CarModelProblems.com

2011 Chevrolet HHR Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Fuel/propulsion System — runs 3.3× the fleet median for that category across the 1401 model-years tracked on this site.
203Complaints
3Recalls
13Crashes
3Fires
16Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Fuel/propulsion System (21.2% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.

Fuel/propulsion System complaints here are 3.3× the median for that category across the 1401 model-years tracked on this site.

2 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 4 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Fuel/propulsion System43 · 21.2%No official action
Electrical System37 · 18.2%RecalledRecall 14V171000 · Recall 14E021000
Air Bags29 · 14.3%RecalledRecall 14V047000
Steering25 · 12.3%No official action
Engine24 · 11.8%No official action
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)23 · 11.3%No official action

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

AIR BAGS29 · 14.3%
STEERING25 · 12.3%
ENGINE24 · 11.8%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)23 · 11.3%
Unspecified / other16 · 7.9%
STRUCTURE:BODY12 · 5.9%
SERVICE BRAKES12 · 5.9%
POWER TRAIN9 · 4.4%

Percentages are the share of the 203 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 3 campaigns

Electrical System:ignition

NHTSA campaign 14V171000 · 2014 · reported 04/10/2014

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… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags

NHTSA campaign 14V047000 · 2014 · reported 02/10/2014

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System:ignition:switch

NHTSA campaign 14E021000 · 2014 · reported 04/30/2014

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“I WAS DRIVING A FREEWAY SPEEDS WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY WENT INTO LIMP HOME MODE. I RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING DASH INDICATIONS - SERVICE ESC, TRACTION…”NHTSA complaint 10691577 — filed 03/02/2015 · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

132012118420145322201616212018514202017820221352024112026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Chevrolet HHR?

Fuel/propulsion system issues are the most-reported category, cited in 43 of 203 NHTSA complaints (21.2%), followed by electrical system (37), air bags (29), steering (25). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2011 Chevrolet HHR have?

203 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 13 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, and 16 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2011 Chevrolet HHR have any recalls?

Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 14V171000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2011 Chevrolet HHR's reported problems?

2 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.