How long do Chevy HHR last?

With proper care, most Chevy HHRs can reach about 150,000 to 200,000 miles, and some high-mile examples exceed 250,000 miles. The exact lifespan hinges on maintenance history, climate, and how the vehicle has been driven.

What affects the longevity of a Chevy HHR

The HHR is a compact crossover that Chevrolet built from 2006 to 2011. Because these vehicles are aging, their longevity depends on how well the car has been maintained, the reliability of the powertrain, and how it’s been used (daily commuting vs. heavy duty use). Environmental factors such as road salt and humidity can influence rust and electrical wear, while era-typical GM electronics and components can impact long-term reliability.

Engine and powertrain durability

Durability of the engine and drivetrain is the biggest factor in overall lifespan. Regular oil changes, cooling system maintenance, and adhering to service intervals help maximize life. In well-kept examples, the Ecotec engines found in the HHR can reach or exceed 200,000 miles, with some pushing into the 250,000-mile range when properly cared for.

Lifespan benchmarks by major systems

Understanding typical mileages helps set expectations for maintenance needs and potential costs as the vehicle ages.

• Engine and block: With consistent maintenance, the 2.2- and 2.4-liter Ecotec engines commonly reach 200,000 miles or more; a portion of examples exceed 250,000 miles.


• Automatic transmission: Life commonly ranges from 150,000 to 200,000 miles with regular fluid changes and care; neglect can reduce this considerably.


• Brakes, suspension, and steering: Worn components can limit safe operation sooner; timely replacement of pads, rotors, and joints helps maintain reliability and ride quality into higher mileages.


• Rust and corrosion: In climates with heavy road salt or moisture, underbody and frame rust can shorten useful life; proactive rust prevention and cleaning extend longevity.

Overall, individual results vary. A well-maintained HHR that has received timely service can remain dependable well into the 200,000–250,000 mile range, while a neglected example may require major work sooner.

Maintenance practices that maximize longevity

To help the HHR fight wear and maintain reliability as it ages, follow these best-practice maintenance steps.

• Follow the manufacturer’s oil-change schedule and use the recommended oil grade; synthetic oil can support longer intervals in many engines.


• Keep the cooling system in good shape: regular coolant flushes, hoses, radiator, and thermostat checks prevent overheating and engine damage.


• Service the transmission at the recommended intervals and replace ATF as advised to avoid slippage and wear.


• Inspect brakes, suspension components, and steering for wear; replace worn parts promptly to maintain control and reduce collateral damage to other systems.


• Address rust proactively, especially in regions with winter road salt; underbody washes and protective coatings can slow deterioration.

By sticking to these practices, owners can substantially reduce the risk of costly failures and help the vehicle reach higher mileage milestones.

Buying or maintaining an HHR today: what to expect

Chevy discontinued the HHR after the 2011 model year, so used examples are the norm in today’s market. Parts availability remains decent for common components, but expertise for older GM vehicles can be uneven in some shops. Prospective buyers should prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, transmission, cooling system, rust on the undercarriage, and the suspension and steering components. For current owners, committing to regular maintenance and timely repairs is the best path to longevity.

Summary: The Chevy HHR’s lifespan is highly dependent on maintenance and driving conditions. With consistent service, many examples can reach 200,000 miles or more; diligent owners who stay ahead of wear tend to see even higher mileages without major problems. Because these models are aging, routine upkeep and a careful pre-purchase or inspection routine are essential to maximize long-term reliability.

Is the Chevrolet HHR a reliable vehicle?

RepairPal gives the Chevrolet HHR a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating, ranking it 13th out of 36 compact cars. The annual repair and maintenance cost for this model is approximately $540. And that's lower than the average for other vehicle models, which is $650.

Is 200k miles on a Chevy bad?

If you take good care of your Chevy Silverado, you can expect it to last anywhere from 200,000 to 300,000 miles—and that's just the baseline. With diligent maintenance and responsible driving, some owners have pushed their trucks well beyond 400,000 miles, proving just how durable these trucks really are.

Why was Chevy HHR discontinued?

The Chevy HHR was discontinued in 2011 primarily because it was built on the aging Cobalt platform, which was being retired in favor of the new Cruze. Other contributing factors included shifting consumer demand away from niche retro styling and toward more conventional crossovers, and GM's decision to focus on newer models with better fuel efficiency and technology. The economic downturn during the 2008-2009 period also impacted sales, particularly for less mainstream products like the HHR SS panel van.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the Chevy HHR's features and design: 56sLatest Car Update YouTube · Apr 6, 2025

• Platform retirement: The HHR was based on the Cobalt's platform, which GM decided to phase out in favor of the new Cruze compact car. 
• Shifting consumer demand: The market preference in the late 2000s and early 2010s was moving towards more traditional crossover SUVs rather than retro-styled vehicles. 
• Strategic focus: Chevrolet was realigning its model lineup to focus on newer models with improved technology and better fuel efficiency. 
• Economic impact: The Great Recession and GM's subsequent government bailout led the company to discontinue less mainstream products, including the niche HHR SS panel van, which was only produced for the 2009 model year. 

What are the main problems with a Chevy HHR?

Common Chevy HHR problems include engine performance issues like rough running and stalling, often linked to VVT solenoid failures or a dirty throttle body. Other frequent issues are power steering loss, erratic gauges, hard shifting, and check engine lights caused by a loose gas cap or other sensors. Owners also report problems with leaky cowlings, door speaker failure, and worn suspension or motor mounts.
 
This video demonstrates the top 5 problems with the first generation Chevy HHR: 1m1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Feb 14, 2021
Engine and performance

• Rough running and stalling: Often caused by a faulty VVT (Variable Valve Timing) solenoid, which can be linked to low or dirty engine oil. 
• Check Engine Light: A common trigger is a loose or faulty gas cap. Other reasons include issues with sensors like the mass air flow or camshaft position sensors. 
• Engine not cranking: This can stem from a starter circuit relay issue. 

You can watch this video to learn how to diagnose and fix misfires in a Chevy HHR: 1mADVANCED LEVEL AUTOYouTube · Jun 22, 2022
Electrical and sensor issues

• Erratic gauges, power steering, and hard shifting: These symptoms frequently point to electrical problems, such as a bad ground to the TCM (Transmission Control Module) or a failing power steering control module. 
• Leaky cowling: The gasket where the hood meets the windshield can leak, leading to wet floors. 

Mechanical and other issues

• Wobbling when taking off: This can be a sign of worn motor or transmission mounts, or an internal transmission fault. 
• Cooling system leaks: Radiator and other hoses can crack and cause leaks, leading to the engine running too hot. 
• Speaker failure: Door speakers are known to fail, especially in older models. 
• Tire pressure sensors: These can malfunction, causing a warning light.