CHEVROLET HHR · model year

2009 CHEVROLET HHR

689 NHTSA complaints, 31 crash reports, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2009CHEVROLETHHR carries 689 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 31 crashes, 10 fires, 36 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2009 HHR is electrical system with 133 filings, followed by steering (123) and air bags (99). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 5 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 57 investigation files overlapping the 2009 HHR, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

689
Complaints
31
Crashes
10
Fires
36
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

689 filings

Crashes Reported

31 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM133
STEERING123
AIR BAGS99
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM69
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)25
SERVICE BRAKES20
ENGINE18
UNKNOWN OR OTHER17
POWER TRAIN15
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION13
EXTERIOR LIGHTING12
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE12
SEAT BELTS10
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC9
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL9

Recalls (5)

14V15300031/03/2014

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

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. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power

14E02100030/04/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

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

14V17100010/04/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

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 ignitio

14V04700010/02/2014

AIR BAGS

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

09V07300006/03/2009

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

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. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLES SAFETY STANDARD 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT POSITION SEQUENCE, STARTE

Recent Complaints

20250715AIR BAGS

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.

Mileage: 199,000

20250715ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Mileage: 199,000

20241125FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fuel line is leaking near left rear wheel wheel

20241031FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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.

Mileage: 136,440

20241031FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

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.

Mileage: 136,440

20241031FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

Mileage: 136,440

20241024FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

20241016FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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.

Mileage: 110,000

20240814STRUCTURE:BODY

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

20231207UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

20230830FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Gas leaking from fuel line near rear driver’s side tire

20230702FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Leaking fuel line near left rear wheel

20230701FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I was backing my car out of the garage and I noticed a line of liquid on the ground, indicating a leak. I immediately stopped the car, got out and took a look. I traced the leak back to the drivers side at the rear, just before the tire. I could see fuel dripping down from under the car. The exhaust pipe right near the dripping was also wet. I could smell gas and I confirmed that was what was dripping by smelling a drop after I let it fall on my finger. Definitely gasoline. After the dripping stopped, I pushed the car back into the garage. I used a QuickJack to raise the car to get a better look at the area where the leak was coming from. There was massive corrosion/rust of the metal lines in the area. The leak was easily found by just looking for where the lines were wet. Even though fuel was no longer dripping (the engine was off so there was no fuel pressure anymore), there was still wetness from the gas leaking through the rusted area. I will not drive the car again un

20230505FireFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact while driving at an undisclosed speed, noticed a strong fuel odor. The contact stated that upon parking and exiting the vehicle, there was fire underneath the rear driver's side, where the fuel tank was located. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher. There was no injury sustained. The contact then noticed a trail of fuel on the floor. The contact became aware that fuel had leaked while driving. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuel line was corroded and needed to be replaced due to a wrong design. The contact stated that the fuel line was designed over the muffler, which caused water intrusion and corrosion. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where the fuel line was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

Mileage: 28,000

20230429FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fuel line driver side rear tire leaking gas.

20230419STEERING

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the power steering warning light, the ESC service, the ESC off, and the traction control warning lights illuminated, followed by the loss of power steering functionality. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the power steering assist motor and the power steering assist module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in a recall or TSB. The failure mileage was 185,000.

Mileage: 185,000

20230410FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fuel line has rusted and is leaking gas under the left rear wheel, near the tail pipe. First noticed by smell while driving, then witnessed gas leaking upon exiting the vehicle at home. Have not had vehicle serviced as I will have to have it towed due to safety concerns. Please continue the investigation into this issue as it is potentially life threatening and the number of complaints are concerning. The vehicle is available for inspection.

20230403FireFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the rear of the vehicle started burning. The contact was able to stop the fire and the contact noticed that the gasoline was leaking onto the ground under the vehicle. No one was injured and no police report was filed. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the fitting to the gasoline trunk was damaged causing the gasoline to leak. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 28,000

Mileage: 28,000

20230302AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Service Air Bag message was displayed. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that she needed to pay out of pocket for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer to be serviced. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

Mileage: 145,000

20230223FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, he noticed fuel leaking from the rear driver's side of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnosis or repairs. A Chevrolet dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The contact stated that he was able to look under the vehicle and found that the fuel line was corroded. The contact was relating the failure to an unknown recall for a fuel line that was issued for similar Chevrolet HHR vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000.

Mileage: 52,000

Compare 2009CHEVROLETHHR to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2009 CHEVROLET HHR have?
The 2009 CHEVROLET HHR has 689 NHTSA complaints, 31 crashes, 10 fires, 36 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2009 CHEVROLET HHR?
Yes, the 2009 CHEVROLET HHR has 5 recall(s). The most common affected component is STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 CHEVROLET HHR?
The most-complained component for the 2009 CHEVROLET HHR is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 133 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STEERING and AIR BAGS.
Is the 2009 CHEVROLET HHR safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.