2011 Chevrolet HHR Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 5%of 203 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,557miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2011 Chevrolet HHR, 5% of the 203 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,557 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.
“While driving on dry even pavement the ESC light/system kicked in on my 2011 HHR causing loss of control of the throttle and brakes. Luckily, no other cars or pedestrians were near me or there could have been an accident. The car was undriveable until the ignition this turned completely off and on again. I had it checked and no error codes were stored on the ECM/bcm. This is a very dangerous problem!! This is the second time it happened to me and I may not be so lucky the next time!”
NHTSA complaint #10632293, filed 2014-09, 35,328 miles“I was driving to work this morning. I live just 5 minutes from the office. I pulled out of the parking lot and was going about 5mph when suddenly the ESC active light appeared on the dash, then a yellow triangle warning started flashing. The transmission felt like it started to shake and the car decelerated on its own. I applied the brakes, put the car in park, and the warnings went away. The light turned green so I started to accelerate and again, the same warnings. Help! The roads were not wet, I was never above 8mph when these two incidents occurred. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #10547595, filed 2013-10, 41,302 miles“Vehicle will jerk really hard when shifting gears, car is an automatic, very scary to drive. Don't know what is wrong. Jerks then check engine light comes on.”
NHTSA complaint #10609183, filed 2014-07, 67,000 miles“The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the gear shift stick was not able to shift out of the park position. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission shift solenoid failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,567.”
NHTSA complaint #10855137, filed 2016-04, 82,567 miles“The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that after stopping the vehicle and switching the shifter to the park position, the vehicle rolled backwards down a small incline and into the street. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10690787, filed 2015-02, 70,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 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…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 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.
- 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…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2011 Chevrolet HHR
47 complaintsElectrical system
39 complaintsAir bags
30 complaintsSteering
25 complaintsEngine
24 complaintsElectronic stability control
23 complaintsBody and structure
21 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsBrakes
13 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 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