repaired · 2016 Q2
Electrical system: ignition
Risk. 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…
2006 Chevrolet HHRProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 1,006 owner complaints about the 2006 Chevrolet HHR, most often about the steering. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 14V-171 the manufacturer reports only 72% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 2, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Cutlass, CC0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2006 Chevrolet HHR has problems
1,006 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
458Steering20 crash/fire/injury
222Electrical system15 crash/fire/injury
119Structure4 crash/fire/injury
82Power train2 crash/fire/injury
70Latches/locks/linkages
63Air bags
45Service brakes, hydraulic
44Fuel/propulsion system
39Engine
17719 other systems16 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 458 | 20 |
| Electrical system | 222 | 15 |
| Structure | 119 | 4 |
| Power train | 82 | 2 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 70 | 0 |
| Air bags | 63 | 21 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 45 | 5 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 44 | 1 |
| Engine | 39 | 2 |
| 19 other systems | 177 | 16 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2006 Chevrolet HHR recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2016 Q2
Air bags
Risk. 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.
no report yet
Doors: latch
Risk. THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS TO PROVIDE HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION FOR OCCUPANTS.
no report yet
Air bags
Risk. THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS TO PROVIDE HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION FOR OCCUPANTS.
Show 1 more recall
no report yet
Air bags: frontal
Risk. 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…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.
Mileage at failure
When do steering problems start?
80kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 399 steering complaints. 68% were reported before 100,000 miles.
32under 30k miles273under 100k miles126100k miles or more
Owner-reported costs
What owners say repairs cost
Dollar amounts owners wrote in their complaints when describing a repair or a quote. These are not price estimates; a system is shown only when at least 8 owners mentioned a cost.
Steering
23 owners mentioned a cost$500median
Middle half: $400 – $1,050
Structure
10 owners mentioned a cost$400median
Middle half: $306 – $400
Power train
9 owners mentioned a cost$250median
Middle half: $215 – $500
Latches/locks/linkages
8 owners mentioned a cost$407median
Middle half: $346 – $463
If a problem is covered by a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Some manufacturers also reimburse owners who paid for a repair before a recall was announced.
Best & worst years
2006 vs. every other HHR year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the HHR median. How we score
'06'07'08'09'10'11
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2006 Chevrolet HHR safety ratings
2006 Chevrolet HHR 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Stability control: No
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What HHR owners report
Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
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…
Own a 2006 HHR?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.