NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
726 reports70,000 miles · May 8, 2015
Air BagsEngineCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO THE REAR END OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE BACK AND BOTH LEGS, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTRO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO THE REAR END OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE BACK AND BOTH LEGS, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED TWO NOTIFICATIONS FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V047000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT BELIEVED BOTH OF THESE RECALLS WERE RELATED TO THE FAILURE THAT CAUSED THE CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
NHTSA ODI #10715389
200,000 miles · May 6, 2015
SteeringCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A LARGE ROCK AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERIN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A LARGE ROCK AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING NEEDED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. UPDATED 6/25/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THE FAILURE OCCURRED FREQUENTLY. UPDATED 9/18/15 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10714883
Mileage unknown · May 4, 2015
Structure
DOOR HANDEL IS BROKEN FOR THE SECOND TIME ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. HAVE TO ROLL MY WINDOW DOWN AND OPEN HANDEL FROM OUTSIDE. THIS IS NOT GOOD, IF ENGINE DIES SO WILL I. COULD NOT OPEN DOOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10714450
140,000 miles · Apr 22, 2015
SteeringCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND FORCE WAS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO TURN THE VEHICLE. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE POWER STEERING WAS DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAG…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND FORCE WAS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO TURN THE VEHICLE. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE POWER STEERING WAS DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT 35 MPH. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING AND A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA ODI #10712161
72,200 miles · Mar 27, 2015
Steering
CAR PARKED IN GARAGE. I TURNED ON IGNITION AND I GET A 'POWER STEERING' IN DISPLAY. I BACKED OUT OF GARAGE AND THE I COULD HARDLY TURN THE WHEEL. IT WAS DIFFICULT TO DRIVE BUT I WAS CAREFUL. I DROVE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THEY DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO LOOK AT IT BUT I COULD GO TO ANOTHER DEALER. I GOT BACK IN MY CAR AND…
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CAR PARKED IN GARAGE. I TURNED ON IGNITION AND I GET A 'POWER STEERING' IN DISPLAY. I BACKED OUT OF GARAGE AND THE I COULD HARDLY TURN THE WHEEL. IT WAS DIFFICULT TO DRIVE BUT I WAS CAREFUL. I DROVE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THEY DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO LOOK AT IT BUT I COULD GO TO ANOTHER DEALER. I GOT BACK IN MY CAR AND TURNED THE IGNITION AND THE POWER STEERING WAS BACK. SO I DROVE BACK HOME AND SEARCHED THE INTERNET TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM MIGHT BE. I WAS SHOCKED TO FIND THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH HHR HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I AM NOW AFRAID TO TAKE A TRIP IN IT UNTIL IT CAN BE REPAIRED. I CAN SEE WHERE IF THIS GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING.... BIG TIME ACCIDENTS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10702208
80,000 miles · Mar 26, 2015
Air BagsElectrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), THE IGNITION KEY FAILED TO GO INTO THE OFF POSITION AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. AFTER THE IGNITION KEY WAS MOVED TO THE OFF POSITION, THE IGNI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), THE IGNITION KEY FAILED TO GO INTO THE OFF POSITION AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. AFTER THE IGNITION KEY WAS MOVED TO THE OFF POSITION, THE IGNITION KEY FAILED TO DISENGAGE FROM THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AS THE SERVICE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA ODI #10701848
110,000 miles · Mar 15, 2015
Steering
I WAS DRIVING MY 2007 CHEVY HHR WHEN THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON. I STOPPED AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR AGAIN IT FINE, BUT AFTER A MILE OR 2 THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. I HAVE STOPPED AND STARTED THE CAR AGAIN SEVERAL TIMES AND THE SAME THING KEEPS HAPPENING. THAT TELLS ME THAT THERE REALLY ISN'T ANYTHING…
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I WAS DRIVING MY 2007 CHEVY HHR WHEN THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON. I STOPPED AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR AGAIN IT FINE, BUT AFTER A MILE OR 2 THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. I HAVE STOPPED AND STARTED THE CAR AGAIN SEVERAL TIMES AND THE SAME THING KEEPS HAPPENING. THAT TELLS ME THAT THERE REALLY ISN'T ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. I WONDER HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10694376
37,000 miles · Mar 13, 2015
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), BUT THE VEHICLE BEGAN HAVING MORE ELECTRICAL ISSUES AFTER THE REPAIR. THE HEADLIGHTS RANDOMLY FAILED, THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD BLINK, AND THE RADIO WOULD TURN ON AND OF…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), BUT THE VEHICLE BEGAN HAVING MORE ELECTRICAL ISSUES AFTER THE REPAIR. THE HEADLIGHTS RANDOMLY FAILED, THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD BLINK, AND THE RADIO WOULD TURN ON AND OFF AUTOMATICALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WORKED PROPERLY AFTER THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000.
NHTSA ODI #10694036
79,505 miles · Mar 13, 2015
Service BrakesSuspension
I HAVE BEEN HEARING SOME CLUNKING SOUNDS BUT NOT SURE WHERE THEY ARE COMING FROM. THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL DOES NOT SHUT OFF BY ITSELF. BRAKE PEDAL FEELS VERY SOFT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10694020
Mileage unknown · Mar 12, 2015
Electrical System
2007 CHEVROLET HHR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION AND OTHER VEHICLE PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED ON ONE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. A FEW LATER, THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. THE CONSUMER IS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10679150
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 ↗
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