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2011 Chevrolet Hhr

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Fewer warning signs than most model years

Owner complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Hhr are lower than the model-year median of 565.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

144 reports with mileage · 59 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 39 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

13 crash reports3 fire reports12 injury reports

Latches/locks/linkages complaints

7 reports
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42,495 miles · Jun 23, 2025
Latches/locks/linkages

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while approaching the locked vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear driver's side door had failed to latch securely and was open. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and refe…

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The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while approaching the locked vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear driver's side door had failed to latch securely and was open. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 42,495.

NHTSA ODI #11668600

60,000 miles · Jun 8, 2017
Latches/locks/linkages

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR OPENED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR WOULD NOT CLOSE WHEN PROMPTED. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER'S DOOR EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE. AN UNKNOWN CHEVROLET DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR OPENED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR WOULD NOT CLOSE WHEN PROMPTED. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER'S DOOR EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE. AN UNKNOWN CHEVROLET DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA ODI #10994026

Mileage unknown · Jun 8, 2015
Latches/locks/linkages

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR SWUNG OPEN INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR DOOR LATCHES WERE DAMAGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE F…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR SWUNG OPEN INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR DOOR LATCHES WERE DAMAGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10724007

80,000 miles · Feb 13, 2015
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AND BOTH REAR DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK WITH THE KEY FOB. THE POWER LOCKS MALFUNCTIONED AND HAD TO BE UNLOCKED MANUALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES, BUT COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AND BOTH REAR DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK WITH THE KEY FOB. THE POWER LOCKS MALFUNCTIONED AND HAD TO BE UNLOCKED MANUALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES, BUT COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

NHTSA ODI #10683301

36,000 miles · Aug 12, 2014
Latches/locks/linkagesService Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET HHR. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND VIBRATED VIOLENTLY. EXCESSIVE FORCE NEEDED TO BE APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE FRACTURED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE DRIV…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET HHR. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND VIBRATED VIOLENTLY. EXCESSIVE FORCE NEEDED TO BE APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE FRACTURED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED FOR THE OTHER FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.

NHTSA ODI #10621707

89,000 miles · Jul 8, 2014
Air BagsElectrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

I WAS DRIVING HOME WITH MY 2 CHILDREN IN MY VEHICLE AND HIT AND SLIGHT BUMP IN THE ROAD AND THE SERVICE AIR BAG NOTIFICATION CAME ON. THIS STARTLED ME AND I BECAME VERY SCARED BECAUSE I HAVE NEVER HAD A VEHICLE SAY SERVICE AIR BAG? I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS ISSUE THAT IF I AM IN AN ACCIDENT GOD FORBID THAT THE AIRBAGS W…

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I WAS DRIVING HOME WITH MY 2 CHILDREN IN MY VEHICLE AND HIT AND SLIGHT BUMP IN THE ROAD AND THE SERVICE AIR BAG NOTIFICATION CAME ON. THIS STARTLED ME AND I BECAME VERY SCARED BECAUSE I HAVE NEVER HAD A VEHICLE SAY SERVICE AIR BAG? I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS ISSUE THAT IF I AM IN AN ACCIDENT GOD FORBID THAT THE AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IF NEEDED I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN TO BE SERVICED FOR IGNITION RECALL TODAY AFTER WAITING ALMOST 5 MONTHS FOR PART AND INFORMED SERVICE TECHNICIAN ABOUT WHAT HAD OCCURRED AND THE RESPONSE I RECEIVED WAS" WE CAN DO A DIAGNOSTIC ON THE ISSUE FOR $89.00? " I DO NOT FEEL THAT I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THIS DEFECT TO RESEARCHED AND FIXED DUE TO DANGER THAT THIS POSES TO THE SAFETY OF MYSELF AND MY CHILDREN. I AM REQUESTING THAT AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN TO HAVE THE ISSUE WITH THE SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT TO BE RESEARCHED AND REPAIRED AT NO CHARGE DUE TO ALL THE INCONVENIENCE THESE ISSUES ARE CAUSING ME AND THE TIME THAT I HAVE TO BE WITHOUT A VEHICLE IN ORDER TO HAVE NECESSARY REPAIRS COMPLETED SO THAT MY FAMILY AND I CAN HAVE A SAFE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE JUST BROKE UPON OPENING DOOR AND I AM REQUESTING ASSISTANCE WITH DISCOUNT TO HAVE THIS PART REPLACED. I AM A SINGLE PARENT AND I HAVE LIMITED INCOME AND CANNOT AFFORD TO KEEP MAKING REPAIRS ON THE VEHICLE DUE TO FAULTY OR DEFECTIVE PARTS. PLEASE ASSIST ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. [XXX] [XXX] SAN DIEGO, CA[XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] VIN: 3GNBABFW9BS[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) UPDATED 3/18/2015 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10608914

39,000 miles · Dec 18, 2012
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE FRACTURED AND SEPARATED FROM THE DOOR PANEL. THE CONTACT HAD TO OPEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW AND REACH OUT TO OPEN THE DOOR USING THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE FRACTURED AND SEPARATED FROM THE DOOR PANEL. THE CONTACT HAD TO OPEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW AND REACH OUT TO OPEN THE DOOR USING THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,298. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE EXITED THE VEHICLE, THE INSIDE DRIVER'S DOOR HANDLE SNAPPED OFF AND BROKE. UPDATED 01/07/13

NHTSA ODI #10489146

Official recalls

2

14V171000 · Electrical System:ignition

Apr 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.

14V047000 · Air Bags; Electrical System:ignition:switch

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. GM’s 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. GM’s 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. GM’s 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.