NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
111 reportsClear category filter32,600 miles · Jan 19, 2011
Electrical SystemPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. HE DEPRESSED AN UNKNOWN SWITCH UNDER THE STEERING COLUMN AND WAS FINALLY ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED HIM TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SHIFT…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. HE DEPRESSED AN UNKNOWN SWITCH UNDER THE STEERING COLUMN AND WAS FINALLY ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED HIM TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,600 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 32,700. UPDATED 12/19/11 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS THE GEAR SHIFT CONTROL. WHEN THE MICRO SAFETY SWITCH WAS INOPERATIVE, THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER MAY BE MOVED FROM PARK ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE OTHER GEARS. IF THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS NOT SET, THE VEHICLE WOULD MOVE. UPDATED 02/04/15
NHTSA ODI #10377894
100,339 miles · Dec 22, 2010
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages
KEY WILL NOT REMOVE FROM LOCK IN IGNITION WHEN CAR IS PLACED IN PARK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10372032
92,000 miles · Dec 17, 2010
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkagesPower Train
2007 CHEVROLET HHR THE SHIFTER WILL NOT LOCK INTO GEAR AND KEY IS STUCK IN IGNITION. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD AS SEEING WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING YOU CAN GO INTO ANY GEAR AT ANYTIME IF IT IS ACCIDENTALLY BUMPED WHICH CAN CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT. I HAD TO UNHOOK THE BATTERY TO TURN EVERYTHING OFF SINCE THE KEY WILL NOT COME OUT…
Read full complaint
2007 CHEVROLET HHR THE SHIFTER WILL NOT LOCK INTO GEAR AND KEY IS STUCK IN IGNITION. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD AS SEEING WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING YOU CAN GO INTO ANY GEAR AT ANYTIME IF IT IS ACCIDENTALLY BUMPED WHICH CAN CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT. I HAD TO UNHOOK THE BATTERY TO TURN EVERYTHING OFF SINCE THE KEY WILL NOT COME OUT OF IGNITION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10371112
2,500 miles · Apr 26, 2010
Electrical SystemService Brakes, HydraulicSteering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN PULLING TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT HAD TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND PULL IT IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION IN ORDER TO GAIN CONTROL OF IT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHOR…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN PULLING TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT HAD TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND PULL IT IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION IN ORDER TO GAIN CONTROL OF IT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER SIX TIMES FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING BUT THE DEALER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS INVOLVED IN A LEGAL DISPUTE FOR EXCESSIVE GEAR BACKLASH WHICH CAUSED STEERING FAILURES UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,500. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 7,870. UPDATED 07/19/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE RIGHT, THE DASH LIGHTS WERE OUT ON OCCASION, AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD TRAVEL TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT WAS APPLIED. UPDATED 10/08/10
NHTSA ODI #10327551
61,000 miles · Apr 17, 2010
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages
WHEN PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK, THE KEY WOULD NOT REMOVE FROM THE IGNITION. ALSO, THE CAR COULD BE SHIFTED THROUGH THE GEARS WITHOUT PRESSING THE BUTTON ON THE SHIFTER. THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE IN THAT THE GEAR SHIFT CAN BE BUMPED INTO AND OUT OF VARIOUS GEARS. AFTER OPENING THE CENTER CONSOLE, I DISCOVERED THAT THE PLASTIC PLUN…
Read full complaint
WHEN PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK, THE KEY WOULD NOT REMOVE FROM THE IGNITION. ALSO, THE CAR COULD BE SHIFTED THROUGH THE GEARS WITHOUT PRESSING THE BUTTON ON THE SHIFTER. THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE IN THAT THE GEAR SHIFT CAN BE BUMPED INTO AND OUT OF VARIOUS GEARS. AFTER OPENING THE CENTER CONSOLE, I DISCOVERED THAT THE PLASTIC PLUNGER THAT GOES DOWN THROUGH THE SHIFTER HAD BROKEN, AND IN THE PROCESS ALLOWED THE METAL PIN THAT CLOSES THE CONTACT WITH THE IGNITION TO COME LOOSE. THIS HAS OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY 6 - 10 TIMES IN THE PAST 2 WEEKS, WITH INCREASING FREQUENCY. I CALLED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP, TERRY LABONTE CHEVY IN GREENSBORO, NC ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT I HAD PROBABLY SPILLED SOME LIQUID. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10326156
18,000 miles · Sep 15, 2009
Electrical System
DRIVING 2007 CHEVY HHR CAR COMPLETELY QUITS RUNNING - STALLS IN TRAFFIC. IT HAS OCCURRED AT LEAST 5 TIMES ON SIDE STREETS AND IN 40 MPH TRAFFIC - VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10284065
Mileage unknown · Mar 29, 2009
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline
WHILE WORKING ON MY CAR AND CLEANING I DISCOVERED I AM DRIVING A BOMB. THE BATTERY IS LOCATED IN THE SPARE TIRE COMPARTMENT DIRECTLY OVER THE GAS TANK A REAR END COLLISION WOULD SET OFF AN IMMEDIATE FIRE OR EXLPLOSION FROM AN ELECTRICAL SHORT, SPARK, OR BATTERY EXPLOSION, SHOULD THE GAS TANK OR ANY CONNECTIONS TO BE BROKEN. *T…
Read full complaint
WHILE WORKING ON MY CAR AND CLEANING I DISCOVERED I AM DRIVING A BOMB. THE BATTERY IS LOCATED IN THE SPARE TIRE COMPARTMENT DIRECTLY OVER THE GAS TANK A REAR END COLLISION WOULD SET OFF AN IMMEDIATE FIRE OR EXLPLOSION FROM AN ELECTRICAL SHORT, SPARK, OR BATTERY EXPLOSION, SHOULD THE GAS TANK OR ANY CONNECTIONS TO BE BROKEN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10263564
50,000 miles · Jan 16, 2009
Electrical SystemSuspension
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FAILS TO RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION UNLESS A BUTTON UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL IS TOUCHED. THE CONTACT ALSO HEARS A STRANGE NOISE UNDERNEATH THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE NOISE IS HEARD EACH MORNING, WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS, AND AFTER THE VEH…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FAILS TO RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION UNLESS A BUTTON UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL IS TOUCHED. THE CONTACT ALSO HEARS A STRANGE NOISE UNDERNEATH THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE NOISE IS HEARD EACH MORNING, WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS, AND AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED FOR DAYS. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 50,000.
NHTSA ODI #10255367
48,000 miles · Sep 6, 2008
Electrical System
THE CHEVY HHR SHOULD BE RECALLED I WILL RIGHT TO MY CONGRESSMAN, NEW PAPER MY SENATOR AND EVERYONE ELSE UNTIL YOU RECALL THE CHEVY HHR FOR CUTTING OFF FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHILE DRIVING, I ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING AND MY CAR SHUT OFF WHEN PASSING OVER A BUMP, OR DRIVING IN FRONT OF A TRUCK AND IT JUST SHUTTING…
Read full complaint
THE CHEVY HHR SHOULD BE RECALLED I WILL RIGHT TO MY CONGRESSMAN, NEW PAPER MY SENATOR AND EVERYONE ELSE UNTIL YOU RECALL THE CHEVY HHR FOR CUTTING OFF FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHILE DRIVING, I ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING AND MY CAR SHUT OFF WHEN PASSING OVER A BUMP, OR DRIVING IN FRONT OF A TRUCK AND IT JUST SHUTTING OFF, IT HAS SHUT OFF APPROX 28 TIMES AND STILL GOING STRONG AND NO ONE WANTS TO DO ANYTHING NOT EVEN GM AND OTHER GM OWNERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM CORRODED PLUGS, FAULTY REMOTE CONTROLS KEY FOB BATTERY LOW, GEAR SHIFT HAD TO BE CHANGE, DOES SOME HAVE TO DIE FOR HELP OR BE MAULED IN A ACCIDENT. WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO DO SOMETHING. GM DON'T CAR THE DEALER SAYS I WAS SOLD A DEMO CAR BUT IT WAS A RENTAL CAR. THEY LIE, WHITE CHEVROLET IN ROANOKE RAPIDS NC THEY NEED TO BUY THE CAR BACK AND REIMBURSE ME FOR THE HEADACHES AND INCONVENIENCE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10241207
13,000 miles · Jun 30, 2008
Electrical SystemFire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HHR. AFTER BEING PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY FOR MORE THAN ONE DAY, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE BEHIND THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN THE PREVIOUS DAY. A FIRE AND POLICE REPORT WERE FILED. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES AVAILABLE. THE VIN W…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HHR. AFTER BEING PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY FOR MORE THAN ONE DAY, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE BEHIND THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN THE PREVIOUS DAY. A FIRE AND POLICE REPORT WERE FILED. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 13,000.
NHTSA ODI #10232672
Official recalls
4Apr 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.
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.
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> .
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> .
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
Illustration