THE SERVICE ECS DOES NOT GO OFF. THEIRFOR THE CAR WILL NOT GO UNLESS THE ROADS ARE COMPLETELY FREE OF SNOW AND ICE. THE CAR JUST SITS AND SPINS. TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ON CONSTANTLY .CAN NOT DRIVE CAR IN WINTER MONTHS
2009 Chevrolet HHR electrical problems
severe 117 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850
Complaints
117
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Avg fix
$850
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT BECAME ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.
THE HHR WON'T START. CAME OUT FROM WORK AND THE KEY WON'T TURN IN THE IGNITION AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED. EVERYTHING IS LOCKED UP.......I CAN'T GET THE CAR TO START. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET HHR. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND A BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000.
THE ESC HAS GONE OUT AND THE TURN SIGNALS WORK, BUT NOW I HAVE TO TURN THEM OFF MANUALLY. THE IGNITION HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. ONCE WHEN IT WAS NEW BECAUSE THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN OFF. THE SECOND TIME WAS A RECALL. THE DIGITAL DISPLAY WHICH INCLUDES THE RADIO, AND INFORMATION SYSTEM TURNS ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2009 Chevrolet HHR?
It's a meaningful issue. 117 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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