Chevy HHR Transmission Problems & Cost

Although many people said that General Motors was trying to copy the Chrysler PT cruiser, the Chevrolet HHR turned out to be quite a successful little car in its own right. It was just the right size. It looked great, and had just enough power to make it interesting. Unfortunately though, Chevy HHR transmission problems can happen as they get older. So let’s figure out what you can do about them.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

Chevy HHR Transmission Models

Chevy HHR: 4T45E Transmission

Chevy HHR Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate

Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.

Replacement 4T45E Transmission:

What are the DTC codes related to Chevy HHR transmission problems?

Chevy HHR Transmission Recalls

2009 Chevrolet HHR Recall 09V073000 / 09041

Summary – On some 2009 Chevy HHR’s, the transmission shift cable adjustment clip may come loose, causing the gear indicator to display the wrong gear.
Consequence – If this problem occurs, the driver could remove the ignition key and exit the vehicle thinking the transmission is in Park, even though it isn’t. This can lead to a rollaway, which can cause injury and/or property damage. A lesser consequence would be the inability to start the vehicle because the transmission is not in Park.
Remedy – This recall began on March 24, 2009, and Chevrolet dealers were instructed to inspect and replace any affected transmission shift cable adjustment clips, free of charge. Owners can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, referring to recall # 09041. Or they can call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236

Chevy HHR Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

TSB 05-07-30-015 – Difficultly selecting a gear / shifter jams
Problem – On some vehicles, the gear selector may become inoperable.
Solution – Replace defective shifter handle.

Common Chevy HHR Transmission Problems

Slipping in forward or reverse gears
Problem – The vehicle may slip in-and-out of forward or reverse gears. There may also be a lack of engine braking, lubrication of the forward clutch, and the DTC P0730.
Solution – One of the oil feed tubes may have developed cracks in one of its welds

Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light

Can I drive with a transmission problem?

Obviously if your transmission is just slipping, hanging in a gear, or making a funny noise, you could probably still drive your car. However, Chevrolet HHR transmission problems can go from simple to expensive very quickly. So do yourself and your budget a favor, and have your car checked out by a mechanic sooner rather than later.

How often does a Chevy HHR transmission need to be replaced?

If you have your transmission serviced regularly and you don’t drive like a hooligan, then your Chevy HHR 4T45E could last anywhere from 120,000-180,000 miles. But OE design flaws can also shorten the service life, and most used and rebuilt transmissions will suffer from these same issues. A remanufactured Chevy HHR transmission on the other hand, could last a lot longer if the proper modifications have been made to address the known design issues.

How are Chevy HHR transmission issues diagnosed?

Thanks to the magic of computers, most of your vehicle’s systems are closely monitored by the on-board diagnostic system (OBDII). This allows a mechanic to connect an OBDII code scanner to the vehicle, then download the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). These codes can often reveal the source of your Chevy HHR transmission problems. But a visual inspection is often necessary to verify that the code is correct.

How is a Chevy HHR transmission replaced?

Replacing a Chevrolet HHR 4T45E means that the old one will have to come out. To do this, it will have to be disconnected from the engine and driveshafts, and that usually means pulling the motor partially or completely out of the vehicle. For an experienced mechanic with the right tools, this isn’t as difficult a job as it might sound. But it does require some skill and patience.

Recommendations for Chevy HHR transmission issues?

To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Chevy HHR transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve Chevy HHR Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used Chevy HHR Transmission

While transmission problems are one of the most expensive aspects of owning a car, you should think long and hard before you buy a used 4T45E transmission. You have no way of knowing the true condition of the internal components. So it’s possible that you could have the same problems, or worse. Plus, that junkyard warranty will only get you a replacement transmission if something goes wrong. And, you will probably have to pay the labor charges to install it.

Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Chevy HHR Transmission

Another option would be to get a rebuilt 4T45 transmission from a local transmission repair center or mechanic. They will usually replace all of the common wear parts using an OE master rebuild kit, then give you a warranty that may only be good at the shop that built it. And don’t forget, if they take it back to the factory specifications, then all of the common problems are likely to return.

Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Chevy HHR Transmission

To get the most reliability for your repair dollars, you may want to consider a remanufactured 4T45 transmission. These are slightly more expensive than a rebuilt transmission, but they are typically built in a factory and of a much higher quality. Many of the top transmission remanufacturing companies modify their Chevy HHR 4T45E transmissions to compensate for the factory design flaws. And you may even be able to get a nationwide warranty.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

What Problem Does Your Chevy HHR Have?

Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!