Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the gear shift stick was not able to shift out of the park position. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission shift solenoid failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,567.
In a parking garage on the 4th floor. Backing out of space. While backing up, I hear a loud boom. Nothing behind me. Thought perhaps a tire failure. Put vehicle in drive to pull forward out of traffic lane, and the engine accelerated uncontrollably. Brakes wouldn't respond. By the grace of g-d or reflexes, I turned the wheel to the right to avoid flying through the guardrail and off the 4th story of the parking garage. Vehicle came to a halt when it smashed into a concrete support pillar. Both air bags detonated, passenger-side air bag apparently broke the windshield on that side. Engine shut off. Lights in passenger compartment turned on, hazards started flashing on/off (couldn't turn them off). Waited for tow truck for 5 hours. Tow drivers had to jump battery - couldn't get front hood open, back door electronic lock non-functional due to dead battery. …
A faint noise was heard and I pulled the vehicle over to the side of road walked around the entire vehicle looking to see if anything stood out, assessed the tires, engine and nothing appeared to be wrong. I proceeded to get on the ramp on and as I went through the toll booth driving around 40 MPH, the car accelerated to a speed of about 87 MPH, the steering could not be controlled it was almost as if it was in a locked position. Once the vehicle took off at the high speed, it then came almost to a complete stop. The sound of the engine was revving but the speed was not supporting the sound. I proceeded to brake, use the accelerator and was going back and forth between the two functions but neither would work. Scared to go into the flow of heavy traffic, I placed the vehicle in neutral which allowed me to roll down the ramp and onto the shoulder. …
Tl* the contact owned a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the steering wheel seized without warning. As a result, the contact crashed into a tree. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to the head, a fractured arm, and a fractured femur that required medical attention. The contact also stated that on several occasions, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the reverse gear failed to engage when the shift selector was placed into the reverse position. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,285.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. While driving 60 MPH with the cruise control activated, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to accelerate and remained in first gear. In addition, the air bag, traction control, and check engine indicators illuminated. The vehicle was serviced per manufacturer recall number: 08016. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer where it was diagnosed that there was an air bag failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the contact stated that the vehicle experienced the same symptoms. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 191,000.
While driving my HHR ss a service ESC message appeared in the dic along with a chime like the dinging of no seat belt. Then a power steering message came after that. When this happens my steering wheel locks up and is hard to turn. I have heard that some of these steering columns have been recalled! Why not the HHR ss!! I have been told that it is the angle position sensor and the entire steering column has to be replaced! When this first accurd my vehicle did have a warranty but they said that because it was deemed an angle position sensor that warranty would not cover it even though the whole steering column has to be replace because of it being a ss. This is a major problem that I have seen alot of HHR owners are having and this should be recalled!
About 2wks ago all the sound in my car went out for about 5mins then came back on! Tonight 1/4/15 about 8:50 pm I stopped at a gas station to get gas I put my foot on the brake and went to put it in park and it wouldn't shift it took me 5mins to finally get it into park! Once in park I tried to take the key out and it wouldn't come out it was stuck in accessory mode! I kept trying to take it out finally after about 10/15mins I got it out! Went to leave to and my car wouldn't start! It will turn to accessory mode but wont turn over and actually start! I had to call roadside assistance to tow me home! I had the recall for the ignition switch fixed but now its doing this? I don't know what it is but this is currently my only car!
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
General motors is recalling 276,729 my 2009 Buick enclave, Chevrolet cobalt, hhr, malibu, traverse, GMC acadia, Pontiac g5, g6 and Saturn aura and outlook passenger vehicles. These vehicles fail to comply with federal motor vehicles safety standard 102, "transmission shift position sequence, starter interlock, and transmission…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and ensure that the shift cable adjustment clip is fully engaged. In the event that the clip does not engage, the shift cable will be replaced free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet HHR years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (82), 2007 (40), 2008 (22), 2010 (21) and 2009 (16) model years. Transmission complaints make up 8% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet HHR transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 09V-073 (column shift, Mar 6, 2009). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet HHR transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles; 36% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (37 mentions), followed by the manual transmission (8).
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.