Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Chevrolet HHR owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Started smelling smoke and the whole vehicle shut down with the being stuck on ignition. Couldn't open the doors and smoke was billowing out and fire start coming out of lower middle console. Luckily was able to open door and exit vehicle. Fire then erupted and quickly traveled straight down the center console to the rear of the car. Within minutes the car was totally engulfed in flames and was completely burned to nothing. Suffered several burns and smoke inhalation and the car and every thing in it was destroyed
I was driving down the highway and all of a sudden the service airbag warning light came on as well as the warning chime. I purchased the car used in August 2013, and soon after getting it the very same warning came on. I went back to the dealer and they had it sent to a local GM dealer to be fixed. I purchased the car from a Dodge and Subaru dealer and they were not able to do the repair. I was shown the repair paperwork stating that a faulty airbag sensor was replaced. Well just last week the very same thing happened again. The service airbag light comes on then goes off sometimes after only a few seconds. Then another warning light went on stating faulty air pressure sensor. The check engine light is on as well so I'm wondering if there is some type of electrical gremlin in the car. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the vehicle leaked fuel underneath the vehicle, in front of the rear passenger tire. The contact called matthews-hargreaves Chevrolet (2000 twelve mile rd, royal oak, mi 48067) and was informed that the vehicle was not subjected to a recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that there was a repair kit online for sale however, the manufacturer stated that if the vehicle was repaired using the repair kit, the warranty would be voided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 210,000.
I have had my recall competed on my ignition switch, however, I am concerned because I still have an issue where I turn off the car and take the key out of the ignition, and either I hear the engine still run slightly, but more commonly the issue is that the door chimes as if I opened the door with the key still in the ignition (although it is not). I thought the replacement after this recall would fix the problem as I had previously brought it to the dealership and they could not "duplicate it" or see any immediate issues. Should I be concerned that this is still happening after the recall?
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the ESC warning indicator illuminated. The contact mentioned that the security lock warning indicator also illuminated. The contact had to make multiple attempts of turning the ignition key back and forth before the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the engine stalled when attempting to start the vehicle. The check engine indicator illuminated when starting the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the timing chain was stretched and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 150,000. Updated 06/05/2017
Check engine light. Reduced engine power. ESC off. This occurred on vehicle startup and while the vehicle was in motion. The vehicle goes into a low power mode and cannot be driven more than five miles per hour.
I was driving my Chevy HHR when it started overheating and smoking and didn't seem safe to drive, so I had it towed to a dealership and was told that engine block cracked at about 147,000 miles due to overheating. I was told that it needed a new engine which would be 4,000. Wanting a second opinion, we had it towed to another mechanic who basically said the exact same thing. Then wecalled GM because the mechanic told him that there was a tech bulletin out on it and this was a known problem on the HHR's so we were hoping that GM would help us since the car was only 2 years old. GM said that they could probably help us but first we had to pay another 200 to get it towed to another Chevy dealership and then pay for the diagnosis. I was hesitant, but he told me that if we did that he should hopefully be able to help us out with the engine. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that he had several problems with the vehicle. The failures included the brakes, power steering assist and a foul odor being emitted through the ventilation system. In addition, the driver's side door handle cable fractured and the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that he took the vehicle to the dealer for the failure of the power steering assist where they advised that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The steering rack was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer because the check engine light was illuminated and they advised that the cam shaft sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the vehicle began to drive roughly afterward. …
Vehicle ran fine entire day(12-20-2013), I parked to shop with my wife at a local mall. When we were ready to leave the vehicle would turn over and then immediately shut off. This happened at least 10 times, my battery was beginning to drain so I stopped. My wife and I decided to continue our shopping and come back to vehicle later. Once again I started the vehicle and it immediately shut off. I had to call a towing service (aaa) to tow us to a local repair shop. The next day I was told the vehicle started fine and they could not find any problem. The mechanic did tell us that the vehicle had previous error codes from last night pointing to ignition and starter units, but they found no problems. …
Engine complaints in other HHR years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2009 Chevrolet HHR?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2009 Chevrolet HHR, 5% of the model year's 508 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2009 Chevrolet HHR engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2009 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 2009 Chevrolet HHR engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury 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.