This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Chevrolet HHR brakes problems
severe 38 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
38
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
5crashes
2injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 38 brakes complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 6 model years of Chevrolet HHR in our records for brakes problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides technicians with a brake lathe calibration procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides technicians with a brake lathe calibration procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Code P0442. Technician will need to review Techlink article from May 2013 titled "Using the Evaporative Emissions System Tester" Technician will need to follow these steps to help diagnose the issue. First after the P0442 has been verified do not disturb any of the fuel system components. The technician now can use the scan tool to close the Evaporative Emissions System. If possible change the tank pressure sensor units from inch_H2O to milimeter_Hg for better resolution. Now the vehicle can be star
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2006 HHR brake system shows a constellation of recurring failures starting within the first 5,000 miles. The most common complaint is rotor warping with violent steering wheel vibration and brake pulsation; owners report rotors needing resurfacing or replacement every 7,000–14,000 miles, with the problem returning even after dealer warranty repairs. Multiple owners describe applying the brakes and having the steering wheel shake so hard they nearly lost control.
Early ABS failures are equally concerning. Several owners report the brake pedal going to the floor with no resistance, the ABS failing to engage during emergency braking at highway speeds while engaging inappropriately on dry pavement at low speeds, and one documented case of a defective wheel hub assembly causing ABS failure below 8,000 miles. Two owners reported brake-related accidents: one at 45 mph when attempting normal braking, another totaling the vehicle when brakes pulled sharply to the right instead of stopping straight.
Dealers have repeatedly attributed these failures to driving habits, wet brakes, or light-weight materials chosen for fuel economy—explanations owners reject given their normal driving and the frequency of failures compared to other vehicles they've owned. One dealer acknowledged getting multiple HHRs with the same brake problem. GM opened at least one warranty claim but ultimately denied defects without conducting thorough diagnostics on failed components. No recall has been issued despite 38 complaints in this cluster alone.
Same Chevrolet HHR brakes reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Warped front brake rotors with steering wheel vibration/shudder
Rotors develop excessive runout early in vehicle life, causing violent steering wheel shake and brake pedal pulsation when brakes are applied. Problem recurs repeatedly even after rotor resurfacing or replacement.
When: Typically 2,000–30,000 miles; some cases as early as 5,000 miles; recurrence intervals of 7,000–14,000 miles between repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Violent or severe shaking/vibration in steering wheel when braking; Brake pedal pulsation or grabbing and releasing sensation; Reduced steering control during braking; Problem worsens at highway speeds (40+ mph); Brake noise: grinding, clunking, or chattering
Codes mentioned: None stated in narratives
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers resurfaced or turned rotors repeatedly; some owners replaced pads and rotors out of pocket at independent shops. Rotor replacement costs not specified in narratives. Multiple repairs under warranty; later repairs at owner expense after warranty expiration.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM warranty repairs covered rotor surfacing/resurfacing and pads in early service visits. Dealers attributed problem to driving habits, wet brakes, hard stops, or light-weight rotor materials designed for fuel economy. No recall issued despite 38 complaints in cluster and owner requests for safety recall.
ABS system malfunction—failure to engage or unwanted engagement
ABS fails to engage during heavy braking at highway speeds when needed; conversely, ABS engages on dry pavement at low speeds (under 10 mph) when not needed. Defective wheel hub assemblies are cited as root cause in at least one case.
When: Early in vehicle life; cases documented from 2,000 to 8,000 miles. One case recurrence at 75,000+ miles.
Symptoms owners cite: ABS does not activate during emergency or hard braking at road speeds; ABS engages inappropriately on dry pavement at low speeds; Brake pedal goes to floor (loss of pedal pressure); Warning lights illuminate: ABS light and/or traction control light; Grinding noise during brake attempt; Brake pedal feels locked or stuck in up position
Codes mentioned: Right front ABS failure (error code recorded in at least one case), ABS/traction control system codes (not specified in detail)
Repairs/costs cited: Defective left wheel hub assembly replaced at dealer in one documented case below 8,000 miles. Right wheel hub assembly suspected defective in same vehicle but not bench-tested or replaced despite ABS failure code. One case required master cylinder replacement and wire harness repair for short circuit.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM opened and resolved one claim in writing. One dealer test-drove vehicle and confirmed brake pedal-to-floor issue; service manager called car unsafe. However, GM and dealer later denied defect on the right wheel hub without bench testing, citing only the error code. No recall or TSB mentioned.
Brake pedal goes to floor—loss of braking pressure
Brake pedal sinks abnormally toward floorboard with little or no resistance, resulting in loss of braking ability. Owner reports cite this as a safety-critical failure occurring at various mileages and traffic speeds.
When: Early vehicle life (under 5,000 miles in some cases) and at higher mileage (up to 106,000 miles). One case on initial start with steering column bearing or hub bearing issues.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal sinks to floor with no resistance or with resistance that releases suddenly; Vehicle does not slow or stop when brake pedal is depressed; Loud grinding or unusual noise from brake system; ABS and traction control warning lights illuminate; Loss of vehicle control; steering wheel difficulty; Complete brake failure in some cases, requiring alternate stopping methods (pump braking, emergency brake, off-road steering)
Codes mentioned: ABS failure codes (specific codes not detailed in all narratives), Brake fluid warning light and ABS light together
Repairs/costs cited: Master cylinder replaced in one documented case (January 2007, 3,700–4,100 miles). Wire harness short circuit repaired. One owner reports needing a 2008 master cylinder. Steering column bearing replaced in one case; hub bearing assembly replaced in another. Multiple cases undiagnosed or unrepaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: In one case, dealer attributed failure to weather but could not determine cause. No recalls or TSBs cited. One claim was opened with GM but outcome not specified. Dealers have dismissed some complaints after test-driving vehicle without reproducing failure.
Brake system pulling hard to one side during braking
When brakes are applied, vehicle pulls sharply to left or right instead of stopping straight. Pulling worsens with increased brake pressure, causing loss of steering control and veering across lanes.
When: Multiple instances from 2,000 miles onward; incidents documented across range of speeds and road conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle pulls to left or right when brakes are applied; Pulling becomes more pronounced with harder braking; Loss of directional control; vehicle drifts across multiple lanes; Steering wheel difficulty or unresponsiveness; Brake ineffectiveness coinciding with pulling
Codes mentioned: None stated
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in narratives for this specific mode. Owners report veering off road, swerving, or colliding with other vehicles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. One owner reported issue to Chevrolet after totaling vehicle; manufacturer took no action. Owner cited similar complaints on Edmonds.com forums.
Brake fluid warning light and master cylinder issues
Low brake fluid warning light illuminates intermittently even though fluid level is full. One case required master cylinder replacement. Another owner suspects brake fluid not flowing through lines as designed.
When: Case documented at 3,700–4,100 miles (master cylinder); case at 160,000 miles (warning light with unknown cause)
Symptoms owners cite: Low brake fluid warning light turns on without actual low fluid; Red brake light illuminates; Yellow ABS warning light illuminates; Brake pedal falls further into floorboard than normal
Codes mentioned: Brake fluid warning light (no specific codes cited)
Repairs/costs cited: Master cylinder replaced. Wire harness short repaired. One case involved water leak affecting brake system components. Repair costs not specified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer in one case blamed service mechanic error for wire harness short (January 2007). Problem recurred after repair. No TSB or warranty extension cited.
Brake caliper bolt failure—rear bolt falls out of caliper
Rear bolt of brake caliper detaches or falls out, causing caliper to lock onto wheel and wheel to lock up completely, making vehicle impossible to move forward or steer.
When: After 3–4 weeks of noticeable clunking noise under front of vehicle; specific mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clunking noise under front of car for several weeks prior; Thud sound while driving; Vehicle becomes hard to steer; Right front wheel completely locks up after brake application; Vehicle immobilized after stopping (cannot move forward)
Codes mentioned: None stated
Repairs/costs cited: Bolt was replaced and caliper repaired by GMC dealership under warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty repair completed.
ABS system locks up and does not release during normal stop
ABS engages during normal braking and remains locked even after vehicle comes to complete stop, requiring driver to physically disengage the system or allow pressure to release.
When: Specific mileage not documented
Symptoms owners cite: ABS locks during normal stop; ABS does not release after vehicle stops; Near-collision avoided by use of available turning lane
Codes mentioned: None stated
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to determine cause or perform repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Defective weld on brake pedal assembly cross tube
Upper brake pedal assembly has defective weld at cross tube that is only welded on one side and does not adhere to cross bar. Weld does not penetrate metal, causing pedal to slide left during operation.
When: Specific mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal slides to the left during use
Codes mentioned: None stated
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented in narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Synthesized from 38 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2006 Chevrolet HHR?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2006 Chevrolet HHR?
It's a meaningful issue. 38 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 31 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 12,000 and 60,000 miles, with the median around 24,350. A quarter of owners report trouble before 12,000; a quarter make it past 60,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Chevrolet/HHR.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.