2009 Chevrolet Hhr Problems and Recalls (507 Complaints)

The most-reported problem on the 2009 Chevrolet Hhr is Steering (22% of 507 owner reports). There are 5 safety recalls. Check the VIN and inspect Steering — this is the NHTSA file, not a score.

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-09-07 507 complaints · 5 recalls

What problems show up on the 2009 Chevrolet Hhr?

109 of 507 filings named Steering (22% of the file). That is what owners wrote, not a shop diagnosis of the vehicle in the driveway.

Second is Electrical (107 reports).

There are 5 official safety recalls on this year. They were filed about Transmission / driveline, Electrical, and Steering. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov — a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific truck.

The 2008 has 613 reports on file; this year has 507. A smaller lifetime total is not a clean bill of health. If you need a fairer comparison, use the equal-time view.

What to check before you buy a 2009 Chevrolet Hhr

A useful visit to this page takes five minutes. YearTell does not score years and cannot see the vehicle in front of you.

  1. Look up the VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov. This year has 5 campaigns on file below.
  2. Steering. Check for play in the wheel, noises on lock and whether it tracks straight.
  3. Electrical. Have a shop scan for stored codes and check battery, charging and any warning lights that stay on.
  4. Fuel system. Check for fuel smell, leaks and whether it starts and idles cleanly.
  5. Skim a few owner reports below for Steering. Look for the same symptom repeating.
  6. Take that list to a mechanic. Do not turn the complaint total into a score.

What owners reported

System named most often: Steering 109 complaints · 21.5% of the file
Crashes, fires, injuries and deaths in those filings:
  • Crashes 20
  • Fires 7
  • Injuries 25
  • Deaths 0
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Which systems owners named

Share of owner complaints filed against each vehicle system. These shares are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.

Which systems owners named Steering (STEERING) appears in 109 of 507 owner complaints (21.5%) in this vehicle snapshot. Steering (STEERING): 109 complaints, 21.5% of reports Steering (STEERING) 2 crash reports 109 · 21.5% Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM): 107 complaints, 21.1% of reports Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 3 crash reports 3 fire reports 107 · 21.1% Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM): 79 complaints, 15.6% of reports Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 2 fire reports 79 · 15.6% Airbags (AIR BAGS): 72 complaints, 14.2% of reports Airbags (AIR BAGS) 8 crash reports 72 · 14.2% Body / frame (STRUCTURE): 17 complaints, 3.4% of reports Body / frame (STRUCTURE) 17 · 3.4% Engine (ENGINE): 14 complaints, 2.8% of reports Engine (ENGINE) 14 · 2.8% Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES): 14 complaints, 2.8% of reports Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 2 crash reports 14 · 2.8% Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING): 12 complaints, 2.4% of reports Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) 12 · 2.4% Seat belts (SEAT BELTS): 10 complaints, 2.0% of reports Seat belts (SEAT BELTS) 2 crash reports 10 · 2.0% Unclassified NHTSA leftover: 108 complaints, 21.3% of reports Unclassified NHTSA leftover 4 crash reports 4 fire reports 108 · 21.3% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

“Unclassified NHTSA leftover” is not a car part. It is a filing bucket and always sits last.

View component data as a table
System / Component Complaints Share of Reports Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires)
Steering (STEERING) 109 21.5% 2 crashes · 0 fires
Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 107 21.1% 3 crashes · 3 fires
Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 79 15.6% 0 crashes · 2 fires
Airbags (AIR BAGS) 72 14.2% 8 crashes · 0 fires
Body / frame (STRUCTURE) 17 3.4% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Engine (ENGINE) 14 2.8% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 14 2.8% 2 crashes · 0 fires
Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) 12 2.4% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Seat belts (SEAT BELTS) 10 2.0% 2 crashes · 0 fires
Unclassified NHTSA leftover 108 21.3% 4 crashes · 4 fires
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

When reports and recalls showed up

When owners filed reports, and when recall campaigns showed up.

When reports and recalls showed up Owner reports in this snapshot begin in Jan 2009; the first recall shown was reported in Mar 2009. 2009-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2009-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2009-Q3: 5 owner reports 5 2009-Q4: 5 owner reports 5 2010-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2010-Q2: 5 owner reports 5 2010-Q3: 7 owner reports 7 2010-Q4: 5 owner reports 5 2011-Q1: 4 owner reports 4 2011-Q2: 14 owner reports 14 2011-Q3: 19 owner reports 19 2011-Q4: 13 owner reports 13 2012-Q1: 20 owner reports 20 2012-Q2: 22 owner reports 22 2012-Q3: 14 owner reports 14 2012-Q4: 14 owner reports 14 2013-Q1: 8 owner reports 8 2013-Q2: 21 owner reports 21 2013-Q3: 16 owner reports 16 2013-Q4: 12 owner reports 12 2014-Q1: 22 owner reports 22 2014-Q2: 47 owner reports 47 2014-Q3: 31 owner reports 31 2014-Q4: 9 owner reports 9 2015-Q1: 13 owner reports 13 2015-Q2: 9 owner reports 9 2015-Q3: 7 owner reports 7 2015-Q4: 9 owner reports 9 2016-Q1: 3 owner reports 3 2016-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2016-Q3: 4 owner reports 4 2016-Q4: 8 owner reports 8 2017-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2017-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2017-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 2017-Q4: 6 owner reports 6 2018-Q1: 5 owner reports 5 2018-Q2: 3 owner reports 3 2018-Q3: 11 owner reports 11 2018-Q4: 6 owner reports 6 2019-Q1: 3 owner reports 3 2019-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2019-Q3: 2 owner reports 2 2019-Q4: 5 owner reports 5 2020-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2020-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2020-Q3: 23 owner reports 23 2020-Q4: 8 owner reports 8 2021-Q1: 3 owner reports 3 2021-Q2: 7 owner reports 7 2021-Q3: 7 owner reports 7 2021-Q4: 8 owner reports 8 2022-Q1: 6 owner reports 6 2022-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 2022-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2023-Q1: 3 owner reports 3 2023-Q2: 5 owner reports 5 2023-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 2023-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2024-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2024-Q4: 4 owner reports 4 2025-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 Owner reports Jan 2009 Jul 2025 Recall campaign 09V073000 ◆ Recall campaign 09V073000 Recall campaign 14V047000 ◆ Recall campaign 14V047000 Recall campaign 14V153000 ◆ Recall campaign 14V153000 Recall campaign 14V171000 ◆ Recall campaign 14V171000 Recall campaign 14E021000 ◆ Recall campaign 14E021000 Investigation PE20011 ● Investigation PE20011
  • Campaign 14V153000 was reported 1,334 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 14V171000 was reported 1,606 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 14E021000 was reported 1,626 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
View timeline records as a table
Date Record type Count Record identifier
2009-Q1 Owner reports 1
2009-Q2 Owner reports 1
2009-Q3 Owner reports 5
2009-Q4 Owner reports 5
2010-Q1 Owner reports 2
2010-Q2 Owner reports 5
2010-Q3 Owner reports 7
2010-Q4 Owner reports 5
2011-Q1 Owner reports 4
2011-Q2 Owner reports 14
2011-Q3 Owner reports 19
2011-Q4 Owner reports 13
2012-Q1 Owner reports 20
2012-Q2 Owner reports 22
2012-Q3 Owner reports 14
2012-Q4 Owner reports 14
2013-Q1 Owner reports 8
2013-Q2 Owner reports 21
2013-Q3 Owner reports 16
2013-Q4 Owner reports 12
2014-Q1 Owner reports 22
2014-Q2 Owner reports 47
2014-Q3 Owner reports 31
2014-Q4 Owner reports 9
2015-Q1 Owner reports 13
2015-Q2 Owner reports 9
2015-Q3 Owner reports 7
2015-Q4 Owner reports 9
2016-Q1 Owner reports 3
2016-Q2 Owner reports 2
2016-Q3 Owner reports 4
2016-Q4 Owner reports 8
2017-Q1 Owner reports 1
2017-Q2 Owner reports 1
2017-Q3 Owner reports 3
2017-Q4 Owner reports 6
2018-Q1 Owner reports 5
2018-Q2 Owner reports 3
2018-Q3 Owner reports 11
2018-Q4 Owner reports 6
2019-Q1 Owner reports 3
2019-Q2 Owner reports 2
2019-Q3 Owner reports 2
2019-Q4 Owner reports 5
2020-Q1 Owner reports 2
2020-Q2 Owner reports 1
2020-Q3 Owner reports 23
2020-Q4 Owner reports 8
2021-Q1 Owner reports 3
2021-Q2 Owner reports 7
2021-Q3 Owner reports 7
2021-Q4 Owner reports 8
2022-Q1 Owner reports 6
2022-Q3 Owner reports 3
2022-Q4 Owner reports 1
2023-Q1 Owner reports 3
2023-Q2 Owner reports 5
2023-Q3 Owner reports 3
2023-Q4 Owner reports 1
2024-Q3 Owner reports 1
2024-Q4 Owner reports 4
2025-Q3 Owner reports 1
Recall campaign 1 09V073000
Recall campaign 1 14V047000
Recall campaign 1 14V153000
Recall campaign 1 14V171000
Recall campaign 1 14E021000
Defect investigation 1 PE20011
NHTSA Safety Recalls Snapshot 2026-09-06 Open source record

Safety Recalls (5)

Official campaigns. Each one says what could go wrong and what the dealer was told to fix.

In short, these campaigns were filed about Transmission / driveline, Electrical, and Steering.

  1. Recall campaign 09V073000

    Transmission / driveline

    Report date
    Component:
    Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
    Consequence:
    THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AWAY AFTER THE DRIVER HAS EXITED THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
    Remedy:
    DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ENSURE THAT THE SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT CLIP IS FULLY ENGAGED. IN THE EVENT THAT THE CLIP DOES NOT ENGAGE, THE SHIFT CABLE WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MARCH 24, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 AND SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
  2. Recall campaign 14E021000

    Electrical

    Report date
    Component:
    Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
    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.
    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).
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
  3. Recall campaign 14V047000

    Safety recall 14V047000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    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.
    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. GM’s 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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
  4. Recall campaign 14V153000

    Steering

    Report date
    Component:
    Steering (STEERING)
    Consequence:
    If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
  5. Recall campaign 14V171000

    Electrical

    Report date
    Component:
    Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
    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.
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

What owners actually wrote

Short excerpts from the public NHTSA file. Look for the same symptom repeating.

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-09-07
Safety incident filters
Showing 9 of 507 complaints · page 1 of 21
2025-07-15Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 11673723
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light illuminated and occasionally flashed on and off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The contact had previously received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 199,000.
2024-11-25Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 11627299
CrashFireInjuryDeath
Fuel line is leaking near left rear wheel wheel
2024-10-31Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 11622868
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that there was a fuel leak near the driver's side rear door. The contact stated that the TPMS, ESC, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact researched online and determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Action Number: PE20011 (FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The contact called the local dealer and was informed there were no recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 136,440.
2024-10-24Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 11621763
CrashFireInjuryDeath
last week we noticed gasoline showing up on the ground in front of the rear driver side tire. I looked underneath and found a pipe that seems to be corroded. I looked online and found that many people have the same problem, so I haven't had it checked at a dealership. The pipe continues to leak after you walk away and I'm afraid someone will discard a cigarette near the vehicle, or worse. We are generally home, and can be reached for inspection.
2024-10-16Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11620091
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, and while driving the vehicle, there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the contact noticed that the vehicle was experiencing excessive fuel consumption. The contact also noticed that fuel had leaked onto the ground. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that fuel was leaking from the driver's side rear wheel well, where the fuel tank was located. The contact related the failure NHTSA Action Number: PE20011(Fuel System, Other, Fuel/Propulsion System, Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
2024-08-14Body / frame (STRUCTURE)Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11608559
CrashFireInjuryDeath
I was driving and I went to roll the sunroof down and it ejected itself and came off the whole glass and frame and broke in many pieces on the bridge if there would of been a car or person walking it would of hit them and caused a major accident its going to cosy over$2000.00 to get it replaced whicj I cant afford to do I feel like the manufacturer should replace the part it wasnt my fault
2023-12-07Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11558880
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The gear shift gets stuck when it gets cold outside and does not won't to go in reverse or diver. It takes a little bit when the car has to set and warm up before it will work.
2023-08-30Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 11541629
CrashFireInjuryDeath
Gas leaking from fuel line near rear driver’s side tire
2023-07-02Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 11530012
CrashFireInjuryDeath
Leaking fuel line near left rear wheel

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems on the 2009 Chevrolet Hhr?

Owners named Steering most often — 109 of 507 reports (22%). That is the NHTSA file, not a diagnosis of every vehicle.

Are there recalls for the 2009 Chevrolet Hhr?

NHTSA lists 5 safety recall campaigns. They were filed about Transmission / driveline, Electrical, and Steering. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov; a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific vehicle.

What should I inspect before buying a 2009 Chevrolet Hhr?

Look up the VIN for open recalls. Check for play in the wheel, noises on lock and whether it tracks straight. Then skim owner filings for the same symptom and take that list to a mechanic.

Does a high complaint count mean I should skip this year?

No. Counts are reports people chose to file and they are not adjusted for sales volume. YearTell does not publish scores or a list of years to skip. Inspect the vehicle.

EPA Fuel Economy Database Snapshot 2026-08-21 Open source record

Estimated Ownership Cost

EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates

Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-08-21
Supported range: 1,000–60,000 miles per year
Supported range: $1.50–$10.00 per gallon
55% city45% highway
Estimate unavailable

EPA fuel-economy data is unavailable for this vehicle.

No estimate is shown when required EPA values are unavailable.

Open Ownership Cost Calculator →

Adjacent Model Years

Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records

NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Methodology & Data Integrity

Source: NHTSA ODI / recalls, snapshot 2026-09-07. YearTell is not a government agency.

Read our complete data methodology → Sources