Chevrolet HHR Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 3,575 consumer complaints across the 6 model years of the Chevrolet HHR (2006–2011) that have at least 5 complaints. 2006 has the most, with 1,006. Across all years, the part named most often is steering (1,563 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All HHR model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 203 | 59,594 | 2 | 1,131 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 516 | 62,000 | 3 | 1,138 | 51 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 508 | 60,000 | 4 | 1,003 | 64 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 616 | 75,402 | 4 | 939 | 49 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 726 | 74,000 | 4 | 842 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 1,006 | 70,386 | 5 | 759 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Steering1,563 41%
- Electrical system751 20%
- Fuel system370 9.6%
- Air bags332 8.6%
- Body and structure261 6.8%
- Brakes237 6.2%
- Transmission and drivetrain191 5.0%
- Latches, locks and linkages145 3.8%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2007: “I notice that the tank has been leaking fuel. This occurs when I fill up the tank and/or the fuel swishes or moves around. This happens on the rear left tire. It seems to get on the exhaust or heat up and smell excessive fuel. I noticed this when I would park for at least 20 mins on a full tank. I am a fuel tank engineer and see this as a poor design possibly”
NHTSA complaint #11397052, filed 2021-02, 138,000 miles2009: “Front passenger seat belt remains locked. Sometimes it will work if you adjust it up and down but other times it won't work at all. I had to have my passenger ride in the back today so that she could use a seatbelt because the front one refused to release. The vehicle was parked but running. Standard transmission. Also happens when vehicle is moving.”
NHTSA complaint #11363315, filed 2020-10, 166,800 miles2011: “Intense gas smell and slight ignition delay. No gas smell until after it is running.. I understand I should not even drive vehicle to repair shop because of a fire danger. Many more complaints exactly like mind. This is a huge safety risk because of firze. I question why there was never a recall. We certainly don't have a year to wait for an investigation.”
NHTSA complaint #11331290, filed 2020-06, 105,404 milesOther Chevrolet models
19,366 complaintsChevrolet Silverado 1500
18,111 complaintsChevrolet Impala
10,408 complaintsChevrolet Tahoe
10,060 complaintsChevrolet Equinox
9,208 complaintsChevrolet Silverado
8,790 complaintsChevrolet Blazer
8,199 complaintsChevrolet Suburban
8,170 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology