2006 Chevrolet Hhr Owner Complaints

The door few open because the door latch broke off

NHTSA ID

11678011

Incident

Dec 11, 2024

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 ID

11663581

Incident

May 19, 2025

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 ID

11629295

Incident

Dec 6, 2024

Mileage

240,000 mi

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 malfunction poses a severe risk to my safety and the safety of others. When the power steering fails, it becomes nearly impossible to turn the vehicle, which is especially hazardous during routine maneuvers such as lane changes or turns at intersections. The sudden loss of steering capability, especially at higher speeds, has left me vulnerable to potential collisions. Given the unpredictability of the issue, it could easily lead to a fatal accident if it occurs while navigating tight curves or avoiding road hazards. The problem has been confirmed by a certified mechanic, who validated that the power steering system is malfunctioning and recognized the danger it poses. The mechanic advised that this issue is prevalent in vehicles of this make and model & suggested filing a formal complaint to prompt further investigation by the manufacturer. To date, the veh has been thoroughly examined by an independent service center. They confirmed the malfunction of the EPS system but were unable to fully resolve the issue through standard repairs like fuse or relay replacements. A "Power Steering" message illuminates on the dashboard. A few seconds later, the power steering system fails completely, leaving the vehicle almost impossible to control. These warnings have been intermittent, but their frequency has increased over time. The first occurrence was about a year ago, Given the ongoing danger and prevalence of this issue among other 2006 Chevy HHR owners, I am requesting that GM initiate a formal recall.

NHTSA ID

11614139

Incident

Feb 10, 2023

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 ID

11595986

Incident

Jun 21, 2024

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 ID

11579304

Incident

Apr 15, 2023

Mileage

146,000 mi

Fuel line is leaking under the car. I could smell gas when I would get out of my car.

NHTSA ID

11578872

Incident

Mar 6, 2024

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 ID

11562300

Incident

Dec 1, 2023

The power steering went out. Very hard and unsafe to drive.

NHTSA ID

11558570

Incident

Nov 23, 2023

Gas line leaking under left rear tire

NHTSA ID

11542647

Incident

Sep 1, 2023

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 contacted. The failure mileage was 92,000.

NHTSA ID

11534867

Incident

Jul 1, 2023

Mileage

92,000 mi

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 fuel line holder / support. The vehicle is always parked on a concrete driveway or paved street. Never on grass or dirt.

NHTSA ID

11491694

Incident

Oct 28, 2022

Brake light tail light and rear blinker housing keeps melting leaving us with no working lights what so ever. Costly and dangerous

NHTSA ID

11445931

Incident

Jan 2, 2022

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the power steering warning light was illuminated, and the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving at various speeds and while idling. The contact stated that the failure occurred at least once every hour. The contact learned that the electronic power steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,973.

NHTSA ID

11426119

Incident

Jul 2, 2021

Mileage

46,973 mi

While driving in town lost the power steering on a turn making it difficult to steer and control the car. Self explanatory for keeping control of the car. Not sure what the problem is for sure the motor or other components. There was a vehicle safety recall but I was not notified that my vehicle may have been included. Problem still exists. No inspections as no accident occurred. Got a chime when unit failure immediately when it got disabled. No warning or message before or prior to failure.

NHTSA ID

11425858

Incident

Mar 5, 2021

Fuel line rotting. Dripping gas towards rear of car. When I did my research this is very common with the Chevy cars. Like the HHR cavaliers and cobalts. Using a cheap metal then wrapping it in a heat shield that cause moisture to stay trapped causing the lines to rot.

NHTSA ID

11424558

Incident

Jul 8, 2021

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the low unknown fluid warning light was illuminated. The contact checked the fluid levels and the fluid levels were at full. After a couple of days the contact restarted the vehicle and the warning light was off. The contact was concerned that there might be an issue with brake fluid not flowing through the brake lines as designed which could cause the brakes to not work properly. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ID

11423614

Incident

Feb 2, 2021

Mileage

160,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ODOR OF FUEL WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE CONTACT NOTICED A PUDDLE OF FUEL AT THE FRONT OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL WHERE THE HEAT SHIELD INSULATION RETURN AND BRAKE LINE WERE LOCATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL LINE WAS CORRODED WITH SEVERAL HOLES. THE CONTACT CALLED REEDMAN TOLL AUTO GROUP (1700 LINCOLN HWY #101, LANGHORNE, PA 19047) AND INFORMED THE DEALER OF THE FAILURE AND WAS ADVISED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 128,586.

NHTSA ID

11383320

Incident

Dec 13, 2020

Mileage

128,586 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY WHILE IT WAS 27 DEGREE FAHRENHEIT. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THERE WERE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS DUE TO COLD WEATHER AND THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT MAY REMAIN ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS AN UNKNOWN TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THE ISSUE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,000.

NHTSA ID

11378646

Incident

Dec 9, 2020

Mileage

153,000 mi

FUEL LINE LEAK NEAR REAR TIRE. FOUND PRESSURE LINE ROTTED INSIDE OF HEAT PROTECTION WRAP.

NHTSA ID

11373108

Incident

Oct 30, 2020

Mileage

187,250 mi

FUEL VAPOR LINE RUSTING OUT .FROM WHAT I HEAR THIS PROBLEM IS RAMPANT AMONGST THIS MODEL AND COBALTS.

NHTSA ID

11366367

Incident

Sep 21, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF, RESTARTED AND THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000. INVALID VIN.

NHTSA ID

11365899

Incident

Sep 23, 2020

Mileage

40,000 mi

STEERING LIGHT CAME ON CANT TURN WHEEL

NHTSA ID

11365502

Incident

Oct 20, 2020

Mileage

153,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INDICATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS OVERHEATING. ADDITIONALLY, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE REAR HATCH DOOR WOULD ERRONEOUSLY OPENED AND WOULD NOT REMAIN SECURELY CLOSED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WERE NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED OR NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220,000.

NHTSA ID

11349208

Incident

Aug 7, 2020

Mileage

220,000 mi

POWER STEERING KEEPS GOING OUT WHILE DRIVING. IT'S BEEN HAPPENING FOR OVER A YEAR

NHTSA ID

11341540

Incident

Jul 26, 2020

Mileage

179,000 mi