2006 Chevrolet HHR problems, complaints & recalls

2006 Chevrolet HHR recalls (2)

• Recall 14V171000Apr 10, 20142,191,014 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

  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.

  Risk: 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.

• Recall 14V047000Feb 10, 20142,190,934 vehicles
  AIR BAGS · 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.

  Risk: 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.

Recent 2006 Chevrolet HHR complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

1. Filed May 29, 2025OROther / UnknownSteering

   While replacing 3 motor mounts, engine oil pan,transmission oil pan, also CV axles, wheel bearings needed replaced. When i got my car back the power steering wasn't working. My mechanic said there was a recall for my year, make and model for the power steering assist. I haven't gotten this fixed yet due to lack of funds . I am filling this out to see if is recalled.

   NHTSA complaint #11663581 · source
2. Filed Dec 6, 2024240,000 miINSteering

   The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 240,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11629295 · source
3. Filed Sep 12, 2024TXSteering

   The (EPS) system in my 2006 Chevy HHR has experienced multiple malfunctions. The power steering suddenly cuts out without warning while driving at both low and high speeds, making it extremely difficult to steer, especially when attempting to turn or change lanes. This failure happens intermittently, and the EPS motor is suspected to be the root cause. I have replaced fuses and relays, but the issue persists. This system is available for inspection upon request. This…

   NHTSA complaint #11614139 · source
4. Filed Jun 23, 2024CASteering

   Power steering cuts off and very hard to steer until you turn off vehicle and turn back on but then will go out again while driving .This is very un safe when my wife is driving Kids to school.I have read that 2009-2011 has same issue and have been recalled why isn’t this one if it’s same problem .

   NHTSA complaint #11595986 · source
5. Filed Mar 25, 2024146,000 miNVSteering

   The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked with the key locked inside. The locksmith assisted the contact with entering the vehicle. The contact stated that it was difficult to pull out of the parking space due to a loss of power steering functionality. The vehicle was driven to a local mechanic but was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11579304 · source
6. Filed Dec 28, 2023DEElectrical SystemSteering

   while driving the car after a few miles, the door locks start going up and down, the power steering light comes on and is hard to steer, the check engine light comes on, the speedometer stops working and the tach malfunctions. the car surges while moving foward. if you shut the car off it will reset itself. once you start the car again it starts to malfunction again. one gararge owner did some tests but didn't fix the problem

   NHTSA complaint #11562300 · source
7. Filed Jul 27, 202392,000 miILBody & StructureElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and would not properly accelerate. Additionally, the front passenger’s side door would not open while using the interior door latch. The contact stated while using the cigarette lighter, the vehicle shut off, and smoke filled the cabin of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not…

   NHTSA complaint #11534867 · source
8. Filed Oct 31, 2022NYFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Rear Section of the rear fuel line started to rott out and started leaking. The sction is where there is insulation on the line, adjacent to the Left rear tire. The rest of the line is good with no corrosion or rust. When the car is running and stopped a puddle forms under the car that is gasoline. I noticed it about a week ago , I smelled gas and thought the engine was the source, but later determined it was the fuel line as I could see the leak. It is by the rear plastic…

   NHTSA complaint #11491694 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology