This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Chevrolet HHR engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2011 Chevrolet HHR have filed 14 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 50,547 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 HHR | 17 |
| 2008 HHR | 13 |
| 2009 HHR | 9 |
| 2010 HHR | 11 |
| 2011 HHR (this page) | 14 |
When does it fail?
Of the 14 engine complaints filed for the 2011 Chevrolet HHR, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 6 model years of Chevrolet HHR in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 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.
The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report recurring engine stalls while driving at highway and moderate speeds, with the vehicle losing all power and refusing to accelerate past 10–40 mph even with the pedal floored. ESC and reduced-power warning lights trigger before or during these events. Multiple dealer visits and manufacturer investigation have failed to pinpoint the cause—technicians cannot pull diagnostic codes, and repairs ranging from steering sensor recalibration to electronic brake control module replacement have not stopped recurrence. One owner experienced stall events on two separate occasions on Colorado highways with no power steering or brakes, creating life-threatening conditions in traffic.
Beyond stalls, owners report cracked cylinder sleeves discovered at 50,547 miles requiring full engine rebuild, fuel injector failures triggering complete engine replacement shortly after repair, and throttle body issues that create uncontrolled idling and fuel delivery after replacement. Ignition switch binding prevents starting, and in one case, the engine continues running after the key is removed—the dealer refuses to repair it. One owner describes unknown fumes entering the cabin at startup and during fan operation. These complaints span 14 separate vehicles with overlapping but distinct failure signatures, suggesting multiple root causes rather than a single defect.
Same Chevrolet HHR engine reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Engine Stall with Loss of Power & Warning Lights
Engine stalls suddenly while driving, triggering ESC/stability control warnings and reduced power lights. Vehicle loses acceleration capability and requires restart. Occurs repeatedly with no consistent diagnostic trouble codes. Technicians unable to pinpoint root cause despite multiple dealer visits and manufacturer investigation.
When: 20-60 mph; one case at 23,658 miles, others unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off while driving; Loss of power steering and brakes; ESC warning light illuminates; Reduced power warning light; Vehicle shakes or vibrates; Speed drops to 10-20 mph, won't accelerate past 40 mph even with pedal to floor
Codes mentioned: No codes detected, P0300 (random misfire, in one related case)
Repairs/costs cited: Case #1: Steering sensor recalibrated, yaw sensor replaced, electronic brake control module replaced—failure recurred. Case #3: Ignition switch replacement mentioned for recall. Cases #4, #5: Not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified multiple times; Case #1 had investigator inspect vehicle but unable to determine cause; Case #3 mentions ignition switch recall
Cracked Engine Cylinder Sleeves
All cylinder sleeves crack, causing engine failure. In one case, owner was unaware of problem until routine oil change checkup revealed damage. Repairs required complete head gasket, head intake, seals, gaskets, and O-ring replacement.
When: 50,547 miles
Symptoms owners cite: No early warning except one instance of cooling mode activation; Engine cracking discovered on inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine rebuild: all cylinder sleeves replaced, head gasket replaced, head intake replaced, all seals/gaskets/O-rings replaced. Repair cost approximately $3,200.
Throttle Body Issues & Uncontrolled Idling
Throttle malfunction causes reduced power and stalling, often accompanied by random misfire codes. Replacement of throttle body introduces new problem: engine revs excessively on startup and feeds fuel in reverse and drive gears without pedal input.
When: Case #5 at 118,000 miles; other cases unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: Reduced power warning light; Vehicle shake; Engine stall and restart; Won't accelerate above 20-40 mph; Random misfire; After throttle replacement: excessive idle revving, uncontrolled fuel delivery in gear
Codes mentioned: P0300 (random misfire)
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replaced; repair introduced new safety issue of excessive idle and uncontrolled fuel delivery.
Ignition Switch Binding & Unintended Engine Run-On
Key binds in ignition, making it difficult or impossible to turn or remove. Engine sometimes continues running after key is removed. Dealer unable to reproduce issue and refuses to repair.
When: Unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: Key binds in ignition; Inability to start car when key binds; Engine runs after key removed
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to duplicate issue; no repair performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls involving ignition switch mentioned in complaints
Starting & Electrical Issues
Vehicle struggles to start or fails to start on first attempt. Battery recharge required to restore function. One case involved key binding and starting failure.
When: Unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: Difficult or failed first-attempt starting; Engine struggle to crank; Battery discharge
Repairs/costs cited: Battery recharge attempted; no formal diagnosis performed.
Fuel Injector Failure
All fuel injectors fail and require replacement. In one case, this was followed by separate complete engine failure 15,000 miles later.
When: Unspecified mileage for injector failure; separate engine failure at 15,000 miles post-repair
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Subsequent engine failure requiring complete repair
Repairs/costs cited: All fuel injectors replaced; engine required complete repair 15,000 miles later.
Odor/Fume Intrusion
Unknown fumes enter driver compartment at startup and while driving with fan running. Owner must open windows partially to mitigate.
When: Unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: Fume odor at startup; Fume intrusion during fan operation
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided.
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet hhr. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start on the first attempt. The contact had to recharge the battery in order for the vehicle to start. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was unavailable.
The engine began a random misfire problem, p0300 code. I got the throttle body changed out, now the car revs higher every time I start it. It gives itself fuel in reverse and drive, with no help from the gas pedal. It is unsafe.
Had engine trouble with your 2011 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 2011 Chevrolet HHR?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 14 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 39,756 and 95,000 miles, with the median around 50,547. A quarter of owners report trouble before 39,756; a quarter make it past 95,000. 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/2011/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.