Just turned 56k miles this week and I'm more than satisfied with the reliability of my '09 SS. I'm happy that I was in the market and discoved this gem when it was in its third production year (and second for the SS) as that's about the minimum time I would ever buy a new model.

Besides regular maintenance items, I've just had three small issues so far:

* wrong software downloaded with the GMPP turbo upgrade that turned off the factory brake vaccum fix-quick resolve once ID'ed.
* faulty clockspring in airbag-replaced under extended warranty.
* broken rear seatback release knob-replaced under extended warranty.

This SS has hands down been one of the most versatile, economical and downright fun to drive vehicles that I have ever owned. I anticipate driving it until the wheels fall off.

 

My mother has an 06 that is completely stock. Problems with her's was a seal that allowed rain water off the wheel into the floor board. I think that happened twice under warranty and was fixed the second time. Her shifter solenoid went out. I can't remember the price but it was incredibly high, they found one in a junkyard instead. Also her driver's side door handle broke. Again, incredibly high for the entire assembly. They found the interior handle at a junkyard. They are made of plastic. She drives like a little ol' lady and no problems with the drive train.

I have an 07. I drive the piss out of it and no issues yet. It just has the mild bolt ons. CAI, header, down pipe, muffler and electronic shift kit.

 

ekotecki,
Please explain "door bubbling", reason for asking, I'm looking at an 06 that has bubbling on all doors on the inside at the bottom above where the door skin folds over. Is it rust, or bad prep work? This car is from Indiana close to lake Mich.

Thanks for your help...great site...Bill

 

I'll answer that. It's rust or the beginning stages. Seems that these cars have issues with this. Daily drivers and ones exposed to the elements are the ones that are more prone to this.

 

Sorry guys, I should have done a search on rusty panels...Did, and found what I needed...Bill

 

I own a 2006 Chevy HHR LT 2.2L.5 Spd with currently 487k on her and have only replaced the alternator since I purchased it in early 06. Car has served me very well and would definitely own another if need be. Kinda wish GM would bring them back but thats my opinion. Cheap car to replace parts and pretty reliable from my point of view but then again GM wouldn't make money if they last to long. I've replaced items by choice over the years just to keep it looking nice and taken care of like headlight housings, otherwise just normal things like brakes, rotors, wheel bearings and of course shocks & struts. Even with 487k on her same clutch is original with no signs of slipping. I hope this helps with reliability statistics.
Thanks
Kenneth Hoy

 

Looking at a 2011 with 165k miles that runs very quiet. Sounds like it's barely broken in, then.LOL