RoadVitals

2009 Chevrolet Hhr Owner Complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full

Data refreshed

Complaints on fileComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
508
Latest Jul 15, 2025
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
27
Filed in the last 12 monthsReports filed with NHTSA in the trailing 365 days. Recent volume reflects attention and vehicle age as much as anything else.
0
Reports on file since Feb 11, 2009

What this page shows

Our database holds 508 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 Chevrolet Hhr. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Complaints, most recent first

Showing 1–25 of 508 · page 1 of 21

AirbagsElectrical
Filed Jul 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light illuminated and occasionally flashed on and off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The contact had previously received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 199,000.

NHTSA ID
11673723
Incident
Sep 15, 2024
Mileage
199,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Nov 25, 2024

Fuel line is leaking near left rear wheel wheel

NHTSA ID
11627299
Incident
Nov 22, 2024
Fuel system
Filed Oct 31, 2024

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that there was a fuel leak near the driver's side rear door. The contact stated that the TPMS, ESC, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact researched online and determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Action Number: PE20011 (FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The contact called the local dealer and was informed there were no recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 136,440.

NHTSA ID
11622868
Incident
Oct 30, 2024
Mileage
136,440 mi
Fuel system
Filed Oct 24, 2024

last week we noticed gasoline showing up on the ground in front of the rear driver side tire. I looked underneath and found a pipe that seems to be corroded. I looked online and found that many people have the same problem, so I haven't had it checked at a dealership. The pipe continues to leak after you walk away and I'm afraid someone will discard a cigarette near the vehicle, or worse. We are generally home, and can be reached for inspection.

NHTSA ID
11621763
Incident
Oct 18, 2024
Fuel system
Filed Oct 16, 2024

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, and while driving the vehicle, there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the contact noticed that the vehicle was experiencing excessive fuel consumption. The contact also noticed that fuel had leaked onto the ground. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that fuel was leaking from the driver's side rear wheel well, where the fuel tank was located. The contact related the failure NHTSA Action Number: PE20011(Fuel System, Other, Fuel/Propulsion System, Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ID
11620091
Incident
Sep 4, 2024
Mileage
110,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Aug 14, 2024

I was driving and I went to roll the sunroof down and it ejected itself and came off the whole glass and frame and broke in many pieces on the bridge if there would of been a car or person walking it would of hit them and caused a major accident its going to cosy over$2000.00 to get it replaced whicj I cant afford to do I feel like the manufacturer should replace the part it wasnt my fault

NHTSA ID
11608559
Incident
Aug 14, 2024
Filed Dec 7, 2023

The gear shift gets stuck when it gets cold outside and does not won't to go in reverse or diver. It takes a little bit when the car has to set and warm up before it will work.

NHTSA ID
11558880
Incident
Dec 1, 2023
Fuel system
Filed Aug 30, 2023

Gas leaking from fuel line near rear driver’s side tire

NHTSA ID
11541629
Incident
Aug 23, 2023
Fuel system
Filed Jul 2, 2023

Leaking fuel line near left rear wheel

NHTSA ID
11530012
Incident
Jul 1, 2023
Fuel system
Filed Jul 1, 2023

I was backing my car out of the garage and I noticed a line of liquid on the ground, indicating a leak. I immediately stopped the car, got out and took a look. I traced the leak back to the drivers side at the rear, just before the tire. I could see fuel dripping down from under the car. The exhaust pipe right near the dripping was also wet. I could smell gas and I confirmed that was what was dripping by smelling a drop after I let it fall on my finger. Definitely gasoline. After the dripping stopped, I pushed the car back into the garage. I used a QuickJack to raise the car to get a better look at the area where the leak was coming from. There was massive corrosion/rust of the metal lines in the area. The leak was easily found by just looking for where the lines were wet. Even though fuel was no longer dripping (the engine was off so there was no fuel pressure anymore), there was still wetness from the gas leaking through the rusted area. I will not drive the car again until the leak has been repaired. Considering the fact that the exhaust pipe had also gotten wet from the leak, the chance of a fire was VERY LIKELY. I consider myself very lucky to have found the leak when I did, rather than have a fire occur while driving. Even if I were to pull over and shut the engine off immediately, a significant amount of fuel would leak out and feed the fire as the fuel escapes under pressure. This certainly could cause the rest of the car to catch fire. This is clearly unsafe and dangerous. If the leak occurred after the car was put in the garage with the exhaust still hot, a fire could not only consume the vehicle but the garage and the house as well. That could cause injury or even death in a worst case scenario. This is clearly an unsafe design and a clear risk to both people and property. This absolutely should be the basis for a recall where the corroded lines are replaced free with new lines made of a more durable material such as stainless steel.

NHTSA ID
11529905
Incident
Jul 1, 2023
Fuel system
Filed May 5, 2023
Fire reported

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact while driving at an undisclosed speed, noticed a strong fuel odor. The contact stated that upon parking and exiting the vehicle, there was fire underneath the rear driver's side, where the fuel tank was located. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher. There was no injury sustained. The contact then noticed a trail of fuel on the floor. The contact became aware that fuel had leaked while driving. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuel line was corroded and needed to be replaced due to a wrong design. The contact stated that the fuel line was designed over the muffler, which caused water intrusion and corrosion. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where the fuel line was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

NHTSA ID
11520617
Incident
Mar 27, 2023
Mileage
28,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Apr 29, 2023

Fuel line driver side rear tire leaking gas.

NHTSA ID
11519615
Incident
Apr 29, 2023
Steering
Filed Apr 19, 2023

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the power steering warning light, the ESC service, the ESC off, and the traction control warning lights illuminated, followed by the loss of power steering functionality. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the power steering assist motor and the power steering assist module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in a recall or TSB. The failure mileage was 185,000.

NHTSA ID
11517820
Incident
Apr 12, 2023
Mileage
185,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Apr 10, 2023

Fuel line has rusted and is leaking gas under the left rear wheel, near the tail pipe. First noticed by smell while driving, then witnessed gas leaking upon exiting the vehicle at home. Have not had vehicle serviced as I will have to have it towed due to safety concerns. Please continue the investigation into this issue as it is potentially life threatening and the number of complaints are concerning. The vehicle is available for inspection.

NHTSA ID
11516374
Incident
Mar 15, 2023
Fuel system
Filed Apr 3, 2023
Fire reported

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the rear of the vehicle started burning. The contact was able to stop the fire and the contact noticed that the gasoline was leaking onto the ground under the vehicle. No one was injured and no police report was filed. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the fitting to the gasoline trunk was damaged causing the gasoline to leak. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 28,000

NHTSA ID
11515168
Incident
Mar 28, 2023
Mileage
28,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Mar 2, 2023

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Service Air Bag message was displayed. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that she needed to pay out of pocket for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer to be serviced. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

NHTSA ID
11509856
Incident
Feb 15, 2023
Mileage
145,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Feb 23, 2023

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, he noticed fuel leaking from the rear driver's side of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnosis or repairs. A Chevrolet dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The contact stated that he was able to look under the vehicle and found that the fuel line was corroded. The contact was relating the failure to an unknown recall for a fuel line that was issued for similar Chevrolet HHR vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000.

NHTSA ID
11508726
Incident
Jul 13, 2021
Mileage
52,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jan 1, 2023

Rusted fuel line is leaking and spraying fuel on ground and exhaust.

NHTSA ID
11499712
Incident
Dec 28, 2022
Fuel system
Filed Nov 30, 2022

Heavily leaking fuel line. Read over 600,00 vehicles affected by this! Why the heck has there not been a recall?!!

NHTSA ID
11495475
Incident
Jun 1, 2020
Fuel system
Filed Sep 15, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated upon parking and exiting the vehicle, she smelled a strong gasoline odor on the driver's side of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel line needed to be replaced. However, the parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Action Number: PE20011. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,800.

NHTSA ID
11484705
Incident
Sep 10, 2022
Mileage
111,800 mi
Fuel system
Filed Aug 26, 2022

Fuel Smell / Leak. Car developed a gas smell while driving and after getting out of the car a small amount of gas poured out in front of the passenger door on the drivers side. I was told my gas line has rusted through and will need to be replaced.

NHTSA ID
11481388
Incident
Aug 18, 2022
ElectricalSteeringSuspension
Filed Jul 17, 2022

When driving my 2009 HHR the steering wheel shakes & vibrate at different intervals. Usually while slowing down to a stop & sometimes after during high speeds. Recently the noise it made was frightening. I had to use my emergency flashers & drive 50 mi per hr. on the freeway to arrive home safely. I took my car to Mark Chevrolet & reported it on 08/02/2021. The car's mileage was 133344. The car is not an everyday vehicle that is driven often. I received the car on 08/17/2021 after the steering column & shaft were replaced along with resurfacing front brake rotors & rear brake job. On August 18, 2021 while driving on the freeway I went to blow my horn at a hazardous situation & discovered none of the steering wheels controls were working, horn & etc. I immediately returned my car to Mark Chevrolet & reported their negligence & how they had risk my life to release the car without these functions working. They supposedly corrected the problem. On 07/05/2022 I had to return my car to Mark Chevrolet because I was experiencing the identical problem with my steering wheel vibrating & make noise. My cars mileage was only 137641 less than a year later with just 4,297 miles driven. They claimed to have tightened something up in the column & returned my car on 07/12/2022. As I was driving on 07/16/2022 again the steering wheel started vibrating & making strange loud noises. I felt so unsafe & tried to make it home safely driving at a reduced speed. I plan to return the car this week back to Mark Chevrolet and am asking for support to rectify this situation. I understand there was a recall on Chevrolet HHR 2009 Steering Electric Power Assist System. I don't know if this issue is related to that. I never received communication from General Motors stating that my vehicle was affected but apparently there is a problem. Please Help!

NHTSA ID
11474383
Incident
Jul 16, 2022
Exterior lighting
Filed Mar 29, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH at night, the low-beam headlights became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local mechanic which replaced the headlight bulbs; however, the failure recurred several times. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 172,087

NHTSA ID
11458863
Incident
Mar 15, 2021
Mileage
172,087 mi
Fuel system
Filed Mar 21, 2022

Leaking fuel lines in front of drivers side rear tire. Fuel lines appear to be rusted. Fuel lines are routed very near exaust pipe.

NHTSA ID
11457727
Incident
Mar 21, 2022
Fuel systemSteeringVisibility
Filed Mar 9, 2022

Something with steering and ESC problem unknown for now. The fuel line leaked and needed replacement. The drivers wiper is in visibility

NHTSA ID
11455791
Incident
Jan 1, 2022

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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