The 2011 HHR is a compact retro-styled wagon on GM's Delta platform, shared with the Cobalt. Most common is the 2.2L Ecotec, reliable but plagued by ignition system failures and occasional timing chain issues. The 2.0L turbo (SS model) adds forced-induction headaches.
Ignition Switch / Lock Cylinder Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Key won't turn or gets stuck in ignition, No-start condition, Accessories stay on after key removal, Steering wheel lock engages randomly
Fix: GM recall 14V-153 addresses switches, but lock cylinders still fail independently. Switch replacement is 1.5 hours, cylinder requires steering column disassembly at 3-4 hours. Many need both components over the vehicle's life.
Symptoms: Cold-start rattle lasting 3-10 seconds, Check engine light with P0017/P0016 cam/crank correlation codes, Rough idle, Loss of power, Catastrophic failure if ignored—bent valves
Fix: Requires timing chain kit, tensioner, guides, and both VVT actuators. Front-wheel-drive layout makes this a 8-10 hour job with subframe drop recommended for access. Oil consumption issues accelerate wear—check oil level history.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Line / Radiator Tank Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink or milky transmission fluid, Coolant in transmission or trans fluid in coolant, Transmission slipping or delayed engagement, Overheating
Fix: The plastic end tanks on the radiator crack where cooler lines connect, cross-contaminating fluids. Requires radiator replacement (2.5 hours), complete transmission fluid flush with filter, and sometimes torque converter replacement if milkshake damage occurred. Catch it early or face transmission rebuild.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200 (early catch); $2,500-3,800 (with trans damage)
Harmonic Balancer Separation / Wobble
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Visible wobble of crank pulley at idle, Serpentine belt walking off or shredding, Vibration at all speeds, Squealing from front of engine, Check engine light with cam sensor codes
Fix: The rubber isolator between hub and outer ring deteriorates, especially in hot climates. Balancer removal requires special puller, 2-3 hours labor. If it flies apart while driving, expect collateral damage to timing cover, sensors, or accessory brackets adding significant cost.
Symptoms: Rattling from engine bay on cold start or light throttle, Check engine light P0046 (boost control), Loss of boost pressure, Black smoke under acceleration, Limp mode
Fix: Wastegate actuator arm bushing wears, causing rattle and inconsistent boost. Some try rebuilds (4-5 hours with turbo removal), but most replace the entire turbo assembly for reliability. Downpipe and exhaust manifold studs often snap during removal, adding time.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200
Water Pump Failure (All Engines)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant leak from weep hole on pump, Whining or grinding noise from front of engine, Overheating, Coolant level dropping with no visible external leak
Fix: Ecotec water pumps develop bearing noise or seal leaks. Replacement is 2.5-3.5 hours depending on accessory interference. Smart to replace thermostat and hoses simultaneously. Timing cover must come off on some applications, extending labor.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Power Steering Pump Whine / Failure
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: High-pitched whine when turning, especially when cold, Groaning at full lock, Hard steering, Fluid leaking from pump or lines
Fix: Pumps develop internal wear, usually not catastrophic but annoying. Replacement is straightforward at 1.5-2 hours, but requires fluid flush. Pressure hose connection at pump corrodes and leaks on older examples—factor in hose replacement.
Estimated cost: $300-550
Owner tips
Check oil level religiously every 1,000 miles—Ecotec engines consume oil after 100k, starving timing components
Inspect transmission fluid color and level every oil change; early catch of cooler failure saves $2,000+
Budget for ignition switch and lock cylinder replacement on any high-mileage example—they all fail eventually
If buying a 2.0L turbo, verify oil changes were done every 3,000-5,000 miles; skipped changes destroy turbos
Listen for cold-start rattles longer than 2 seconds—timing chain stretch is progressive and expensive
Solid budget transportation if you find a well-maintained 2.2L example under 100k miles, but avoid high-mileage turbo models and any HHR with deferred maintenance—timing and ignition failures get expensive fast.
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; battery located under hood
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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.
Performance
Horsepower
155hp
Torque
150lb-ft
0–60 mph
9.8sec
Quarter mile
17.4sec
Top speed
115mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
22mpg
Highway
31mpg
Combined
26mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
Towing capacity
1,000lb
Payload
1,050lb
Curb weight
3,377lb
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 2011 Chevrolet HHR 2.2L I4 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.