2006 CHEVY HHR SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. *JB
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.
What owners actually said
1,006 reportsDT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT A FREEWAY AT 55 MPH THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND VEERED OFF THE ROAD BEFORE IT WAS STOPPED. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE WAS LYING ON ITS SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATE…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT A FREEWAY AT 55 MPH THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND VEERED OFF THE ROAD BEFORE IT WAS STOPPED. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE WAS LYING ON ITS SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 09/11/06. *JB
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY IN A COLLISION AT 30 MPH. THE COLLISION OCCURRED AT AN INTERSECTION. ALL OCCUPANTS WERE WEARING SEAT BELTS. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW IF THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED OR NOT.*AK
FIRESTONE SIDEWALL TIRE FAILURE. ON 7/22/06 ON I 95, FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. WE EXPERIENCED A SIDEWALL TIRE FAILURE ON A 2006 CHEVY, HHR WITH 1942 MILES. THE TIRE PRESSURE AS TESTED ON 7/19/06 WAS 34 PSI +/- 1 PSI. THERE IS NO INDICATION OF ROAD HAZARD, THE TIRE HAS BEEN SECURED BY ME. THE DEALER, TOM GIBBS CHEVY OF FLAGLER…
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FIRESTONE SIDEWALL TIRE FAILURE. ON 7/22/06 ON I 95, FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. WE EXPERIENCED A SIDEWALL TIRE FAILURE ON A 2006 CHEVY, HHR WITH 1942 MILES. THE TIRE PRESSURE AS TESTED ON 7/19/06 WAS 34 PSI +/- 1 PSI. THERE IS NO INDICATION OF ROAD HAZARD, THE TIRE HAS BEEN SECURED BY ME. THE DEALER, TOM GIBBS CHEVY OF FLAGLER COUNTY EXPRESSED NO INTEREST IN PURSUING THE SAFETY FACTOR OF THE FAILURE, SO I AM. THE TIRE IS A FIRESTONE, GTA 03, FIREHAWK SIZE P215/50R17 90T M&S. SEVERAL MECHANICS VISUALLY INSPECTED SAME AND ALL CAME TO THE SAME CONCLUSION. AS YET, THIS TIRE HAS NOT BEEN LISTED ON A RECALL NOTICE. ANOTHER SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THIS TIRE I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW. THE TIRE HAS BEEN SECURED AS POTENTIAL EVIDENCE. *NM
AFTER 7500 MILES, HHR IS DEMONSTRATING STARTER/IGNITION PROBLEMS. AS OPPOSED TO NEW VEHICLE, IT NOW TAKES BETWEEN 3-7 SECONDS OR MORE, TO GET VEHICLE TO START. INITIALLY, VEHICLE STARTED IMMEDIATELY WITH KEY AND REMOTE STARTER. THIS PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT BUT CHRONIC. A VEHICLE SHOULD NOT TAKE THIS MUCH CRANKING TO START. …
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AFTER 7500 MILES, HHR IS DEMONSTRATING STARTER/IGNITION PROBLEMS. AS OPPOSED TO NEW VEHICLE, IT NOW TAKES BETWEEN 3-7 SECONDS OR MORE, TO GET VEHICLE TO START. INITIALLY, VEHICLE STARTED IMMEDIATELY WITH KEY AND REMOTE STARTER. THIS PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT BUT CHRONIC. A VEHICLE SHOULD NOT TAKE THIS MUCH CRANKING TO START. *NM
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAS TOO MANY BLIND SPOTS ON ALL SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO FOR SEEING OUT THE FRONT WINDOW IS DIFFICULT TO SEE OUT OF DUE TO THE WINDSHIELD BEING LOWER AND THE SEAT HIGHER THAN ON OTHER VEHICLES. DUE TO THIS VISIBILITY ISSUE THE CONTACT FEELS UNSAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE.
(1) NONE, IT JUST STOPPED WORKING. (2) OUTSIDE AIR TEMPERATURE INDICATOR DOES NOT WORK, TEMPERATURE STAYS THE SAME FOR SEVERAL DAYS. IT MIGHT CHANGE TO THE CORRECT TEMPERATURE OR JUST CHANGE A FEW DEGREES WHEN IT FEELS LIKE IT. (3) DEALER REPLACED OUTSIDE AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR. IT WORKED OK FOR 4 DAYS. STOPPED WORKING …
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(1) NONE, IT JUST STOPPED WORKING. (2) OUTSIDE AIR TEMPERATURE INDICATOR DOES NOT WORK, TEMPERATURE STAYS THE SAME FOR SEVERAL DAYS. IT MIGHT CHANGE TO THE CORRECT TEMPERATURE OR JUST CHANGE A FEW DEGREES WHEN IT FEELS LIKE IT. (3) DEALER REPLACED OUTSIDE AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR. IT WORKED OK FOR 4 DAYS. STOPPED WORKING AGAIN. *NM
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE ENGINE LOST ALL POWER WITHOUT WARNING FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS SAFELY PULLED OFF THE ROAD EACH TIME. ON THREE OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY WHEN IT WAS PUT INTO NEUTRAL; ON THE FORTH OCCASION THE VEHICLE SAT FOR 45 MINUTES AND THEN RESTARTED WHILE IN…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE ENGINE LOST ALL POWER WITHOUT WARNING FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS SAFELY PULLED OFF THE ROAD EACH TIME. ON THREE OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY WHEN IT WAS PUT INTO NEUTRAL; ON THE FORTH OCCASION THE VEHICLE SAT FOR 45 MINUTES AND THEN RESTARTED WHILE IN PARK. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AFTER EACH FAILURE. THE DEALER INSTALLED AN EVENT DATA RECORDER IN THE VEHICLE TO BE MANUALLY STARTED IN THE EVENT OF A FAILURE. THE EDR DID RECORD THE FOURTH FAILURE HOWEVER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE AND REPAIR THE PROBLEM.
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE DOOR ALARM WILL NOT SOUND UNTIL THE BACK DOOR IS AJAR SIX INCHES. THE DEALER DETERMINED THIS WAS HOW THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE.
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
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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