Chevrolet Hhr problems
The Chevrolet HHR (an initialism for Heritage High Roof) is a retro-styled, high-roofed, five-door, five-passenger, front-wheel drive wagon designed by Bryan Nesbitt and launched by the American automaker Chevrolet at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show as a 2006 model.
The HHR shares the GM Delta platform with the Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5, and Saturn Ion. Chevrolet also marketed a panel van variant of the HHR beginning in 2007. Assembled in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico and marketed throughout North America, production of the HHR ended in May 2011. The HHR was replaced in the U.S. by the Chevrolet Captiva Sport. This was a rebadged version of the Opel Antara. However, the Captiva Sport was only available as a fleet vehicle and was not available new to the general public.
Design
The vehicle's design was inspired by the late-1940s/early 1950s Chevrolet cars and trucks, specifically the 1947 Chevrolet Suburban and Advance Design pickups, with large, square fender flares and a hemispherical grille. The design of the HHR has been credited to Bryan Nesbitt who was a former designer at Chrysler where he was the lead designer of the Chrysler PT Cruiser. Nesbitt was recruited by GM to join its design staff and served for a time as the chief designer of the Chevrolet brand. The HHR had a cargo-carrying capacity of 62.7 cubic feet (1.78 m3). All models had a flat-load floor (passenger models have 60/40 split bench) and fold-flat front passenger seat. For the 2007 model year, it was available in four trim levels; LS, LT, 2LT, and Special Edition. A panel van variant was also made available in 2007 for only the LT trim and became available on all trim levels in 2008. A "Half Panel" (RPO code AA5) rear quarter window delete option was available in the 2008 to 2010 model years.
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Chevrolet Hhr model years
Common Chevrolet Hhr problems
The Chevrolet HHR, a compact station wagon, has been known for its unique design and reliability. However, like any vehicle, it can experience common problems that may affect its drivability and quality. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues based on car owner complaints:
- Check Engine Light Due to Gas Cap Issue: This issue has been reported by 99 people, making it the most common problem. The check engine light may illuminate due to a loose or worn-out gas cap, which can cause harmful vapor to be released into the air and force the owner to spend more on fuel.
- Poor Engine Performance: Some owners of the 2011 Chevrolet HHR have reported excessive vibration, lurching forward, and a drop in RPMs. This could be caused by a clogged or dirty air filter, damaged intake hoses, faulty fuel pumps or injectors, or damaged sensors. If you experience these symptoms, it is recommended to have your vehicle checked by a licensed mechanic for a proper diagnosis.
- Power Steering Shutdowns: The 2008 Chevrolet HHR has been reported to have power steering shuts down, with an average cost to fix of $500 and an average mileage of 88,000 mi.
- Accessories - Interior Problems: The worst problem category for the Chevrolet HHR is accessories - interior problems, which can include malfunctioning power windows, radio issues, and broken dashboard gauges.
- Transmission Issues: Some owners have reported transmission problems, such as slipping, jerking, and difficulty shifting.
- Air Conditioning Failure: The air conditioning system may fail, causing discomfort during hot weather and potentially leading to overheating issues.
- Battery Failure: Some owners have reported issues with the battery, such as difficulty starting the car or complete battery failure.
- Steering Wheel Problems: Issues with the steering wheel, such as shaking or difficulty turning, have been reported.
- Electrical System Problems: Various electrical system problems, such as malfunctioning dashboard indicators, have been reported.
While the Chevrolet HHR has a reputation for reliability, it is important to be aware of these common issues and address them promptly to maintain the vehicle's quality and drivability.
What are the main problems with a Chevy HHR?
Many Chevrolet HHR owners bring in their SUVs for unscheduled repairs 0.3 times a year, which is less often than the usual 0.4. Common problems encountered by the owners of this Chevy include poor engine performance, power-steering shutdowns, and transmission issues.
How long can a Chevy HHR last?
The Chevrolet HHR has an average lifespan of 147,649 miles or about 10 years. The HHR's predicted lifespan is derived from over 300 million data points iSeeCars analyzed to determine this model's average lifespan.
Why was the Chevy HHR discontinued?
The HHR was also exported to Japan by way of the motor vehicles business unit of Mitsui. First year sales exceeded 93,000 through June 2006. The HHR was partially sold in Europe and was replaced by the Chevrolet Orlando. In early 2009, the HHR was discontinued from the Mexican lineup due to poor sales.
How many miles can you put on a 2008 Chevy HHR?
How Long Will the 2008 Chevrolet HHR Last? A well-maintained 2008 Chevrolet HHR should be able to last around 150,000 miles, which is around 100,000 miles less than other compact SUVs like the Honda CR-V.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Chevrolet Hhr years
We have researched Chevrolet problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Chevrolet Hhr cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Chevrolet Hhr model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Chevrolet Hhr model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Chevrolet Hhr years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Chevrolet Hhr car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Chevrolet Hhr , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Steering problems
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Chevrolet Hhr vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Hhr model years
A total of 171 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Hhr model years
There were a total of 29 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Hhr model years
There were a total of 142 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Hhr model years
There were a total of 8 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 3549 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Chevrolet Hhr . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Chevrolet Hhr vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Chevrolet Hhr 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- VIN: 3GCCA85B79S
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
Chevrolet Hhr 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-16
- VIN: 3GNCA73X79S
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 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.
Chevrolet Hhr 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-04
- VIN: 3GNBACDV3AS
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle temporarily returned to normal functionality however, the failure reoccurred. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Chevrolet Hhr 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-04
- VIN: 3GNBACDV3AS
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Although this vehicle is a 2010 HHR, it has less than 23000 miles on it, has been garaged kept and maintained impeccably. The warning light blinks at random and then the power steering fails. It does not matter the speed of the vehicle and happens at random. Once turned off and restarted, the power steering works for approx 5 minutes and then fails again. There was a recall on 2009-2010 HHRs for sudden loss of power steering issued in 3/2014, recall # 14V153000. This recall is not VIN# specific. However, when I contact the dealer for repair of this vehicle, I am told that the recall does not pertain to my VIN#, so its not covered. NHTSA has more than 135 complaints about HHRs since 10/2019 with more than half of them being steering issues. This clearly is a wider recall issue than originally thought. My vehicle is inoperable due to this safety issue. I filed a complaint with GM. They told me it was not their issue and I could pay to have it diagnosed and fixed at a dealership. This is a GM issue due to the amount of complaints about this exact problem from other owners. I am hoping GM is made aware of the widespread issues and does the right thing, issuing another recall for all 2009-2010 HHRs regardless of VIN#.
Chevrolet Hhr 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-12
- VIN: 3GNDA13D16S
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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.
Chevrolet Hhr 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-24
- VIN: 3GNBABFW1BS
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 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?
Chevrolet Hhr 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-14
- VIN: 3GNCA53V69S
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-11
- VIN: 3GNDA33P77S
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Fuel leak coming from the Left (Drivers Side) of the vehicle in the area of the rear wheel. There was a strong odor of fuel, Fuel was observed dripping to the ground under the vehicle in front of the Left rear wheel. This condition was observed only when the vehicle was running and in park. The condition does not seem to happen when the vehicle is off and not running. No repair has been made yet , vehicle can be inspected in its current condition. This is a severe safety concern of ignition/explosion due to a fuel leak; risk of property damage or even death. This problem has not been addressed yet to a dealer or local mechanic as of yet . Failed component has not yet been inspected by GM, Police or insurance. No warning lamps or messages were illuminated on dashboard, prior to failure, vehicle did have some difficulty starting, possibly due to this problem, but it did start.
Chevrolet Hhr 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-07
- VIN: 3GNDA53P78S
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that on one occasion after her friend parked the vehicle, the contact observed condensation underneath the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by the friend's nephew, and it was determined that the fuel line had a hole and was leaking fuel. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Chevrolet Hhr 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-29
- VIN: 3GNDA33P37S
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Fuel line leak. My fuel line has cracked in multiple places and needs to be replaced entirely. The leak was consistent, with a constant stream leaking out when in operation and for several minutes after stopping the engine. The odor of gasoline was strong from inside of the vehicle when in operation and large puddles of gas were visible on the ground afterwards when I first noticed the issue. My repair quote is about $500 to get the line replaced entirely.
Chevrolet Hhr 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-27
- VIN: 3GNBAADB6AS
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Gas lines rusted out after purchase.
Chevrolet Hhr 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-23
- VIN: 3GNDA23D96S
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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 .
Chevrolet Hhr 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-14
- VIN: 3GNCA13DX8S
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Gas line leaking, leaves puddles and can visibly be seen dripping
Chevrolet Hhr 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-29
- VIN: 3GNCA13D58S
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the contact detected an abnormally strong fuel odor. Upon inspection, the contact noticed a leak coming from underneath the rear driver's side door. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE20011 (Fuel System, Other, Fuel/Propulsion System, Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was 184,025.
Chevrolet Hhr 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-25
- VIN: 3GNDA23P46S
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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.
Latest 5 recalls Chevrolet Hhr
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 28 recalls for different components of the Chevrolet Hhr.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Chevrolet Hhr 2009
- Report Received Date: 2014-04-30
- Manufacturer: UCI-FRAM Group
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the affected ignition switches to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and disabling the air bags.
- Consequence: If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.
- Remedy: UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should contact UCI-FRAM Group at 1-800-890-2075. GM vehicle owners requiring additional information on that recall campaign should contact GM at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac) or 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn).
- Model: Chevrolet Hhr 2007
- Report Received Date: 2014-04-30
- Manufacturer: UCI-FRAM Group
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the affected ignition switches to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and disabling the air bags.
- Consequence: If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.
- Remedy: UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should contact UCI-FRAM Group at 1-800-890-2075. GM vehicle owners requiring additional information on that recall campaign should contact GM at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac) or 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn).
- Model: Chevrolet Hhr 2008
- Report Received Date: 2014-04-30
- Manufacturer: UCI-FRAM Group
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the affected ignition switches to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and disabling the air bags.
- Consequence: If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.
- Remedy: UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should contact UCI-FRAM Group at 1-800-890-2075. GM vehicle owners requiring additional information on that recall campaign should contact GM at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac) or 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn).
- Model: Chevrolet Hhr 2006
- Report Received Date: 2014-04-30
- Manufacturer: UCI-FRAM Group
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the affected ignition switches to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and disabling the air bags.
- Consequence: If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.
- Remedy: UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should contact UCI-FRAM Group at 1-800-890-2075. GM vehicle owners requiring additional information on that recall campaign should contact GM at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac) or 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn).
- Model: Chevrolet Hhr 2010
- Report Received Date: 2014-04-30
- Manufacturer: UCI-FRAM Group
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the affected ignition switches to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and disabling the air bags.
- Consequence: If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.
- Remedy: UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should contact UCI-FRAM Group at 1-800-890-2075. GM vehicle owners requiring additional information on that recall campaign should contact GM at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac) or 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn).
Latest negative Chevrolet Hhr car reviews
Latest positive Chevrolet Hhr car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2007
The 2007 HHR is definitely an improvement over the 2004 Freestar! The ride is just as good, performance is similar, and it gets double the MPG. Plus, it's twice as fun to drive and most people love the looks. I'm really enjoying it!
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Vehicle year: 2010
In 2010, we purchased this car brand new for my wife. Fortunately, the only issue we have encountered was with the ignition switch, which became stuck in the ON position and prevented the car from turning off. Unfortunately, this happened on a Sunday afternoon and our experience with Onstar was not as helpful as we had hoped. Despite this, we were able to follow their instructions and have the car towed to Bachman Chevrolet. The team at Bachman Chevrolet provided excellent service and had the car up and running by 3PM on Monday, free of charge. Overall, we are grateful for their assistance and pleased with the outcome.
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Vehicle year: 2008
If you're looking for a great deal, this is it! Let me start by saying that I've owned two HHRs. The first one was a 2006 model, which I bought as soon as it came off the assembly line. I never had a single issue with it until it hit 200,000 miles, and even then, the problem was easy to fix. I should mention that my husband is a fantastic mechanic, and we take excellent care of all our cars. I think many of the negative reviews I've seen are from people who don't take care of their cars and then sell them as junk. My advice is to do your research, test drive the car, and have a mechanic check it out before buying a used car. Buying from a small-time dealer is risky, and you'll end up paying more than you would at a factory dealer. I finally sold my 2006 HHR at 220,000 miles because I didn't want to risk anything happening on Minnesota's rural roads in the winter. The only problem I had was with the battery. You need to replace the battery every three years, or you'll start getting warning lights, sensor lights, power downs, etc. due to the car's electronic components. The cargo room in this car is better than any other car its size, and the MPG is great. My son can fit two bass bins and a lot of music gear in it with no problem. I used to fit ladders, dressers, and beds in mine! It's also great for tall people. I have three family members over 6 feet tall, and they all fit comfortably in the car. In fact, we got one for my 6 ft+ son. The inside car handles are made of cheap plastic and wear out, but I was able to fix mine at home with a replacement part from NAPA and a YouTube video. When my son graduated from college, we bought him a 2008 HHR with 91,000 miles on it. It took us weeks and a 7-hour road trip to find the right one, but it was worth it!There were many options available, but they were overpriced and poorly maintained. It can be difficult to know what you're getting into when purchasing a vehicle. I am grateful to have a reliable person to check things over before making a purchase. Our 2008 HHR has the 2.2 engine and gets 32 MPG with the cruise control on. My husband claims that without the cruise control, it would be even better if driven a certain way. We thoroughly inspected the HHR before purchasing it and drove it 7 hours straight to get it home. The previous owner even did the 100,000-mile maintenance on it and installed high-end platinum plugs. The new front tires provide a smooth ride. Someone suggested that we could have gotten a VW instead, but buying a used one can be a risky investment. I had VWs for years, and if you don't do the routine maintenance at a certified VW place, it can become a money pit. It's now 2017, and we are still very happy with our HHR. The 2008 model had a small flaw in design where the fuel line was routed close to the exhaust and wrapped with heat shielding that absorbed water, causing it to rust out. We replaced that length of fuel line with a piece that included a rust preventative and made sure to get compression fittings due to the fuel-injected vehicle. We also put the heat shielding back on but left it open so that moisture can escape. As with the 2006 model, there seem to be some glitches with the motherboards and electrical systems that cause finicky behavior. As seasoned HHR owners, we pulled the battery, which reset the electronics, and when we put it back in, it worked perfectly. It's important to have a good, newer battery. I can tell you that I don't like the computer technology in any vehicle I've owned. They can be frustrating at times.It's possible that the issue lies solely with the computer and not the vehicle itself, which can be a costly repair. Unfortunately, mechanics often charge a lot of money and may not even solve the root problem, making it a bit of a gamble. However, I'm relieved to hear that this hasn't been an issue with your HHR yet!
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Vehicle year: 2008
Great to hear that you're enjoying your 2008 HHR! It's awesome that you're getting great cargo space and mileage, and that you find it fun to drive. I can understand that it might take some time to get used to the window power switches being in the middle, but I'm sure you'll get the hang of it soon.
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Vehicle year: 2009
I purchased this car used from a dealer about two hours away from my home, but it was worth the trip. It had all the features I was looking for in an HHR. From day one, it has been a great car. I frequently make the long drive from NC to NY for work, and it is always a pleasure to drive. Even while cruising at about 75 mph, I still get an impressive 28-29 mpg. My dog loves riding in the back and always seems comfortable. Although it gets a lot of attention, many people still don't know what kind of car it is. However, I have noticed that more and more people are starting to recognize it on the road. I am confident that my HHR will continue to serve me well on I-95 for many years to come.
Are you having problems with your Chevrolet Hhr?
Howard Stanton 2025-03-22
Vehicle year: 2008
We bought this car after our first child was born. It was used with 25K miles on it and we saved a bunch of money compared to buying it new. At first, it was great, but then we started experiencing some issues. The rotors needed to be replaced three different times due to grinding. Unfortunately, the CD player stopped working, but thankfully the dealership replaced it for free. We've had some trouble with the driver's side lock sticking, and there was even a time when I got locked out of the car with my children inside due to the key fobs being cheaply made and not working properly. The newest issue is that the Passlock feature is malfunctioning due to a microchip error in the ignition. We've decided to trade it in for something else.
Diamond Wuckert 2025-03-21
Vehicle year: 2007
I purchased my HHR from a local dealership, but unfortunately, it has not met my expectations. Despite having multiple parts replaced, including the front struts and strut mounts, and purchasing new tires, the car still experiences issues such as a rough ride, front end shaking, and rattling noises. Additionally, the rear end has started to make knocking noises and the car has begun to act like it wants to shut off when stopping. Despite having the car serviced at the Chevy dealership multiple times, the issues persist. I am disappointed with my experience and will consider other options in the future.
Hunter Berge 2025-02-19
Vehicle year: 2011
After owning this car for nearly two years, I experienced engine failure due to a faulty oil return. Despite my attempts to contact Chevy, they did not provide any assistance. While the exterior design was appealing, the interior lacked certain features that I desired. The stereo was subpar and the speakers were only satisfactory. Additionally, the ride height was unsuitable for areas with heavy snowfall, making winter travel a nerve-wracking experience as the HHR would often slide and lose control. Even adding a 50lb bag of sand to the back did not improve the situation. Although headroom was adequate, leg and shoulder room were somewhat cramped. The vehicle's steering response was decent, and the braking was acceptable, but not exceptional. At speeds of 75mph, the engine seemed to be overworked. However, I must admit that the HHR's gas mileage was impressive. Overall, while the HHR may be a decent car for short commutes with minimal highway driving, I would not recommend it for longer journeys or areas with harsh winter conditions.
Giovanny Haley 2025-02-06
Vehicle year: 2009
I purchased my 2009 HHr in April 2010 and unfortunately, it has had more problems than all of my previous cars combined over the past 40 years. Shortly after purchasing the car, the power windows on the passenger side stopped working and I also noticed that the front and rear floors on the driver's side were wet. This caused the wires to corrode and eventually led to the ecm malfunctioning, which in turn caused the windows to lose power. Thankfully, the dealer fixed this issue under good will. However, I later had to return to the dealer to fix another short circuit and then again when the key would not come out of the ignition. The dealer replaced the shifter and ignition switch, which finally resolved the issue. Since then, I have had to replace the battery and front brakes, but now everything is working well.
Tevin Bahringer 2025-01-28
Vehicle year: 2006
I initially had a high opinion of this car, but after owning it for 15 months, I have encountered some issues. Unfortunately, the build quality of this vehicle is not up to par. As a loyal buyer of domestic cars, I have purchased two GM vehicles in the past (both 2006 models), but unfortunately, they have not met my expectations. The HHR has required several repairs, including front brake rotors, electrical issues, wiper problems, injector replacement, and pulling, among others. Additionally, the metal is quite thin and prone to dents. However, when the check engine light is not on (which is about 50% of the time), it is a fun car to drive. I must say that my dealership has been very helpful, but I do wish that the engineers who designed this car had done a better job.