Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
2011 Chevrolet HHR PanelRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 203 owner complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet HHR Panel. Most complaints involve fuel/propulsion system (43) and electrical system (39). The EPA rates it 24–26 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
24–26mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
203
Top: fuel/propulsion system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,400est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2011 Chevrolet HHR Panel as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
203 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2011 – Mar 2026
- Fuel/propulsion system43
- Electrical system39
- Air bags30
- Steering25
- Engine24
- Electronic stability control (esc)23
- Structure21
- Service brakes12
- Power train10
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
By model year
Complaints for each HHR Panel model year we’ve synced.
Only one model year synced so far.
- Crashes reported
- 13
- Fires reported
- 3
- Injuries reported
- 16
- Deaths reported
- 0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Fuel/propulsion system
43 reports1 fire
“Last week, I noticed fuel leaking out from the bottom of my vehicle on the rear passenger side in my driveway after returning home. I had my vehicle towed into a local shop to get looked at. The shop informed me that my entire fuel line assembly needed to be replaced. They stated that the metal assembly has rusted and corroded over time. At the time of this writing, my vehicle is still in the shop awaiting to get fixed. It is available to be inspected upon request. There are no warning signs on my computer system prior to this. This leaking fuel could have put myself and my family at risk for harm due to the fire risk.”
Electrical system
39 reports2 crashes
“There is a serious electrical glitch that's in the computer, that causes the car to perform poorly at a slow speed, which cases the steering to become very hard to turn, and maintain lanes while driving. All lights, warnings, and gauges fluctuate back and forth, while the bell inide the car when stared keeps chiming.”
Air bags
30 reports6 crashes
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE SERVICE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED AN UNKNOWN SENSOR, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 62,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
4 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Engines
- 2.2L 4-cyl · 2.4L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Manual 5-spd · Automatic 4-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HHR Panel FWD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 26 | $2,400 | 342 |
| HHR Panel FWD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,500 | 355 |
| HHR Panel FWD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
| HHR Panel FWD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
- 26mpg comb.
- 25mpg comb.
- 24mpg comb.
- 24mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Chevrolet HHR Panel as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 236
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2011 HHR Panel questions
How many recalls does the 2011 Chevrolet HHR Panel have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 11, 2026.
What are the most common 2011 Chevrolet HHR Panel problems?
Owners filed 203 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are fuel/propulsion system (43), electrical system (39), air bags (30). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2011 Chevrolet HHR Panel get?
The EPA rates the 2011 Chevrolet HHR Panel at 24–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026