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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

What owners actually said

1,006 reports
Mileage unknown · Jul 9, 2014
Air BagsElectrical System

2006 CHEVROLET HHR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH RECALL ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE SOMETIMES SHUT OFF, WHEN A BUMP WAS HIT IN THE ROAD. THAT WAS ABOUT 3-4 YEARS AGO. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE, TO REMEDY THE RECALL.

NHTSA ODI #10609370

96,000 miles · Jul 8, 2014
Steering

I WAS DRIVING MY 2006 CHEVY HHR TO THE STORE AND AS I WAS PULLING IN THE DASH READ POWER STEERING AND MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT. I STOP THE CAR IN THE PARKING LOT OF THE STORE AND WENT IN. I CAME BACK OUT AND STARTED AND HAD NO PROBLEM. I DID NOT DRIVE MY CAR THE NEXT DAY. SO MONDAY I WAS HEADED FOR WORK AND WAS GOING DOWN THE …

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I WAS DRIVING MY 2006 CHEVY HHR TO THE STORE AND AS I WAS PULLING IN THE DASH READ POWER STEERING AND MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT. I STOP THE CAR IN THE PARKING LOT OF THE STORE AND WENT IN. I CAME BACK OUT AND STARTED AND HAD NO PROBLEM. I DID NOT DRIVE MY CAR THE NEXT DAY. SO MONDAY I WAS HEADED FOR WORK AND WAS GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND MY POWER STEERING DID THE SAME THING. AND ALMOST CAUSED A WRECK. I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND TOOK IT NICE AND SLOW TO WORK AND HAD MY CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE RECALLS FIXED. I GOT MY CAR BACK TODAY (TUESDAY JULY 8, 2014) AND WAS NOT THREE BLOCKS AWAY FROM THE DEALERSHIP AND POWER STEERING DID IT AGAIN. I STARTED LOOKING AROUND ON THE INTERNET AND SEE WHERE THERE IS A RECALL FOR 2009-2011 CHEVY HHR THAT ARE DOING THE SAME THING AS MY CAR. HOWEVER I DID SEE THAT MORE 2006 CHEVY HHRS ARE DOING THE SAME THING AND WOULD LIKE FOR TO YOU LOOK INTO THE FACT THAT THIS COULD BE A RECALL ALSO. I TRULY BELIEVE IT IS. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10609031

46,078 miles · Jul 7, 2014
Fuel/propulsion System

GAS LINE IS VERY RUSTED AND HAS A GAS LEAK AT THE FIRST RETAINER CLIP BY THE FUEL TANK. LEAKS A LOT OF GAS. THIS LINE SHOULD NOT RUST THE WAY IT DID, VERY RUSTY AT EVERY BEND IN FUEL LINE. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10608549

Mileage unknown · Jul 7, 2014
Steering

THE POWER STEERING GOES IN AND OUT WHILE DRIVING THE SAME ISSUE AS THE OTHER POWER STEERING RECALLS DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS MODEL YEAR WAS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO BE DRIVING AND THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT IS ELECTRICAL. PLEASE CONSIDER PUTTING THIS ON THE RECALL LIST AS WELL, S…

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THE POWER STEERING GOES IN AND OUT WHILE DRIVING THE SAME ISSUE AS THE OTHER POWER STEERING RECALLS DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS MODEL YEAR WAS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO BE DRIVING AND THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT IS ELECTRICAL. PLEASE CONSIDER PUTTING THIS ON THE RECALL LIST AS WELL, SEVERAL OTHER CHEVY HHR OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES.THANK YOU VERY MUCH. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10608547

41,000 miles · Jul 4, 2014
Electrical SystemSteering

MAKING TURN INTO PARKING LOT HEAR A DING AND NOT STEERING, AFTER SHUT OFF CAR AND MOTOR COOLS THE STEERING WORKS HAPPEN AGAIN A FEW TIMES SOMETIMES GOING STRAIGHT SOMETIMES MAKING TURNS, CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10608236

61,000 miles · Jul 3, 2014
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME HARD TO TURN. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY FOR A PERIOD OF TWO MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME HARD TO TURN. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY FOR A PERIOD OF TWO MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000.

NHTSA ODI #10608141

65,000 miles · Jul 3, 2014
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY COULD NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR CONTINUOUSLY FOR A MONTH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO STATED THE SHIFTER MECHANISM MUST BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY COULD NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR CONTINUOUSLY FOR A MONTH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO STATED THE SHIFTER MECHANISM MUST BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65000.

NHTSA ODI #10608100

Mileage unknown · Jul 3, 2014
Air BagsElectrical System

2006 CHEVROLET HHR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION KEY REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED, HE WAS UNABLE TO GET THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION WITHOUT PUSHING A BUTTON ON THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE NEW SWITCH THAT WAS INSTALLED WAS ALSO DEFECTIVE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10606303

73,189 miles · Jul 2, 2014
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FAILED TO RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR WOULD NOT HAVE CAUSED THE TYPE OF FAILURE THE CONTACT WAS EXPERIENCING. TH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FAILED TO RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR WOULD NOT HAVE CAUSED THE TYPE OF FAILURE THE CONTACT WAS EXPERIENCING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AGAIN AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,189. UPDATED 08/19/14*LJ UPDATED 08/23/2017*CT

NHTSA ODI #10607720

90,768 miles · Jul 1, 2014
Steering

POWER STEERING IS SHUTTING OFF WHILE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON ALL ROAD TYPES AND SPEEDS WITH THE LAST INCIDENT ACCRUING WHILE MY 19 YEAR OLD CHILD WAS DRIVING THE CAR IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA WHILE IN THE PROCESS OF ACTUALLY MAKING A TURN. I AM TOLD BY THE LOCAL CHEVROLET REPAIR SHOP THAT THE POWER ASSIST MOTOR…

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POWER STEERING IS SHUTTING OFF WHILE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON ALL ROAD TYPES AND SPEEDS WITH THE LAST INCIDENT ACCRUING WHILE MY 19 YEAR OLD CHILD WAS DRIVING THE CAR IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA WHILE IN THE PROCESS OF ACTUALLY MAKING A TURN. I AM TOLD BY THE LOCAL CHEVROLET REPAIR SHOP THAT THE POWER ASSIST MOTOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS THE MECHANISM THAT HAS BEEN RECALLED IN THE CHEVY COBALT. WHY HAS THE 06 HHR NOT BEEN ADDED TO THE RECALL? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10607319

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.