The 2007 HHR is a compact retro wagon built on the Cobalt/Delta platform with typical GM small-car issues of the era: ignition switch failures, power steering problems, and timing chain wear on the 2.2L/2.4L engines. The naturally aspirated engines are more common and share most problems; the 2.0L turbo is rarer but adds boost/intercooler complexity.
Ignition Switch Failure (Recall 14V-153)
Common · high severitySymptoms: Engine stalls while driving, Key stuck in ignition or won't turn, Accessories cut out randomly, No crank/no start intermittently
Fix: GM recall covers replacement of ignition lock cylinder and keys. If post-recall or non-recall VIN, replace ignition switch actuator and lock cylinder. 1.5-2 hours labor. Critical safety issue—airbags and power steering disable during stall.
Estimated cost: $150-350
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Motor Failure
Common · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Sudden loss of power steering assist, Service StabiliTrak and traction control lights, Steering effort becomes very heavy, No warning before failure in many cases
Fix: Replace entire EPS motor/column assembly—no rebuilds available from GM. 2-3 hours labor. Failure can happen suddenly at any speed. Used units fail quickly; stick with reman or new.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Timing Chain Stretch (2.2L/2.4L Ecotec)
Common · high severityTypical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold start for first 5-10 seconds, Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes (P0016, P0017), Rough idle, Eventually: catastrophic timing failure if ignored
Fix: Replace timing chain, guides, tensioner, and VVT solenoids/actuators. Requires front engine disassembly. 8-12 hours labor. Oil change intervals matter—neglect accelerates wear dramatically. Interference engine, so stretched chain can cause valve/piston contact.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200
Fuel Pump Failure
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: No start, cranks but won't fire, Stalling in hot weather after short stops, Loss of power under load, Whining noise from rear of vehicle
Fix: Replace in-tank fuel pump module. Drop tank or remove rear seat and cut access panel (not factory). 2-3 hours with tank drop. Common enough that many techs install aftermarket access hatches.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Corrosion (4T45-E Auto)
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaking near radiator area, Pink fluid spots under vehicle, Low transmission fluid level, Burnt transmission smell if driven low on fluid
Fix: Replace corroded cooler lines—steel lines rust through where they contact frame/body. 1.5-2.5 hours labor. Catch early before trans runs dry. Flush transmission if contamination suspected.
Estimated cost: $250-500
Door Latch Failures (Recall 14V-701)
Occasional · medium severitySymptoms: Door won't close or won't latch securely, Door pops open while driving, Door ajar light stays on, Inside/outside handles don't release door
Fix: Recall covers replacement of door latch assemblies. If post-recall, replace individual latch. 1-2 hours per door. Mostly side doors, occasionally liftgate. Safety concern as doors can open unexpectedly.
Estimated cost: $150-350
Wheel Bearing Hub Failure
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 70,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Grinding or humming noise that increases with speed, ABS/traction control lights if sensor integral to hub, Vibration through steering wheel or floor, Wheel play if severely worn
Fix: Replace wheel bearing hub assembly. Front: 1.5-2 hours per side. Rear: 1-1.5 hours. Common on these platforms due to lighter-duty hubs on relatively heavy vehicle. Check all four if one fails on high-mileage examples.
Estimated cost: $250-450
PCV System / Valve Cover Leaks (2.2L/2.4L)
Common · low severityTypical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Oil consumption (1 quart per 1,000 mi), Oil residue around valve cover, Rough idle, Check engine light P0171/P0174 (lean codes) from vacuum leak
Fix: Replace valve cover with integrated PCV—it's one assembly on these Ecotecs. 1.5-2 hours labor. Diaphragm inside cover fails, causing oil consumption and vacuum issues. Cheap fix that prevents bigger problems.
Estimated cost: $200-400
Decent cheap runabout if recalls are done and timing chain was addressed before 120k miles, but the sudden-failure power steering and ignition issues make it a gamble for a primary vehicle—budget $1,500 in deferred maintenance on any high-miler.
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.