2009 Chevrolet Hhr Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2009 Chevrolet Hhr, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical15122.9%
- Steering12719.3%
- Airbags10415.8%
- Fuel system8412.8%
- Driver assistance324.9%
- Brakes314.7%
- Engine253.8%
- Body & structure213.2%
- Powertrain (other)152.3%
- Exterior lighting142.1%
- Interior & seats121.8%
- Visibility111.7%
- Seat belts111.7%
- Suspension81.2%
- Other / unspecified60.9%
- Tires & wheels40.6%
- Transmission10.2%
- Heating & air conditioning10.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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!
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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!
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Fuel line is leaking near left rear wheel wheel
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE SERVICE ECS DOES NOT GO OFF. THEIRFOR THE CAR WILL NOT GO UNLESS THE ROADS ARE COMPLETELY FREE OF SNOW AND ICE. THE CAR JUST SITS AND SPINS. TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ON CONSTANTLY .CAN NOT DRIVE CAR IN WINTER MONTHS
WHILE DRIVING THE ESC CAME ON THEN IT SAID SERVICE ESC THEN THE CAR CUT OFF AND WOULDN'T START EVERYTHING JUST LOCKED UP WHILE ON THE ROAD
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
BRAKE LIGHTS REMAIN TO BE ON AS PEDAL IS NOT PRESSED AND ESC, TRACTION CONTROL DO NOT WORK ALSO THIS IS A HAZARD TO THE POINT WHERE I HAVE HAD ROAD RAGE AGAINST ME BECAUSE OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TURNING OFF ISSUE NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED THROUGH GM AS A RECALL ON THESE VEHICLES THIS IS NOT THE ONLY 2009 CHEVY HHR THAT HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM
II PURCHASED A BEUTIFUL 2009 HHR FROM A CAR DEALERSHIP, IN MAY OF 2020, AN IN JULY F 2020, IT WOULD BARELY SPEED UP, THE GEARS, WOULDN'T SHIFT ON ME AND I ALSO FOUND OUT THAT I HAD NOT ONLY BEEN OPERATING A "DEFECTED" VEHICE BUT THE CAR DEALER FAIED TO MENTION HE WAS SELLING ME A "RECALLED" CAR, (A NEIGHBOR INFORMED ME) I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO MY SON'S HOUSE,BECAUSE I STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN AND THE CAR KEPT ROLLING BACKWARDSI AND IT ONLY GOES IN REVERSE NOW. LONGER GO
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
STARTED SMELLING SMOKE AND THE WHOLE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WITH THE BEING STUCK ON IGNITION. COULDN'T OPEN THE DOORS AND SMOKE WAS BILLOWING OUT AND FIRE START COMING OUT OF LOWER MIDDLE CONSOLE. LUCKILY WAS ABLE TO OPEN DOOR AND EXIT VEHICLE. FIRE THEN ERUPTED AND QUICKLY TRAVELED STRAIGHT DOWN THE CENTER CONSOLE TO THE REAR OF THE CAR. WITHIN MINUTES THE CAR WAS TOTALLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND WAS COMPLETELY BURNED TO NOTHING. SUFFERED SEVERAL BURNS AND SMOKE INHALATION AND THE CAR AND EVERY THING IN IT WAS DESTROYED
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LEAKED FUEL UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE, IN FRONT OF THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE. THE CONTACT CALLED MATTHEWS-HARGREAVES CHEVROLET (2000 TWELVE MILE RD, ROYAL OAK, MI 48067) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A REPAIR KIT ONLINE FOR SALE HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT IF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED USING THE REPAIR KIT, THE WARRANTY WOULD BE VOIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 210,000.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
CHEVROLET HHR 2009, DOORS MECHANISM. DOOR LATCHES STOP WORKING AND CAN OPEN AT A TURN OR WHILE DRIVING. OR LATCH CAN LOCK YOU IN UNABLE TO GET OUT OF VEHICLE IN AN ACCIDENT AND OR EMERGENCY. I WAS DRIVING HOME AND BACK DOOR FLEW WIDE OPEN I HAD NOT OPENED IT AT ALL BUT WHEN DOORS LOCK AND OPEN THEY ALL DO SO THE BACK LATCH OPENED NEVER CLOSING UNAWARE OF THIS THE DOOR FLEW OPEN ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT AT AN INTERSECTION.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I CAN'T DRIVE MY CAR BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARD AND IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE SPEED IS FAST THE SLOW PLUS IT JUST ABOUT BREAKS MY NECK WHEN IT SHIFTS. IT WAS ABOUT A DAY OR TWO WHEN I FINALLY NOTICED IT. I ONLY DROVE IT ABOUT ONE MILE. MY CAR ONLY HAS 47,942 MI. ON IT AND GM ISN'T HELPING.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND REMAINED IN FIRST GEAR. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG, TRACTION CONTROL, AND CHECK ENGINE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: 08016. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN AIR BAG FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME SYMPTOMS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 191,000.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
BRAKE LIGHTS REMAIN TO BE ON AS PEDAL IS NOT PRESSED AND ESC, TRACTION CONTROL DO NOT WORK ALSO THIS IS A HAZARD TO THE POINT WHERE I HAVE HAD ROAD RAGE AGAINST ME BECAUSE OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TURNING OFF ISSUE NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED THROUGH GM AS A RECALL ON THESE VEHICLES THIS IS NOT THE ONLY 2009 CHEVY HHR THAT HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
SMELL OF GAS ,ENGINE RUNNING . CHECK CAR AND THERE IS A FUEL LEAK BY THE LEFT REAR WHEEL AT FUEL LINES RIGHT ABOVE EXHAUST PIPE. FUEL LEAKING ON THE EXHAUST. THIS RIGHT AT FUEL LINE RETAINER . THEIR IS A HEAT SHIELD ON THE LINES . THIS FULL OF GRAVEL ANS DEBRIS, LINES ARE RUSTED AND LEAKING , THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS,RESULT COULD BE A FIRE! FUEL PUDDLED ON GROUND
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT CUT HIM OFF ON THE ROADWAY. THE CONTACT'S CHILD, WHO WAS SECURED IN HIS CHILD SEAT, WAS INJURED WHEN THE REAR SEAT RELEASE LEVER FAILED. THE CHILD SEAT MOVED FORWARD AND THE CHILD STRUCK HIS HEAD. THE CHILD SUFFERED A CONTUSION, BUT NO OTHER INJURIES. THE DRIVER, THE CHILD IN THE CHILD SEAT, AND TWO OTHER PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FROM THE SCENE AND TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN LOCATION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Something with steering and ESC problem unknown for now. The fuel line leaked and needed replacement. The drivers wiper is in visibility
I turned on my rear window defrost in about 55 degree weather and 45 minutes later my rear window shattered
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT REMAINS LOCKED. SOMETIMES IT WILL WORK IF YOU ADJUST IT UP AND DOWN BUT OTHER TIMES IT WON'T WORK AT ALL. I HAD TO HAVE MY PASSENGER RIDE IN THE BACK TODAY SO THAT SHE COULD USE A SEATBELT BECAUSE THE FRONT ONE REFUSED TO RELEASE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED BUT RUNNING. STANDARD TRANSMISSION. ALSO HAPPENS WHEN VEHICLE IS MOVING.
I HAVE HAD MY HHR 2009 FOR A YEAR NOW AND I'VE CHANGED THE BRAKES TWICE WITHIN TWO WEEKS..THE FIRST SET WAS STILL NEW BUT IT KEPT MAKING GRINDING NOISES AND ROARING NOISES WHEN I PRESS DOWN ON BRAKES... MY STEERING WHEEL SHAKES LIKE CRAZY I REALLY DO LOVE MY CAR AND I WANNA GET THE PROBLEM RESOLVED ASAP.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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!
II PURCHASED A BEUTIFUL 2009 HHR FROM A CAR DEALERSHIP, IN MAY OF 2020, AN IN JULY F 2020, IT WOULD BARELY SPEED UP, THE GEARS, WOULDN'T SHIFT ON ME AND I ALSO FOUND OUT THAT I HAD NOT ONLY BEEN OPERATING A "DEFECTED" VEHICE BUT THE CAR DEALER FAIED TO MENTION HE WAS SELLING ME A "RECALLED" CAR, (A NEIGHBOR INFORMED ME) I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO MY SON'S HOUSE,BECAUSE I STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN AND THE CAR KEPT ROLLING BACKWARDSI AND IT ONLY GOES IN REVERSE NOW. LONGER GO
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET HHR. WHEN THE TRACTION CONTROL BUTTON WAS PUSHED, THE VEHICLE ONLY VIBRATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE "SERVICE ESC" INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000.
VEHICLE WHILE BEING TAKEN THROUGH AN AUTOMATED CAR WASH WITH ME INSIDE SITTING BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL, WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THE NEUTRAL POSITION, AND BOTH OF MY HANDS RESTING ON MY KNEE CAPS, WITH ENGINE RUNNING THE VEHICLE GOES INTO REVERSE BY ITSELF.. THE BACKUP LIGHT ARE ALSO TURNED ON WHEN THIS ACTION OCCURS. THIS SAME ACTION HAVE HAPPENED THREE TIMES AT RANDOM DURING MY LAST NINE VISITS TO THE SAME AUTOMATED CAR WASH. NONE OF THE VEHICLES MOVING FORWARD BEHIND MY VEHICLE HAVE BEEN DAMAGED WHEN THIS ACTION OCCURS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET HHR EQUIPPED WITH COOPER ULTRA TOURING HT TIRES (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM INDICATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS DECREASING. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS A RECURRING FAILURE OF TREAD SEPARATION WITH THE REPLACEMENT TIRES OVER THE COURSE OF TWO MONTHS. A DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES THROUGH SEVERAL VOICE MESSAGES BY THE CONTACT. THE TIRE SIZE, DOT NUMBER, VIN, AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 108,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET HHR EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE AFFINITY TOURING TIRES SIZE P215/55 R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE DRIVER REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO OVER INFLATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGES, VIN AND DOT NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET HHR LT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS HE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT A CLUNKING NOISE AND SWAY FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT HE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE BEARINGS, HUBS, RIMS, THE BRAKE SYSTEM, AND THE TRANSMISSION SENSOR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR ALL OF THE ABOVE YET THE FAILURE RECURRED LESS THAN 100 MILES LATER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED A DIFFERENT VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 9,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE ELECTRONIC CONTROL PANEL FAILED TO WORK AND THE FRONT AND REAR WINDOWS FAILED TO GO UP AND DOWN WHEN USED ELECTRONICALLY. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS WORSE DURING RAINY WEATHER. AS THE FAILURE PROGRESSED, THE VENT CONTROLS FAILED TO WORK FOR HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS NOT ABLE TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), 14V153000 (STEERING), AND 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). WHILE ENTERING THE ROAD FROM A PARKING COMPLEX, THE AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL WAS TURNED ON AND SMOKE EMITTED INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE NEAR THE DASHBOARD. EXTENSIVE SMOKE WAS COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE ERUPTED INTO FLAMES AND THE FRONT WINDSHIELD MELTED DOWNWARD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED DUE TO THE FAILURE AND TOWED TO A YARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 196,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .