Problems · NHTSA complaints
2009 Chevrolet HHR problems
Owners filed 508 complaints about the 2009 Chevrolet HHR with NHTSA between Feb 2009 and Jul 2025. The most-cited component is electrical system (151).
Complaints
508
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
20
Reported by owners
Fires
7
Reported by owners
Injuries
25
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Electrical system151
- Steering127
- Air bags104
- Fuel/propulsion system69
- Electronic stability control (esc)25
- Structure21
- Service brakes20
- Engine18
- Fuel system, gasoline16
- Power train16
- Exterior lighting15
- Seat belts11
- Vehicle speed control10
- Service brakes, hydraulic10
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
12
19
50
70
57
110
38
17
11
25
12
34
25
10
12
5
1
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 12 |
| 2010 | 19 |
| 2011 | 50 |
| 2012 | 70 |
| 2013 | 57 |
| 2014 | 110 |
| 2015 | 38 |
| 2016 | 17 |
| 2017 | 11 |
| 2018 | 25 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 34 |
| 2021 | 25 |
| 2022 | 10 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 1 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Electrical system
151 reports3 crashes5 fires2 related recalls
“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.”
Steering
127 reports3 crashes1 related recall
“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.”
Air bags
104 reports14 crashes1 related recall
“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/propulsion system
69 reports
“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.”
Electronic stability control (esc)
25 reports1 crash
“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”
Structure
21 reports
“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”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.