2006 Chevrolet HHR problems
Owners have filed 1,367 complaints about the 2006 Chevrolet HHR with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 33.9% of them — the clear leader, ahead of electrical system at 16.8%.
Complaints1,367
Crashes74
Fires11
Injuries46
Deaths4
What owners report breaking
Steering 33.9% · 464
Electrical system 16.8% · 229
Structure 8.9% · 121
Power train 6.0% · 82
Latches/locks/linkages 5.1% · 70
Air bags 4.6% · 63
Service brakes, hydraulic 3.7% · 50
Fuel/propulsion system 3.2% · 44
Severity
Of those complaints, 74 describe a crash, 11 describe a fire, 46 report an injury and 4 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 6 model years of the Chevrolet HHR in this data, 2006 draws the most complaints of any of them.
Filings have fallen off, 17 in the last three years against 27 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 69,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. After making a right turn at 10 mph, the power steering indicator illuminated, a warning sound chimed, and the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The failure occurred several times. The dealer stated that the electric power steering assist was faulty and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000. Steering · reported at 65,000 miles
The power steering failure light came on as well as other lights and the radio stop working,dealer said power steering module was no good but could not find out why dash lights come on and why radio stops working when we seem to hit a bump.It cost me over 1700.00 Dollars to repair and they said nothing was under warranty or a recall. I see the cobalt was recall for the same problem why not the HHR same unit. Steering · reported at 82,000 miles
Originally the power steering stopped working randomly when driving but now it stops working after 30 seconds or so every time car is started and failure alert is displayed. Also while driving the power door locks unlocked, the gauges stopped working, the car hard shifted down, and it also started to display it was running at least 20 degrees hotter than normal. This has happened twice but seems fine later. Steering · reported at 80,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…