2009 Chevrolet HHR Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 4%of 508 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,827miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the engine of the 2009 Chevrolet HHR, 4% of the 508 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,827 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving on the highway my service ESC light came on along with the road traction picture and my car started jerking and shaking after a few minutes my check engine light came on. My husband thought it was misfiring so he changed out the spark plugs but it is still doing the same thing. The ESC light will go off for a few miles but will came back on.”
NHTSA complaint #10510934, filed 2013-05, 87,154 miles“I pulled in my driveway and put the car in park and could not turn off the key. I tried to everything, steering wheel, key, shifter, brakes, etc and I could not turn the car off or get the key out. I had to pull a fuse to get the car to shut down. This problem is similar, if not exactly, the same of other complaints on this type car. I will probably have to have it towed and repaired by a dealer at great expense. Not good for GM.”
NHTSA complaint #10493608, filed 2013-01, 97,500 miles“I was driving down the highway and all of a sudden the service airbag warning light came on as well as the warning chime. I purchased the car used in august 2013, and soon after getting it the very same warning came on. I went back to the dealer and they had it sent to a local GM dealer to be fixed. I purchased the car from a dodge and subaru dealer and they were not able to do the repair. I was shown the repair paperwork stating that a faulty airbag sensor was replaced. Well just last week the very same thing happened again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10714542, filed 2015-05, 84,500 miles“Vehicle ran fine entire day(12-20-2013), I parked to shop with my wife at a local mall. When we were ready to leave the vehicle would turn over and then immediately shut off. This happened at least 10 times, my battery was beginning to drain so I stopped. My wife and I decided to continue our shopping and come back to vehicle later. Once again I started the vehicle and it immediately shut off. I had to call a towing service (aaa) to tow us to a local repair shop. The next day I was told the vehicle started fine and they could not find any problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10616801, filed 2014-07, 51,000 miles“I have had my recall competed on my ignition switch, however, I am concerned because I still have an issue where I turn off the car and take the key out of the ignition, and either I hear the engine still run slightly, but more commonly the issue is that the door chimes as if I opened the door with the key still in the ignition (although it is not). I thought the replacement after this recall would fix the problem as I had previously brought it to the dealership and they could not duplicate it or see any immediate issues. Should I be concerned that this is still happening after the recall?”
NHTSA complaint #10680332, filed 2015-02, 48,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11009531Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11007116Aug 6, 2024This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11007091Aug 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This service 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 or…
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10242298Aug 10, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10199238May 3, 2021This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.
- 10178949Jul 28, 2020This Bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC…
- 10178387Jul 27, 2020This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
Engine: 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 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsSeat belts
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
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