TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING UP TO 10 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR FLASHED OFF AND ON AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
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
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.
Vehicle Speed Control complaints
9 reportsDRIVING AT 70 MPH ON FREEWAY AND SUDDENLY "ENGINE POWER REDUCED" WARNING COMES ON DISPLAY AND I CAN'T ACCELERATE. THE ENGINE CUT OFF. ON THE FREEWAY. THIS IS NOT SAFE (OBVIOUSLY) AND I DON'T SEE MYSELF BUYING ANOTHER CHEVY AGAIN. I HAVE A FAMILY AND THIS PROBLEM COULD KILL US ALL. *TR
CAR SPEEDED UP AND DOWN ,CAR STARTED TO SPIN IN CIRCLE,LOST POWER STEERING,LOST CONTROL OF CAR, FLIPPED AND ROLLED OVER 3 TIMES DOWN A 30 YD. CLIFF . NO HEAD AIR BAGS WORKED AT ALL ,ONLY THE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG WORKED. TOOK OVER 2 HRS. TO BE FOUND BY POLICE. HAD TO USE CELL PHONE SIGNAL TO BE FOUND. *TR
I RECENTLY STARTED GETTING A DASHBOARD MESSAGE SAYING "REDUCED ENGINE POWER" AND THE CAR LOSES POWER AND WILL ONLY GET TO ABOUT 10-15 MPH. I WAS DRIVING AT ROUND 45 MPH WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND THE CAR BEHIND ME ALMOST HIT ME BECAUSE THE CAR SLOWED DOWN TOO FAST WITH NO BREAK LIGHTS UNTIL I HIT THEM. SINCE THEN IT HAPPENS RANDOMLY…
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I RECENTLY STARTED GETTING A DASHBOARD MESSAGE SAYING "REDUCED ENGINE POWER" AND THE CAR LOSES POWER AND WILL ONLY GET TO ABOUT 10-15 MPH. I WAS DRIVING AT ROUND 45 MPH WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND THE CAR BEHIND ME ALMOST HIT ME BECAUSE THE CAR SLOWED DOWN TOO FAST WITH NO BREAK LIGHTS UNTIL I HIT THEM. SINCE THEN IT HAPPENS RANDOMLY A FEW TIMES A WEEKS. IT DOESN'T SEEM TO HAPPEN WHILE ON CRUISE CONTROL SO I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO USE IT AS MUCH AS I CAN. I HAVE READ FORUMS AND THIS ISSUE AND IT SEEMS LIKE NO ONE CAN PIN POINT THE EXACT PROBLEM AS IT CAN MEAN A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT THINGS. I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO TRY OUT ALL THE DIFFERENT FIXES FOR THIS IN HOPES THAT I GET THE RIGHT THING FIXED BEFORE I SPEND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. WITH THE NUMBER OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THIS PROBLEM THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL TO AT LEAST HAVE THE CAR CHECKED OUT TO PIN POINT THE PROBLEM FREE OF CHARGE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING AND REQUIRED EXCESSIVE FORCE TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO DRIVE HOME, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. IN ADDITION, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MALFUNCTIONED INTERMITTENTLY. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE F…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING AND REQUIRED EXCESSIVE FORCE TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO DRIVE HOME, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. IN ADDITION, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MALFUNCTIONED INTERMITTENTLY. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND THE PEDAL BECAME LODGED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE FAILURES AFTER IT WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 14E021000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE FOR FREE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000.
DROVE 1 MILE. TURNED ENGINE OFF FOR 15 MIN. WHEN RESTARTED CAR IT STARTED SHAKING, WARNING MESSAGE ON DASH READ ENGINE POWER REDUCED. UNABLE TO DRIVE MORE THAN 30 MPH,WITH CAR STILL SHAKING DROVE 1 MILE TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC, WHEN MECHANIC RESTARTED CAR AND CONDUCTED DX TEST AND RESET CODE THE PROBLEM RESOLVED, NO FURTHER INCIDEN…
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DROVE 1 MILE. TURNED ENGINE OFF FOR 15 MIN. WHEN RESTARTED CAR IT STARTED SHAKING, WARNING MESSAGE ON DASH READ ENGINE POWER REDUCED. UNABLE TO DRIVE MORE THAN 30 MPH,WITH CAR STILL SHAKING DROVE 1 MILE TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC, WHEN MECHANIC RESTARTED CAR AND CONDUCTED DX TEST AND RESET CODE THE PROBLEM RESOLVED, NO FURTHER INCIDENTS AFTER MILES OF TEST DRIVING. HESITANT TO DRIVE CAR ANY LONG DISTANCE FOR FEAR IT MAY HAPPEN AGAIN AND CURIOUS IF OTHER HHR DRIVERS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM OR IF THERE WAS A SILENT RECALL.. WOULD LIKE ADVICE AS TO HOW TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE, PREVENT A RECURRENCE WITHOUT EXPENSIVE DEALER COSTS AND FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND THE VEHICLE INCREASED TO A SPEED OF 80 MPH, DESPITE THE BRAKES BEING DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE WAS RESOLVED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS POWERED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC AND THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND THE VEHICLE INCREASED TO A SPEED OF 80 MPH, DESPITE THE BRAKES BEING DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE WAS RESOLVED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS POWERED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC AND THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 62,000 .
2006 CHEVROLET HHR. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING ACCELERATOR ISSUE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. HE TURNED THE IGNITION OFF AND PULLED OVER. AFTER RE-STARTING THE VEHICLE, IT SEEMED NORMAL. SEVERAL DAYS LATER, THE INCIDENT HAPPENED AGAIN. THE DEALER REPROGRAMM…
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2006 CHEVROLET HHR. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING ACCELERATOR ISSUE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. HE TURNED THE IGNITION OFF AND PULLED OVER. AFTER RE-STARTING THE VEHICLE, IT SEEMED NORMAL. SEVERAL DAYS LATER, THE INCIDENT HAPPENED AGAIN. THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE. *JB
THE OUTSIDE TEMP INDICATOR STOPPED WORKING. THE DEALER REPLACED A "BODY CONTROL MODULE" THIS CAUSED THE CRUISE CONTROL TO STOP WORKING. 1 "ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE" WAS INSTALLED. PROBLEM STILL EXISTED. A SECOND ECM WAS INSTALLED AND THE CRUISE ONCE AGAIN WORKS, HOWEVER NOW MY DRIVING LIGHTS NO LONGER WORK. IT WILL BE RETURNED …
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THE OUTSIDE TEMP INDICATOR STOPPED WORKING. THE DEALER REPLACED A "BODY CONTROL MODULE" THIS CAUSED THE CRUISE CONTROL TO STOP WORKING. 1 "ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE" WAS INSTALLED. PROBLEM STILL EXISTED. A SECOND ECM WAS INSTALLED AND THE CRUISE ONCE AGAIN WORKS, HOWEVER NOW MY DRIVING LIGHTS NO LONGER WORK. IT WILL BE RETURNED TO THE DEALER FOR A TIME TO TRY TO GET ALL THE ELECTRONICS TO WORK AS THEY SHOULD. *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.
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