Suspension complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Heading home , going over the bridge @ 20mph from the nationals field going south bound heading towards south capital exit. Traveling On the right side of the road , I approached and drove over the metal sewer drainage that's not properly in the ground leveled which caused damage to my vehicles suspension. Immediately after the impact , I started hearing a strange noise as well as when I moved the steering wheel. I took my vehicle to Sears auto center on 7/01/21to be evaluated and explained the incident. I couldn't avoid the drainage due to another vehicle was on the left side of the road . I had to pay $1,111.92 out of my pocket and would like my money back. This drainage isn't in the ground properly which caused the problem to my vehicle. Is unavoidable especially if there's an vehicle directly across from you.
Merging into traffic car stopped in front of me I pressed the brakes and the rental just continue to slide into the car causing rear end accident warning lights in dash control traction service and engine service soon low oils lights loud noise from brakes loins noise from underparts
I have replaced the lower control arms four times within the last 3 years that part is defective there are supposed to last 10 years. It affects your steering when breaking. This part needs to be recalled immediately. The last time I replaced the lower control arms was April 16th 2021.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet HHR. When the brake pedal was depressed, there was an abnormal vibration at the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the front driver and passenger side lower control arms rubber bushing were worn and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also stated that the front driver side door handle fractured. The vehicle was repaired, but the failures recurred twice. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
When driving my 2009 HHR the steering wheel shakes & vibrate at different intervals. Usually while slowing down to a stop & sometimes after during high speeds. Recently the noise it made was frightening. I had to use my emergency flashers & drive 50 mi per hr. on the freeway to arrive home safely. I took my car to Mark Chevrolet & reported it on 08/02/2021. The car's mileage was 133344. The car is not an everyday vehicle that is driven often. I received the car on 08/17/2021 after the steering column & shaft were replaced along with resurfacing front brake rotors & rear brake job. On August 18, 2021 while driving on the freeway I went to blow my horn at a hazardous situation & discovered none of the steering wheels controls were working, horn & etc. …
Less then 24 hours off the lot I was driving home off hwy26 exiting to my town of watertown,wi. I was slowing down on the ramp and my side air bag deployed. I was hit in the head by the driver visor causing my to flinch and release the break for a slit second. I tried to reapply the break and had no breaks I was still at 40mph. It was snowing this caused me to not be able to turn so I hit a meaden snapping my a arm. I also snipped my ABS cable, blew out driver ball joints, bent the tie rod, dislocated my axel bent my rim and ruined my new tire on the driver side. On the passenger side I broke my knuck and blew out my ball joints. It locked up my driver seat belt and even with no one wearing the passenger one it locked that up too. After it happened going online I have found a few more cases like mine one caused a woman to spend a month and a half in hospital from hitting a pole.
Steering gets very stiff and sometimes locks up when turning left or right in a curve at highway speeds. Had dealer check it and they said they replaced steering motor. Did not correct problem. Made an appointment to check again but was told I would incur charges. I have had it to several mechanic shops and we cannot find anything loose or failing. In a parked position it locks up completely until you start rolling. Afraid steering is going to lock up in a curve and cause harm to driver and passengers. It is available for inspection. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police or insurance. Has no warning lights or messages pertaining to problem. The problem first appeared approximately 6 months ago.
We own a 2008 HHR and it has been nothing but trouble . First when we purchased the car in dec 2008 it had 23,000 miles on it. Two months after we got the car we had to replace both front rotors on it and after fighting with GM they agreed to pay for the rotors. At this time they told us that the car needed new tires and a front end alignment at 26,000 miles . Then just two months ago at 61,000 miles it had a rumbling noise in the front end ,the drivetrain was still under warrenty.the dealer told me that the right side axle bearing was bad and they replaced it,and also at this time they told us that the lower ball joint needed to be replaced at a cost to us of over $400.00 . Just last week the rumbling noise returned , I returned the car to the dealer again and they told us that this the left axle bearing was bad, warranty also covered this repair. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet HHR years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (34), 2007 (27), 2008 (15), 2009 (8) and 2010 (7) model years. Suspension complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet HHR suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for any Chevrolet HHR model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Chevrolet HHR suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 54,000 miles; 47% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front (16 mentions), followed by the front › control arm › lower arm (2).
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.