GM to see if there was a recall and they said no. I then asked if they would do something to help me with this huge bill and after getting the run around for a month I was told by larry at GM [phone] ext 21217 there is nothing they can do to help. So now I am writing to you and I will also write the to the better business bureau too and see if there is any help for me at all. Thanks for taking the time to look into this and a speedy reply would be greatly appreciated.
Tl contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the engine has suddenly shut off over 20 times, usually while traveling at any speed on the interstate. The most recent failure occurred while driving 15 MPH. She called the dealer from where the vehicle was purchased and was informed that they would take the vehicle back. When she went to turn in the vehicle, the dealer attempted to sell her another vehicle and then refused to take the defective vehicle back. They stated that the cause of the failure was due to corrosion of one of the plugs. They repaired the plug corrosion and some brake issues. The repair lasted for approximately one month before recurring. The vehicle has not been repaired again. The failure mileage was 34,666 and current mileage was 48,000. Updated 09/29/08. The gear shift also needed to be replaced. Updated 09/29/08.
The power steering turns off while driving. It makes the car extremely difficult to steer and maneuver. Turning the engine off, resets the module and it will work for a bit. There is a click just before it goes out. Twice the click occur has occurred while turning a corner. In both instances the engine turned off. No warning, except a click, and then no ability to drive the car, because it has completely shut off. I have complained to the dealer for several months. They tell me there are no issues, but now they issue a recall for power steering. My vehicle year is not within the recall. I do not understand why a car shutting off while driving is not an issue. It was very concerning for me. It is extremely difficult to maneuver the vehicle when the power steering shuts off, but impossible when it stalls in a turn.
Transmission complaints in other HHR years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2007 Chevrolet HHR?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2007 Chevrolet HHR, 6% of the model year's 726 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Chevrolet HHR transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2007 Chevrolet HHR, though it has 4 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 2007 Chevrolet HHR transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire 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.