2011 Chevrolet HHR Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 12%of 203 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 68,524miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the engine of the 2011 Chevrolet HHR, 12% of the 203 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,524 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Car was struggling to start, when it did , it wouldn't go over 20mph, went to store, came out , it would start. Had it towed to the shop, engine crack and from that cracking it broke other stuff. I owe 3700. On the car and to fix it is 3200.00 sadly I do t have the money. No care, no way to get to work. Car was sitting in parking lot of our local save a lot.”
NHTSA complaint #10954206, filed 2017-02, 86,000 miles“I work two jobs just bought my 2011 chevy HHR just over a year ago and started getting reduced engine power light and then lose power and have trouble going over 20 struggles to get to 40 MPH I have 3 young children that ride with me and there safety is number one and if I can't trust my new vehicle then how can I trust chevy.”
NHTSA complaint #10663499, filed 2014-12, 80,000 miles“I was driving 55mph when my reduced power light came on and my car wouldn't go over 40 MPH with my gas pedal all the way to the floor. The next day pulled the battery cable and let it reset. Drove fine for 3 miles and then did the same thing. Reduced power came on and wouldn't go over 40mph. Very dangerous when driving on the highway and your car suddenly slows down and there are cars behind you and you can't get over!”
NHTSA complaint #10678908, filed 2015-01, 95,000 miles“I was driving down the interstate at about 70 MPH, when I began to get the messages service ESC ESC off, traction control of, engine reduced power and not to mention all my lights lit up like a christmas tree. …”
NHTSA complaint #11080963, filed 2018-03, 123,550 miles“While driving the car engine light appeared, I had it towed to the Chevrolet dealer near me, in rockaway, nj. They reported that the charge would be over one thousand dollars, and there is a recall”
NHTSA complaint #10905836, filed 2016-09, 45,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The 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…
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This 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…
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010490Oct 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11009532Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009531Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2011 Chevrolet HHR
47 complaintsElectrical system
39 complaintsAir bags
30 complaintsSteering
25 complaintsElectronic stability control
23 complaintsBody and structure
21 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
7 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Chevrolet HHR
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology