2009 Chevrolet HHR Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 3%of 508 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2009 Chevrolet HHR, 3% of the 508 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Brake lights remain to be on as pedal is not pressed and ESC, traction control do not work also this is a hazard to the point where I have had road rage against me because of the brake lights not turning off issue needs to be resolved through GM as a recall on these vehicles this is not the only 2009 chevy HHR that has had this problem”
NHTSA complaint #11354570, filed 2020-09, 162,000 miles“Took my car n for the engine recall five days later I notice my head light on the left side is out. On the 18th im informed by other drivers that my brake light on the left side is out. Plus one of my turn signal light is out. Basically the lights on the left side of my car are out. Also the steering will shake while slowing down and slowing in order to stop the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10614680, filed 2014-07, 80,857 miles“Headlamps on my 2009 Chevrolet HHR burn out prematurely, very rapidly. I am now replacing the third headlamp for both the driver and passenger side. I average roughly 10,000-12,000 before I need to replace bulbs. My driver side lamp was out, and tonight while driving the passenger side lamp went out. Headlamp bulbs, especially because of how costly they are, should not be burning out every 10-12,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10558237, filed 2014-01, 39,655 miles“One night after work I got into my car and had no headlights after having bulb changed three times!!! This car has cost me more money then any car I have ever owned and there's not even 100000 miles on it the whole car should be recalled”
NHTSA complaint #11021561, filed 2017-09, 80,000 miles“Failure of both headlight low beams in new 2009 chevy HHR. First time driving the car at night, I noticed that I had no low beams. Took the car to medved chevy in castle rock, co who confirmed the failure. Service reported low beams inop; found open in turn signal switch, replaced switch . Copy of service invoice available upon request.”
NHTSA complaint #10286162, filed 2009-10, 2,852 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10232136Feb 15, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10200151Jun 21, 2021This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
Exterior lighting: 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 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 31, 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