2011 Chevrolet HHR problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Chevrolet HHR, most often about fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion. There are 2 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
52
Recalls
2
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Median mileage
104,482 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion is the most-reported problem area, named in 43 of 52 complaints (83%).
  • Electrical System (3) and lighting (3) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 104,482 mi.
  • Owners reported 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries.
  • The 2011 Chevrolet HHR has 2 recalls on file.
  • It ranks 5th of 6 Chevrolet HHR model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 20% fewer complaints than the 2010 model year (65).

2011 Chevrolet HHR problems by category

  • 43 complaints
  • Electrical System
    3 complaints
  • Lighting
    3 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    3 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    2 complaints
  • Airbags
    1 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    1 complaints
  • Steering
    1 complaints
  • Suspension
    1 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Fuel/propulsion system39
Fuel system, gasoline3
Electrical system3
Unknown or other3
Exterior lighting3
Structure:body1
Suspension1
Air bags1

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k10k–30k230k–60k560k–100k8100k–150k3150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2011 Chevrolet HHR complaints that list mileage.

2011 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 2011 Chevrolet HHR complaints

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

  1. Filed Jun 23, 202542,495 miCABody & Structure
    The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while approaching the locked vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear driver's side door had failed to latch securely and was open. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 42,495.
    NHTSA complaint #11668600 · source
  2. Filed Dec 19, 2024KYFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    Last week, I noticed fuel leaking out from the bottom of my vehicle on the rear passenger side in my driveway after returning home. I had my vehicle towed into a local shop to get looked at. The shop informed me that my entire fuel line assembly needed to be replaced. They stated that the metal assembly has rusted and corroded over time. At the time of this writing, my vehicle is still in the shop awaiting to get fixed. It is available to be inspected upon request. There are…
    NHTSA complaint #11631633 · source
  3. Filed Aug 24, 2024ILFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    Fuel lines corroded just like millions of other HHR's. Gas is leaking. What does it take to have a recall on this? Does someone really have to be killed?
    NHTSA complaint #11610617 · source
  4. Filed Jan 10, 2024LAAirbagsElectrical SystemSteering
    There is a serious electrical glitch that's in the computer, that causes the car to perform poorly at a slow speed, which cases the steering to become very hard to turn, and maintain lanes while driving. All lights, warnings, and gauges fluctuate back and forth, while the bell inide the car when stared keeps chiming.
    NHTSA complaint #11564742 · source
  5. Filed Oct 23, 2023ILFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    Fuel line/gas leaking from faulty tube carrying ignitable flammable fluid...no warning just smell and sighting at stop..went to savoy IL dealer immediately and had replaced @ 1k cost approx. 2+ yrs ago...cel
    NHTSA complaint #11551279 · source
  6. Filed Jul 8, 2023KSElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    Fuel line/s started leaking just infront of the left rear wheel about 06/27/2023. Ignition switch started sticking about 06/22/2023.
    NHTSA complaint #11531015 · source
  7. Filed Jun 17, 2023PAFireFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    I left vehicle running on my concrete driveway while I ran in the house to get my father for an errand. When I came outside and went to get into the vehicle I noticed a fire in the front of the rear wheel on the driver's side kind of dripping flames from the vehicle on to the concrete. Luckily I reacted quickly enough to release the parking brake. [Car is a manual transmisson]. The car drifted forward [driveway has small downhill pitch]and I turned the motor off. Then I…
    NHTSA complaint #11527554 · source
  8. Filed May 1, 2023MIFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    Fuel line is leaking in front of the rear driver's side tire. The lines are heavily corroded. It has not been officially inspected.
    NHTSA complaint #11519918 · source

Compare the 2011 Chevrolet HHR with another vehicle →

Other 2011 Chevrolet models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 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