NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Unknown Or Other complaints
16 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Mar 6, 2022
Unknown Or Other
I have owned 2 Chey HHR. On both vehicles, the inside driver door handles have broken within a year of ownership. Cheap plastic door handles did not last as they should. It is not replacing just the door handle, but you have to take apart the whole door and replace the complete mechanism. I very expensive fix. I had to roll …
Read full complaint
I have owned 2 Chey HHR. On both vehicles, the inside driver door handles have broken within a year of ownership. Cheap plastic door handles did not last as they should. It is not replacing just the door handle, but you have to take apart the whole door and replace the complete mechanism. I very expensive fix. I had to roll down driver window in order to reachoutside and open door from outside the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI #11455393
Mileage unknown · Nov 22, 2021
Unknown Or Other
In 2016 the rear passenger door latch failed. Thinking it was a natural wear & tear type thing, we ordered parts online and re[paired it ourselves for about $100 With in 6 months something inside the door failed, we opened it up and thought we repaired it again, but something is wrong and it just wont open. Has not opened in o…
Read full complaint
In 2016 the rear passenger door latch failed. Thinking it was a natural wear & tear type thing, we ordered parts online and re[paired it ourselves for about $100 With in 6 months something inside the door failed, we opened it up and thought we repaired it again, but something is wrong and it just wont open. Has not opened in over 5 years, but I can live with it. after all it is the rear passenger door. In 2018 the front passenger door latch failed and again we ordered parts online and repaired it ourselves for about $100. In 2019 the spring inside the front passenger door broke, but since the door still opened & locked, we let it ride. I can live with the interior door handle feeling loose as long as it still opens the door. In June, 2021 the front drivers interior door handle broke off in my hand while opening the car door. I took it to the dealership for repair at a cost of $237....should have just ordered the part and replaced it myself....or switched out the one from the rear passenger door (lol) since we dont use that door anymore. Wednesday, 11/17/21, the driver front door latch failed. It would not have been much of an issue, but we were not home and I had to drive home with the window down and holding the door closed. This caused my husband, who already has anxiety issues, MUCH anguish. I now also had to deal with his having a panic attack while driving, with the window down and holding the door so it would not open while moving. We did stop at the local mechanic and their initial parts search says $245 for parts, plus labor, so roughly $400 this time. I am starting to wonder if the door latches on Chevy cars are just defective and needed to be recalled way before 2016? I know there was a recall on Ford door latches. I have heard instances where the hatch latches have failed on 2011 HHRs, so I know it is just a matter of time before my hatch latch as well as the drivers rear door latch fails.
NHTSA ODI #11441246
Mileage unknown · Apr 5, 2020
Exterior LightingUnknown Or Other
SOMEONE HAS HACKED MY VEHICLE. AT NIGHT I CAN HEAR MY CAR DOORS BEING UNLOCKED AND LOCKED WITH A REMOTE AND ITEMS HAVE BEEN STOLEN FROM MY CAR. MY CAR WAS PARKED OVER NIGHT
NHTSA ODI #11320249
10,000 miles · Apr 20, 2019
Unknown Or Other
I NOTICED A STICK ON THE WINDOW FROM THE RECENT STORMS, AND WHEN I WENT TO OPEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR TO REMOVE THE STICK FROM THE WINDSHIELD, THE HANDLE JUST CAME OFF IN MY HAND. THIS HAPPENED IN MY DRIVEWAY. WHAT IF THIS HAD HAPPENED IN AN ACCIDENT, AND I HAD BEEN TRAPPED IN MY CAR? SUDDEN TEMPERATURE CHANGES AND THE PLASTIC …
Read full complaint
I NOTICED A STICK ON THE WINDOW FROM THE RECENT STORMS, AND WHEN I WENT TO OPEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR TO REMOVE THE STICK FROM THE WINDSHIELD, THE HANDLE JUST CAME OFF IN MY HAND. THIS HAPPENED IN MY DRIVEWAY. WHAT IF THIS HAD HAPPENED IN AN ACCIDENT, AND I HAD BEEN TRAPPED IN MY CAR? SUDDEN TEMPERATURE CHANGES AND THE PLASTIC CONNECTOR'S SHAPE PROBABLY DOESN'T HELP. CONNECTOR ISN'T DESIGNED WELL, IT'S CLOSE TO A 45 DEGREE ANGLE. SO, ANY STRESS ALL GOES TO THE SAME POINT ON THE CONNECTOR.
NHTSA ODI #11202692
80,000 miles · Jun 25, 2018
Unknown Or Other
WHEN STOPPING AND PUTTING CAR IN PARK, KEY WILL NOT TURN TO OFF AND CANNOT BE REMOVED. IF KEY LEFT IN, BATTERY WENT DEAD AND WE WERE STUCK IN A RV STORAGE LOT.
NHTSA ODI #11103712
123,550 miles · Mar 22, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineUnknown Or Other
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT ABOUT 70 MPH, WHEN I BEGAN TO GET THE MESSAGES SERVICE ESC ESC OFF, TRACTION CONTROL OF, ENGINE REDUCED POWER AND NOT TO MENTION ALL MY LIGHTS LIT UP LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE. ALSO WHEN ALL OF THIS STARTED TO HAPPEN MY VEHICLE JERKS REDUCED SPEED DRASTICALLY AND WAS SHAKING VIGOROUSLY I HURRY UP…
Read full complaint
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT ABOUT 70 MPH, WHEN I BEGAN TO GET THE MESSAGES SERVICE ESC ESC OFF, TRACTION CONTROL OF, ENGINE REDUCED POWER AND NOT TO MENTION ALL MY LIGHTS LIT UP LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE. ALSO WHEN ALL OF THIS STARTED TO HAPPEN MY VEHICLE JERKS REDUCED SPEED DRASTICALLY AND WAS SHAKING VIGOROUSLY I HURRY UP AND EXITED THE INTERSTATE AND TURNED OFF MY VEHICLE I WAITED A FEW MINUTES AND THE VEHICLE STARTED RIGHT UP 3 MILES OR SO DOWN THE ROAD THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED ONLY THIS TIME I WAS TURNING UNTO A BUSY INTERSECTION AND I WAS LEFT STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET BECAUSE THE CAR WOULD NOT BUDGE I HAD TO END UP GETTING IT TOWED. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT IT'S VERY DANGEROUS AND IF I WOULD HAVE HAD MY KIDS WITH ME I WOULDN'T BE AS CALM AS I AM NOW. I AM LIVID AND OUTRAGED AS TO WHY THIS HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. HOW MANY COMPLAINTS DOES IT TAKE UNTIL THIS TYPE OF SITUATION GETS ADDRESSED THE WAY IT NEEDS TO? NOW HAVEN'T SPENT OVER $600 MY PROBLEM STILL EXISTS BUT ONLY NOW MY VEHICLE IS INOPERABLE AND PARKED. PLEASE SOMEONE GIVE US ANSWERS THE CORRECT ANSWERS THE ANSWERS WE'VE ALL BEEN SEARCHING FOR AND DO THE RIGHT THING.
NHTSA ODI #11080963
80,000 miles · Nov 23, 2017
Unknown Or Other
BOTH FRONT INSIDE DOOR HANDLES BROKE OFF ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE ONLY WAY OUT WAS TO LOWER THE WINDOW AND OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE SITUATION COULD BE AN EXTREME HAZARD SHOULD THE VEHICLE BE ON FIRE OR UNDER WATER. WHAT IF IN A COLD CLIMATE THE WINDOW WAS FROZE? WHAT IF THE VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND WOULDN'T START TH…
Read full complaint
BOTH FRONT INSIDE DOOR HANDLES BROKE OFF ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE ONLY WAY OUT WAS TO LOWER THE WINDOW AND OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE SITUATION COULD BE AN EXTREME HAZARD SHOULD THE VEHICLE BE ON FIRE OR UNDER WATER. WHAT IF IN A COLD CLIMATE THE WINDOW WAS FROZE? WHAT IF THE VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND WOULDN'T START THEREFORE THE WINDOW WOULDN'T WORK. WHAT IF A ELDERLY PERSON OR A CHILD WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND WAS UNABLE TO LOWER THE WINDOW AND OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE? INTERNET RESEARCH SHOWS NUMEROUS OTHER INCIDENTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM. THE POTENTIAL FOR LIFE AND DEATH IS LIKELY, NOT TO MENTION NEARLY $600 FOR REPAIRS. VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH DOOR HANDLES FOR A PURPOSE.
NHTSA ODI #11048155
53,189 miles · Jun 9, 2017
Unknown Or Other
THE INTERIOR DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF WHILE TRYING TO OPEN IT WHILE I WAS PARKED. I HAD TO PUT THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW DOWN TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. IF I HAD TO GET OUT IN A EMERGENCY I WON'T BE ABLE TO GET OUT SAFELY AND BECOME TRAPPED BECAUSE IF THIS SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #10994119
34,500 miles · Apr 20, 2016
Unknown Or Other
I AM 1 PERSON, AND MY DOOR HANDLES ON THE INSIDE ARE PLASTIC AND HAVE BROKEN OFF! I HAVE TO CLIMB TO THE BACK AND HAVE 1 DOOR THAT STILL HAS A HANDLE WORKING! I ONLY HAVE 48000 MILES ON IT! THE HANDLES ARE CHEAP PLASTIC AND I LIVE IN FFLORIDA AND IT GETS HOT!
NHTSA ODI #10860459
Mileage unknown · Nov 14, 2015
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
IN COLDER TEMPERATURES MY CAR SPUTTERS WHEN ACCELERATING AND RPMS JUMP QUICKLY FROM 2 TO 3 AND THEN BACK DOWN. IN ADDITION, THE RADIO MAY TURN OFF, ALL DASH GAUGES (FUEL, SPEED, RPMS) GO TO 0, VARIOUS SERVICE LIGHTS COME ON (NOT ALWAYS THE SAME) AND THEN EVERYTHING GOES BACK TO NORMAL. CAR WORKS FINE IN WARMER TEMPERATURES. T…
Read full complaint
IN COLDER TEMPERATURES MY CAR SPUTTERS WHEN ACCELERATING AND RPMS JUMP QUICKLY FROM 2 TO 3 AND THEN BACK DOWN. IN ADDITION, THE RADIO MAY TURN OFF, ALL DASH GAUGES (FUEL, SPEED, RPMS) GO TO 0, VARIOUS SERVICE LIGHTS COME ON (NOT ALWAYS THE SAME) AND THEN EVERYTHING GOES BACK TO NORMAL. CAR WORKS FINE IN WARMER TEMPERATURES. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP IN 2013 AND WHEN PLUGGED IN THERE WERE REPORTS IF 20 THINGS WRONG AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM AND SAID IT WOULD COST THOUSAND TO CHECK ALL OF THE ISSUES BEING REPORTED. I CONTACTED GM CUSTOMER SERVICE AND ALTHOUGH THEY WERE VERY NICE THEY WEREN'T ABLE TO HELP DETERMINE WHAT THE ISSUE WITH MY VEHICLE WAS. I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER SERVICE PLACE AND WHILE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE ULTIMATE PROBLEM THEY PUT DIELECTRIC GREASE ON ALL MY ELECTRONIC CONNECTIONS IN THE FUSE BOX UNDER THE HOOD AND IT WORKED FINE THE REST IF THE WINTER. THEY SAID IT WAS A GOOD THING THAT I CAME IN WHEN I DID BECAUSE THEY THOUGHT IF I DROVE IT ANY LONGER I WOULD HAVE DESTROYED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. IN 2014, I HAD THEM DO THE SAME "FIX". NOW IN 2015 IT HAS STARTED BACK UP AGAIN.
NHTSA ODI #10790379
Official recalls
2Apr 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗