2009 Chevrolet HHR Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 1%of 508 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 43,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2009 Chevrolet HHR, 1% of the 508 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 43,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“After parking in the drive way around 11:30 pm the ignition key would not turn off. I tried to use the release plunger but ended up removing the lower steering column cover and forcing it over the key. Then I pulled the wire harness off which shut off the engine. I was able to start the car by putting the wire back on and twisting the key. The dealer said the key was bent and charged me $400 to replace the switch. They obviously used pliers to remove the key. …”
NHTSA complaint #10454883, filed 2012-04, 41,000 miles“Last friday I traveled to new orleans to perform a repair at a local furniture company. Upon my arrival I could not extract the key from the ignition of my vehicle. I called the dealer (ross downing chevy in hammond, la) to find out how to extract the key. I was told to take it to a GM dealer I did so and returned to hammond, la and took my vehicle to the dealer where I purchased it brand new in feb 2010. My vehicle is a chevy HHR lt 2009. My engine temperature was also high (267f) and I could not shut it off. …”
NHTSA complaint #10405376, filed 2011-06, 35,500 miles“I put the transmission into park and attempted to turn off the car and remove the key to go into a store. I could not turn the ignition switch to off or remove the key. I drove the car home and parked. I could still not turn the ignition switch to off or remove the key. Numerous attempts of putting car into reverse, or drive and into park did not solve the problem. The key was trapped in the ignition switch! Called onstar and was forwarded to customer service; tow truck was called. Tow truck delivered car to dealership with engine still running. …”
NHTSA complaint #10442475, filed 2012-01, 54,255 miles“I was driving my chevy HHR when it started overheating and smoking and didn't seem safe to drive, so I had it towed to a dealership and was told that engine block cracked at about 147,000 miles due to overheating. I was told that it needed a new engine which would be 4,000. Wanting a second opinion, we had it towed to another mechanic who basically said the exact same thing. Then wecalled GM because the mechanic told him that there was a tech bulletin out on it and this was a known problem on the HHR's so we were hoping that GM would help us since the car was only 2 years old. …”
NHTSA complaint #10456719, filed 2012-04, 170,000 miles“Unable to remove the key from the igition. One hour later the car is still running and key is stuck. Disconnected the battery. Its 7pm will have it toaded to dealership in am”
NHTSA complaint #10455159, filed 2012-04, 27,080 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10250505Feb 7, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10244273Oct 6, 2023This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10242061Aug 7, 2023This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2009 Chevrolet HHR
151 complaintsSteering
127 complaintsAir bags
104 complaintsFuel system
84 complaintsBrakes
30 complaintsElectronic stability control
25 complaintsBody and structure
21 complaintsEngine
18 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsSeat belts
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Chevrolet HHR
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology