What years of the Chevrolet HHR should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2006 and 2009 HHR rank worst, with complaint index scores of 80 and 100 respectively, the two highest across the six model years covered.

What is the best year for the Chevrolet HHR?

The 2010 and 2011 HHR are rated Best, with complaint index scores of 20 and 0, the lowest in the lineup, and fewer recalls than earlier years.

What is the most common problem with the Chevrolet HHR?

Steering issues are the top complaint area across all years, accounting for 44% of the 3,574 total complaints, followed by electrical system problems at 22%.

Does the Chevrolet HHR have steering recalls?

Yes. The 2006 and 2009 HHR were both included in recall campaigns tied to steering and electronic power steering problems, among a total of 7 recall campaigns across the model line.

Is the 2008 Chevrolet HHR reliable?

The 2008 HHR is rated Caution, with a complaint index of 60, better than the 2006 and 2009 models but worse than the 2007, 2010, and 2011 model years.

Chevrolet HHR Best and Worst Years (2006–2011)

Avoid the 2006 and 2009 Chevrolet HHR, which post complaint index scores of 80 and 100, the two highest in the lineup, driven by steering and electrical failures. The 2010 and 2011 model years score 20 and 0 and are the best choices.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2006 Avoid 2009 Best 2010 Best 2011

Model years: 6; 2006–2011
NHTSA complaints: 3,574
Recall campaigns: 7
Crashes reported: 171
Fires reported: 29
Top problem area: Steering

HHR Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Chevrolet HHR problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2006	Avoid	80	1,006	47	8	5	Steering	23	—
2007	Good	40	726	42	4	4	Steering	23	—
2008	Caution	60	616	30	6	4	Steering	24	—
2009	Avoid	100	508	20	7	4	Electrical System	24	—
2010	Best	20	515	19	1	3	Steering	25	—
2011	Best	0	203	13	3	2	Fuel System	24.5	—

HHR years to avoid: what went wrong

2009 Chevrolet HHR Index 100 · 508 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2009 HHR has the highest complaint index in the lineup at 100. Electrical system problems lead at 32% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 55,000, followed by steering issues at 25% (median 60,000 miles) and airbags at 20% (median 56,000 miles). Owners described electronic power steering cutting out repeatedly after a few minutes of driving and brake pedals going soft, especially on cold starts. Recalls for this year cover an ignition cylinder defect, a steering-related bulletin repair, and an airbag/key fob issue, though none require parking outside or not driving.

2009 electrical system problems →2009 steering problems →2009 airbags problems →

2006 Chevrolet HHR Index 80 · 1,006 complaints · 5 recalls

The 2006 HHR carries a complaint index of 80 and ranks second-worst of the six model years. Steering problems dominate, making up 46% of complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 78,000. Owners also reported electrical system issues (23% of complaints, median 69,000 miles) and structure/body defects including a storage compartment door latch that failed to meet federal impact standards, prompting a recall covering 296,422 vehicles. Additional recalls addressed an ignition cylinder defect and an airbag/key fob issue. Some steering complaints described a front wheel disconnecting from its housing, and several airbag non-deployment reports followed crashes.

2006 steering problems →2006 electrical system problems →2006 structure & body problems →

Most common Chevy HHR problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.

Steering1,562 (44%)
Electrical System792 (22%)
Structure & Body380 (11%)
Fuel System370 (10%)
Brakes341 (10%)
Airbags332 (9%)
Engine248 (7%)
Transmission & Powertrain191 (5%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires146 (4%)
Other131 (4%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Chevrolet HHR should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2006 and 2009 HHR rank worst, with complaint index scores of 80 and 100 respectively, the two highest across the six model years covered.
What is the best year for the Chevrolet HHR?: The 2010 and 2011 HHR are rated Best, with complaint index scores of 20 and 0, the lowest in the lineup, and fewer recalls than earlier years.
What is the most common problem with the Chevrolet HHR?: Steering issues are the top complaint area across all years, accounting for 44% of the 3,574 total complaints, followed by electrical system problems at 22%.
Does the Chevrolet HHR have steering recalls?: Yes. The 2006 and 2009 HHR were both included in recall campaigns tied to steering and electronic power steering problems, among a total of 7 recall campaigns across the model line.
Is the 2008 Chevrolet HHR reliable?: The 2008 HHR is rated Caution, with a complaint index of 60, better than the 2006 and 2009 models but worse than the 2007, 2010, and 2011 model years.