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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

Seats complaints

5 reports
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126,894 miles · Feb 4, 2015
Electrical SystemSeats

I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS FIRST OFF MY DASH LIGHTS WILL FLICKER WHILE DRIVING SOMETIMES THE RADIO AND DASH WON'T WORK AT ALL, BACKS OF MY DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS HAVE FALLEN OFF, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR HANDLES ARE BROKE THE DRIVERS HANDLE IS COMPLETELY BROKE OFF, ALSO WHEN IT RAINS MY PASSENGER FLOOR BOARD FILLS UP…

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I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS FIRST OFF MY DASH LIGHTS WILL FLICKER WHILE DRIVING SOMETIMES THE RADIO AND DASH WON'T WORK AT ALL, BACKS OF MY DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS HAVE FALLEN OFF, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR HANDLES ARE BROKE THE DRIVERS HANDLE IS COMPLETELY BROKE OFF, ALSO WHEN IT RAINS MY PASSENGER FLOOR BOARD FILLS UP WITH WATER, MY SEATS ARE SO DIRTY LOOKING CAUSE SOMETHING KEEPS BLEEDING THROUGH UPHOLSTERY, IGNITION AND SHIFT LEVER HAD TO BE REPLACED TODAY CAUSE CAR WOULDN'T GO INTO PARK AND KEY WOULDN'T COME OUT!! ALSO THE CAR USED TO SLIDE WHEN ON A CORNER OR ROUGH ROAD!! THIS IS RIDICULOUS!! THE DOOR HANDLES IS A SAFETY HAZARD GOD FOR BID IF I'M IN A WRECK OR MY CAR STARTS ON FIRE I WON'T BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF MY CAR AND I CAN'T AFFORD TO HAVE THEM FIXED RIGHT NOW BECAUSE I RECENTLY LOST MY JOB!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10681362

38,000 miles · Jan 28, 2015
Air BagsSeatsStructureCrashInjury

A LADY RAN A RED LIGHT ON SPRINGRIDGE RD JUST SOUTH OF JACKSON MS. WIFE WAS DRIVING ACROSS SPRINGRIDGE RD. THE LADY FAILED TO YIELD AND STRUCK WIFE IN DRIVERS SIDE TOTALING THREE CARS IN THE PROCESS WIFE WAS SEVERELY INJURED (11 DAYS IN HOSPITAL) NO AIRBAG WAS DEPLOYED DURING ACCIDENT. STILL WORKING ON FULL RECOVERY. *TR …

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A LADY RAN A RED LIGHT ON SPRINGRIDGE RD JUST SOUTH OF JACKSON MS. WIFE WAS DRIVING ACROSS SPRINGRIDGE RD. THE LADY FAILED TO YIELD AND STRUCK WIFE IN DRIVERS SIDE TOTALING THREE CARS IN THE PROCESS WIFE WAS SEVERELY INJURED (11 DAYS IN HOSPITAL) NO AIRBAG WAS DEPLOYED DURING ACCIDENT. STILL WORKING ON FULL RECOVERY. *TR UPDATED 10/16/2017*JS THE CONSUMER REQUESTED A STATUS UPDATE AND RECALL INFORMATION. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10679551

11,000 miles · Feb 19, 2010
Air BagsSeatsCrash

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…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10312011

30,000 miles · Jun 4, 2008
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingLatches/locks/linkages

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH OVER A HOLE OR DIP IN THE ROAD, THE ENTIRE VEHICLE STALLED AND SHUT OFF. THE WEATHER WAS NOT A FACTOR. THE STALLING OCCURRED AT LEAST THREE TIMES WITHIN ONE WEEK. THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE RESTARTED ONCE IT SHUT OFF. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE FAI…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH OVER A HOLE OR DIP IN THE ROAD, THE ENTIRE VEHICLE STALLED AND SHUT OFF. THE WEATHER WAS NOT A FACTOR. THE STALLING OCCURRED AT LEAST THREE TIMES WITHIN ONE WEEK. THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE RESTARTED ONCE IT SHUT OFF. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER DOES NOT KNOW THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE OR THE REMEDY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS HAVING SEVERAL ISSUES WITH THE CAM SENSOR, WHEELS, A BROKEN HUB BEARING, BENT ROTORS AND AN ISSUE WITH REMOVING THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, DUE TO THE SHIFT CABLE NOT STAYING SECURED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE INSIDE DRIVER DOOR HANDLE WOULD NOT OPEN THE DOOR, THE PASSENGER SIDE BACK WOULD NOT STAY SECURED. UPDATED 06/25/08

NHTSA ODI #10229961

25,850 miles · Dec 23, 2006
SeatsInjury

WHILE RIDING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT OF A 2006 CHEVROLET HER FOR A PERIOD OF ABOUT 2 HOURS I RECEIVED 2ND DEGREE BURNS TO POSTERIOR. CHECK OF THE SEAT BY CHEVY DEALER THE NEXT WEEK REPORTED NO PROBLEM WITH THE SEAT HEATER. IT HAS BEEN A MONTH AND I AM STILL RECOVERING FROM THE BURNS AND HAVE HAD MEDICAL TREATMENT TWICE WEEKLY . …

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WHILE RIDING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT OF A 2006 CHEVROLET HER FOR A PERIOD OF ABOUT 2 HOURS I RECEIVED 2ND DEGREE BURNS TO POSTERIOR. CHECK OF THE SEAT BY CHEVY DEALER THE NEXT WEEK REPORTED NO PROBLEM WITH THE SEAT HEATER. IT HAS BEEN A MONTH AND I AM STILL RECOVERING FROM THE BURNS AND HAVE HAD MEDICAL TREATMENT TWICE WEEKLY . I HAVE RIDDING OVER 25,000 MILES (MOSTLY IN THE DRIVERS SEAT) AND THE SEAT HEATERS HAVE BEEN ON THE BIGGEST PART OF THE TIME OVER THE PAST YEAR. BUT THIS TWO HOUR STINT CAUSED ME SEVERE BURNS. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10176870

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.