Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Chevrolet HHR owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was driving down the interstate at about 70 MPH, when I began to get the messages service ESC ESC off, traction control of, engine reduced power and not to mention all my lights lit up like a christmas tree. Also when all of this started to happen my vehicle jerks reduced speed drastically and was shaking vigorously I hurry up and exited the interstate and turned off my vehicle I waited a few minutes and the vehicle started right up 3 miles or so down the road the exact same thing happened only this time I was turning unto a busy intersection and I was left stranded in the middle of the street because the car would not budge I had to end up getting it towed. This is something that it's very dangerous and if I would have had my kids with me I wouldn't be as calm as I am now. I am livid and outraged as to why this has not been recalled. …
My 2011 HHR has started acting up by throwing out the reduced engine power light, ESC light and service traction light. This will happen when in park(when warning up the vehicle) and when im driving. It seems to happen more in cold weather. When it happens it reduces the speed down to 25mph and lurches forward and sounds horrible! I have had this happen when driving down a highway and the interstate (luckily I was in the right lane and able to get the shoulder safely. There is no warning when it is about to happen. It also will do it while stopped waiting for a stop light to change. It will throw on the check engine light and we have checked the codes and changed what it said needed change but that did not work. From what I have looked up it looks like people are having all sorts of issues with this but no one has found a solution. …
Driving along, 'low engine power' light came on (along with other errors, something about traction, something ESC, engine chugging; car slows down to about 10 MPH and won't accelerate; after turning car off, waiting a few minutes, car started again (but check engine light stayed on); this has actually happened to me 3 times in the past 3 weeks (I don't recall the exact dates) - I thought it might be from the extreme cold (close to 0 or below) - but today it is 31 degrees and happened again. I'm glad I wasn't on the expressway! Fortunately it happened at moderate speed and I was in a place I could safely pull off the side of the road.it appears that this is happening with numerous vehicles from around that year.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet HHR. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle by depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle did not shut off, but lost power completely. The vehicle was initially taken to frost and frost of gadsden, alabama where the transmission was rebuilt, but the failure recurred. On another occasion, the vehicle was taken to devan lowes of gadsden, alabama where it was diagnosed that the torque converter and the drive clutch were faulty the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 42,000. Updated 08/22/17
I was driving a freeway speeds when the engine suddenly went into limp home mode. I received the following dash indications - service ESC, traction off, reduced engine power. Upon further inspection we found a failed accelerator position sensor and we had the following trouble codes stored in the computer: p2135 Chevrolet - throttle/pedal position sensor/switch 'a'/'b' voltage correlation replaced the accelerator position sensor and gas pedal assembly, at this point the car seems fine. I have the failed part.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the engine reduced power warning light illuminated and the vehicle started to shake. Additionally, the vehicle stalled and was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the throttle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet HHR. The contact noticed a leak of hot air/liquid under the dashboard coming from the front and rear of the vehicle. The contact was burned from the hot water leakage. The contact also stated that the vehicle made an abnormal swoosh noise when making turns, which created a hot mist inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000.
I was driving 55mph when my reduced power light came on and my car wouldn't go over 40 MPH with my gas pedal all the way to the floor. The next day pulled the battery cable and let it reset. Drove fine for 3 miles and then did the same thing. Reduced power came on and wouldn't go over 40mph. Very dangerous when driving on the highway and your car suddenly slows down and there are cars behind you and you can't get over!
Never received any warnings that all of the engine cylinders were cracked with the exception of the temperature going into cooling mode one time. Took in for an oil change and asked them to check it out while it was there. Entire engine needed repaired at 50,547 miles. All cylinder sleeves cracked, replaced head gasket, head intake and all seals, gaskets and o-rings.
Car was struggling to start, when it did , it wouldn't go over 20mph, went to store, came out , it would start. Had it towed to the shop, engine crack and from that cracking it broke other stuff. I owe 3700. On the car and to fix it is 3200.00 sadly I do t have the money. No care, no way to get to work. Car was sitting in parking lot of our local save a lot.
Engine complaints in other HHR years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2011 Chevrolet HHR?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2011 Chevrolet HHR, 12% of the model year's 203 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2011 Chevrolet HHR engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2011 Chevrolet HHR, though it has 2 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 2011 Chevrolet HHR engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires 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.