This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Chevrolet HHR brakes problems
severe 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
1crash
What stands out
No new NHTSA brakes complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 15 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 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 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 ↗This service bulletin provides information for tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 information on installing the correct tires for vehicles with the condition of under hard acceleration at higher speeds, the traction control light will flash. Or, they may come in for ABS or general handling/braking concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a brake system with multiple, severe failure modes. Several report soft brakes or complete brake failure in brand-new cars, with brake fluid full and no visible leaks, yet dealers replaced master cylinders, calipers, and modulators without fixing the problem. One owner experienced three separate brake failures; GM Engineering was consulted and offered no solution beyond an aftermarket vacuum pump retrofit (TSB #09-05-22-001A, about $1,200).
Cold-start and post-sit hardness plagues many owners. One backed into his garage and hit his house; another nearly rear-ended a vehicle because the brake wouldn't respond. Dealers offered no fix at purchase, saying GM was "working on the issue."
Rollback is consistent and dangerous. When stopped uphill at a red light, the HHR drifts backward as soon as brakes release. Backing uphill, it drifts forward. Owners describe near-collisions happening every time the situation occurs.
Overheating rotors cause violent shaking on mountain grades starting at 18,000 miles, recurred at 44,000 miles. One owner argues the braking system is undersized or uses inferior components.
Right rear brake produces clicking or clunking during gentle braking, with minor pedal pulsation. Dealers turned the drum temporarily, then tightened the muffler (wrong side). The problem returned within two months. Front brakes also pulsate, vibrating the steering wheel.
Same Chevrolet HHR brakes reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Soft or failed brakes with no warning lights
Brake pedal becomes soft or spongy, travels excessively before stopping, or fails completely with brake fluid full and no visible leaks. Multiple owners report air in the brake line, master cylinder, caliper, and modulator valve replacements without resolving the issue. One owner experienced three separate brake failures.
When: Early ownership (new car to 850 miles); repeated occurrences in mountain terrain and on extended drives
Symptoms owners cite: Soft pedal; Brake pedal travels to floor with minimal stopping power; Feeling of air in brake system; No dashboard warning lights; Brake fluid full with no visible leaks
Repairs/costs cited: Master cylinder replaced, front calipers replaced multiple times, modulator valve replaced, brake lines inspected with no leaks found. Service managers stated inability to identify root cause; GM Engineering consulted without resolution. Bulletin #09-05-22-001A issued requiring auxiliary vacuum pump addition ($1,200 reported).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB #09-05-22-001A issued; GM Engineering consulted; auxiliary vacuum booster pump retrofit required (not original design feature)
Hard brake pedal on cold start or after sit-down
Vehicle exhibits extremely hard brake pedal that does not respond properly to pressure after overnight sit or cold startup, making it difficult or impossible to stop smoothly. One owner hit their house; another nearly rear-ended vehicles due to inability to modulate braking.
When: After overnight parking or cold startup; one incident at 620 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Extremely hard pedal; Pedal does not respond to brake pressure; Difficulty stopping at normal speeds; Vehicle continues forward despite brake application
Repairs/costs cited: Brake fluid cap found not sealed properly in one case. Booster vacuum not holding after sit-down suggests booster failure. One service advisor stated 'we know about it' but offered no fix at the time.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB #09-05-22-001A issued addressing booster vacuum loss; requires auxiliary vacuum pump addition at customer cost
Rollback or drift on hills and inclines
Vehicle rolls backward when stopped on a hill or incline and brake pedal is released, even when accelerating. Occurs also in reverse, drifting forward up a slope. Happens consistently every time, creating accident risk.
When: Consistent on any hill or slope; multiple times per day in hilly terrain
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle drifts backward when released from brake on uphill; Vehicle drifts forward when backing up a slope; Occurs repeatedly without fail
Rotor warping and brake shaking on mountain grades
Violent shaking felt through brake pedal and steering when braking on downhill grades (5% grade reported). Diagnosed as rotor overheating and warping. Occurred initially at 18,000 miles, again at 44,000 miles despite normal driving habits and no excessive brake use.
When: At 18,000 miles (first occurrence), again at 44,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Violent shaking when braking on downhill grades; Shaking resolves after leveling off; Brake pedal pulsation; Affects braking performance temporarily
Repairs/costs cited: Rotors turned at first occurrence; pads replaced as needed. Recurrence suggests undersized braking system or inferior component quality.
Rear brake clicking or clunking with pulsing
Right rear wheel produces clicking or clunking sound during gentle braking, with minor pulsing felt in brake pedal. Does not occur under hard braking. Dealer turned drum temporarily resolving issue, but problem returned within two months.
When: Surfaced shortly after purchase at 10,000 miles; present again at 19,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking or clunking sound from right rear wheel; Occurs during gentle braking only; Minor pulsing in pedal; Reappears after drum turning
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer turned brake drum; problem resolved temporarily then recurred. Dealer also tightened muffler (incorrect repair—muffler on left side, noise on right). Other HHR owners report same issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated 'they all do it'—no permanent fix offered
Front disc brake pulsation and steering wheel vibration
Front disc brakes pulsate and cause vibration transmitted to steering wheel.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Front disc brake pulsation; Steering wheel vibration during braking
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
After purchase of a new 2009 ss hhr. During the morning I backed into my garage and noticed a very soft brake pedal. I then started to proceed into the garage and when attempting to stop the vehicles brakes would not comply with my brake pressure and the vehicle proceeded to hit the side of our house. This became a routine situation upon "cold startups" and when reported to the dealer,(classic…
Had brakes trouble with your 2009 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 2009 Chevrolet HHR?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 11 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 23,433 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2009/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.