The 2006 HHR is a retro-styled compact on the Cobalt platform with decent bones but plagued by ignition switch failures, fuel pump issues, and timing chain problems on the 2.2L/2.4L engines that can lead to catastrophic damage if ignored.
Ignition Switch Failure (Recalled)
Common · high severity
Symptoms: Key won't turn or gets stuck in ignition, Engine stalls while driving, Loss of power steering and brakes during stall, Airbags may not deploy in a crash
Fix: GM recall 14V-153 covers replacement of ignition lock cylinder and keys. If not done, requires ignition switch and/or lock cylinder replacement, 1.5-2 hours labor. This is a safety-critical fix.
Estimated cost: $0 if recall applied, $250-400 if not covered
Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Failure (2.2L/2.4L)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold start that quiets after warmup, Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes (P0017, P0008), Rough idle or poor performance, Catastrophic engine failure if chain jumps timing
Fix: Timing chain, guides, tensioner, and VVT actuators must be replaced. Requires front cover removal, oil pump inspection. 8-12 hours labor. The 2.2L Ecotec is notorious for this; many engines are damaged beyond repair if driven with stretched chain.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200
Fuel Pump Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Intermittent no-start or extended cranking, Engine dies at operating temperature, Loss of power under acceleration, Whining noise from rear of vehicle
Fix: Fuel pump module replacement requires dropping the fuel tank. 2-3 hours labor. Use OEM or quality aftermarket (AC Delco) — cheap pumps fail quickly.
Estimated cost: $500-800
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Corrosion (4T45-E Auto)
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaking near radiator, Pink or red fluid pooling under vehicle, Transmission overheating or slipping if fluid level drops, Burnt transmission fluid smell
Fix: Steel cooler lines rust through at fittings and along frame rails (salt-belt cars especially). Replace both lines and inspect radiator cooler for contamination. 2-3 hours labor, may require transmission fluid flush if contaminated.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Harmonic Balancer Deterioration
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Vibration at idle that worsens with RPM, Squealing or chirping from serpentine belt, Visible wobble or rubber separation on crankshaft pulley, Check engine light with misfire codes
Fix: Rubber dampener separates from pulley hub, causing accessory belt misalignment and potential timing cover damage. Replacement requires special puller and installer tools. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $350-600
Power Window Regulator Failure
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Window drops into door or won't stay up, Grinding or clicking noise when operating window, Window moves slowly or unevenly, Complete failure to move
Fix: Plastic regulator gears strip or cables fray. Front doors fail more often than rears. Requires door panel removal and regulator replacement. 1.5-2 hours per door.
Estimated cost: $250-400 per door
Evaporative Emissions Purge Valve and Vent Solenoid Failure
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Check engine light with P0441, P0455, P0446 codes, Rough idle or stalling when fuel cap is opened, Fuel smell around vehicle, Failed emissions test
Fix: Purge valve sticks open/closed or vent solenoid fails. Both are common on Ecotec engines. Purge valve is near intake manifold (30 min), vent solenoid is near fuel tank (1 hour labor).
Estimated cost: $150-350 depending on which component
Owner tips
Change oil every 5,000 miles maximum on 2.2L/2.4L engines to slow timing chain wear — these engines are oil-consumption prone
Inspect timing chain at 80k miles if you hear ANY cold-start rattle; catching it early saves the engine
Check ignition switch recall status immediately and get it done — this is a safety issue
Flush coolant and transmission fluid on schedule; these platforms are sensitive to degraded fluids
Inspect fuel pump if you experience any hot-restart issues; failures are sudden and leave you stranded
Buy only if timing chain and ignition recall have been addressed, and budget $1,500 for deferred maintenance — decent utilitarian transport but requires proactive care to avoid expensive surprises.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Side post terminals standard on GM vehicles; battery located under hood on driver side
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Control Modules — 2006 Chevrolet HHR
Every control module on the 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Body Control Module (BCM)2.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.8 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind center of instrument panel, above center console, mounted to HVAC plenum bracket
🔧 Tech 2 with TIS2000/SPS
⚠️ Controls lighting, door locks, remote start, chimes, and accessory power. VIN programming and theft deterrent relearn required.
Electric Power Steering Control Module (EPSCM)2.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.4 hr▸ programming details
📍 Integrated into steering column assembly, below instrument panel
🔧 Tech 2 + TIS2Web or GDS2 + SPS
⚠️ Column-assist EPS. Module integrated with motor assembly. Steering angle sensor calibration required after replacement.
📍 Under center console, below radio/HVAC assembly, mounted to floor tunnel
🔧 Tech 2 with TIS2000/SPS
⚠️ VIN programming required. Contains crash sensors and airbag deployment logic. SIR system disarm mandatory before removal.
Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR)1.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind center of instrument panel, near BCM, mounted to HVAC plenum
🔧 Tech 2 or aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ Remote key fob programming required after replacement. Up to 8 transmitters can be learned.
Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM)1.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Engine compartment, driver side inner fender well, mounted to frame rail forward of strut tower
🔧 Tech 2 or aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ Integrated with hydraulic control unit (BPMV). Brake bleeding and automated bleed procedure required after replacement. StabiliTrak/traction control integrated.
Fuel Pump Flow Control Module (FPCM)1.5 hr R&Rno coding2009-2011 with variable fuel pump
📍 Under rear cargo floor, above fuel tank, integrated with fuel pump module
⚠️ Variable-speed fuel pump control. Not present on all trim levels; base models use relay-controlled pump.
⚠️ Passlock II theft deterrent system integrated into BCM. 10-minute relearn procedure required after BCM replacement or key cylinder service.
Transmission Control Module (TCM)no coding▸ programming details
📍 Integrated within PCM (no separate TCM)
⚠️ 4T45-E automatic transmission control is integrated into PCM. No standalone TCM exists.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the affected ignition switches to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and disabling the air bags.
Consequence: If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.
Remedy: UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should contact UCI-FRAM Group at 1-800-890-2075. GM vehicle owners requiring additional information on that recall campaign should contact GM at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac) or 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION · 14V171000
2014-04-10
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
Consequence: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not
previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.
AIR BAGS · 14V047000
2014-02-10
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring.
General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH · 08V444000
2008-09-03
GM IS RECALLING 296,422 MY 2006-2008 CHEVROLET HHR VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE DOOR ON THE STORAGE BIN IN THE TOP CENTER OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO REMAIN CLOSED AS REQUIRED.
Consequence: THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS TO PROVIDE HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION FOR OCCUPANTS.
Remedy: A REDESIGNED LATCH WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 23, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .
AIR BAGS · 08V046000
2008-01-30
GM IS RECALLING 181,516 MY 2006-2008 CHEVROLET HHR VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ROOF RAIL AIR BAGS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT.' IN TESTS, ONE OF THE UPPER INTERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION TEST POINTS EXCEEDED THE STANDARD'S REQUIREMENT.
Consequence: THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS TO PROVIDE HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION FOR OCCUPANTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ENERGY-ABSORBING PLASTIC PIECE TO THE HEADLINER TRIM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 2, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · 06V417000
2006-10-31
CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION.
Consequence: IF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, THE FRONT AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MAY BE DISABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE ENABLED, OR ENABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE DISABLED. IN EITHER CASE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT REQUIRES AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, A FRONT PASSENGER'S LEVEL OF INJURY MAY BE INCREASED.
Remedy: BECAUSE A REPLACEMENT LEATHER SEAT COVER THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) WILL REPURCHASE THESE VEHICLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS STATED IN GM'S LETTER TO OWNERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT GM AT 1-877-477-1022 TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF REPURCHASING THEIR VEHICLE.
Vehicle Info — 2006 Chevrolet HHR
Performance
Horsepower
172hp
Torque
167lb-ft
0–60 mph
9.1sec
Quarter mile
16.8sec
Top speed
115mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
20mpg
Highway
28mpg
Combined
23mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
Towing capacity
1,000lb
Payload
1,050lb
Curb weight
3,400lb
Seating
5seats
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Wiper blades
Both front wipers are same length; rear wiper standard on hatchback body
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2006 Chevrolet HHR 2.4L I4 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.