Looking for Chevrolet HHR repair in Phoenix? We work on Chevrolet vehicles every day and cover the HHR across model years 2006 to 2011, with honest diagnostics and quotes you approve before work begins.
To help HHR owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 3,575 owner complaints on file for the HHR and 8 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are steering (1,563), electrical system (751), air bags (332).
Most-Reported Chevrolet HHR Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the HHR (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 1,563 | 43% | |
| Electrical System | 751 | 21% | |
| Air Bags | 332 | 9% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 316 | 8% | |
| Structure | 261 | 7% | |
| Power Train | 191 | 5% | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 145 | 4% | |
| Engine | 133 | 3% |
Steering
1,563 of the 3,575 complaints (43%) mention steering. Steering complaints deserve prompt attention. We inspect steering components and alignment so the car tracks straight and responds predictably. See our suspension & alignment page.
Electrical System
751 of the 3,575 complaints (21%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Air Bags
332 of the 3,575 complaints (9%) mention airbags and seat belts. Airbag and restraint issues are often tied to open safety recalls, which are repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to you. Check your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup first, and we can help with related warning lights and diagnostics. See our auto repair page.
Chevrolet HHR Complaints by Model Year
The HHR model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2006, 2007, 2008. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 1,006 | |
| 2007 | 726 | |
| 2008 | 616 | |
| 2009 | 508 | |
| 2010 | 516 | |
| 2011 | 203 |
Most Common Chevrolet HHR Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the HHR. The most-cited is P2135 (powertrain code), mentioned in 2 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| P2135 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 2 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Chevrolet HHR Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the HHR in these model years, most often involving air bags, electrical system, latches/locks/linkages. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2014 recall, Electrical System (campaign 14V171000): 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.
- 2014 recall, Electrical System (campaign 14E021000): 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...
- 2014 recall, Air Bags (campaign 14V047000): 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.
- 2014 recall, Steering (campaign 14V153000): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6.
- 2009 recall, Power Train (campaign 09V073000): GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 276,729 MY 2009 BUICK ENCLAVE, CHEVROLET COBALT, HHR, MALIBU, TRAVERSE, GMC ACADIA, PONTIAC G5, G6 AND SATURN AURA AND OUTLOOK PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- 2008 recall, Latches/Locks/Linkages (campaign 08V444000): 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.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the HHR, 171 involved a crash, 29 involved a fire, 142 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Chevrolet HHR Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Chevrolet will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a HHR that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for HHR owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Chevrolet HHR, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Chevrolet HHR Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Chevrolet HHR repair service, or choose a service below.
Suspension & Alignment
Shocks, struts, alignment and steering.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Chevrolet HHR FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Chevrolet HHR?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Chevrolet HHR are steering (1,563), electrical system (751), air bags (332). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which HHR model years have the most complaints?
The HHR model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2006, 2007, 2008. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Chevrolet HHR?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Chevrolet HHR, the codes cited most often are P2135 (powertrain code). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Chevrolet HHR have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the Chevrolet HHR across model years 2006 to 2011. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Chevrolet HHR in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Chevrolet vehicles including the HHR, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Chevrolet HHR?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Chevrolet HHR in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Chevrolet Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.