10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 2 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 76,435 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
The shift lever shows the vehicle in park but the actual gear is reverse because the transmission shift cable adjustment clip has become dislodged from its position and will not engage to the proper gear. As a result the vehicle will not start and it will also roll backwards without engaging the parking brake. It was stationary when I was attempting to park it but it then rolled backwards down a hill because it was not engaging in park and almost hit another vehicle before I could apply the parking brake. This issue is the same issue that is part of a recall 09V073000 for my specific vehicle; however it doesn't include my year or VIN so the dealers are not trying to repair it for me without cost.
- Glen Allen, VA, USA
My air bag service light comes on and my power steering dont work while this air bag service light is on. My heat dont work either while my air bag service light is on. I can drive it for awhile and when my air bag light goes off my power steering starts to work and my heat does too.
- Corydon, IN, USA
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact indicated that there had been no failures with the vehicle until the manufacturer had the dealer complete a manufacturer recall repair for the ignition switch. The repair caused several failures and did not provide a permanent repair solution. Within weeks of the dealer's repair, the key was difficult to remove from the ignition switch and the contact had to constantly maneuver the gear shift, which had also been an issue. In addition, the speedometer failed to provide a reading and the instrument cluster gauges failed to fully function after the repair. The contact was unable to determine what the solution would be to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified. The NHTSA campaign number was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 147,000.
- Medford, NY, USA
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The vehicle jerked whenever the contact shifted gears. The failure occurred whether the vehicle were in drive, neutral, or reverse. The contact received a notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14V171000 (electrical system). The contact adhered to the recall; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 181,732.
- Asheville, NC, USA
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while driving approximately 7 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. The contact mentioned that the vehicle jerked forward and stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 169,350.
- Asheville, NC, USA
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who reprogrammed the computer, provided the contact with a new set of keys, and repaired the vehicle according to NHTSA campaign number: 14E021000 (electrical system). The failure recurred and the key remained stuck in the ignition. The vehicle also failed to shift out of park, the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver, and the power steering warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering motor, the gear box, and shifter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
- South Bay, FL, USA
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the gear shift failed to lock in the park position. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the gear shift needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 144,000.
- Anderson, IN, USA
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. After the contact returned to the vehicle shortly after it had been parked, she found it had rolled away three houses downhill. The vehicle had driven over a curb, sideswiped a tree, and crashed into cinder blocks. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and repaired. The cause of the failure was unknown. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 115,000. Updated 8/28/14 the consumer stated the dealer advised that the cover interlock was removed. The shifter did not lock into gear. The lock was missing. The consumer was not given any paperwork to explain the issues. The consumer was advised by multiple mechanics the vehicle would not drive with these defects. Updated 11/25/2014
- Johnstown, CO, USA
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the key seized in the ignition and the vehicle failed to shift to park. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the ignition switch cylinder was replaced along with the battery. The manufacturer was contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 132,441.
- Quincy, FL, USA
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the gears were able to be changed without using the button. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,144.
- Fort Washington, MD, USA
Good day. I'll keep this brief. To be clear, I went to the dealer (autonation usa) with the recall issue shortly after it occurred the first time, and a couple of other times after that. I was told that I was too short, fat, and my knee was knocking the key out of the ignition. My key never fell out of the ignition, but the car did shut off, losing control of all electrical systems while at 70+ mph. Secondly, I have gone in to the dealer for my transmission as well. The car began to slightly jerk at around 60K miles. I was told they didn't notice anything, however, they never checked the transmission, and I was told they could do nothing. When the matter got really bad, the mileage was over 100K, and out of warranty. I have brought it to their attention that I attempted to clear this up prior, and was told they would have to treat it as a new issue. I'll make it easy. When I have had the ignition issues nearly kill my family and myself on more than 30 occurrences, the dealer fixing a small, inexpensive item, because they have been exposed, does little to quell the anger I have regarding the various other issues I have regarding warranty maintenance they could have completed while under warranty, and instead chose to belittle me and now wish to charge me obscene amounts of money to repair. GM should offer to complete the maintenance at no cost considering I have gone to them prior to the close of the warranty and was ridiculed and further, made to have my family's life in danger 30-40 times so they could save some money. Further, I understand it is not legally required for them to do anything, however, doing the right thing goes a long way. I have spoken to GM about the issues a couple of times now only just simply be told they were sorry and I should have the situation diagnosed (needlessly). This is the first I've heard of this website so I'm trying now. Thanks.
- Commerce City, CO, USA
2006 Chevrolet HHR. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch recall notice. The consumer stated the steering wheel and front end were shaking, and there was a noise coming from the vehicle. The technician found a worn out bearing, the steering shaft had an internal failure and the sway bar links were worn. The steering column, intermediate shaft and sway bar links were replaced. Also, it was difficult to shift out of park at times. It was determined a liquid had been spilled in the shifter. Also, the consumer was unable to remove the key from the ignition.
- Macon, MS, USA
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the gear lever failed to shift from park or into any gear until after numerous attempts. Additionally, the vehicle would jerk and surge once the gear shift was moved out of the park position. The failure was not diagnosed nor was the vehicle repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000.
- Albuquerque, NM, USA
Left front drive shaft failed while parked in my garage. Car would not move, had to be towed to dealer for warranty repair. This is the first of two drive shaft failures on this HHR. Attention !!! please pay attention to this very dangerous issue !!!
- Fridley, MN, USA
Right front drive shaft failed while stopped at a red light. Vehicle unable to move. Very dangerous !!!
- Fridley, MN, USA
Can shift with out pushing brake or shift bottom, also key get stuck in on position when in park. Have not fixed it yet due to the cost of the park and labor. Have looked on line and a lot of other HHR owners are having the same problem. Also brake fluid warring come on but fluid is full.
- Grand Forks, ND, USA
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the gear shifter could not be engaged into any gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the gear shifter. Additionally, the contact stated that the front tires were wearing prematurely. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the front end was rebuilt. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 32,000.
- Jacksboro, TN, USA
Gear shifter pin broke & now won't lock in gear. The key cannot be removed except by removing a cap on the steering column & pressing a release button. Defective gear shifter pin. ------------------------------------- I went home & tried to take my key out but it would not release so since the car would not turn completely off the battery died. I found out on the internet that this has happened to thousands of people. I found out how to remove the plug on the steering column to press the release to take out the key. The gear shifter will not lock so it is easy for it to slip into neutral or out of park & roll away. I don't have the $500 they said it will take to fix it so I have to live with it. I always have to make sure to lock my emergency brake & have to hit the release to take my key out. This is dangerous & so wrong of GM not to recall this when so many have had this problem. This is their defect & not the customers.
- Port Charlotte, FL, USA
Key got stuck in ignition. This apparently is a common known issue with this vehicle. They did a recall but only on the 2009 models. The gear shift assembly goes bad and there is a plastic piece that breaks causing the key to get stuck. I had to go into the steering column to manually release the key. The gear shift also will go into any position without having to press the button, which is a huge safety issue since it can be put into reverse while driving, etc. Tried to take it in to get fixed but will cost about $300. This should have been a recall since it has been an issue with all the early HHR models, not just the 2009.
- Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Chicago, IL, USA