NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Latches/locks/linkages complaints
25 reportsClear category filter175,000 miles · Jan 30, 2018
Latches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LATCH FAILED TO OPEN. THE CONTACT HAD TO EXIT THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE WINDOW. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT PREVIOUSLY THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LATCH FAILED TO OPEN, AND THE CONTACT STOPPED USING THE DOOR. THE CONTACT WAS CONCER…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LATCH FAILED TO OPEN. THE CONTACT HAD TO EXIT THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE WINDOW. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT PREVIOUSLY THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LATCH FAILED TO OPEN, AND THE CONTACT STOPPED USING THE DOOR. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT SHE COULD INJURE HERSELF EXITING THROUGH THE WINDOWS AND, IF THE VEHICLE WERE TO LOSE POWER, THE WINDOWS WOULD FAIL TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED FERMAN CHEVROLET TARPON SPRINGS AT (727) 934-5789 (LOCATED AT 43520 US HWY 19 N, TARPON SPRINGS, FL 34689) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VIN AND THERE WOULD BE A FEE FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000. *TT *TR
NHTSA ODI #11065883
42,990 miles · Oct 9, 2014
Air BagsLatches/locks/linkagesSeat BeltsCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING A RIGHT TURN, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A RETAINING WALL AND ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN THE CONTACT SECURELY. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE DO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING A RIGHT TURN, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A RETAINING WALL AND ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN THE CONTACT SECURELY. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE DOORS COULD NOT BE UNLOCKED. THE CONTACT BECAME TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE KNEE, CHEST AND ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,990. KMJ
NHTSA ODI #10643640
50,000 miles · Jul 28, 2014
Latches/locks/linkages
THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES BREAK EASILY THEY ARE MADE OF PLASTIC THE REPAIR FOR THIS IS OVER 400.00 AS THE WHOLE INTERIOR DOOR MUST BE REPLACED. THIS CAUSES AN ISSUE AS THE ONLY WAY TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE IT TO ROLL THE WINDOW DOWN. IF THERE IS NO POWER YOU CANNOT OPEN THE WINDOW HENCE YOU ARE TRAPPED. I HAVE MAILED LET…
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THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES BREAK EASILY THEY ARE MADE OF PLASTIC THE REPAIR FOR THIS IS OVER 400.00 AS THE WHOLE INTERIOR DOOR MUST BE REPLACED. THIS CAUSES AN ISSUE AS THE ONLY WAY TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE IT TO ROLL THE WINDOW DOWN. IF THERE IS NO POWER YOU CANNOT OPEN THE WINDOW HENCE YOU ARE TRAPPED. I HAVE MAILED LETTERS TO THE COMPANY REQUESTING A RECALL. WITH NO SUCCESS. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND HAPPENS ON MOST HHRS I HAVE SEE. I ASK EVERY OWNER I SEE AND ITS A COMMON FLAW. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10616906
70,000 miles · Jul 24, 2014
Latches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT STATED THE ONLY TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WAS TO PULL DOWN THE WINDOW AND OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THE WHOLE DOOR PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT STATED THE ONLY TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WAS TO PULL DOWN THE WINDOW AND OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THE WHOLE DOOR PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000, AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
NHTSA ODI #10615983
103,000 miles · Jun 11, 2014
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure
TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR HANDLES ON THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
NHTSA ODI #10597737
95,543 miles · Apr 12, 2014
Latches/locks/linkages
PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE BROKE , MY CAR HAS POWER WINDOWS AND IF I WERE IN A CAR ACCIDENT AND CAR LOST POWER PASSENGER COULD BE TRAPPED IN CAR. I ALSO DRIVE A 2008 HHR AT WORK AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE ALSO BROKE. I HAVE RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR THE IGNITION ON MY 2007 HHR BUT I THI…
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PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE BROKE , MY CAR HAS POWER WINDOWS AND IF I WERE IN A CAR ACCIDENT AND CAR LOST POWER PASSENGER COULD BE TRAPPED IN CAR. I ALSO DRIVE A 2008 HHR AT WORK AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE ALSO BROKE. I HAVE RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR THE IGNITION ON MY 2007 HHR BUT I THINK THE DOOR HANDLES ARE A BIG ISSUE. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10579400
Mileage unknown · Apr 3, 2014
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkagesSteering
2007 CHEVROLET HHR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO POWER STEERING, IGNITION SWITCH AND DOOR HANDLE PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED, SHE EXPERIENCED BRAKE PROBLEMS AND THE WINDOWS WERE LEAKING, ALSO THERE WERE ELECTRICAL AND FUSE PROBLEMS. THE DOOR HANDLES SNAPPED OFF IN THE CONSUMERS HANDS. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10575596
86,987 miles · Dec 3, 2013
Latches/locks/linkagesService Brakes, HydraulicSteering
I HAD TO REPLACE LEFT AND RIGHT CONTROL ARMS ON THIS VEHICLE,BRAKES CONSTANTLY CAN'T UNLOCK DOORS FROM INSIDE,HAVE TO ROLL DOWN WINDOW TO UNLOCK,NOW HAVING ENGINE PROBLEMS AND ONE OF THE CONTROL ARMS GOING BAD AGAIN.PLUS SOMETHING IS CAUSING RAIN TO GET IN MY CAR SOMEWHERE,BECAUSE WHEN IT RAINS AT SMELLS MILDEWY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10554615
70,000 miles · Jun 13, 2012
Latches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH FRONT DOOR HANDLES FAILED ON THE INTERIOR DUE TO DEFECTIVE MATERIAL. THE FRONT PASSENGER?S DOOR HANDLE FAILED FIRST, WAS REPLACED, AND FAILED A SECOND TIME. THE FRONT DRIVER?S DOOR HANDLE FAILED MOST RECENT. THE DOORS COULD ONLY BE OPENED FROM THE EXTERIOR. …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH FRONT DOOR HANDLES FAILED ON THE INTERIOR DUE TO DEFECTIVE MATERIAL. THE FRONT PASSENGER?S DOOR HANDLE FAILED FIRST, WAS REPLACED, AND FAILED A SECOND TIME. THE FRONT DRIVER?S DOOR HANDLE FAILED MOST RECENT. THE DOORS COULD ONLY BE OPENED FROM THE EXTERIOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 91,000. UPDATED 11/13/12 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED RECENTLY A DRIVER AND PASSENGER GOT INTO THE VEHICLE, CLOSED THE DOORS, THEN REALIZED THE DRIVER DID NOT HAVE THE KEY. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE STUCK IN THE CAR. THE DOOR HANDLE ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED. UPDATED 11/29/2012 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10461675
Mileage unknown · Jul 22, 2011
Latches/locks/linkages
ORIGINALLY THE PASSENGER INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE BROKE LEAVING US UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT OPENING THE DOOR USING THE OUTSIDE HANDLES. NOW THE DRIVER INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES BROKE AND WE CANNOT EXIT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT LOWERING THE WINDOW AND OPENING THE DOORS FROM THE OUTSIDE. THIS HAS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE WE CO…
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ORIGINALLY THE PASSENGER INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE BROKE LEAVING US UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT OPENING THE DOOR USING THE OUTSIDE HANDLES. NOW THE DRIVER INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES BROKE AND WE CANNOT EXIT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT LOWERING THE WINDOW AND OPENING THE DOORS FROM THE OUTSIDE. THIS HAS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE WE COULD POTENTIALLY BE TRAPPED INSIDE THE CAR IN AN ACCIDENT. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10414765
Official recalls
4Apr 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> .
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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