2007 Chevrolet HHR
2007 Chevrolet HHR
Overview
The 2007 Chevrolet HHR is a compact car with a distinctive retro-inspired design, offering a blend of practicality and style. It was available with several engine and transmission choices, catering to different driving needs. While generally considered a decent option for its segment, like any vehicle, it has specific areas where owners have reported issues. This analysis focuses on common technical reliability concerns beyond routine maintenance, providing insights into potential problems and their associated costs for the 2007 model year.
Engine
2.0L Turbocharged (LSJ)
Turbocharger Failure
- Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noises, increased oil consumption, check engine light.
- Solution: Turbocharger replacement or rebuild.
- Cost: $1,200 - $2,500
PCV System Clogging
- Symptoms: Rough idle, oil leaks, potential engine sludge buildup.
- Solution: Clean or replace PCV valve and associated hoses.
- Cost: $100 - $300
2.4L (LE5)
Oil Consumption
- Symptoms: Low oil level between changes, blue smoke from exhaust.
- Solution: Can be due to worn piston rings or valve seals; requires engine inspection and potential repair.
- Cost: $1,500 - $3,000+
Timing Chain Issues
- Symptoms: Rattling noise from the front of the engine, especially on startup; check engine light.
- Solution: Replacement of timing chain, tensioners, and guides.
- Cost: $800 - $1,500
2.2L (L61)
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: N/A
- Solution: N/A
- Cost: Varies
Transmission
5-Speed Manual (M86)
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: N/A
- Solution: N/A
- Cost: Varies
4-Speed Automatic (4T45-E)
Harsh Shifting / Slipping
- Symptoms: Jerky gear changes, delayed engagement, slipping between gears.
- Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter change, or transmission rebuild/replacement.
- Cost: $300 - $800 (flush/filter), $2,000 - $4,000 (rebuild/replacement)
Suspension
Standard Chassis
Worn Struts/Shocks
- Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, clunking noises over bumps.
- Solution: Replacement of front struts and rear shocks.
- Cost: $400 - $800
Sway Bar Links
- Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise when turning or going over uneven surfaces.
- Solution: Replacement of worn sway bar links.
- Cost: $150 - $300
Electrical
Body Control Module (BCM)
Intermittent Electrical Failures
- Symptoms: Various electrical components malfunctioning (e.g., power windows, locks, lights), warning lights illuminating.
- Solution: Diagnosis and potential reprogramming or replacement of the BCM.
- Cost: $500 - $1,000
Window Regulators
Power Window Failure
- Symptoms: Power windows not operating, slow operation, or falling down.
- Solution: Replacement of the window regulator and motor assembly.
- Cost: $200 - $400 per window
Exterior
Body Panels
Rust on Wheel Arches and Rocker Panels
- Symptoms: Visible rust formation and bubbling paint, particularly in areas exposed to salt and moisture.
- Solution: Rust repair and repainting.
- Cost: $300 - $800 per panel
Headlight Lenses
Clouding/Yellowing
- Symptoms: Reduced headlight visibility, hazy appearance of the plastic lenses.
- Solution: Headlight restoration kit or replacement of headlight assemblies.
- Cost: $50 - $150 (restoration), $300 - $600 (replacement)
Interior
HVAC Blower Motor
Blower Motor Failure
- Symptoms: No air coming from vents or intermittent airflow, regardless of fan speed setting.
- Solution: Replacement of the HVAC blower motor and resistor.
- Cost: $200 - $400
Seat Fabric
Premature Wear
- Symptoms: Fraying or tearing of seat fabric, especially on the driver’s side bolster.
- Solution: Seat cover installation or professional upholstery repair/replacement.
- Cost: $100 - $500+
Summary Verdict
The 2007 Chevrolet HHR presents a mixed reliability profile. While some engine options, particularly the 2.2L, and the manual transmission are generally robust, owners may encounter issues with the 2.4L engine’s oil consumption and timing chain, and the turbocharger on the 2.0L variant. Automatic transmission problems like harsh shifting are not uncommon. Electrical gremlins, particularly related to the BCM and power windows, can be frustrating. Exterior rust and interior wear are also points to consider. Prospective buyers should carefully inspect these areas and factor in potential repair costs, especially for higher-mileage examples.