Is the Chevy HHR a reliable car?
Overall, the Chevy HHR’s reliability is mixed and often considered below average for its class. With diligent maintenance and careful pre-purchase checks, a well-kept HHR can be dependable, but several model years have notable fault patterns that buyers should weigh.
The HHR was produced from 2006 to 2011 as a retro-styled compact wagon aimed at practical daily driving and cargo space. This article reviews reliability data, common failure points across model years, maintenance considerations, and practical tips for evaluating a used HHR.
Reliability landscape and ratings
Industry reliability studies and owner surveys provide a nuanced view of the HHR. In general, the vehicle tends to score average to below-average for its era in the compact crossover segment, with automatic transmissions and electrical systems frequently cited as the most common trouble spots. Reliability can vary a lot by maintenance history and how well the vehicle was cared for over time.
Before examining specifics, it’s helpful to note that reliability in used cars often tracks closely with maintenance records. The following points summarize the kinds of issues riders report most consistently across model years.
- Transmission and drivetrain concerns, including rough shifting or occasional failure on some units
- Electrical system gremlins, such as intermittent dash or control-panel warnings, window motor failures, and sensor glitches
- Steering and suspension wear, leading to squeaks, noises, alignment drift, and degraded ride quality
- Cooling and HVAC issues, including radiator or AC compressor failures and coolant leaks
- Engine-related wear at higher mileage, such as oil consumption and gasket or seal leaks
These patterns do not mean every HHR will fail in these ways, but they are the most frequently reported trouble spots in owner forums and recall/repair data. A well-documented service history and proactive maintenance can mitigate many of these risks.
Model-year reliability snapshot
Reliability can differ from one production year to the next. The following snapshot reflects common themes reported by owners and reviewers, without asserting universal outcomes for every vehicle.
- 2006: Early production quirks and calibration issues were more common, with some electrical gremlins and recalls addressed under warranty.
- 2007–2008: Generally solid mechanical behavior, but some units exhibited transmission service needs and climate-control faults as mileage increased.
- 2009–2010: Incremental improvements noted in later production, yet some engines and suspension components showed wear at higher mileage; rust and body integrity issues were reported in certain climates.
- 2011: Final year; reliability tended to align with earlier years, with typical wear items becoming more prominent on higher-mileage examples.
As with any used vehicle, outcomes vary by individual car’s history. Recalls, service campaigns, and prior ownership practices can significantly affect real-world reliability.
Buying a used HHR: what to check
To minimize risk, prospective buyers should perform a thorough evaluation and verify maintenance history, recalls, and current condition before purchase.
- Complete service history, especially for transmission service, coolant system maintenance, and routine inspections
- Test drive to assess transmission behavior (smooth shifting, no slipping or shudder) and overall drivability
- Electrical system review: lights, dash indicators, window motors, HVAC function, and radio/navigation electronics
- Engine condition checks for oil leaks, coolant leaks, misfires, unusual noises, and proper cooling system operation
- Underbody and body condition for rust, especially in rear hatch area and suspension mounting points
- VIN-based recall status and service history updates from a dealer or GM’s recall database
- Independent inspection by a qualified mechanic focusing on transmission, suspension, steering, and exhaust systems
A careful pre-purchase inspection and a verified maintenance record can help identify vehicles that have been well cared for, reducing the risk of unpredictable reliability issues down the road.
Summary
The Chevy HHR offers practical space and a distinctive retro look, but its reliability profile is mixed. Most owners encounter only routine maintenance on well-kept examples, while others experience transmission, electrical, or HVAC issues as miles accumulate. For prospective buyers, the key to a dependable used HHR is a thorough history check, a comprehensive mechanical inspection, and attention to how the vehicle was maintained over time. With those precautions, the HHR can still serve as a budget-friendly, roomy daily driver.
In the end, the HHR’s appeal often comes down to personal priorities—style and practicality on a budget—paired with careful shopping and meticulous maintenance.
Is the Chevy HHR a dependable vehicle?
The Chevy HHR is a dependable SUV. RepairPal scored it a 4.0 out of 5.0 in terms of reliability, ranking it 13th out of 36 compact cars. Many Chevrolet HHR owners bring in their SUVs for unscheduled repairs 0.3 times a year, which is less often than the usual 0.4.
How many miles does a Chevy HHR last?
iSeeCars analyzed over 300 million vehicles to find out, and to determine how long each model can last. The Chevrolet HHR has an average lifespan of 128,427 miles or about 8.4 years. The HHR's predicted lifespan is derived from over 300 million data points iSeeCars analyzed to determine this model's average lifespan.
Is a 2009 Chevy HHR a good vehicle?
Reliability. The 2009 Chevrolet HHR has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 5 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #23 out of 46 among Compact Cars.
Why did Chevy stop making the HHR?
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.
