IllustrationTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS CONSTANTLY LIT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 54,000.
2006 Chevrolet Hhr
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2006 Chevrolet Hhr do not stand out strongly from 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
1050–25K
14725–50K
19650–75K
15075–100K
171100–150K
74150K+
843 reports with mileage · 163 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.
- Steering. Review the 458 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 222 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Structure. Review the 119 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
47 crash reports8 fire reports24 injury reports
Air Bags complaints
63 reportsTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DECREASING SPEED TO APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH IN A CONSTRUCTION ZONE, ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR ENDED HIS VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT COLLAPSED BACKWARD AFTER THE IMPACT AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. HIS VEHICLE ALSO RICOCHETED INTO A HEAVY TRUCK AS A RESULT OF…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DECREASING SPEED TO APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH IN A CONSTRUCTION ZONE, ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR ENDED HIS VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT COLLAPSED BACKWARD AFTER THE IMPACT AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. HIS VEHICLE ALSO RICOCHETED INTO A HEAVY TRUCK AS A RESULT OF THE CRASH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT HAD NOT SPOKEN WITH THE DEALER OR THE MANUFACTURER TO-DATE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 11,000.
2006 CHEVY HHR LT I WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT IMPACT AND ROLL OVER VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON OCTOBER 17TH, 2009 AT WHICH TIME MY AIR BAGS, BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVERS SIDE, FAILED TO DEPLOY. AS A RESULT, BOTH MYSELF AND MY PASSENGER WERE INJURED. I HAVE FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH GM AND AM AWAITING THEIR RESPONSE. I AM SUBMITTING T…
Read full complaint
2006 CHEVY HHR LT I WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT IMPACT AND ROLL OVER VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON OCTOBER 17TH, 2009 AT WHICH TIME MY AIR BAGS, BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVERS SIDE, FAILED TO DEPLOY. AS A RESULT, BOTH MYSELF AND MY PASSENGER WERE INJURED. I HAVE FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH GM AND AM AWAITING THEIR RESPONSE. I AM SUBMITTING THIS COMPLAINT TO MAKE OTHERS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. *TR
AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE SITTING IN A PIZZA HUT DRIVER FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V046000 (AIR BAGS). HE SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. UPON ARRIVAL AT THE DEALER, HE WAITED TWO HOURS TO BE GREETED BY A REPRESENTATIVE, WHO STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILAB…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V046000 (AIR BAGS). HE SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. UPON ARRIVAL AT THE DEALER, HE WAITED TWO HOURS TO BE GREETED BY A REPRESENTATIVE, WHO STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT GIVEN A DATE AS TO WHEN THE PARTS WOULD ARRIVE AND WAS NOT OFFERED AN ADDITIONAL DATE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. HE IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 12,633.
RECEIVED SAFETY RECALL NOTICE IN MAIL 04-05-08. TRIED TO CALL DEALER ON SATURDAY, BUT GET THROUGH. TALKED TO A REP IN THE SERVICE DEPT AT LONDOFF CHEVROLET. PER REP THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM. HE ADVISED ME TO CALL BACK IN A WEEK. CALLED 04-11-08 AND GOT AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE ROOF-RAIL AIR BAG INST…
Read full complaint
RECEIVED SAFETY RECALL NOTICE IN MAIL 04-05-08. TRIED TO CALL DEALER ON SATURDAY, BUT GET THROUGH. TALKED TO A REP IN THE SERVICE DEPT AT LONDOFF CHEVROLET. PER REP THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM. HE ADVISED ME TO CALL BACK IN A WEEK. CALLED 04-11-08 AND GOT AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE ROOF-RAIL AIR BAG INSTALLED IN ORDER TO CONFORM TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 201 FOR MY HHR. I WAS GIVEN AN APPOINTMENT FOR FRIDAY, 04-18-08 AT 10:00AM TO FIND OUT THAT SUPPOSEDLY THEY JUST INSTALLED THE LAST ONE AND DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABLE FOR MY VEHICLE. I SPOKE TO ANOTHER CSR IN THE SERVICE DEPT. HE DIDN'T KNOW HOW THIS HAPPENED BUT STATED THAT ENTERPRISE HAD BROUGHT SOME HHR 'S IN AND THEY HAD FIXED THEM. I AM UPSET THAT THEY WOULD INSTALL THE AIR BAG IN ENTERPRISE CARS AND NOT AT LEAST KEEP THE ONE FOR MY SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT. HOW DANGEROUS IS THIS SAFETY RECALL? *TR THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE BROKE DOWN WITHIN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS LOST POWER STEERING ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE SPEEDOMETER WAS ERRATIC AND THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY LUNGE FORWARD WHILE DRIVING.. WHEN THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, THEY STATED IT WAS A WIRING PROBLEM. UPDATED IVOQ 08/12/10 UPDATED IVOQ 08/31/10*JB
WHILE SITTING AT A PIZZA HUT DRIVE THROUGH WINDOW DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON OTHER THAN MANUFACTURER DEFECT. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT ASKED THE DEALER IF THE VEHICLE HAD FRONT AND SIDE AIR BAGS. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH BOTH FRONT AND SIDE AIR BAGS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V046000 (AIR BAGS) AND HE CA…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT ASKED THE DEALER IF THE VEHICLE HAD FRONT AND SIDE AIR BAGS. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH BOTH FRONT AND SIDE AIR BAGS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V046000 (AIR BAGS) AND HE CALLED THE DEALER TO INQUIRE ABOUT THE NATURE OF THE NOTICE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY ADVISED HIM TO CALL THE DEALER. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WISH TO PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THE NOTICE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 31,200.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V046000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE REMEDY. THE DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ENERGY-ABSORBING PLASTIC PI…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V046000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE REMEDY. THE DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ENERGY-ABSORBING PLASTIC PIECE TO THE HEADLINER TRIM. HE IS CONCERNED THAT THEY ARE CHANGING THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE TO A SUBSTANDARD FEATURE THAT MAY BE UNSAFE IN A CRASH. DUE TO THE CONTACT'S HEIGHT, HIS HEAD WOULD BE LOCATED CLOSER TO THE PLASTIC PIECE. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
AIRBAG PASSENGER SIDE INDICATOR LIGHT MALFUNCTIONING CONSTANTLY ( OFF-ON) WHILE OCCUPIED. *TR
Official recalls
514V171000 · 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.
08V444000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
Sep 3, 2008
GM IS RECALLING 296,422 MY 2006-2008 CHEVROLET HHR VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE DOOR ON THE STORAGE BIN IN THE TOP CENTER OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO REMAIN CLOSED AS REQUIRED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS TO PROVIDE HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION FOR OCCUPANTS.
Remedy: A REDESIGNED LATCH WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 23, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .
08V046000 · Air Bags
Jan 30, 2008
GM IS RECALLING 181,516 MY 2006-2008 CHEVROLET HHR VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ROOF RAIL AIR BAGS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT.' IN TESTS, ONE OF THE UPPER INTERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION TEST POINTS EXCEEDED THE STANDARD'S REQUIREMENT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS TO PROVIDE HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION FOR OCCUPANTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ENERGY-ABSORBING PLASTIC PIECE TO THE HEADLINER TRIM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 2, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .
06V417000 · Air Bags:frontal
Oct 31, 2006
CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, THE FRONT AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MAY BE DISABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE ENABLED, OR ENABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE DISABLED. IN EITHER CASE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT REQUIRES AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, A FRONT PASSENGER'S LEVEL OF INJURY MAY BE INCREASED.
Remedy: BECAUSE A REPLACEMENT LEATHER SEAT COVER THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) WILL REPURCHASE THESE VEHICLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS STATED IN GM'S LETTER TO OWNERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT GM AT 1-877-477-1022 TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF REPURCHASING THEIR VEHICLE.
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.