Owners have filed 288 complaints
about the 2011 Chevrolet HHR with NHTSA between 2011 and 2026.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 6 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 18
Against the median year of the Chevrolet HHR. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 79
15.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 38
22% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
1236.4%
Door
927.3%
Latch
618.2%
Ignition
26.1%
Pressure Monitoring AND Regulating Systems
13.0%
Side/Window
13.0%
Hoses, Lines/Piping, AND Fittings
13.0%
Interior/Under Dash
13.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
73.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
31.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
2210.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
5727.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
4823.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2612.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
4119.6%
150,000+ miles
52.4%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2011 Chevrolet HHR SUV FWD
—
—
—
14.3% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2011peak 24Mar 2026
Recalls on the 2011 Chevrolet HHR
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
14E021000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the affected ignition switches to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and disabling the air bags.
Risk: If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.
14V171000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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.
Risk: 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.
14V047000
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), 10392
Risk: 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2014126367,972 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, a defect may allow the ignition key to be removed from the ignition switch when the key is not in the "Off" position. This could result in unintended vehicle movement if the transmission is not in the "park" position (automatic transmission) or not in the reverse gear with the parking brake engaged (manual transmission), and increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the ignition lock cylinder and/or ignition key.
Recall 2014101132,243 units in Canada
Other
A safety defect may exist in ignition switches sold as service replacement parts. The defect could allow the ignition switch to unintentionally move from the “run” position to the “accessory” or “off” position with a corresponding reduction or loss of power. This risk may be increased if the key ring is carrying added weight or the vehicle goes off road or experiences some other jarring event. The timing of the key movement out of the “run” position, relative to the activation of the sensing algorithm of the crash event, may result in the airbags not deploying, increasing the potential for occupant injury in certain kinds of crashes. General Motors Canada will notify owners of all vehicles not affected by recalls 2014038 (GM number 13454) and 2014060 (GM number 14063) that could potentially have had the affected ignition switches installed during service or repair work. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer for inspection and repair if required. Note: Until the inspection is performed, all items should be removed from the key ring.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Industry, PAFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I left vehicle running on my concrete driveway while I ran in the house to get my father for an errand. When I came outside and went to get into the vehicle I noticed a fire in the front of the rear wheel on the driver's side kind of dripping flames from the vehicle on to the concrete. Luckily I reacted quickly enough to release the parking brake. [Car is a manual transmisson]. The car drifted forward [driveway has small downhill pitch]and I turned the motor off. Then I [luckily] ran over to a hose and brought it to the vehicle to extinguish the fire.
NHTSA complaint #11527554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,980 milesSomerset, KY1 injured
STEERING
I TRIED TO USED REMOTE START FROM MY FOB. IT WORKED THE FIRST TIME BUT NOTHING AFTER THAT..STATIONARY THESE WERE THE EVENTS THAT FOLLOWED: ALL AT THE SAME TIME LOST POWER STEERING (POWER STEERING ASSIST) LANDED ME IN THE HOSPITAL WITH TORN CHEST MUSCLE WHILE CAR WAS MOVING ON A INTERSTATE NO A/C (COMPRESSOR DOES NOT COME ON) STATIONARY SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON WHILE CAR WAS MOVING ON THE INTERSTATE SERVICE TIRE MONITORS STATIONERY NO TEMP READING STATIONARY
NHTSA complaint #11164343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,980 milesSomerset, KY1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I TRIED TO USED REMOTE START FROM MY FOB. IT WORKED THE FIRST TIME BUT NOTHING AFTER THAT..STATIONARY THESE WERE THE EVENTS THAT FOLLOWED: ALL AT THE SAME TIME LOST POWER STEERING (POWER STEERING ASSIST) LANDED ME IN THE HOSPITAL WITH TORN CHEST MUSCLE WHILE CAR WAS MOVING ON A INTERSTATE NO A/C (COMPRESSOR DOES NOT COME ON) STATIONARY SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON WHILE CAR WAS MOVING ON THE INTERSTATE SERVICE TIRE MONITORS STATIONERY NO TEMP READING STATIONARY
NHTSA complaint #11164343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,980 milesSomerset, KY1 injured
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
I TRIED TO USED REMOTE START FROM MY FOB. IT WORKED THE FIRST TIME BUT NOTHING AFTER THAT..STATIONARY THESE WERE THE EVENTS THAT FOLLOWED: ALL AT THE SAME TIME LOST POWER STEERING (POWER STEERING ASSIST) LANDED ME IN THE HOSPITAL WITH TORN CHEST MUSCLE WHILE CAR WAS MOVING ON A INTERSTATE NO A/C (COMPRESSOR DOES NOT COME ON) STATIONARY SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON WHILE CAR WAS MOVING ON THE INTERSTATE SERVICE TIRE MONITORS STATIONERY NO TEMP READING STATIONARY
NHTSA complaint #11164343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesGlen Lyon, PA1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
ON AUGUST 2 2018 I WAS DRIVING. I HAD MY OLDEST DAUGHTER IN THE BACK SEAT. WE CAME TO A STOP SIGN AND MADE A RIGHT TURN. AS I WAS TURNING THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR FLEW OPEN AND MY DAUGHTER AND HER CELL PHONE WENT FLYING OUT. SHE GOT SCRAPES AND BRUISES BUT NOTHING MAJOR. HER CELL PHONE SCREEN SMASHED. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER THINKING SHE JUST DIDN'T SHUT THE DOOR ALL THE WAY AND TRIED TO SHUT IT. IT WOULDN'T LATCH. I WENT TO THE CLOSEST GAS STATION AND TRIED GETTING THE DOOR TO SHUT, AS I WAS STANDING THERE SLAMMING THE DOOR IN THE POURING RAIN, I NOTICED A LADY TRYING TO SHUT HER DOOR. HERS WOULDN'T SHUT EITHER (SHE DRIVES A CHEVY, NOT THE SAME MAKE) I WENT OVER TO MY MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME THE LATCH NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. I CALLED AUTO ZONE TO SEE IF THEY HAVE THE PART FOR THE CAR BECAUSE I CAN NOT DRIVE AROUND WITH A REAR DOOR THAT WILL NOT SHUT. THE LADY I SPOKE TO TOLD ME THAT IT IS A DEALER PART AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE DEALER BUT IN THE MEANTIME I CAN GET A STRIKER REPAIR KIT ONLINE. SHE TOLD ME THAT SHE ALSO HAS A CHEVY AND HER DOORS WON'T STAY SHUT. I CALLED CHEVY AND HAVE BEEN WAITING TO HEAR BACK FROM SOMEONE ON WHAT TO DO. THIS ISN'T A PROBLEM THAT WE CAN SEE. IT HAS TO BE AN INTERNAL ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11118495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,100 milesBloomington, INCrash
STEERING
I WAS DRIVING DOWN MY STREET SOUTH HARMONY ROAD IN BLOOMINGTON MY POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON I LOST CONTROL I WAS FORCED TO THE RIGHT INTO A DITCH OVER A DRIVEWAY BACK INTO THE DITCH AND I WOUND UP SIDEWAYS IN MY STREET SLAMMED INTO A TREE. I WAS DRIVING MY 2011 HHR AS I UNDERSTAND IT ALL THE HHR'S OF 2010 HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THEIR POWER STEERING I DID GO TO DEALERS I WAS TURNED AWAY AS TO LEAVE I CALLED UM OVER AND OVER AGAIN I WAS BLOWN OFF I WAS NOT BEING TAKEN SERIOUSLY AND AS A RESULT I AM NOW WITHOUT A CAR WE ARE ON DISABILITY UNABLE TO AFFORD ANOTHER CAR AND THEIR IDEA OF HELPING ME IS A $2,000 VOUCHER TOWARDS A NEW CAR THAT'S NOT ACCEPTABLE I HAVE A LETTER THAT STATES IT WAS THEIR FAULT NOT MINE THAT IT WAS A RESULT OF THE POWER STEERING AND I WANT MY CAR REPLACED AND THEY'RE REFUSING TO DO SO SO AS A RESULT NOW MY FAMILY HAS NO WAY TO GET AROUND TO GM'S FAULT I BELIEVE THEY SHOULD REPLACE MY CAR OR AT LEAST GIVE ME ABOUT YOUR WORTH AT LEAST $10,000 TO BE ABLE TO REPLACE MY VEHICLE BUT SO FAR AFTER THE VOUCHER NOBODY'S RETURNING MY CALLS THERE'S SOME MISSING CDR DATA OR CD RX I'M NOT EXACTLY SURE I'M CONFUSED INTO THE WHOLE THING THEY'RE NOT TELLING ME THE WHOLE STORY I BELIEVE THEY'RE HIDING INFORMATION FOR ME NOBODY IS RETURNING MY CALLS I'VE HAD TO CALL WRTV 6 NEWS OUT OF INDIANAPOLIS INDIANA THEY ARE DOING A STORY IT WILL BE AIRING IN JULY AND I'M TIRED OF GETTING THE RUNAROUND FROM GM AND NOW I'M NOT GETTING THE RUNAROUND BECAUSE NOBODY'S RETURNING MY CALLS THEIR KNOWING ME AND I THINK THAT IT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AND THAT OTHER PEOPLE DRIVING THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE SHOULD BE AWARE THAT THERE MIGHT BE SEVERE ACCIDENTS WITH THIS VEHICLE I WANT THEM TO REPLACE MY VEHICLE
NHTSA complaint #10995591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Columbus, OH
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Started with gas smell and I was able to see gas dripping down from fuel pipeline in the rear wheel driver side.
NHTSA complaint #11727282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,495 milesTorrance, CA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
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 complaint #11668600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paducah, KY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Last week, I noticed fuel leaking out from the bottom of my vehicle on the rear passenger side in my driveway after returning home. I had my vehicle towed into a local shop to get looked at. The shop informed me that my entire fuel line assembly needed to be replaced. They stated that the metal assembly has rusted and corroded over time. At the time of this writing, my vehicle is still in the shop awaiting to get fixed. It is available to be inspected upon request. There are no warning signs on my computer system prior to this. This leaking fuel could have put myself and my family at risk for harm due to the fire risk.
NHTSA complaint #11631633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Apple River, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel lines corroded just like millions of other HHR's. Gas is leaking. What does it take to have a recall on this? Does someone really have to be killed?
NHTSA complaint #11610617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Orleans, LA
AIR BAGS
There is a serious electrical glitch that's in the computer, that causes the car to perform poorly at a slow speed, which cases the steering to become very hard to turn, and maintain lanes while driving. All lights, warnings, and gauges fluctuate back and forth, while the bell inide the car when stared keeps chiming.
NHTSA complaint #11564742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Orleans, LA
STEERING
There is a serious electrical glitch that's in the computer, that causes the car to perform poorly at a slow speed, which cases the steering to become very hard to turn, and maintain lanes while driving. All lights, warnings, and gauges fluctuate back and forth, while the bell inide the car when stared keeps chiming.
NHTSA complaint #11564742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Orleans, LA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
There is a serious electrical glitch that's in the computer, that causes the car to perform poorly at a slow speed, which cases the steering to become very hard to turn, and maintain lanes while driving. All lights, warnings, and gauges fluctuate back and forth, while the bell inide the car when stared keeps chiming.
NHTSA complaint #11564742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Champaign, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel line/gas leaking from faulty tube carrying ignitable flammable fluid...no warning just smell and sighting at stop..went to savoy IL dealer immediately and had replaced @ 1k cost approx. 2+ yrs ago...cel
NHTSA complaint #11551279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winston Salem, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
fuel line leak
NHTSA complaint #11539705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Smithfield, VA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel Line is leaking on back left rear. Other models have recall but i have a 2011 with the same exact problem
NHTSA complaint #11539144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wichita, KS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Fuel line/s started leaking just infront of the left rear wheel about 06/27/2023. Ignition switch started sticking about 06/22/2023.
NHTSA complaint #11531015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wichita, KS
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel line/s started leaking just infront of the left rear wheel about 06/27/2023. Ignition switch started sticking about 06/22/2023.
NHTSA complaint #11531015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Industry, PAFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I left vehicle running on my concrete driveway while I ran in the house to get my father for an errand. When I came outside and went to get into the vehicle I noticed a fire in the front of the rear wheel on the driver's side kind of dripping flames from the vehicle on to the concrete. Luckily I reacted quickly enough to release the parking brake. [Car is a manual transmisson]. The car drifted forward [driveway has small downhill pitch]and I turned the motor off. Then I [luckily] ran over to a hose and brought it to the vehicle to extinguish the fire.
NHTSA complaint #11527554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dexter, MI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel line is leaking in front of the rear driver's side tire. The lines are heavily corroded. It has not been officially inspected.
NHTSA complaint #11519918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tulsa, OK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The gauge cluster is not working.
NHTSA complaint #11510246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tulsa, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The gauge cluster is not working.
NHTSA complaint #11510246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stephens City, VA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel line leaking on driver side rear
NHTSA complaint #11508818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Knoxville, TN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel line is rusted and leaking. This is apparently in numerous models and prior years as well. This metal piece on the fuel line is leaking. Fuel leaks out no matter how short of time you drive. I’m concerned with a fire and live on a fixed disability income and it’s food or the vehicle which I need to get to the doctor.
NHTSA complaint #11506187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lillington, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While refueling the vehicle several weeks ago I noted a strong smell of gasoline. I did not see any visible fuel leak at the gas station. Drove the vehicle home approximately 10 miles, 20 minutes travel time. Gasoline smell persisted. On exit from the vehicle the smell became strong and I observed a liquid dripping/pooling under the vehicle on the driveway. Drips were occurring from the driver side rear of the vehicle slightly in front of the left rear wheel approximately 6 inches interior from the edge of the vehicle. After 15 minutes the drips subsided. Vehicle has not been used or moved since this incident.
NHTSA complaint #11501927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,000 milesBuffalo, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact's son owns a 2011 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, he smelled the odor of gasoline inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that he had noticed the smell a few weeks earlier but disregarded the odor. The contact stated that while he was driving, he noticed a trail of fluid on the roadway behind the vehicle. The contact also noticed a puddle of gasoline underneath the vehicle once the vehicle was parked. The contact stated that the leak was nearby the driver's side rear tire and exhaust pipe. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated, however he noticed that the fuel consumption was rising. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.
NHTSA complaint #11500472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,784 milesSpringville, AL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlamps became dim, the bulbs then blew out and headlamps became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,784.
NHTSA complaint #11490113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scotia, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel line is rusted, strong smell of Fuel, needs a total replacement.
NHTSA complaint #11481275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pell Lake, WI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel line on the drivers side just in front of the rear tire is leaking fuel.
NHTSA complaint #11479160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Island Lake, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel brake line on driver's side rear wheel corroded and sprung a leak. Leaky area was wrapped in a heat protecting shield and which probably collected water and caused the excessive corrosion. I notice many other similar complains regarding Chevy HHRs.
NHTSA complaint #11475751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Delafield, WI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel line rusted and leaks
NHTSA complaint #11458941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.