2009 Chevrolet HHR problems
Owners have filed 689 complaints about the 2009 Chevrolet HHR with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 22.2% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of steering at 19.2%.
Complaints689
Crashes31
Fires10
Injuries36
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 22.2% · 153
Steering 19.2% · 132
Air bags 15.1% · 104
Fuel/propulsion system 10.0% · 69
Electronic stability control (ESC) 3.6% · 25
Structure 3.0% · 21
Service brakes 2.9% · 20
Engine 2.6% · 18
Severity
Of those complaints, 31 describe a crash, 10 describe a fire and 36 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 6 model years of the Chevrolet HHR in this data, 2009 draws comparatively few complaints; 2006 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 21 in the last three years against 85 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 60,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that after a long drive, the vehicle started to have a very strange smell and the contact felt sick. The contact took the vehicle to a private mechanic where it was found that the battery and battery tube was leaking and the fluid had breached the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 38,000. Electrical system · reported at 38,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the key became lodged in the ignition switch, preventing the engine from being turned off. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact that the problem was caused by an electrical failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer to have the repairs performed. The failure mileage was 43,000. Electrical system · reported at 43,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v047000 ( air bags , electrical system ) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The vin was not available. Electrical system
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…