These 2007 HHRs have a long history of electrical gremlins centered on the ignition, charging, and transmission shifter. Owners report keys getting stuck in the ignition after parking—some had to repeatedly restart the engine or manually push a release pin under the steering column to free it. The automatic transmission shifter would bind in park or allow gear shifting without pressing the button, a safety hazard.
Engine stalling while driving was common, often without warning, at speeds ranging from 10 to 65 mph. Some vehicles wouldn't start after stalling; owners had to turn the key repeatedly before the engine would catch. Batteries failed to accept charge or froze solid. One owner's vehicle caught fire behind the dashboard while parked.
Multiple owners reported these problems either started after ignition switch and electrical system recalls (14V047000, 14E021000, 14V171000, 14063, 14113, 14632) or got worse following recall service. Air bags failed to deploy in two documented accidents despite the vehicles being properly impacted. One owner's husband was rear-ended hard enough that his head hit the steering wheel, yet the air bags did not deploy.
Headlights, radio, door locks, and instrument panel lights also malfunctioned. Water leaked into the cabin from a failed firewall flap. Recall parts sat on backorder for months or longer, leaving owners with non-functional vehicles and no repair timeline from GM.
Failure modes owners describe
Key stuck in ignition / unable to remove key
Owners report the ignition key becoming stuck or unable to be removed from the ignition switch after turning the vehicle off. The problem often occurred after ignition switch recalls (14V047000, 14E021000) were performed. One owner had to push a small pin under the steering column to release the key, and the problem worsened over time until it occurred every time the engine was shut off. The issue frequently coincided with the automatic transmission shifter binding in park.
When: Typically during or after vehicle shutdown; problem became increasingly frequent, eventually happening every time owner shut down vehicle. One owner reported problem starting 11/05/14 after ignition switch recall, recurring multiple times over following months and years.
Symptoms owners cite: Key will not come out of ignition switch after turning vehicle off; Owner forced to restart vehicle multiple times to release key; Key stuck in ignition; Manual release pin under steering column required as temporary workaround; Problem worsening with increasing frequency; Key stuck while parked
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced gear shifter on some vehicles (recall 14632). One owner reported dealership diagnosis of body control module (BCM) replacement for $600 parts and labor, though BCM replacement did not resolve the issue. One owner replaced battery multiple times during troubleshooting. One dealership provided manual workaround of pushing release pin under steering column.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls 14V047000 (Air Bags, Electrical System), 14E021000 (Electrical System), 14V171000 (Electrical System). Recall 14632 for floor shifter replacement. Some owners stated parts for recalls were unavailable for extended periods (3-4 weeks or longer).
Vehicle stalls / engine shuts off while driving
Owners report the vehicle engine stalling or shutting off unexpectedly while driving at various speeds without warning. The stalling occurs intermittently in some cases and recurs with increasing frequency. One owner stalled at 10 MPH, another at 25 MPH, and another at 30-65 MPH. One owner reported the vehicle stalling while warming up after approximately 5 minutes. Owners noted this failure was listed in recall notifications (14V047000, 14V171000) but some repairs under these recalls did not resolve the issue.
When: While driving at various speeds (10-65 MPH). One instance occurred while warming up vehicle after 5 minutes of running. Failures occurred at mileages ranging from 15,000 to 128,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls while driving without warning; Loss of electrical power while driving; Steering wheel becomes extremely difficult to steer; Vehicle must be restarted multiple times before engine catches; Engine fails to restart after several attempts on some occurrences; Vehicle stalls while warming up; Recurring and progressive stalling
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer installed computer board to register failure codes without result. Vehicles were either not repaired or repairs under recalls did not resolve the stalling. No specific parts identified in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls 14V047000 (Air Bags, Electrical System) and 14V171000 (Electrical System) were issued for this issue. However, multiple owners reported the failures persisted after recall service.
Vehicle will not start / no-crank condition
Owners report the vehicle failing to start after being parked or when attempting to restart. In some cases, owners had to turn the key repeatedly in the ignition before the vehicle would start. One owner reported the battery failing and freezing, which occurred after ignition switch recalls. Another owner reported the vehicle failing to start after being parked overnight, and a key fob that would not unlock doors.
When: Occurred after multiple instances, sometimes 2 weeks apart. One instance occurred following ignition switch recall 14V047000, 14063, and 14113 (11/05/14), then recurred about 20 days later and again approximately 2 weeks after battery replacement. One instance occurred on 07/12 following BCM replacement on 07/11.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start / no-crank; Battery fails to accept charge or frozen battery; Key fob will not unlock doors; Must repeatedly turn key in ignition to start; Vehicle fails to restart after stalling
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced multiple times ($100-$200 range implied, though not explicitly stated). One dealership diagnosed body control module (BCM) failure, estimated at $600 parts and labor. BCM was replaced on 06/30/2016-07/11/2016 but vehicle still would not start after repair. Dealership failed to disconnect battery while waiting for parts, killing a new battery. Another new battery was installed 7/13/2016.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls 14V047000, 14V171000, 14063, 14113, 14632 were performed on various vehicles, but did not resolve starting issues for some owners.
Automatic transmission shifter binding in park / won't shift without button press
Owners report the automatic transmission shifter binding or getting stuck in park position. Some owners were able to shift through gears without pressing the shifter button, creating a safety hazard. One owner discovered a broken plastic plunger in the shifter assembly after the center console was opened. The failure occurred after owners had recall service performed, and some were told this was a required repair following the recall.
When: One instance reported with increasing frequency occurring 6-10 times in 2 weeks. Problem occurred after ignition switch recall (14V047000, 14E021000).
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shift locked in park position; Shifter button will not engage to allow gear shifting; Shift lever moves through all gears without pressing shifter button; Gear can be bumped into and out of various gears (safety hazard); Shifter binding in park
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer replaced ignition assembly. Another owner discovered a broken plastic plunger inside the shifter after opening center console, and a loose metal pin that closes contact with ignition. One dealer replaced the automatic transmission control shifter. Repair cost not specified in most narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14632 (Floor Shifter) was issued and performed on some vehicles. One owner was informed the shifter replacement was required after ignition switch recall repair.
Electrical power loss / loss of steering assist while driving
Owners report complete loss of electrical power while driving, causing the steering wheel to become extremely difficult to steer. One owner stated she had to veer to the side of the road or park to avoid accident. Vehicle would then fail to start after power was lost.
When: While driving at speeds between 30-65 MPH. Failure mileage approximately 15,000.
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of electrical power while driving; Steering wheel becomes extremely difficult to steer; Vehicle loses all electrical power; No warning light before failure; Vehicle fails to restart
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer was notified but vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired in the narrative provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign 14V171000 (Electrical System), but failure persisted.
Battery failure / battery won't hold charge
Owners report batteries failing to accept or hold a charge. One instance involved a new battery freezing and refusing to accept a charge. Batteries were replaced multiple times for some owners, but new batteries would also fail shortly after installation.
When: One battery froze in January 2015 (01/30/15) before dealership could complete repairs. Another new battery failed after being installed 7/13/2016 and the vehicle stopped starting by 7/23/2016.
Symptoms owners cite: Battery fails to accept charge; Battery freezes and will not accept charge; New battery fails shortly after installation; Vehicle will not start due to battery failure
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple battery replacements performed. One dealership failed to disconnect battery while waiting for repair parts, killing a new battery. Owners replaced batteries at least 2-3 times in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives regarding battery failure.
Ignition switch failure after recall repair
Owners report that ignition switch problems persisted or recurred after recall repairs (14V047000, 14E021000, 14063, 14113) were performed. One owner reported the ignition switch tumbler still would not release the key after recall repair. Another owner could not turn the ignition off. A new set of keys was provided after recall, but old keys still worked, suggesting the repair may have been incomplete or ineffective.
When: Failures occurred after recall repairs were completed. One owner reported problems persisting after recall repair performed 11/05/14. Another owner could not turn ignition off after recall repair.
Symptoms owners cite: Ignition key will not release after recall repair; Ignition switch tumbler won't release key in park position; Cannot turn ignition off; Ignition switch failure persists after recall repair; New replacement keys provided but old keys still function
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition switch replaced under recall. Dealer provided new set of keys but old keys still worked. No effective repair achieved in several documented cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls 14V047000, 14E021000, 14063, 14113 were performed but did not resolve failures for many owners.
Air bag failure / non-deployment in accident
Owners report air bags failing to deploy during accidents where deployment would be expected. One owner's husband was struck from behind and then hit again on passenger side; the car turned off immediately upon first impact and air bags did not deploy. Another owner's granddaughter was involved in an accident and air bags did not deploy. Owner questions whether faulty ignition switch replacement (received under recall) allowed the car to shut off upon impact.
When: Occurred during accidents. One accident on 9-29-2015. Another accident involved granddaughter of owner with history of ignition switch problem.
Symptoms owners cite: Air bags failed to deploy during rear-end collision; Air bags failed to deploy during side impact; Vehicle powered off upon impact (possible ignition switch malfunction); No air bag deployment when struck hard enough to cause head contact with steering wheel
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in provided narratives. One owner questions whether faulty replacement ignition switch was installed during recall repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls 14V047000 (Air Bags, Electrical System) and 14E021000 were issued, but owners question whether replacement parts were faulty.
Air bag warning lights stay on continuously
Owner reports air bag warning lights on dashboard and center console remain illuminated continuously regardless of whether seatbelts are engaged. The warning system should only illuminate when occupants are unbelted, but in this vehicle it stays on all the time. Owner contacted dealer at 1,000 miles and was told 'not to worry about it.' Owner believes this should be included in air bag recalls.
When: Continuous issue since early ownership (reported at 1,000 miles).
Symptoms owners cite: Air bag warning lights continuously illuminated on dash; Air bag warning lights continuously illuminated on center console; Warning lights remain on regardless of seatbelt status; Seatbelt beeper rarely functions (only heard twice in seven years)
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted. Dealer advised owner 'not to worry about it' when contacted at 1,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner believes this defect should be included in air bag recalls citing same parts as other issues.
Headlights fail / low-beam inoperative
Owner reports headlights failed while driving. Running daytime lights and high-beams still function, but low-beam lights are completely inoperative. Replacing bulbs did not remedy the problem, suggesting an electrical circuit issue rather than bulb failure. Owner states this has occurred in other Chevrolet models but HHR not included in recall. Radio and speakers also became inoperative at the same time, suggesting a broader electrical issue.
When: Occurred while driving. Owner notes this is an ongoing issue with other HHR owners.
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights turned off while driving; Low-beam lights inoperative; Running daytime lights still operable; High-beams still operable; Radio and speakers became inoperative at same time; Bulb replacement did not fix the problem
Repairs/costs cited: Bulb replacement was attempted but unsuccessful. No further repairs documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner notes similar issues have been recalled for other Chevrolet models but not HHR.
Radio / audio system malfunction
Owners report radio and speakers failing to operate. In some cases, the radio would not turn off even after the key was removed from the ignition. Radio failure occurred in conjunction with other electrical failures like headlight failure.
When: One instance occurred at same time as headlight failure. Another instance the radio would not turn off after key removal.
Symptoms owners cite: Radio will not turn off after key removed from ignition; Radio and speakers inoperative; Radio turns on and off automatically
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in narratives.
Instrument panel lights blink / flicker
Owner reports instrument panel lights blinking or flickering intermittently. This occurred after recall repair for electrical system.
When: Occurred after electrical system recall repair (14V171000).
Symptoms owners cite: Lights on instrument panel blink or flicker; Intermittent operation of instrument panel lights
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer was unable to determine cause and vehicle was not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V171000 (Electrical System) was performed but did not resolve the issue; dealer unable to diagnose.
Door lock / door handle failure
Owners report driver's side door unable to open from inside or outside. One owner reports inside door handle broken and cannot open door. Multiple owners mention door latch made of cheap plastic and prone to failure. Door module defect discovered in one case that controlled door lock and radio functions.
When: Ongoing issue reported by multiple HHR owners. One instance resulted in owner having to contort body out passenger side door.
Symptoms owners cite: Driver's side door will not open from inside or outside; Door remains locked despite unlock attempt; Inside door handle broken; Back interior panel falling off; Cannot open driver's side door from either side
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer found defective module inside driver's side door that controlled door lock and radio functions. Repair cost was $441. One owner had to physically contort to exit vehicle through passenger door.
Water leak in passenger compartment
Owners report water seeping into passenger compartment from behind glove box or through passenger door. The source has been identified as a small flap covering a hole on the firewall that fails or falls off. Owner states this is not an isolated incident and other HHR owners report the same problem. One owner also reported water on floorboard after starting vehicle.
When: Occurs during or after rain when vehicle is parked overnight. One instance at 134,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Water seeps into passenger compartment from behind glove box; Water leaks through passenger side door; Water on floorboard when starting vehicle; Blower motor fails to function (possibly due to water exposure); Small flap covering firewall hole fails or falls off
Repairs/costs cited: Flap repaired multiple times (at least 3 times for one owner) but problem recurs. No permanent resolution documented.
Engine power reduction / limp mode
Owner reports dash displayed 'Engine Power Reduced' message while driving at 45 MPH, followed by substantial reduction in vehicle speed. Owner unable to accelerate beyond 30 MPH despite being on highway with 18-wheeler behind. Check engine light came on and remained on.
When: While driving at 45 MPH.
Symptoms owners cite: Dash display shows 'Engine Power Reduced'; Substantial reduction in vehicle speed; Unable to accelerate beyond 30 MPH; Check engine light illuminated and remains on
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in narrative.
Temperature gauge inoperative
Owner reports temperature gauge failing to operate intermittently, preventing owner from knowing the temperature of the vehicle in the event of engine overheating.
When: Failure mileage 83,369.
Symptoms owners cite: Temperature gauge fails to operate intermittently; Owner unaware of engine temperature
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.
Vehicle caught fire behind dashboard
Vehicle caught fire behind dashboard while parked in driveway for more than one day. Vehicle was destroyed. No warning indicators were present when vehicle was driven the previous day. Fire and police reports were filed. Owner has pictures available.
When: Vehicle fire occurred after being parked more than one day. Current and failure mileage 13,000.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle caught fire behind dashboard while parked; Vehicle completely destroyed by fire; No warning indicators prior to fire
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was destroyed.
Steering wheel lock failure
Owner reports steering wheel failed to lock whenever key was removed from ignition switch. Dealer indicated this was actually a new safety feature rather than a defect after vehicle was serviced under recall 14V047000.
When: Issue noted after recall repair 14V047000 at 124,636 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel fails to lock when key is removed from ignition
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer indicated vehicle working to specifications and explained this was new safety feature, not a defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V047000 (Air Bags, Electrical System) was performed. Dealer explained that non-locking steering wheel was a new feature.
Engine cranks but won't start / repeated starting attempts required
Owner reports inconsistent starting issues where vehicle sometimes fails to crank or requires repeated attempts to start. One owner reported 'dead switch' when attempting to start vehicle on inconsistent basis.
When: Inconsistent failures. One owner purchased vehicle used 5 months prior to reporting issue.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cranks but will not start; Inconsistent starting failures; 'Dead switch' condition when attempting to start; Repeated key turns required to achieve start
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer had no input as to repair due to inconsistent nature of failure.
Crank sensor failure
Owner reports crank sensor failed on a nearly new vehicle (3,000 miles, still had paper tags). Failure caused traction control light to illuminate, engine to idle poorly and run rough.
When: Occurred at 3,000 miles while vehicle still had paper tags.
Symptoms owners cite: Traction control light illuminates; Engine will not idle smoothly; Engine runs rough; Vehicle stops working completely
Codes mentioned: Traction Control Light
Repairs/costs cited: Crank sensor was replaced after 4-day wait for part to arrive.
Check Engine Light / Service Air Bag Light with no clear cause
Owners report Check Engine warning lights or Service Air Bag warning lights illuminating with no clear cause or ability to diagnose the problem. In one case, the ignition key failed to go into OFF position when Check Engine light illuminated. In another case, Service Air Bag Light illuminated and vehicle failed to start.
When: One instance after air bag recall service (14V047000). Another instance at 80,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine warning light illuminated; Service Air Bag warning light illuminated; Vehicle fails to start when service air bag light is on; Ignition key will not go to OFF position
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light, Service Air Bag Light
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired in provided narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V047000 (Air Bags, Electrical System) was performed but did not resolve warning light issues.
Recall parts unavailable / extended repair delays
Multiple owners reported that recall parts were unavailable for extended periods (3-4 weeks or more), preventing timely repair completion. Some owners were placed on waiting lists with no expected delivery date. Manufacturer exceeded reasonable timeframe for recall repairs. Some owners waited over a year for vehicle to be repaired.
When: Multiple owners reported delays in 2014-2015 timeframe during initial recall rollout. Some owners experienced year-long delays with vehicle not driven during that period.
Symptoms owners cite: Recall parts unavailable; Dealer unable to provide expected delivery date for parts; Extended waiting periods (3-4 weeks or longer); Vehicles taken out of service for extended periods waiting for repair parts; Manufacturer unable to provide estimated repair completion date
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple owners stated parts were on backorder with no availability date. One owner's vehicle sat in storage for over a year awaiting parts and repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple recall campaigns issued (14V047000, 14V171000, 14E021000, 14063, 14113, 14632) but parts were not timely available for dealer installation.
Synthesized from 63 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.