2006 Chevrolet Hhr

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 1,006 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the steering. It has been recalled 6 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

840 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles; the median is 70,500 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Steering391
1304
Electrical System121
525
Fuel/Propulsion System41
010
Air Bags34
15113
Structure › Body › Door33
000
Structure › Body32
301
Power Train30
200
Latches/Locks/Linkages29
000
Engine28
102
Structure23
000

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch14E021000
Filed Apr 30, 201414,529 vehiclesUci-Fram Group

Defect. UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the affected ignition switches to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and disabling the air bags.

Risk. If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.

Remedy. UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should contact UCI-FRAM Group at 1-800-890-2075. GM vehicle owners requiring additional information on that recall campaign should contact GM at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac) or 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn).

Electrical System › Ignition14V171000
Filed Apr 10, 20142,191,014 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.

Risk. If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.

Remedy. General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.

Air Bags14V047000
Filed Feb 10, 20142,190,934 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.

Risk. If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GM’s recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch08V444000
Filed Sep 3, 2008296,422 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. GM IS RECALLING 296,422 MY 2006-2008 CHEVROLET HHR VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE DOOR ON THE STORAGE BIN IN THE TOP CENTER OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO REMAIN CLOSED AS REQUIRED.

Risk. THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS TO PROVIDE HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION FOR OCCUPANTS.

Remedy. A REDESIGNED LATCH WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 23, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .

Air Bags08V046000
Filed Jan 30, 2008181,516 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. GM IS RECALLING 181,516 MY 2006-2008 CHEVROLET HHR VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ROOF RAIL AIR BAGS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT.' IN TESTS, ONE OF THE UPPER INTERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION TEST POINTS EXCEEDED THE STANDARD'S REQUIREMENT.

Risk. THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS TO PROVIDE HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION FOR OCCUPANTS.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ENERGY-ABSORBING PLASTIC PIECE TO THE HEADLINER TRIM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 2, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .

Air Bags › Frontal06V417000
Filed Oct 31, 2006794 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION.

Risk. IF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, THE FRONT AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MAY BE DISABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE ENABLED, OR ENABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE DISABLED. IN EITHER CASE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT REQUIRES AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, A FRONT PASSENGER'S LEVEL OF INJURY MAY BE INCREASED.

Remedy. BECAUSE A REPLACEMENT LEATHER SEAT COVER THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) WILL REPURCHASE THESE VEHICLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS STATED IN GM'S LETTER TO OWNERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT GM AT 1-877-477-1022 TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF REPURCHASING THEIR VEHICLE.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Suspension
Filed Aug 2, 2025TX

The door few open because the door latch broke off

Steering
Filed May 29, 2025OR

While replacing 3 motor mounts, engine oil pan,transmission oil pan, also CV axles, wheel bearings needed replaced. When i got my car back the power steering wasn't working. My mechanic said there was a recall for my year, make and model for the power steering assist. I haven't gotten this fixed yet due to lack of funds . I am filling this out to see if is recalled.

Steering
Filed Dec 6, 2024240,000 milesIN

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 240,000.

Steering
Filed Sep 12, 2024TX

The (EPS) system in my 2006 Chevy HHR has experienced multiple malfunctions. The power steering suddenly cuts out without warning while driving at both low and high speeds, making it extremely difficult to steer, especially when attempting to turn or change lanes. This failure happens intermittently, and the EPS motor is suspected to be the root cause. I have replaced fuses and relays, but the issue persists. This system is available for inspection upon request. This malfunction poses a severe risk to my safety and the safety of others. When the power steering fails, it becomes nearly impossible to turn the vehicle, which is especially hazardous during routine maneuvers such as lane changes or turns at intersections. The sudden loss of steering capability, especially at higher speeds, has left me vulnerable to potential collisions. Given the unpredictability of the issue, it could easily lead to a fatal accident if it occurs while navigating tight curves or avoiding road hazards. The problem has been confirmed by a certified mechanic, who validated that the power steering system is malfunctioning and recognized the danger it poses. The mechanic advised that this issue is prevalent in vehicles of this make and model & suggested filing a formal complaint to prompt further investigation by the manufacturer. To date, the veh has been thoroughly examined by an independent service center. They confirmed the malfunction of the EPS system but were unable to fully resolve the issue th

Steering
Filed Jun 23, 2024CA

Power steering cuts off and very hard to steer until you turn off vehicle and turn back on but then will go out again while driving .This is very un safe when my wife is driving Kids to school.I have read that 2009-2011 has same issue and have been recalled why isn’t this one if it’s same problem .

Steering
Filed Mar 25, 2024146,000 milesNV

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked with the key locked inside. The locksmith assisted the contact with entering the vehicle. The contact stated that it was difficult to pull out of the parking space due to a loss of power steering functionality. The vehicle was driven to a local mechanic but was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 22, 2024GA

Fuel line is leaking under the car. I could smell gas when I would get out of my car.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 28, 2023DE

While driving the car after a few miles, the door locks start going up and down, the power steering light comes on and is hard to steer, the check engine light comes on, the speedometer stops working and the tach malfunctions. the car surges while moving foward. if you shut the car off it will reset itself. once you start the car again it starts to malfunction again. one gararge owner did some tests but didn't fix the problem

Steering
Filed Dec 5, 2023KY

The power steering went out. Very hard and unsafe to drive.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 5, 2023IN

Gas line leaking under left rear tire

Electrical System
Filed Jul 27, 202392,000 milesIL

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and would not properly accelerate. Additionally, the front passenger’s side door would not open while using the interior door latch. The contact stated while using the cigarette lighter, the vehicle shut off, and smoke filled the cabin of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 92,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 31, 2022NY

Rear Section of the rear fuel line started to rott out and started leaking. The sction is where there is insulation on the line, adjacent to the Left rear tire. The rest of the line is good with no corrosion or rust. When the car is running and stopped a puddle forms under the car that is gasoline. I noticed it about a week ago , I smelled gas and thought the engine was the source, but later determined it was the fuel line as I could see the leak. It is by the rear plastic fuel line holder / support. The vehicle is always parked on a concrete driveway or paved street. Never on grass or dirt.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 3, 2022AL

Brake light tail light and rear blinker housing keeps melting leaving us with no working lights what so ever. Costly and dangerous

Steering › Electric Power Assist System
Filed Jul 23, 202146,973 milesMD

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the power steering warning light was illuminated, and the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving at various speeds and while idling. The contact stated that the failure occurred at least once every hour. The contact learned that the electronic power steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,973.

Steering
Filed Jul 21, 2021PA

While driving in town lost the power steering on a turn making it difficult to steer and control the car. Self explanatory for keeping control of the car. Not sure what the problem is for sure the motor or other components. There was a vehicle safety recall but I was not notified that my vehicle may have been included. Problem still exists. No inspections as no accident occurred. Got a chime when unit failure immediately when it got disabled. No warning or message before or prior to failure.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 13, 2021MA

Fuel line rotting. Dripping gas towards rear of car. When I did my research this is very common with the Chevy cars. Like the HHR cavaliers and cobalts. Using a cheap metal then wrapping it in a heat shield that cause moisture to stay trapped causing the lines to rot.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jul 6, 2021160,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the low unknown fluid warning light was illuminated. The contact checked the fluid levels and the fluid levels were at full. After a couple of days the contact restarted the vehicle and the warning light was off. The contact was concerned that there might be an issue with brake fluid not flowing through the brake lines as designed which could cause the brakes to not work properly. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Dec 14, 2020128,586 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ODOR OF FUEL WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE CONTACT NOTICED A PUDDLE OF FUEL AT THE FRONT OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL WHERE THE HEAT SHIELD INSULATION RETURN AND BRAKE LINE WERE LOCATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL LINE WAS CORRODED WITH SEVERAL HOLES. THE CONTACT CALLED REEDMAN TOLL AUTO GROUP (1700 LINCOLN HWY #101, LANGHORNE, PA 19047) AND INFORMED THE DEALER OF THE FAILURE AND WAS ADVISED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 128,586.

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights
Filed Dec 9, 2020153,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY WHILE IT WAS 27 DEGREE FAHRENHEIT. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THERE WERE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS DUE TO COLD WEATHER AND THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT MAY REMAIN ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS AN UNKNOWN TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THE ISSUE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 5, 2020187,250 milesMA

FUEL LINE LEAK NEAR REAR TIRE. FOUND PRESSURE LINE ROTTED INSIDE OF HEAT PROTECTION WRAP.

20 of 1,006 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2011203330Above average
2010515410Above average
2009508570Above average
2008616564Fatalities reported
2007726540Above average
2006 — this page1,006684Fatalities reported

Compare every Hhr year →

Reading this record

4 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 30, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.