NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
726 reports9,200 miles · Sep 19, 2008
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
STEERING WHEEL ON MY 2007 CHEVY HHR WOULD SHAKE EVERY TIME I APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE CAR ONLY HAS 9,200 MILES ON IT. BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALER. SERVICE MANAGER SAID THAT HE HAS SEEN THIS PROBLEM WITH A NUMBER OF HHR'S. HE SHAVED THE ROTORS. ROTORS SHOULD NOT BE AN ISSUE WHEN THE CAR ONLY HAS 9,000 MILES ON IT. I BELIEV…
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STEERING WHEEL ON MY 2007 CHEVY HHR WOULD SHAKE EVERY TIME I APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE CAR ONLY HAS 9,200 MILES ON IT. BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALER. SERVICE MANAGER SAID THAT HE HAS SEEN THIS PROBLEM WITH A NUMBER OF HHR'S. HE SHAVED THE ROTORS. ROTORS SHOULD NOT BE AN ISSUE WHEN THE CAR ONLY HAS 9,000 MILES ON IT. I BELIEVE THE ROTORS ARE DEFECTIVE. SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME HE THINKS THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE STEEL THEY USED IS TOO SOFT. A RECALL IS IN ORDER. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED PROBLEM. AN INVESTIGATION MUST TAKE PLACE AND AN AUDIT OF HOW MANY HHR'S HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10242925
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…
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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
34,666 miles · Sep 4, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE HAS SUDDENLY SHUT OFF OVER 20 TIMES, USUALLY WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED ON THE INTERSTATE. THE MOST RECENT FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH. SHE CALLED THE DEALER FROM WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD TAKE THE V…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE HAS SUDDENLY SHUT OFF OVER 20 TIMES, USUALLY WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED ON THE INTERSTATE. THE MOST RECENT FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH. SHE CALLED THE DEALER FROM WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK. WHEN SHE WENT TO TURN IN THE VEHICLE, THE DEALER ATTEMPTED TO SELL HER ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THEN REFUSED TO TAKE THE DEFECTIVE VEHICLE BACK. THEY STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO CORROSION OF ONE OF THE PLUGS. THEY REPAIRED THE PLUG CORROSION AND SOME BRAKE ISSUES. THE REPAIR LASTED FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH BEFORE RECURRING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AGAIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,666 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,000. UPDATED 09/29/08. *LJ THE GEAR SHIFT ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 09/29/08. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10240899
25,113 miles · Aug 7, 2008
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
BRAKE ROTOR PROBLEM. WARPED AT 25,113 MILES AND STARTED PROBLEM AGAIN AT 50,000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10237400
46,000 miles · Aug 5, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Hydraulic
THE CHEVY HHR PLUGS ARE CORRODED AND THE BRAKES ARE DEFECTIVE. THE CAR STALLS WHEN HITTING OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD OR NOT WHILE DRIVE AT A HIGH SPEED. NO WARNING LIGHT. STALLS 17 TIMES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10237095
6,750 miles · Jul 30, 2008
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
LOUSY BRAKES. WHILE DRIVING IN HOT WEATHER, APPLYING BRAKES SETS OFF VIOLENT SHAKING AND PULSATION IN STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKE PEDAL. THIS WAS NOT CAUSED BY OVER USAGE. OCCURRED AT FIRST APPLICATION. AIR TEMP WAS APPROXIMATELY 95 DEG. BRAKES WORK FINE IN COLD WEATHER. STOPPED AT LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER AND ASKED IF THERE WERE ANY…
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LOUSY BRAKES. WHILE DRIVING IN HOT WEATHER, APPLYING BRAKES SETS OFF VIOLENT SHAKING AND PULSATION IN STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKE PEDAL. THIS WAS NOT CAUSED BY OVER USAGE. OCCURRED AT FIRST APPLICATION. AIR TEMP WAS APPROXIMATELY 95 DEG. BRAKES WORK FINE IN COLD WEATHER. STOPPED AT LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER AND ASKED IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS OF SERVICE BULLETINS CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM. SERVICE MANAGER SAID THE BRAKES WERE MADE AS CHEAPLY AS POSSIBLE ESPECIALLY THE ROTORS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10236386
30,000 miles · Jul 26, 2008
Power TrainSuspension
CHEVROLET HHR 2007 SUSPENSION AND DIRECTION ELEMENTS SEEMS TO BE DEFECTIVE OR NEEDS TO BE REINFORCED. I HAVE ONE AND PIECES HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE. I AM IN MEXICO CITY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10235874
23,340 miles · Jul 13, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling
DRIVING HOME FROM WORK MY TEMP LIGHT CAME ON & MY CAR STARTED SHAKING REALLY BAD. WHILE DRIVING IT CUT OFF & I HAD TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. MY CAR NEVER CRANKED BK UP & HAD TO BE TOWED. THERE WAS ALSO COOLANT LEAKING FROM THE BOTTOM. COME TO FIND OUT THERE WAS A DEFECT IN MY RADIATOR BECAUSE THERE IS NOTHING COVERING IT…
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DRIVING HOME FROM WORK MY TEMP LIGHT CAME ON & MY CAR STARTED SHAKING REALLY BAD. WHILE DRIVING IT CUT OFF & I HAD TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. MY CAR NEVER CRANKED BK UP & HAD TO BE TOWED. THERE WAS ALSO COOLANT LEAKING FROM THE BOTTOM. COME TO FIND OUT THERE WAS A DEFECT IN MY RADIATOR BECAUSE THERE IS NOTHING COVERING IT (OTHERS MAY WANT TO CHECK INTO THIS). I HAD TO HAVE A NEW ENGINE PUT IN MY CAR IN ADDITION I HAD A FAULTY WIRE TO MY ALTERNATOR & HAD TO HAVE BOTH STABILIZER LINKS REPLACED ABOUT 4 DAYS AFTER THE 1ST REPAIR. NOW WHEN I DRIVE MY STEERING WHEEL SHAKES SO THIS WILL BE THE 3RD REPAIR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10234121
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…
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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
40,949 miles · Jun 27, 2008
Power Train
I PURCHASE A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR IN OCTOBER 2007. IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 3 TIMES FOR KEY GETTING STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND FAILURE TO START. THE DEALER HAS REPLACE GEAR SHAFT, FLOOR SHIFT. THE FIRST TIME CAR WAS PUT IN SHOP THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. SPOKE WITH GENERAL MOTORS AND FILED A CLAIM, BUT THEY WILL NOT AD…
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I PURCHASE A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR IN OCTOBER 2007. IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 3 TIMES FOR KEY GETTING STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND FAILURE TO START. THE DEALER HAS REPLACE GEAR SHAFT, FLOOR SHIFT. THE FIRST TIME CAR WAS PUT IN SHOP THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. SPOKE WITH GENERAL MOTORS AND FILED A CLAIM, BUT THEY WILL NOT ADMIT TO ANY DEFECT TO THE VEHICLE. MY VEHICLE HAS JUST REACHED OVER THE 40,000 MILE WARRANTY THEREFORE GM WILL NOT REPURCHASE BUT OFFERED GM OWNERS LOYALTY CERTIFICATE FOR $1700 TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF ANOTHER GM VEHICLE. JUST BOUGHT THE CAR, UPSIDE DOWN $1700 DOES NOT EVEN TOUCH THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG FOR AN OBVIOUS DEFECT AND SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE CAR. WHEN THE PROBLEMS HAPPENS AGAIN AND IT WILL IT WILL BE A LEMON. WILL USE ALL OF THE REMEDIES THAT THE STATE HAS TO OFFER.
NHTSA ODI #10232517
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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