Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet HHR vs Toyota Camry
How the Chevrolet HHR and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Chevrolet HHR vs Toyota Camry: The HHR averages 596 complaints per year, with steering and electrical issues, while the Camry averages 214 per year, often for power train and brake problems. The HHR also has 8 reported deaths vs. 1 for the Camry. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet HHR or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet HHR
The Chevrolet HHR is a compact wagon that, based on owner complaints, can be a headache to own. It averages nearly 596 complaints per year, with steering and electrical problems dominating the list. Many owners report a scary combination of hard steering, flickering lights, and gauge fluctuations that can make the car feel unpredictable. Fuel leaks and air bag concerns add to the list of serious issues.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much lower complaint rate—about 214 per year over a longer period. Power train and engine issues are the most common, but owners also report brake problems and sudden acceleration in some cases. While not trouble-free, the Camry's issues appear less frequent and less likely to involve critical safety systems like steering.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet HHR | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,574 | 2,143 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 28 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 171 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 595.7 | 214.3 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 142 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 8 | 1 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Chevrolet HHR
- 01STEERING1,562
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM750
- 03AIR BAGS332
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM316
- 05STRUCTURE261
Owners report that an electrical glitch can cause the steering to become very hard to turn, especially at low speeds, making lane keeping difficult. This is a serious safety concern because it can happen without warning.
Complaints describe electrical glitches that affect the computer, causing poor performance, fluctuating gauges, and warning lights. Some also mention ignition switch sticking, which can lead to starting problems or unexpected shutdowns.
Multiple owners report fuel line leaks, often near the left rear wheel, due to corrosion where lines are wrapped in tape. This creates a strong gas smell and puddles, posing a fire risk.
Air bag complaints are often linked to the same electrical glitch, suggesting the system may not deploy correctly in a crash. This is a critical safety issue that buyers should not ignore.
“There is a serious electrical glitch that's in the computer, that causes the car to perform poorly at a slow speed, which cases the steering to become very hard to turn, and maintain lanes while driving. All lights, warnings, and gauges fluctuate back and for…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end during acceleration, sometimes requiring transmission replacement. Others describe sudden acceleration incidents, including one that led to a crash.
Complaints include sudden, uncontrollable acceleration and coolant valve bypass issues that trigger warning codes. These can lead to loss of control or engine damage if not addressed.
Some owners experience a complete lack of brake response when pressing the pedal, such as on a steep hill. This is a severe safety risk that could cause a crash.
Electrical complaints often involve AC malfunctions, such as a condenser damaged by a rock, or persistent mildew odors from the vents. While less critical, these issues can be costly and unpleasant.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Chevrolet HHR — 28 recalls
The defect: 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 ignitio…
The risk: 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…
The fix: 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 cu…
The defect: 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 o…
The risk: 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.
The fix: 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 v…
The defect: 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…
The risk: 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.
The fix: 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 cont…
The defect: 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 ignitio…
The risk: 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…
The fix: 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 cu…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Chevrolet HHR or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has far fewer complaints per year (about 214 vs. 596 for the HHR), suggesting it may be less troublesome to own. However, the Camry still has serious issues like sudden acceleration and brake failure, so neither car is without risk. In practice, the HHR's higher rate of steering and electrical problems could mean more frequent repairs and safety concerns.
Key differences
- The HHR has nearly three times as many complaints per year as the Camry, with steering problems being the most common.
- Camry owners report sudden acceleration and brake failure, while HHR owners report hard steering and fuel leaks.
- The HHR has 8 reported deaths in its data, compared to 1 for the Camry, though these numbers don't account for vehicle age or miles.
- Both cars have electrical issues, but the HHR's are tied to steering and air bags, while the Camry's are more about AC and minor glitches.
- Check for hard steering or intermittent power steering failure, especially at low speeds—test drive and listen for whining or feel for stiffness.
- Inspect fuel lines near the left rear wheel for corrosion, dampness, or gas smell, as leaks are a common complaint.
- Test for sudden acceleration by gently accelerating and braking in a safe area; any unintended surge is a red flag.
- Listen for grinding noises from the front during acceleration, which could indicate transmission problems needing costly repairs.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls, especially for ignition switch and air bag issues.
- Have a mechanic inspect the steering system and fuel lines on the HHR, and the transmission and brakes on the Camry.
- Test drive both cars in varied conditions—parking lots, hills, and highways—to feel for steering, braking, and acceleration problems.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, focusing on any repairs related to the common complaints listed above.
- Check the NHTSA website for your specific VIN to see if any recalls apply and whether they've been fixed.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Chevrolet HHR or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet HHR vs Toyota Camry
- Chevrolet HHR total complaints
- 3,574
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Chevrolet HHR total recalls
- 28
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Chevrolet HHR avg complaints/year
- 595.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Chevrolet HHR top complaint area
- STEERING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN