IllustrationWHILE DRIVING.. CAR SUDDENLY STALLED LOSING POWER STEERING ALL DASH BOARD LIGHTS ON GAGES FLICKERING CAUSING CAR TO SHUT DOWN. UNABLE TO START. *TR
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Hhr years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
190–25K
3825–50K
3550–75K
2175–100K
27100–150K
4150K+
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
What owners actually said
203 reportsWHILE DRIVING.. CAR SUDDENLY STALLED LOSING POWER STEERING ALL DASH BOARD LIGHTS ON GAUGES FLICKERING CAUSING CAR TO SHUT DOWN. SECOND INCIDENT 7/19/14. SAME SCENARIO CAR SUDDENLY STALLED LOSING POWER STEERING ALL DASH BOARD LIGHTS ON GAUGES FLICKERING CAUSING CAR TO SHUT DOWN. DEALERSHIP STATED INITIAL DUE TO RECALL. SECOND …
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WHILE DRIVING.. CAR SUDDENLY STALLED LOSING POWER STEERING ALL DASH BOARD LIGHTS ON GAUGES FLICKERING CAUSING CAR TO SHUT DOWN. SECOND INCIDENT 7/19/14. SAME SCENARIO CAR SUDDENLY STALLED LOSING POWER STEERING ALL DASH BOARD LIGHTS ON GAUGES FLICKERING CAUSING CAR TO SHUT DOWN. DEALERSHIP STATED INITIAL DUE TO RECALL. SECOND INCIDENT DEALER STATED NOT DUE TO RECALL BUT MORE OF A COMMON PROBLEM, HOWEVER UNABLE TO REPLICATE STALL AND DETERMINE WHERE FAULTY WIRING. GETTING LOTS OF ERROR CODES WITH NO REAL CAUSE AS TO WHY CAR STALLS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WAS UNABLE TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE WINDOW HAD TO BE OPENED IN ORDER TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPRO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WAS UNABLE TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE WINDOW HAD TO BE OPENED IN ORDER TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
2011 CHEVROLET HHR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE LOCKED UP AND WAS AT TIMES INOPERABLE. *SMD
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. *TR
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
I HAVE ALREADY FILED ONE COMPLAINT LAST MONTH!! HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY REPLY BACK BY NO ONE. MY TCN WAS [XXX]. THIS CAR IS DANGEROUS TO BE DRIVING, COPS HAVE PULLED ME OVER SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO SOME THE PROBLEMS! ALL 7 OFFICERS GAVE ME THEIR NAMES AND BADGE NUMBERS N THEY TOLD ME IF I NEED TO TAKE THIS TO COURT, THEY WILL BE N CO…
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I HAVE ALREADY FILED ONE COMPLAINT LAST MONTH!! HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY REPLY BACK BY NO ONE. MY TCN WAS [XXX]. THIS CAR IS DANGEROUS TO BE DRIVING, COPS HAVE PULLED ME OVER SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO SOME THE PROBLEMS! ALL 7 OFFICERS GAVE ME THEIR NAMES AND BADGE NUMBERS N THEY TOLD ME IF I NEED TO TAKE THIS TO COURT, THEY WILL BE N COURT.. THEY TOLD ME THE CAR NEEDS TO BE COMPLETELY FIXED OR PUT N A DIFFERENT CAR AND NOT THIS SAME MAKE N MODEL. I HAVE A LIL GIRL AND I WILL DO WHAT I HAVE TO DO TO PROTECT HER AND OTHER INNOCENT LIVES ROUND ME, IF IT MEANS I GET A LAWYER N TAKE THIS TO COURT. SO PLEASE DO SOMETHING VERY SOON BOUT THIS CAR!!! I'VE BEEN SAVING ALL COMPLAINTS I'VE SENT SO I WILL HAVE THEM FOR MY RECORDS IN CASE I NEED TO TAKE FURTHER MORE STRONGER ACTION TO GET THIS CAR FIXED OR PUT ME IN AN EXT CAB DODGE TRUCK PLEASE. I WANTED A TRUCK TO BEGIN WITH, BUT THIS CAR WAS JUST FORCED ON ME OR DEALER WASN'T GONNA GIVE ME NOTHING AT ALL.. [XXX]!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE KEY FAILED TO RELESAE FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS , ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE KEY FAILED TO RELESAE FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS , ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 36,000.
MY CAR CONTINUES TO SHAKE AS DO MOST HHR'S GM KNOWS THERE IS A STABILITY ISSUE AN HAS REFUSED TO PROPERLY ADDRESS THIS DANGEROUS ISSUE. MY AIRBAG LIGHT HAS COME ON. THE BACK DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE DOES NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUT AND MY SEAT BELT AND BACK FLOOR BOARD STAYS DAMP MAKING THE STRUCTURE OF THE VEHICLE DANGERO…
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MY CAR CONTINUES TO SHAKE AS DO MOST HHR'S GM KNOWS THERE IS A STABILITY ISSUE AN HAS REFUSED TO PROPERLY ADDRESS THIS DANGEROUS ISSUE. MY AIRBAG LIGHT HAS COME ON. THE BACK DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE DOES NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUT AND MY SEAT BELT AND BACK FLOOR BOARD STAYS DAMP MAKING THE STRUCTURE OF THE VEHICLE DANGEROUS AND MY SEATBELT UNSAFE. GM EXECUTIVE RESPONSE IS THAT NOT ALL VIN NUMBERS FAL INTO THE SERVICE BULLETINS. THESE CARES NEED TO BE IMMEDIATELY INVESTIGATED AND TAKEN OFF THE MARKET. THE BOLT COVERS IN THE BACK SEATS FALL OFF AT A TOUCH AND CANNOT BE REATTACHED. THEY DIG INTO LEGS. AN ACCIDENT WOULD PRESENT A STUPID IMPALEMENT THREAT. WHY ARE THEY THERE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CAR. GM STATES MY CARE DID NOT APPEAR TO THEM UNTIL 49,000 MILES. I BOUGHT IT AT 19,000 MILES. THERE ARE LIES EVERY WHERE. THERE ARE CROOKED SALESMAN AND GM IS STILL ON THE SCAM. OWNERS NEED A LEGAL OR CONGRESSIONAL ADVOCATE FOR THE CARS WE ARE STUCK WITH THAT ARE DANGEROUS AND SERIOUSLY DEVALUED. THEY HAVE HAD ALLOT OF TRAINING IN DEALING WITH OWNERS WITH ISSUES. WE NEED LIKEWISE REPRESENTATION. MY CARE IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. I HAVE A FROZEN SHOULDER FROM HOLDING IT IN THE ROAD FOR 3 YEARS. IT IS A BLOOD TRAP THAT YOU CANNOT SEE OUT OF. IT IS DAMP, SHAKING, DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AND UNPREDICTABLE. I COULD OT SEL IT IN GOOD CONSCIENCE. WHO WOULD BUY IT ANY WAY? WHAT HAPPENED TO THE LEGAL ORDER THAT REQUIRED THEM TO REPORT DANGEROUS PROBLEMS IN 5 DAYS OR FACE PENALTIES? THEY ARE WAY OVER THE MARK ON THIS ONE. JUST LOOK AT MY CAR. *TR
THE ECM CAME ON WITH NO WARNING CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VEER OFF THE ROAD TO THE RIGHT AND SKIDDING THIS HAPPENED THREE TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR WHICH IS SCARY AT BEST ALSO THERE IS A SMELL OF EXHAUST AND FUEL IN THE CABIN. *TR
Official recalls
214V171000 · 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. 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.
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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.