This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Chevrolet HHR engine problems
severe 17 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
2fires
1injury
What stands out
Among the 6 model years of Chevrolet HHR in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 17 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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 bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Stalling is the dominant complaint: the engine shuts off without warning while driving at highway speeds or slowing to a stop, then refuses to restart for 10–20 minutes before starting normally. Owners report this happening repeatedly across their ownership—sometimes multiple times daily—regardless of mileage (1,000 to 99,000 miles). The most recent stall in one case occurred after 20 episodes; another owner states over 100 stalls in their vehicle.
Check engine lights often precede stalls, and some owners see an "Engine Power Reduced" or "Motor Shut Down" message on the dash. Lights and radio stay on during these events. Dealers have blamed bad fuel, clogged injectors, loose connections, faulty camshaft sensors, and throttle bodies—but repairs (fuel additives, injector cleaning, part replacements, even PCM reprogramming) provide only temporary relief or don't work at all.
One owner reported the vehicle catching fire mid-drive, with a loud pop from the engine bay; they noted that HHRs catching fire appears common enough that an insurance adjuster was familiar with the problem.
Secondary issues include timing chain tensioner failure causing internal valve damage ($2,000+), coolant leaks from an uncovered radiator requiring full engine replacement, ignition system failures requiring reprogramming, oil burning without warning lights, and engine temperature gauge failures. GM issued a PCM recall, but some VINs were excluded.
Same Chevrolet HHR engine reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2008 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Stalling under load or deceleration
Engine shuts off completely while driving, typically when slowing, approaching stops, or on highway grades. Restart usually occurs after 10–20 minutes. Occurs repeatedly across multiple owners at various mileages.
When: 1,000–99,000 miles; most commonly reported early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies while driving at any speed; Occurs when approaching stop signs or slowing down; Requires 10–20 minute wait to restart; Check engine light may illuminate before or after stall; Message: 'Engine Power Reduced' or 'Motor Shut Down' displayed on instrument panel; Lights and radio continue to function during stall
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attempts: fuel additive, clogged fuel injector cleaning, loose fuses/battery cable retightening, camshaft sensor replacement, throttle body replacement, PCM reprogramming/replacement. Repairs provide only temporary relief or fail to resolve stalling.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued PCM recall but some VINs excluded. Some dealers claim bad fuel or loose connections. One dealer stated unable to diagnose. No factory repair fully resolved recurring stalls.
Engine fire
Engine compartment catches fire while driving. One owner reported loud pop from front, check engine light, traction control light, engine stops, then rapid fire spread. Owner stated other HHRs have caught fire and insurance adjuster said HHR fires are common.
When: While driving at normal highway speed
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Traction control light illuminates; Loud pop from engine bay; Engine stops; Fire in engine compartment spreads rapidly to entire vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed by fire. Owner noted other HHRs on internet reported fires and stated fire investigator/adjuster acknowledged HHR fires are common.
Timing chain tensioner failure
Defective timing chain tensioner allows chain to jump timing, causing internal valve damage. Owner states tensioner was a known defect but never recalled.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Valve damage requiring engine rebuild/replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement or rebuild required; owner cites $2,000+ in repair costs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner alleges defect was known but never recalled.
PCM (powertrain control module) failure
Engine shuts down and displays 'Engine Power Reduced' message. PCM chip requires replacement. Owner reports oil burning and engine failure after PCM-related issues, suggesting computer-controlled fuel management malfunction.
When: 10,753 miles; also at higher mileages in other cases
Symptoms owners cite: Engine power reduced message on dash; Engine shuts off completely; Lights and radio remain functional; Engine will not restart initially, then starts after waiting
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced PCM chip. One owner later experienced oil burning and engine failure, suggesting underlying computer issue may persist.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued PCM recall; some VINs not covered.
Throttle body malfunction
Faulty throttle body causes stalling when check engine light illuminates and 'Motor Power Reduced' message appears. Replacement provides only temporary relief.
When: 99,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Motor power reduced message displayed; Vehicle stalls while driving 70 mph; Can be pulled to roadside and restarted
Repairs/costs cited: Local mechanic diagnosed and replaced throttle body; repair temporary only.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer advised of GM PCM recall but owner's VIN not included.
Engine coolant leak and radiator defect
Radiator lacks proper covering, allowing coolant to leak from bottom. Results in overheating and complete engine failure requiring replacement.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Temperature light comes on; Engine shakes badly; Engine shuts off and will not restart; Coolant leaking from bottom
Repairs/costs cited: New engine installed. Owner also replaced faulty alternator wire and both stabilizer links. Steering wheel subsequently shakes (third repair needed).
Engine temperature gauge malfunction
Temperature gauge fails to register any temperature, triggering Service Engine Soon light. Occurs intermittently at all speeds with no discernible pattern.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Engine temperature gauge reads zero or no temperature; Service Engine Soon light illuminates; Occurs intermittently, all speeds, no pattern
Exhaust system leak at corrugated section
Corrugated exhaust pipe section before catalytic converter develops leak.
When: 29,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Exhaust leak at corrugated piece before catalytic converter
Repairs/costs cited: Owner pending dealer service; noted forum discussions suggesting catalytic converter has 8-year warranty.
Ignition and electrical system failure
Vehicle will not start three months after purchase. Dealership diagnosis: ignition requires reprogramming and new reprogrammed key needed. After repairs, owner smells burning, loud pop occurs, and engine fan found tampered with. Both fan and radiator require replacement at owner expense.
When: 90,000 miles (approximately three months after purchase)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start; Burning smell after ignition repair; Loud pop from engine; Engine fan damage
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition and key reprogrammed at owner expense. Engine fan and radiator replacement needed at owner expense.
Oil burning and catastrophic engine failure
Engine burns oil without warning light or temperature gauge change. Engine fails/explodes. Owner mentions service bulletin issued and suspects computer control issue.
When: Unknown mileage; occurred after oil change before vacation
Symptoms owners cite: Engine burning oil without check engine light; Engine temperature gauge does not move or indicate hot; Engine seizure/catastrophic failure
Repairs/costs cited: Engine failed. Owner states service bulletin was issued for this issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner mentions service bulletin issued; unclear if this is recall, TSB, or informal bulletin.
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl*the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet hhr. The vehicle has had several stalling related failures since the date of purchase. He stated that the vehicle stalled multiple times a day. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled and shut off, after 10 minutes the vehicle restarted. On several occasions the dealer diagnosed the vehicle and was unable to determine why the failure occurred. No repairs…
Had engine trouble with your 2007 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 engine problem on the 2007 Chevrolet HHR?
It's a meaningful issue. 17 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 29,000 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 48,900. A quarter of owners report trouble before 29,000; a quarter make it past 90,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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/2007/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.