What is the 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR Defective Ignition Switch Causing Engine Shutoff and Airbag Failure?

Every HHR from 2006 to 2011 was affected by GM's ignition switch recall. A heavy keyring or rough road conditions can shift the ignition from "Run" to "Accessory," shutting off the engine and disabling the airbags, power steering, and power brakes while driving. The GM victim com… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR Electric Power Steering Sudden Loss of Assist?

The HHR uses an electric power steering system that is prone to sudden failure, particularly on 2006-2008 models. The power steering can quit mid-drive with no warning, making the vehicle extremely difficult to steer. The 2007 model alone logged 550+ NHTSA complaints and was invo… Repairs typically run $400-$800. Severity: high.

What is the 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR Ecotec Timing Chain Tensioner Failure and Chain Stretch?

The 2.2L and 2.4L Ecotec engines in the HHR suffer from timing chain tensioner failure and chain stretch, particularly on early production years. The timing chain tensioner does not receive sufficient oil at idle due to a design fault in early engines, causing accelerated wear. T… Repairs typically run $800-$2,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR Fuel Line Corrosion and Leak Near Rear Wheel?

The HHR has a documented issue with fuel line corrosion, particularly in rust belt states. The fuel line corrodes just forward of the driver-side rear wheel, developing leaks that create a fire hazard. Road salt and debris accelerate the corrosion. The issue is most commonly seen… Repairs typically run $200-$500. Severity: high.

What is the 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR Defective Ignition Switch Can Shut Off Engine While Driving (Major Recall)?

The HHR was part of GM's massive ignition switch recall. The switch is not robust enough, so a heavy key chain or a bump from the driver's knee can jostle the key out of the 'run' position, shutting off the engine and cutting power to steering, brakes and airbags. With the engine… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR Ecotec Timing Chain Stretch / Tensioner Failure?

The 2.2L (L61/LE5) and 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinders are prone to timing chain wear caused by failing plastic guides and weak tensioners, often aggravated by extended oil-change intervals or low oil. Because the engine is an interference design, a stretched chain that jumps time can… Repairs typically run $700-$1,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR Sudden Loss of Electric Power Steering (EPS) Assist?

The HHR's electric power steering motor can fail intermittently or completely, causing the steering to suddenly become very heavy while driving. Owners report the EPS shutting off under any condition, after which the wheel is extremely hard to turn until the engine is shut off an… Repairs typically run $0-$900. Severity: high.

What is the 2009 Chevrolet HHR Transmission Shift Cable / Rollaway Recall and Harsh Shifting (4T65E)?

GM recalled 276,729 model-year 2009 vehicles, including the HHR, because the transmission shift cable adjustment clip may not be fully engaged (recall 09V073). When it isn't, the gear indicated by the shifter can differ from the transmission's actual gear, letting a driver select… Repairs typically run $0-$1,200. Severity: high.

What is the 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR Interior and Exterior Door Handle Breakage Trapping Occupants?

The Chevrolet HHR is notorious for door handles that snap off, both interior and exterior. Interior door handle breakage is particularly dangerous as it can trap occupants inside the vehicle. The handles are made of brittle plastic that becomes fragile with age and temperature cy… Repairs typically run $20-$200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR Passlock Anti-Theft System No-Start (Security Light)?

The HHR uses GM's Passlock theft-deterrent system, and a failing Passlock sensor in the ignition lock cylinder commonly triggers a false theft condition. The 'Service Theft Deterrent System' message appears, the security light flashes, and the engine cranks but will not start (or… Repairs typically run $150-$400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR Interior Door Handles Break Off?

The HHR's interior door handles are cheap chrome-plated plastic that crack and snap off during normal use, leaving the door unable to be opened from inside. CarComplaints logged 23 reports for the 2006 model alone, at an average of ~94,600 miles. GM never recalled the handles; de… Repairs typically run $50-$500. Severity: low.

What is the 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR Blower Motor Resistor Failure / Cowl Water Leak (HVAC Only Works on High)?

A very common HHR HVAC fault: the blower fan stops working on low and medium speeds and only runs on High (which bypasses the resistor). The root cause is a failed blower motor resistor, frequently accelerated by a design flaw where the butyl sealant patch under the passenger-sid… Repairs typically run $50-$250. Severity: low.

What is the 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR Inaccurate / Fluctuating Fuel Gauge (Fuel Level Sensor)?

HHR owners frequently report the fuel gauge reading incorrectly or bouncing around unpredictably while driving, sometimes stuck on empty or full. The cause is the fuel level sensor inside the tank: the contact fingers that slide across the resistor card wear out or get fouled by… Repairs typically run $150-$400. Severity: low.

Chevrolet · Known Issues

2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR Problems: 14 Known Issues

2006-2011 model years · 1,755+ owner reports · Updated August 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 1,755+ owner reports, the 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR has 14 documented known issues, with 9 rated critical. The most serious are Defective Ignition Switch Causing Engine Shutoff and Airbag Failure ($0-$0 repair), Electric Power Steering Sudden Loss of Assist ($400-$800 repair), Ecotec Timing Chain Tensioner Failure and Chain Stretch ($800-$2,000 repair), Fuel Line Corrosion and Leak Near Rear Wheel ($200-$500 repair), Defective Ignition Switch Can Shut Off Engine While Driving (Major Recall) ($0-$0 repair), 2009 HHR Shift Cable Clip May Not Engage — No-Restart and Rollaway (Recall 09V073000), Ecotec Timing Chain Stretch / Tensioner Failure ($700-$1,500 repair), Sudden Loss of Electric Power Steering (EPS) Assist ($0-$900 repair) and Transmission Shift Cable / Rollaway Recall and Harsh Shifting (4T65E).

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chevrolet HHR problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,755+ owner reports, the 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR has 14 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Defective Ignition Switch Causing Engine Shutoff and Airbag Failure, Electric Power Steering Sudden Loss of Assist, Ecotec Timing Chain Tensioner Failure and Chain Stretch. Of these, 9 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Chevrolet HHR reliable?

The 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR has 14 known issues documented across 1,755+ owner reports. 9 issues are rated critical: Defective Ignition Switch Causing Engine Shutoff and Airbag Failure and Electric Power Steering Sudden Loss of Assist and Ecotec Timing Chain Tensioner Failure and Chain Stretch and Fuel Line Corrosion and Leak Near Rear Wheel and Defective Ignition Switch Can Shut Off Engine While Driving (Major Recall) and 2009 HHR Shift Cable Clip May Not Engage — No-Restart and Rollaway (Recall 09V073000) and Ecotec Timing Chain Stretch / Tensioner Failure and Sudden Loss of Electric Power Steering (EPS) Assist and Transmission Shift Cable / Rollaway Recall and Harsh Shifting (4T65E). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Chevrolet HHR problems?

Repair costs for known Chevrolet HHR issues range from $0 to $2,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Defective Ignition Switch Causing Engine Shutoff and Airbag Failure, typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Chevrolet HHR is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Chevrolet HHR. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR with 14 documented issues documented across 1,755+ owner reports.

All 14 Known Issues

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chevrolet HHR problems?

Is the Chevrolet HHR reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Chevrolet HHR problems?

What year Chevrolet HHR is the most reliable?

Defective Ignition Switch Causing Engine Shutoff and Airbag Failure#

Defective Ignition Switch Can Shut Off Engine While Driving (Major Recall)#

Ecotec Timing Chain Tensioner Failure and Chain Stretch#

Ecotec Timing Chain Stretch / Tensioner Failure#

2009 HHR Shift Cable Clip May Not Engage — No-Restart and Rollaway (Recall 09V073000)#

Transmission Shift Cable / Rollaway Recall and Harsh Shifting (4T65E)#

Fuel Line Corrosion and Leak Near Rear Wheel#

Inaccurate / Fluctuating Fuel Gauge (Fuel Level Sensor)#

Electric Power Steering Sudden Loss of Assist#

Sudden Loss of Electric Power Steering (EPS) Assist#

Interior and Exterior Door Handle Breakage Trapping Occupants#

Passlock Anti-Theft System No-Start (Security Light)#

Interior Door Handles Break Off#

Blower Motor Resistor Failure / Cowl Water Leak (HVAC Only Works on High)#