NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Chevrolet HHR. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
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.
The door few open because the door latch broke off
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.
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 .
Fuel line is leaking under the car. I could smell gas when I would get out of my car.
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
The power steering went out. Very hard and unsafe to drive.
Gas line leaking under left rear tire
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.
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.
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.
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.
Brake light tail light and rear blinker housing keeps melting leaving us with no working lights what so ever. Costly and dangerous
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
FUEL LINE LEAK NEAR REAR TIRE. FOUND PRESSURE LINE ROTTED INSIDE OF HEAT PROTECTION WRAP.
STEERING LIGHT CAME ON CANT TURN WHEEL
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.
FUEL VAPOR LINE RUSTING OUT .FROM WHAT I HEAR THIS PROBLEM IS RAMPANT AMONGST THIS MODEL AND COBALTS.
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.
POWER STEERING KEEPS GOING OUT WHILE DRIVING. IT'S BEEN HAPPENING FOR OVER A YEAR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER STEERING ASSIST AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED SEVERAL FUSES HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. DEERY BROTHERS INC LOCATED AT 200 S. GEAR AVE, WEST BURLINGTON, IA 52655, AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER, WATER LEAKED INTO THE VEHICLE FROM UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE THAT THE SUNROOF WAS SUPERGLUED TOGETHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE INSPECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED.
AIR BAG LIGHT HAS COME ON WHILE DRIVING MOST OF THE TIME NOW AND LIGHTS AND ELECTRICAL HAS GONE HAYWIRE LIGHTS FLASHING AND DOOR LOCKS OPENING ON THEIR OWN.
POWER STEERING STOPS FREQUENTLY MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL CAR.
THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON, ON THE INFORMATION OBDI AND I HAVE POWER STEERING. I HEARD IS A RECALLED ON THIS PROBLEM.
WHEN DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK UP AND I CAN NOT TURN.POWER STEERING WARNING MESSAGE APPEAR IN THE DASH PANEL. THIS OCCURS WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY OR ANYWHERE I'M DRIVING
FUEL LINES LEADING BETWEEN THE FUEL PUMP AND ENGINE HAVE RUSTED SEVERELY AND HAVE CAUSED A PUNCTURE FUEL LINE WHICH LEAKS FUEL.
POWER STEERING QUITS WORKING WHILE DRIVING. ONLY DRIVING IN TOWN SINCE THIS STARTED ABOUT A MONTH AGO. TOOK TO MECHANIC WAS TOLD NO POWER FROM STERINGCOLUM TO MOTOR
WHEN DRIVING MY POWER STEERING SHUTS OFF AND THE LIGHT POPS ON HOWEVER WHEN I TURN CAR OFF AND BACK ON IT WORKS AGAIN FOR A FEW MINUTES. I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND TURNED AND IT SHUT OFF AND I ALMOST HIT A POLE BECAUSE OF THIS THANK GOD MY 3 YEAR OLD WAS NOT WITH ME THIS TIME
WHILE DRIVING THE POWER STEERING SHUT DOWN AND DANGEROUSLY WENT INTO MANUAL MODE. UPON STOPPING AND STARTING THE P.S. WORKED FOR 5 MINUTES THEN IT WENT OUT AGAIN. ONLY 151K MILES.
MY 2006 HHR FUEL LINE BROKE AT THE REAR WHEEL ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FUEL LINE HAS A BEND AT THIS LOCATION AND THAT IS WHERE THE BREAK OCCURRED. GAS WAS SPRAYING OUT WHEN THE CAR WAS RUNNING. THIS OCCURRED IN 2019. I HAVE SINCE REPLACES THE FUEL LINES WITH NYLON FUEL LINES.
RUSTED FUEL LINES LEAK GASOLINE AND VAPORS ARE RELEASED INSIDE CAB.CAR WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY.CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WAS TAKEN TO TIRES PLUS *AS*JB
I WAS HEADING OUT TO MY CAR AND TRIED TO REMOTE START MY CAR AND IT DID T WORK AND I TRIED IT TWICE AND THEN GOT IN MY CAR AND NOTICE MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND POWER STEERING CAME ON AFTER I PUT THE CAR IN GEAR AND BEGAN MOVING AND I STOPPED AND WHEN I WENT TO TURN IT WAS HARD TO TURN AND HAD TO USE TO HANDS AND I DID RESEARCH AND THIS A KNOW PROBLEM AND THE REMOTES AND THIS POWER STEERING ISSUE SHOULD BE RECALLED OR IT MAY HURT OR KILL SOMEONE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE KEY WAS STUCK INSIDE THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT CALLED AAA WHO WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONING CAUSING POWER STEERING TO SHUT OFF WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS. ALL MODELS BUT HHR WERE RECALLED FOR THIS ISSUE
THE POWER STEERING FAILS WHILE DRIVING ANYWHERE, WHEN YOU SHUT THE CAR OFF, IT RESETS ITSELF. THIS HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES AND NOW MY MECHANIC READ THE CODES AND IT SAID TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN
I BOUGHT A 2006 CHEVY HHR LAST FEBRUARY I QAS DRIVING IT ON THE INTERSTATE AND IT SUDDENLY STARTS BEEPING SAYING POWER STEERING IT DOESNT SAY THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS YEAR BUT I FEEL THEY SHOULD BE BECAUSE IT STARTS OUT DOING IT EVER NOW AGAIN TO EVERYTIME U DRIVE IT. IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS I GOT MY REPLACED WHICH WAS 200 DOLLARS BUT IM GLAD I DONT HAVE TO. GO THROUGH THAT AGAIN
POWER TESTING MOTOR CAN FAIL RANDOMLY AND AT ANY TIME CAUSING THE CAR TO REVERT TO MANUAL STEERING CONTROL AND INCREASING CHANCES OF A CRASH. DEFECTIVE IS THE POWER STEERING MOTOR CONTROLLER AND OR THE TORQUE ANGLE SENSOR! WIFE WAS MID-TURN WHEN POWER STEERING FAILED AND SHE ALMOST RAN INTO A TREE. 16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AND VEERED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC WHEN POWER STEERING MOTOR FAILED WHILE SHE WASN'T IN A TURN.
POWER STEERING GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING IF I PULL OVER AND TURN CAR OFF THEN BACK ON POWER STEERING WILL COME BACK ON BUT ONLY FOR A COUPLE MINUTED
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR EQUIPPED WITH DEXTERO TOURING DTR1 TIRES, SIZE: 216/50/R17 95VXL (NA). THE CONTACT PURCHASED A REPLACEMENT TIRE FROM WALMART AND STATED THAT THE SIDEWALL WAS WORN. AS A RESULT, THE TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THE FAILURE UNTIL HE RETURNED TO WALMART AND HAD THE TIRE DIAGNOSED. THE TIRE WAS NOT REPLACED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,241. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND WARNING SOUND COMES ON AND POWER STEERING GOES ACROSS THE DIGITAL DASH SAYING POWER STEERING THEN POWER STEERING GOES OUT. SOME ONE IS GOING TO BE KILLED UNLESS IT'S RECALLED. HAVE READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS IF THE SAME THING. I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR 3 WEEKS AGO. I CARRY 3 KIDS WITH ME
IGNITION SWITCH WAS INVOLVED IN RECALL A FEW YEARS BACK AND DEALERSHIP SAY THEY REPLACED IT BUT NOW I'M HAVING PROBLEMS OUT OF SWITCH AGAIN WHEN I TAKE KEY OUT IGNITION AND OPEN DRIVER DOOR THE CHIME COMES ON LIKE KEY IS STILL IN IGNITION SWITCH AND DOOR WILL NOT LOCK WHEN I HIT DOOR LOCK ALL 3 OTHER DOOR LOCK BUT NOT DRIVER DOOR AND ITS DRAINING BATTERY BECAUSE IT'S STILL TELLING KEY IS IN IGNITION WHEN IT'S NOT IF I TURN IT BACK AND FORTH A FEW TIMES SOMETIMES IT WILL LOCK AND THE CHIME WILL STOP
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S KILL SYSTEM ACTIVATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND TOWED TO LEO MARTIN CHEVROLET (217 TX-332, LAKE JACKSON, TX 77566, (979) 230-2500). THE DEALER REPAIRED THE KILL SWITCH SYSTEM, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC PERFORMED DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THE SECURITY SYSTEM WAS REBOOTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TESTED AND RETURNED TO THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
FUEL LINE RUSTING!!
POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT COMES ON WHILE DRIVING AND DIFFICULT TO STEER. RESETS WHEN IGNITION TURNED OFF AND BACK ON, HOWEVER REPEATEDLY HAPPENS EVERY FEW BLOCKS WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND THERE IS A RECALL FOR LATER 2009-2010...WHY NOT FOR ALL YEARS?
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026