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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

Steering complaints

458 reports
Clear category filter
24,000 miles · May 20, 2008
SteeringCrash

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE HAS ELECTRONIC STEERING, WHICH SPORADICALLY BECOMES INOPERATIVE AND DISABLES THE STEERING MECHANISM. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPAIRED THE WIRING TO THE FUSE BOX. SEVERAL DAYS LATER, WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE HAS ELECTRONIC STEERING, WHICH SPORADICALLY BECOMES INOPERATIVE AND DISABLES THE STEERING MECHANISM. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPAIRED THE WIRING TO THE FUSE BOX. SEVERAL DAYS LATER, WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO SEVERAL STREET SIGNS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES OF THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 24,000.

NHTSA ODI #10228312

Mileage unknown · Apr 21, 2008
Air BagsElectrical SystemSteering

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…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10225225

Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 2008
Electrical SystemSteeringStructure

2006 CHEVY HHR BROKEN INSIDE DRIVERS DOOR HANDLE. CONSUMER STATES THAT SHE MUST ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW AND USE THE OUTSIDE HANDLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. *KB THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND A FUSE BURNED OUT. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10225140

Mileage unknown · Dec 13, 2007
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteeringSuspension

**VEHICLE HAS A VIBRATION AT SPEEDS OVER 35 MPH, HAS BEEN INTO FOUR DIFFERENT CHEVY DEALERS NUMEROUS TIMES THEY CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM(THEY HAVE ROTATED TIRES MANY TIMES,BALANCED TIRES MANY TIMES,CHANGED TIRES AND REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES)..PROBLEM STILL NOT SOLVED. ** BRAKES PULSATE SOMETIMES AND SMELL LIKE THEY ARE BURNI…

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**VEHICLE HAS A VIBRATION AT SPEEDS OVER 35 MPH, HAS BEEN INTO FOUR DIFFERENT CHEVY DEALERS NUMEROUS TIMES THEY CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM(THEY HAVE ROTATED TIRES MANY TIMES,BALANCED TIRES MANY TIMES,CHANGED TIRES AND REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES)..PROBLEM STILL NOT SOLVED. ** BRAKES PULSATE SOMETIMES AND SMELL LIKE THEY ARE BURNING (THEY HAVE CLEANED AND ADJUSTED BRAKES AT LEAST 6 TIMES,PLUS THEY HAVE CUT ROTORS TWICE (THEY SAID THEY ARE WARPED, THEY ALSO CUT THE REAR DRUMS)..PROBLEM STILL NOT SOLVED. ** VEHICLE HAS A KLUNKING NOISE WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP (THEY HAVE REPLACED STEERING COLUMN, THE NEXT TIME THEY REPLACED STABLIZER PINS)..PROBLEM STILL NOT SOLVED. ** OTHER PROBLEMS THAT MOST HAVE BEEN SOLVED INCLUDE :* : *: *: *CLOTHES HANGER REPLACED TWICE**REAR WIPER REPLACED NEVER WORKED PROPERLY**LEAK IN THE FIRE WALL PUDDLES IN CAR**WEATHER STRIPPING WAS DEFECTIVE PUDDLES" INSIDE" DOORS CAUSING SEVERE WET SEATBELTS**KEY STUCK IN IGNITION REPLACED IGNITION**TRANSMISION JUMPING, GEAR SHIFT REPLACED**LOCKS NOT WORKING HAD TO UPDATE COMPUTER CODES** *TR

NHTSA ODI #10211851

28,000 miles · May 25, 2007
Steering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE TURNING CORNERS, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE AND MAKE A NOISE. THE TRAVEL SPEED WAS NOT A FACTOR. THE DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT IS NO LONGER EXPERIENCING FAILURES. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 31,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE TURNING CORNERS, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE AND MAKE A NOISE. THE TRAVEL SPEED WAS NOT A FACTOR. THE DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT IS NO LONGER EXPERIENCING FAILURES. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 31,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000.

NHTSA ODI #10191725

17,800 miles · May 8, 2007
SteeringCrash

2006 , CHEVROLET, HHR STEERING STARTED TO FAIL, DRIVER'S FRONT WHEEL WAS DISCONNECTED FROM HOUSING, RESULTING IN HITTING INTO CURB. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10190106

4,000 miles · Oct 30, 2006
Steering

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ON A CITY STREET, THERE WAS A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT FOLLOWED BY THE VEHICLE PULLING TO THE RIGHT SIDE. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO PULL THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE STREET WITHOUT INCIDENT. UPON INITIAL INSPECTION, THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS LYING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. …

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ON A CITY STREET, THERE WAS A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT FOLLOWED BY THE VEHICLE PULLING TO THE RIGHT SIDE. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO PULL THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE STREET WITHOUT INCIDENT. UPON INITIAL INSPECTION, THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS LYING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. AFTER BEING TOWED TO THE DEALER, IT WAS DETERMINED THE STEERING KNUCKLE FRACTURED INTO, AND CAUSED THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE TO ROLL UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WHILE ATTACHED TO THE REMAINING HALF OF THE STEERING KNUCKLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.

NHTSA ODI #10172150

400 miles · Jan 18, 2006
Steering

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE MESSAGE BOARD FLASHED POWER STEERING, WHEN THIS OCCURRED, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE POWER STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *NM UPDATED 02/28/06

NHTSA ODI #10148021

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.