NHTSA vehicle safety data

2006 Chevrolet HHR Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2006 Chevrolet HHR has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,006 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Chevrolet dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2006 Chevrolet HHR, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2006 Chevrolet HHR owner complaints

Owners have filed 1,006 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Chevrolet HHR, describing incidents dated September 10, 2005 to May 19, 2025.

Most-cited components

Steering 458 complaints
Electrical System 222 complaints
Structure 119 complaints
Power Train 82 complaints
Engine 73 complaints
Latches/Locks/Linkages 70 complaints

Of the 1,006 complaints on file, 47 report a crash and 8 a fire; across all 1,006 complaints, owners report 29 injuries and 4 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11678011 · Filed August 2, 2025
The door few open because the door latch broke off
ODI #11663581 · Filed May 29, 2025
While replacing 3 motor mounts, engine oil pan,transmission oil pan, also CV axles, wheel bearings needed replaced. When i got my car back the power steering wasn't working. My mechanic said there was a recall for my year, make and model for the power steering assist. I haven't gotten this fixed yet…
ODI #11629295 · Filed December 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure…

Read all 1,006 complaints

Owner-reported

2006 Chevrolet HHR mileage at failure

833 of the 1,006 complaints on file for the 2006 Chevrolet HHR give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Steering	Median 80,000 miles	Middle half 55,000–115,000 miles	Based on 396 complaints
Electrical System	Median 70,000 miles	Middle half 35,000–120,000 miles	Based on 166 complaints
Structure	Median 65,000 miles	Middle half 40,000–90,000 miles	Based on 97 complaints
Power Train	Median 60,000 miles	Middle half 40,000–95,000 miles	Based on 72 complaints
Engine	Median 65,000 miles	Middle half 30,000–95,000 miles	Based on 62 complaints
Latches/Locks/Linkages	Median 55,000 miles	Middle half 35,000–75,000 miles	Based on 55 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Most complaints NHTSA received since May 17, 2021 give no mileage. So that they aren't undercounted, each one received since then that gives a mileage also stands in for those that gave none, which can put a component's median above most of the mileages it is based on.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

Aftermarket Replacement Ignition Switches

NHTSA #14E021000 · Electrical System — Ignition — Switch · NHTSA notice

Reported April 30, 2014 · UCI-FRAM Group

Potentially affected: 14,529 vehicles

Repair completion: 35.65% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified April 4, 2014

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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).

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Key Can Be Removed when Ignition is not Off

NHTSA #14V171000 · Electrical System — Ignition · NHTSA notice

Reported April 10, 2014 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 2,191,014 vehicles

Repair completion: 71.62% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 14113,14133 · Owners notified April 18, 2014 · Vehicles built April 11, 2005 – June 22, 2006 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.

Safety consequence

If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.

Manufacturer remedy

General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Ignition Switch may Turn Off

NHTSA #14V047000 · Air Bags · NHTSA notice

Reported February 10, 2014 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 2,190,934 vehicles

Repair completion: 71.71% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 13454/14063/14092 · Owners notified April 18, 2014 · Vehicles built April 11, 2005 – June 22, 2006 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.

Safety consequence

If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

FMVSS 201/STORAGE BIN DOOR

NHTSA #08V444000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages — Doors — Latch · NHTSA notice

Reported September 3, 2008 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 296,422 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 08157 · Owners notified December 23, 2008 · Vehicles built April 30, 2005 – June 30, 2006 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

GM IS RECALLING 296,422 MY 2006-2008 CHEVROLET HHR VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE DOOR ON THE STORAGE BIN IN THE TOP CENTER OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO REMAIN CLOSED AS REQUIRED.

Safety consequence

THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS TO PROVIDE HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION FOR OCCUPANTS.

Manufacturer remedy

A REDESIGNED LATCH WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 23, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .

Notes

GM RECALL NO. 08157.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

FMVSS 201/ROOF RAIL AIR BAGS

NHTSA #08V046000 · Air Bags · NHTSA notice

Reported January 30, 2008 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 181,516 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 08016 · Owners notified April 2, 2008

Defect description

GM IS RECALLING 181,516 MY 2006-2008 CHEVROLET HHR VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ROOF RAIL AIR BAGS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT.' IN TESTS, ONE OF THE UPPER INTERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION TEST POINTS EXCEEDED THE STANDARD'S REQUIREMENT.

Safety consequence

THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS TO PROVIDE HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION FOR OCCUPANTS.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ENERGY-ABSORBING PLASTIC PIECE TO THE HEADLINER TRIM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 2, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .

Notes

GM RECALL NO. 08016.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

LEATHER SEAT COVERS/AIR BAG SENSING SYSTEM

NHTSA #06V417000 · Air Bags — Frontal · NHTSA notice

Reported October 31, 2006 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 794 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 06102 · Owners notified November 6, 2006 · Vehicles built July 1, 2005 – July 31, 2005 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION.

Safety consequence

IF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, THE FRONT AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MAY BE DISABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE ENABLED, OR ENABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE DISABLED. IN EITHER CASE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT REQUIRES AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, A FRONT PASSENGER'S LEVEL OF INJURY MAY BE INCREASED.

Manufacturer remedy

BECAUSE A REPLACEMENT LEATHER SEAT COVER THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) WILL REPURCHASE THESE VEHICLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS STATED IN GM'S LETTER TO OWNERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT GM AT 1-877-477-1022 TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF REPURCHASING THEIR VEHICLE.

Notes

GM RECALL NO. 06102.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

2006 Chevrolet HHR 4-DR.

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

1,006 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Chevrolet HHR.

Suspension; Structure; Engine

ODI #11678011

Incident: December 11, 2024 · Filed: August 2, 2025

The door few open because the door latch broke off

Steering; Unknown or Other

ODI #11663581

Incident: May 19, 2025 · Filed: May 29, 2025

While replacing 3 motor mounts, engine oil pan,transmission oil pan, also CV axles, wheel bearings needed replaced. When i got my car back the power steering wasn't working. My mechanic said there was a recall for my year, make and model for the power steering assist. I haven't gotten this fixed yet due to lack of funds . I am filling this out to see if is recalled.

Steering

ODI #11629295

Incident: December 6, 2024 · Filed: December 6, 2024

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 240,000.

Steering

ODI #11614139

Incident: February 10, 2023 · Filed: September 12, 2024

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.

Steering

ODI #11595986

Incident: June 21, 2024 · Filed: June 23, 2024

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 .

Steering

ODI #11579304

Incident: April 15, 2023 · Filed: March 25, 2024

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11578872

Incident: March 6, 2024 · Filed: March 22, 2024

Fuel line is leaking under the car. I could smell gas when I would get out of my car.

Steering; Electrical System

ODI #11562300

Incident: December 1, 2023 · Filed: December 28, 2023

while driving the car after a few miles, the door locks start going up and down, the power steering light comes on and is hard to steer, the check engine light comes on, the speedometer stops working and the tach malfunctions. the car surges while moving foward. if you shut the car off it will reset itself. once you start the car again it starts to malfunction again. one gararge owner did some tests but didn't fix the problem

Steering

ODI #11558570

Incident: November 23, 2023 · Filed: December 5, 2023

The power steering went out. Very hard and unsafe to drive.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11542647

Incident: September 1, 2023 · Filed: September 5, 2023

Gas line leaking under left rear tire

Other Chevrolet HHR model years

Check your 2006 Chevrolet HHR VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Chevrolet HHR at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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