NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
222 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Dec 28, 2023
Electrical SystemSteering
while driving the car after a few miles, the door locks start going up and down, the power steering light comes on and is hard to steer, the check engine light comes on, the speedometer stops working and the tach malfunctions. the car surges while moving foward. if you shut the car off it will reset itself. once you start t…
Read full complaint
while driving the car after a few miles, the door locks start going up and down, the power steering light comes on and is hard to steer, the check engine light comes on, the speedometer stops working and the tach malfunctions. the car surges while moving foward. if you shut the car off it will reset itself. once you start the car again it starts to malfunction again. one gararge owner did some tests but didn't fix the problem
NHTSA ODI #11562300
92,000 miles · Jul 27, 2023
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkagesPower Train
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and would not properly accelerate. Additionally, the front passenger’s side door would not open while using the interior door latch. The contact stated while using the cigarette lighter, the vehicle shut …
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and would not properly accelerate. Additionally, the front passenger’s side door would not open while using the interior door latch. The contact stated while using the cigarette lighter, the vehicle shut off, and smoke filled the cabin of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 92,000.
NHTSA ODI #11534867
101,000 miles · Mar 22, 2020
Air BagsElectrical System
AIR BAG LIGHT HAS COME ON WHILE DRIVING MOST OF THE TIME NOW AND LIGHTS AND ELECTRICAL HAS GONE HAYWIRE LIGHTS FLASHING AND DOOR LOCKS OPENING ON THEIR OWN.
NHTSA ODI #11318965
96,000 miles · Oct 4, 2019
Electrical System
IGNITION SWITCH WAS INVOLVED IN RECALL A FEW YEARS BACK AND DEALERSHIP SAY THEY REPLACED IT BUT NOW I'M HAVING PROBLEMS OUT OF SWITCH AGAIN WHEN I TAKE KEY OUT IGNITION AND OPEN DRIVER DOOR THE CHIME COMES ON LIKE KEY IS STILL IN IGNITION SWITCH AND DOOR WILL NOT LOCK WHEN I HIT DOOR LOCK ALL 3 OTHER DOOR LOCK BUT NOT DRIVE…
Read full complaint
IGNITION SWITCH WAS INVOLVED IN RECALL A FEW YEARS BACK AND DEALERSHIP SAY THEY REPLACED IT BUT NOW I'M HAVING PROBLEMS OUT OF SWITCH AGAIN WHEN I TAKE KEY OUT IGNITION AND OPEN DRIVER DOOR THE CHIME COMES ON LIKE KEY IS STILL IN IGNITION SWITCH AND DOOR WILL NOT LOCK WHEN I HIT DOOR LOCK ALL 3 OTHER DOOR LOCK BUT NOT DRIVER DOOR AND ITS DRAINING BATTERY BECAUSE IT'S STILL TELLING KEY IS IN IGNITION WHEN IT'S NOT IF I TURN IT BACK AND FORTH A FEW TIMES SOMETIMES IT WILL LOCK AND THE CHIME WILL STOP
NHTSA ODI #11266159
130,000 miles · Apr 12, 2019
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE KEY WAS STUCK INSIDE THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT CALLED AAA WHO WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE KEY WAS STUCK INSIDE THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT CALLED AAA WHO WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA ODI #11195813
128,000 miles · Sep 25, 2018
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S KILL SYSTEM ACTIVATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND TOWED TO LEO MARTIN CHEVROLET (217 TX-332, LAKE JACKSON, TX 77566, (979) 230-2500). THE DEALER REPAIRED THE KILL SWITCH SYSTEM, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOW…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S KILL SYSTEM ACTIVATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND TOWED TO LEO MARTIN CHEVROLET (217 TX-332, LAKE JACKSON, TX 77566, (979) 230-2500). THE DEALER REPAIRED THE KILL SWITCH SYSTEM, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC PERFORMED DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THE SECURITY SYSTEM WAS REBOOTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TESTED AND RETURNED TO THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
NHTSA ODI #11131581
200,000 miles · Apr 30, 2018
Electrical System
ONCE TO TAKE THE KEY OUT THE CAR STILL RUNNING, ONCE YOU START IT THE ALARM STAYS ON FOR 3MIN
NHTSA ODI #11090919
176,000 miles · Jan 14, 2018
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes
WE WAS GOING DOWN HE ROAD IT JUST SWITCHED OFF I COULDN'T TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND I HAD TO STAND ON THE BREAKES.I COULD HAVE SERIOUSLY HURT SOMEONE OR MY SELF IF NOT WORSE AND I HIT A CURVE HARD.
NHTSA ODI #11062661
200,000 miles · Nov 20, 2017
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WE HAD A HANDFUL OF TIMES WHERE THE LIGHTS WOULD FLICKER. WE WERE TOLD WE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT/BLINKER SWITCH AS IT WAS FAULTY DUE TO THIS VEHICLE HAVING THE "LIGHTS- AUTO ON/OFF" SWITCH LOCATED ON THIS. WE DID, IT DIDN'T FIX IT. WE WERE TOLD LOOSE HEADLIGHT BULBS. REPLACED, STILL HAPPENS. ONL…
Read full complaint
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WE HAD A HANDFUL OF TIMES WHERE THE LIGHTS WOULD FLICKER. WE WERE TOLD WE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT/BLINKER SWITCH AS IT WAS FAULTY DUE TO THIS VEHICLE HAVING THE "LIGHTS- AUTO ON/OFF" SWITCH LOCATED ON THIS. WE DID, IT DIDN'T FIX IT. WE WERE TOLD LOOSE HEADLIGHT BULBS. REPLACED, STILL HAPPENS. ONLY NOW, WE HAVE ZERO DIM LIGHTS BUT ONLY HEADLIGHTS IF WE TURN ON HIGHBEAMS (BRIGHTS). STILL, WE GET THE FLICKERING HEADLIGHTS, THIS DOESN'T EFFECT THE BLINKER LIGHTS, YELLOW RUNNING LIGHTS OR SEEM TO EFFECT THE BRAKE LIGHTS. PART OF THE AUTO LIGHTS DEAL IS WHEN IT'S DARK, IT WILL DIM THE DASH LIGHTS SO THEY AREN'T INTRUSIVE TO YOUR DRIVING, BUT IF IT'S BROAD DAYLIGHT, THEY WILL BRIGHTEN SO YOUR ABLE TO SEE THEM. I'LL START THE VEHICLE, AND THE DASH WILL BE COMPLETELY DIM, SO DIM YOU CAN BARELY SEE IT. AFTER DRIVING A GOOD LENGTH OF TIME (AT LEAST 30 MINUTES!) THEY'LL FLASH BETWEEN BRIGHT AND DIM, DAYLIGHT OR DARK THIS HAPPENS. THIS ALSO HAPPENS WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS GO COMPLETELY OUT. THEY CLAIM ALL FUSES ARE FINE AND WORDING HARNESS IS FINE BUT, OBVIOUSLY IT'S NOT. I HAVE BEEN READING SOME FORUMS IN THE CHEVYHHR.NET AND I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS ISSUE. THIS HAS CAUSED SOMEONE TO NEARLY HIT ME HEAD ON AS I WAS TRYING TO MOVE OFF THE ROAD DUE TO MY HEADLIGHTS GOING OUT, AND THEY WERE ATTEMPTING TO PASS A VEHICLE, AND HAD TO MOVE TO MY LANE TO DO SO! I HAVE CHILDREN, AND AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES END WHEN THE SUN IS GOING DOWN/IT'S DARK OUT SO TO TRAVEL HOME, THE SUN IS OFF THE HORIZON AND IT'S PITCH BLACK OUT. THIS ALSO SEEMS TO CAUSE MY BATTERY TO DRAIN, AND NEED A JUMP DAILY. I WAS TOLD MY BATTERY NEEDED REPLACED, DID THAT STILL NO FIX, TOLD IT WAS MY ALTERNATOR, STILL ISN'T FIXED. THAN I WAS TOLD I MUST BE LEAVING INTERNAL LIGHTS ON WHEN EXITING THE CAR. SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT WITH THIS VEHICLE AND IT IS VERY UNSAFE!
NHTSA ODI #11047430
189,000 miles · Nov 14, 2017
Electrical SystemSteering
POWER STEERING CONSTANTLY GOES WHILE DRIVING. THERE WILL BE A DING AND IT WILL JUST CUT OUT... WHY DOESN'T THIS HAVE AN RECALL ON IT????? ITS SERIOUSLY DANGEROUS. TOOK IT TO DEALER IT WILL COST OVER 500 TO FIX. I CAN BARELY DRIVING IT A BLOCK WITHOUT THE POWER STEERING GOING OUT. IT STARTS 4 MINS AFTER DRIVING CAR... PLEASE HELP…
Read full complaint
POWER STEERING CONSTANTLY GOES WHILE DRIVING. THERE WILL BE A DING AND IT WILL JUST CUT OUT... WHY DOESN'T THIS HAVE AN RECALL ON IT????? ITS SERIOUSLY DANGEROUS. TOOK IT TO DEALER IT WILL COST OVER 500 TO FIX. I CAN BARELY DRIVING IT A BLOCK WITHOUT THE POWER STEERING GOING OUT. IT STARTS 4 MINS AFTER DRIVING CAR... PLEASE HELP AND FIX!!! THIS IS DANGEROUS.
NHTSA ODI #11046051
Official recalls
5Apr 10, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.
Feb 10, 2014
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
Electrical System:ignition:switch
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
Sep 3, 2008
GM IS RECALLING 296,422 MY 2006-2008 CHEVROLET HHR VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE DOOR ON THE STORAGE BIN IN THE TOP CENTER OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO REMAIN CLOSED AS REQUIRED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS TO PROVIDE HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION FOR OCCUPANTS.
Remedy: A REDESIGNED LATCH WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 23, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .
Jan 30, 2008
GM IS RECALLING 181,516 MY 2006-2008 CHEVROLET HHR VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ROOF RAIL AIR BAGS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT.' IN TESTS, ONE OF THE UPPER INTERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION TEST POINTS EXCEEDED THE STANDARD'S REQUIREMENT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS TO PROVIDE HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION FOR OCCUPANTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ENERGY-ABSORBING PLASTIC PIECE TO THE HEADLINER TRIM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 2, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .
Oct 31, 2006
CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, THE FRONT AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MAY BE DISABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE ENABLED, OR ENABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE DISABLED. IN EITHER CASE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT REQUIRES AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, A FRONT PASSENGER'S LEVEL OF INJURY MAY BE INCREASED.
Remedy: BECAUSE A REPLACEMENT LEATHER SEAT COVER THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) WILL REPURCHASE THESE VEHICLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS STATED IN GM'S LETTER TO OWNERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT GM AT 1-877-477-1022 TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF REPURCHASING THEIR VEHICLE.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
Illustration