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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.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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

Fuel/propulsion System complaints

44 reports
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135,000 miles · Nov 9, 2018
Fuel/propulsion SystemSteering

I HAVE HAD A TERRIBLE TIME WITH THE POWER STEERING ON MY 2006 CHEVY HHR. SOMETIMES IT WORKS, SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T. THERE IS NO APPARENT CAUSE. THESE CHANGES FROM WORKING TO NOT WORKING AND BACK CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME AT ANY SPEED. FORTUNATELY I AM STRONG ENOUGH TO WRESTLE WITH IT AND STEER IT MANUALLY SO FAR. I RECEIVED A N…

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I HAVE HAD A TERRIBLE TIME WITH THE POWER STEERING ON MY 2006 CHEVY HHR. SOMETIMES IT WORKS, SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T. THERE IS NO APPARENT CAUSE. THESE CHANGES FROM WORKING TO NOT WORKING AND BACK CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME AT ANY SPEED. FORTUNATELY I AM STRONG ENOUGH TO WRESTLE WITH IT AND STEER IT MANUALLY SO FAR. I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM GM ABOUT IT BUT THE DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR IT. THEY REPLACED THE POWER STEERING MOTOR AND CHARGED ME OVER $300, BUT THAT DIDN'T DO ANY GOOD. ALSO TWICE A MESSAGE APPEARED ABOUT REDUCED ENGINE POWER AND THE ENGINE HAD ALMOST NO POWER TO GET UP HILLS. I WAS CREEPING ALONG AT ABOUT 10 MPH ON A SUPER HIGHWAY. I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, TURNED IT ON AGAIN AFTER A FEW MINUTES AND THE ENGINE HAD NORMAL POWER AGAIN. ALSO THE DOOR LOCK LIGHT COMES ON FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHEN I'M DRIVING. THE DEALER CLAIMS THAT THE PROBLEMS CAN'T BE DIAGNOSED UNLESS THEY SEE IT ACTING UP. OF COURSE IT DOESN'T DO THESE THINGS WHEN IT IS IN THE SHOP. I AM REALLY DISGUSTED.

NHTSA ODI #11150306

146,000 miles · Oct 11, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Fuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

LEAKING FUEL LINE. MANY MANY HHR HAVE THIS

NHTSA ODI #11139621

160,000 miles · Sep 18, 2018
Fuel/propulsion System

FUEL LINE RUSTING!!

NHTSA ODI #11130036

178,000 miles · May 22, 2018
Fuel/propulsion System

THE CHEVY HHR WAS BUILT WITH STEEL FUEL LINES RUNNING FROM THE FUEL PUMP OUTSIDE THE FUEL TANK ACROSS THE FRONT OF THE TANK TO THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHERE THEY TURN AND RUN JUST ABOVE THE EXHAUST PIPE. TO PREVENT HEAT BUILDUP THE FUEL LINES ARE WRAPPED WITH AN INSULATING TAPE OF SOME SORT. THIS TAPE LOOSENS OVER TIME…

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THE CHEVY HHR WAS BUILT WITH STEEL FUEL LINES RUNNING FROM THE FUEL PUMP OUTSIDE THE FUEL TANK ACROSS THE FRONT OF THE TANK TO THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHERE THEY TURN AND RUN JUST ABOVE THE EXHAUST PIPE. TO PREVENT HEAT BUILDUP THE FUEL LINES ARE WRAPPED WITH AN INSULATING TAPE OF SOME SORT. THIS TAPE LOOSENS OVER TIME AND ALLOWS WATER TO ACCUMULATE WITHIN THE WRAPPING OF THE FUEL LINES. THIS CAUSES THE FUEL LINES TO RUST TO THE POINT OF FAILURE WHEREIN THE FUEL THEN LEAKS OUT VERY NEAR OR ONTO THE EXHAUST PIPE. THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD AND COULD RESULT IN THE INJURY OR DEATH OF ANY OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE OR EXPLOSION OF THE FUEL TANK. ALTHOUGH THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE DESIGN OF THE HHR, CHEVROLET HAS YET TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I WAS TOLD BY MY LOCAL DEALER THAT THE ENTIRE FUEL LINE SYSTEM FROM THE TANK TO THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $1000. I DISCOVERED THIS WHEN I PARKED MY HHR IN THE DRIVEWAY AND SMELLED FUEL. MY VEHICLE IS LEAKING FUEL AND IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. I OWN 2 HHRS, A 2006 LS, AND A 2009 SS, AND AM NOW LOOKING AT A $2000 EXPENSE JUST TO MAKE THEM SAFE TO DRIVE. THIS SHOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF CHEVROLET, NOT EVERY OWNER OF A HHR.

NHTSA ODI #11097267

72,000 miles · Apr 16, 2018
Fuel/propulsion System

FUEL SYSTEM RUSTED OUT !! FUEL LINES RUSTED CAUSING FUEL LEAKING FILLER TUBE RUSTED OUT FUEL SYSTEM FAILED ON MAJOR HIGHWAY THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND GM REFUSE TO RECALL

NHTSA ODI #11088520

180,000 miles · Mar 14, 2018
Fuel/propulsion System

THERE IS A FUEL LINE LEAK IN THE BACK BY THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE LEAKING HAS ALL OVER. RUSTED ALREADY. WAS IN TOWN WITH MY KIDS AND DAD AND HAD IT IDLED FOR AWHILE AND GOT OUT AND SMELLED HAS REALLY BAD. SURE ENOUGH A PUDDLE OF GAS ON THE PAVEMENT. DROVE IT STRAIGHT HOME. EVERYONE WAS SCARED DUE TO THE LEAK. VERY DANGEROUS.

NHTSA ODI #11079036

Mileage unknown · Jan 11, 2018
Fuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

GASOLINE GOES FAST, I HAVE TO FILL EVERY 4 DAYS. SOMETIMES ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND GOES AWAY AND SOMETIMES RUNNS SMOOTH AND SOMETIMES IT FEELS LIKE WANTS TO TURN OFF.

NHTSA ODI #11062179

160,000 miles · Nov 29, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System

FUEL LINE LEAK BY LEFT REAR TIRE WHICH ALSO IS NEXT TO THE TAILPIPE. I HAVE READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THE LINE SITS IN A POOL OF WATER THAT FORMS ON THE FRAME.

NHTSA ODI #11051353

152,800 miles · Oct 27, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System

BOTH THE FUEL LINE (TANK TO ENGINE COMPARTMENT) AND THE RETURN LINE (PART OF THE EGR SYSTEM) HAVE RUSTED AND ARE LEAKING FUEL. THE RUST ON BOTH LINES EXTENDS FROM JUST IN FRONT OF THE REAR WHEEL (ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE) TO WITHIN ABOUT 6 INCHES OF THE FUEL TANK. THE LINES LEAK WHEN PRESSURIZED, I.E., WHEN FUEL IS PUSHED THROUGH …

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BOTH THE FUEL LINE (TANK TO ENGINE COMPARTMENT) AND THE RETURN LINE (PART OF THE EGR SYSTEM) HAVE RUSTED AND ARE LEAKING FUEL. THE RUST ON BOTH LINES EXTENDS FROM JUST IN FRONT OF THE REAR WHEEL (ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE) TO WITHIN ABOUT 6 INCHES OF THE FUEL TANK. THE LINES LEAK WHEN PRESSURIZED, I.E., WHEN FUEL IS PUSHED THROUGH THEM BY THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP, AND THEY SEEP GASOLINE AFTER THE VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF. THE SMELL OF GASOLINE PERMEATES THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WHEN STOPPED, AND THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, AS AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL. THE VEHICLE LEAVES A THIN PUDDLE OF FUEL, ABOUT 6" IN DIAMETER, BENEATH THE CAR WHEN PARKED. THE LEAK IS QUITE NEAR THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, AS WELL. THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 152,800 MILES. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER, HAVING PURCHASED IT FROM ROBINSON CHEVROLET, IN WHEELING, WV ON JULY 1, 2007. I AM VERY RELUCTANT TO DRIVE THE CAR, BECAUSE OF THE FIRE HAZARD THAT IT PRESENTS. FORTUNATELY, MY WIFE AND I HAVE ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WE CAN SHARE, AT LEAST UNTIL THE FUEL LEAKAGE SITUATION IS RESOLVED ON THE HHR. I DID NOT HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO PHOTOGRAPH THE RUSTED LINES WHILE THE CAR WAS ON A LIFT, BUT I DID SHOOT A PHOTO OF THE LINES WITH MY MOBILE PHONE. THE PHOTO IS OF THE AREA JUST FORWARD OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL. (SEE UPLOADED PHOTO.) IT'S NOT THE BEST IMAGE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT IT IS THE BEST THAT I COULD DO WITH THE CAR IN MY DRIVEWAY.

NHTSA ODI #11040617

120,000 miles · May 14, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System

FUEL LINES ON DRIVERS SIDE NEXT TO REAR WHEEL ARE RUSTING AND LEAKING FUEL OVER A EXHAUST PIPE,WHEN HOT WOULD SURELY CAUSE A FIRE. FROM WHAT I'VE READ A FEW HAVE CAUGHT FIRE.

NHTSA ODI #10985622

Official recalls

5

14V171000 · 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. GM’s 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. GM’s 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. GM’s 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

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.