IllustrationBOTH REAR DOOR LATCHES HAVE BEEN GIVING PROBLEMS. LH DOOR LATCH STICKS AND NOW RH REAR DOOR LATCH WILL NOT LATCH. HAVE A BUNGY CORD BETWEEN DOORS TO KEEP SHUT. SAFETY ISSUE!!! NO RECALLS. *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 reportsTL* 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…
Read full complaint
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATED SEAT WARMER FOR THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS POWERED OFF AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE A SPECIFIC CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE. THE FA…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATED SEAT WARMER FOR THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS POWERED OFF AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE A SPECIFIC CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 36,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL WOULD ENGAGE INDEPENDENTLY AS THE SERVICE ESC WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL AND WOULD FEEL SIMILAR TO THE WHEEL SEIZING. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER BUT THEY …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL WOULD ENGAGE INDEPENDENTLY AS THE SERVICE ESC WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL AND WOULD FEEL SIMILAR TO THE WHEEL SEIZING. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER BUT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ERROR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE HOW TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE SOFTWARE COULD NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000. UPDATED 01/15/13*LJ UPDATD 1/24/2013 *JS
DRIVER ARMREST SAGS; MOST UNCOMFORTABLE!! WHEN ARMREST IS PUT DOWN TO THE HORIZONTAL POSITION, IT SAGS (LEANS FORWARD). DRIVER'S RIGHT ARM BECOMES PAINFUL, AS IT IS CONTINUALLY SLIDING OFF THE FRONT EDGE OF THE ARMREST, WHEN DRIVING. I'VE HAD THE CAR TO THE DEALER; HE REPLACED THE ARMREST IN WARRANTY, BUT THE LE…
Read full complaint
DRIVER ARMREST SAGS; MOST UNCOMFORTABLE!! WHEN ARMREST IS PUT DOWN TO THE HORIZONTAL POSITION, IT SAGS (LEANS FORWARD). DRIVER'S RIGHT ARM BECOMES PAINFUL, AS IT IS CONTINUALLY SLIDING OFF THE FRONT EDGE OF THE ARMREST, WHEN DRIVING. I'VE HAD THE CAR TO THE DEALER; HE REPLACED THE ARMREST IN WARRANTY, BUT THE LEANING FORWARD POSITION IS JUST THE SAME---IT WAS NOT CURED. THE DEALER SAID THERE WAS NOTHING FURTHER TO BE DONE. INCIDENTALLY, THE PASSENGER'S ARMREST IS JUST FINE---IT IS POSITIONED AT THE PROPER RIGHT ANGLE. INCIDENTALLY, NOONE HAS SAT ON, OR HEAVILY LEANED ON THE ARMREST TO CAUSE THE DIFFICULTY. SURE WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR HELP WITH THIS AGGRAVATING PROBLEM. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE ESC WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. SUDDENLY THE SPEED DECREASED AND THE ABS BEGAN TO ACTIVATE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WITH EXCESSIVE VIBRATION. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE ESC WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. SUDDENLY THE SPEED DECREASED AND THE ABS BEGAN TO ACTIVATE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WITH EXCESSIVE VIBRATION. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THEN TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DETECT A TROUBLE CODE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SIX TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHENEVER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE REPAIRS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE CONSISTED OF RECALIBRATING THE STEERING SENSOR AND REPLACING THE YAW SENSOR. THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODEL WAS ALSO REPLACED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE RECENT FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,658.
LAST JUNE, MY WIFE AND I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2011 HHR IN ORDER TO PROVIDE A SAFER, MORE DEPENDABLE VEHICLE FOR OUR TEENAGE DAUGHTERS TO LEARN TO DRIVE AND TO HAVE ENOUGH ROOM TO TAKE OUR DOGS WITH US WHEN WE WANTED TO GO SOMEWHERE AS A FAMILY. IN JANUARY, ON ONE OF THE DAYS WE ACTUALLY HAD SNOW ON THE GROUND, I CAME TO AN I…
Read full complaint
LAST JUNE, MY WIFE AND I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2011 HHR IN ORDER TO PROVIDE A SAFER, MORE DEPENDABLE VEHICLE FOR OUR TEENAGE DAUGHTERS TO LEARN TO DRIVE AND TO HAVE ENOUGH ROOM TO TAKE OUR DOGS WITH US WHEN WE WANTED TO GO SOMEWHERE AS A FAMILY. IN JANUARY, ON ONE OF THE DAYS WE ACTUALLY HAD SNOW ON THE GROUND, I CAME TO AN INTERSECTION, TRIED TO STOP, COULDN'T, AND SLID THROUGH. A CAR IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION MADE A LEFT TURN, NOT REALIZING I COULDN'T STOP, HIT ME ON THE FRONT LEFT SIDE OF THE HHR, TURNING ME 90 DEGREES FROM THE DIRECTION I WAS GOING AND CAUSING OVER $8,000 OF DAMAGE TO THE CAR. THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT NO ONE WAS HURT. WHEN I GOT HOME, THE FIRST THING MY WIFE ASKED WAS, DID I GET TO SEE WHAT MY AIRBAG LOOKED LIKE? I REALIZED MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. WHY? ALSO, WHY DIDN'T THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES STOP THE CAR, OR AT LEAST SLOW IT DOWN? AFTER REPEATED COMPLAINTS, THE DEALER DID FINALLY GET A REPRESENTATIVE FROM GM TO LOOK INTO IT, PULL THE BLACK BOX AND SEE IF WE HAD A REAL ISSUE. THIS ACCIDENT HAPPENED ON JANUARY 18, AND ON MARCH 9TH, I FINALLY GOT A FORM LETTER FROM ESIS/GM BASICALLY CLAIMING THE CAR PERFORMED AS IT SHOULD. THE LETTER ALSO STATED I SHOULD KEEP THE CAR IN AN UN-REPAIRED CONDITION UNTIL THE DISPUTE IS RESOLVED. A DAY BEFORE I GOT THE LETTER, THE DEALER CALLED TO TELL ME THE REPAIRS ON THE CAR WERE ALMOST DONE. THEY KNEW WE WERE DISPUTING IT AND FIXED THE CAR ANYWAY. GM STATED I WOULD HAVE HAD TO STEP ON THE BRAKES SEVEN SECONDS FROM THE LIGHT IN ORDER TO STOP IN TIME. AT 30 MPH, WHICH IS THE SPEED I WAS TRAVELING AT, I WOULD TRAVEL 616 FEET IN 7 SECONDS, THAT'S TWO FOOTBALL FIELDS. AT THAT DISTANCE THE LIGHT WAS STILL GREEN. I HAVE WRITTEN LOCAL LAWMAKERS, MY CONGRESSMAN, AND THE STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ON THIS MATTER. THIS CAR NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE OF THE BRAKES AND AIRBAGS. THE CONTACT BANGED HIS SHOULDER INTO THE CORNER POST OF THE VEHICLE. UPDATED IVOQ 04/17/12. *JS
REAR PASSENGER SEATBELT WOULD NOT UNLOCK TO EXTEND FOR USE. THIS SEATBELT HAD BEEN USED ABOUT 10 MINUTES PRIOR TO IT LOCKING UP WHEN TRYING TO PULL IT OUT FOR USE. IT WOULD NOT PULL OUT. *TR *JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN PULLING TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MI…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN PULLING TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 17,000. UPDATED 03/14/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER TEST DRIVING THE VEHICLE, HE REPORTED TO THE SALESPERSON, THAT THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT AND SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE STEERING. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE PROBLEM HAD BEEN FOUND AND CORRECTED. THE DEALER ASKED THE CONSUMER TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE ABOUT 1000 MILES. WHEN THE CONSUMER RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, THEY FOUND THE ALIGNMENT WAS OUT OF SPECIFICATION. THE REPAIR WAS MADE. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE ALIGNED SEVERAL TIMES. ALSO, THE LEFT FRONT TIRE SENSOR WAS NOT READING THE TIRE PRESSURE AND THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE GEAR SHIFT OR AXLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETECT A NOISE. UPDATED 04/10/12
UNKNOWN TYPE OF FUMES ENTERING DRIVERS COMPARTMENT, APPEARS TO BE AT START UP AND WHILE DRIVING WITH THE FAN TURNED ON. NEED TO OPEN BOTH FRONT WINDOWS AN INCH OR TWO WHEN FAN IS RUNNING. *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.