CarBrief

NHTSA has 203 owner complaints on file for the 2011 HHR[1], and two recalls involve the ignition[2][3]. Fuel system complaints are the largest group, so check the fuel lines and the recall status before you buy or keep one[4].

203owner complaints[1]
2recalls[5]
24–26MPG combined (EPA)[6]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 203 complaints with NHTSA for the 2011 HHR[1]. Of those, 13 mention a crash, 3 a fire and 16 injuries, and no deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts.

Component group Complaints Median mileage at failure
Fuel/propulsion system[4] 43 102,280
Electrical system[7] 39 65,000
Air bags[8] 30 44,000
Engine[9] 25 63,762
Steering[10] 25 48,201

Fuel system. In the sample of fuel complaint texts we read, 10 of 12 describe a gasoline leak or a strong fuel smell, and 5 of 12 point to the fuel lines[4]. Several place the leak near the rear wheel. One of the 43 fuel complaints mentions a fire[4].

Electrical system. In the electrical sample, 7 of 12 texts are from owners who could not get the recall repair done because parts were not available[7]. 4 of 12 describe key trouble in the ignition[7]. The recall details are below.

Air bags. Among the groups in the table above, this one has the most crashes, 6 crashes and 6 injuries across 30 complaints[8]. In the air bag sample, 3 of 12 texts say the air bags did not deploy in a crash, 3 of 12 describe a warning light that stayed on or kept returning, and 3 of 12 are about waiting for recall parts[8].

Engine. In the engine sample, 6 of 12 texts describe a loss of power, a reduced power warning, or the engine stalling or shutting off while driving[9]. This group has 25 complaints and 1 injury[9].

These themes come from a small sample of texts in each group. They show what owners describe, not how often each problem happens.

Recalls

NHTSA lists two recalls for this model year[5]. Both involve the ignition.

In the complaint texts we read, several owners wrote that the dealer did not yet have the parts for these recalls[7][8]. Ask a dealer whether the repair has been done on a specific car and whether parts are in stock. Chevrolet owners can reach General Motors at 1-800-222-1020[2].

Fuel economy

EPA rates the HHR at 24 to 26 MPG combined, depending on the engine and transmission[11][12][6][13]. All versions run on gasoline or E85 and are front-wheel drive[11].

Engine Transmission City / highway / combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
2.2L 4-cyl[12] Automatic 4-spd 21 / 30 / 24 $2,800
2.2L 4-cyl[6] Manual 5-spd 22 / 31 / 26 $2,600
2.4L 4-cyl[11] Automatic 4-spd 22 / 29 / 24 $2,800
2.4L 4-cyl[13] Manual 5-spd 22 / 29 / 25 $2,700

The HHR Panel has the same ratings as the HHR for each engine and transmission[14][15][16][17]. EPA's annual cost uses its current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 2011 HHR 4 stars for rollover, with a rollover risk of 14.3%[18]. Our data has no other star ratings for this car.

Engine and size

EPA lists two engines for the 2011 HHR. The 2.2L 4-cylinder is rated 148 hp[19]. The 2.4L 4-cylinder is rated 175 hp[20].

The size below is for the HHR LS/LT 4DR wagon[21]. These are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models[21].

Measure Value
Length[21] 176 in
Width[21] 69 in
Height[21] 65 in
Wheelbase[21] 104 in
Curb weight[21] 3,155 lb

How 2011 compares with other years

2006: 1,006 complaints, 5 recalls20062007: 726 complaints, 4 recalls20072008: 616 complaints, 4 recalls20082009: 508 complaints, 4 recalls20092010: 515 complaints, 3 recalls20102011: 203 complaints, 2 recalls2032011
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each HHR model year. The 2011 is highlighted[5].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20061,0065
20077264
20086164
20095084
20105153
20112032

NHTSA has fewer complaints and fewer recalls for the 2011 HHR than for any other HHR model year on file[5].

Model year Complaints Recalls
2006 1,006 5
2007 726 4
2008 616 4
2009 508 4
2010 515 3
2011 203 2

All rows are from[5]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so read the gap as a rough guide only.

Should you buy a used 2011 HHR?

The 2011 HHR has fewer complaints and recalls on file than earlier model years of the same car[5]. It also has two ignition-related recalls, and some owners in our sample reported waiting for parts[2][3][7]. Before buying, ask for proof that both recall repairs were done. Then look under the car near the rear wheels for signs of a fuel leak, since fuel leaks and fuel smell appear in 10 of the 12 fuel texts in our sample[4]. If you already own one, remove extra items from the key ring until the ignition switch recall is done[3], and get an inspection, since our data cannot tell you about repair costs or price.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Chevrolet HHR?
NHTSA's largest complaint groups are fuel/propulsion with 43 complaints, electrical with 39 and air bags with 30[4][7][8]. In the sample of fuel texts we read, owners describe gasoline leaks and fuel smell[4].
Does the 2011 Chevrolet HHR have recalls?
Yes, two. 14V047 covers an ignition switch that can turn off the engine and keep air bags from deploying. 14V171 covers a key that can be removed when the ignition is not in Off[3][2].
What MPG does the 2011 Chevrolet HHR get?
EPA rates it at 24 to 26 MPG combined[11][6]. The 2.2L manual is best at 26 combined, and the automatics are rated 24 combined[6][12][11].
Is the 2011 HHR the best year of the HHR?
It has the fewest complaints (203) and recalls (2) of the model years on file, but counts are not adjusted for sales[5].
How much horsepower does the 2011 HHR have?
EPA lists 148 hp for the 2.2L engine and 175 hp for the 2.4L engine[19][20].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 203 owner complaints on file for the 2011 Chevrolet HHR (13 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 16 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Recall 14V171, filed April 10, 2014: Electrical System › Ignition. NHTSA recall database
  3. Recall 14V047, filed February 10, 2014: Air Bags. NHTSA recall database
  4. 43 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 102,280). NHTSA vehicle records
  5. Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet HHR model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  6. EPA rating for HHR FWD, 2.2L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 31 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  7. 39 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 65,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 30 complaints name the air bags component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 44,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 25 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 63,762). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 25 complaints name the steering component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 48,201). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. EPA rating for HHR FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  12. EPA rating for HHR FWD, 2.2L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 30 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  13. EPA rating for HHR FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  14. EPA rating for HHR Panel FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. EPA rating for HHR Panel FWD, 2.2L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 30 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for HHR Panel FWD, 2.2L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 31 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for HHR Panel FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 14.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
  19. EPA Test Car List, 2011 Chevrolet HHR with 2.2L 4-cylinder: rated 148 hp. www.epa.gov
  20. EPA Test Car List, 2011 Chevrolet HHR with 2.4L 4-cylinder: rated 175 hp. www.epa.gov
  21. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, HHR LS/LT 4DR WAGON: length 176 in, width 69 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,155 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.