Chevrolet HHR Complaints (2008)

616 consumer complaints on file.

#11464292May 11, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES, STEERING, SUSPENSION
Steering gets very stiff and sometimes locks up when turning left or right in a curve at highway speeds. Had dealer check it and they said they replaced steering motor. Did not correct problem. Made an appointment to check again but was told I would incur charges. I have had it to several mechanic shops and we cannot find anything loose or failing. In a parked position it locks up completely until you start rolling. Afraid steering is going to lock up in a curve and cause harm to driver and passengers. It is available for inspection. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police or insurance. Has no warning lights or messages pertaining to problem. The problem first appeared approximately 6 months ago.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11459906April 6, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel tank assembly developed a fuel leak at or around its integrated tank vents creating a strong fuel smell inside and outside the vehicle. THIS IS NOT A RUSTED FUEL LINE PROBLEM. This poses a fire hazard if the vehicle were to come into contact with any spark or flames. This also poses a health hazard from exposure to toxic fumes inside and outside the vehicle. This condition did not trigger any warning messages from the onboard vehicle computer. The seal between the tank vents and fuel tank is made by the manufacturer and is unserviceable. I attempted to seal the leaks with adhesive but was unsuccessful. I then purchased a used replacement fuel tank from an auto recycler and discovered it also has this issue. I believe this to be a design defect that will lead to an unsafe condition in these vehicles. I can make these components available for inspection. I have not had the issue inspected by any other parties as that would involve further costs.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11446395January 5, 2022
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that her father noticed that the vehicle was leaking fuel. Upon inspection, the contact became aware that the fuel lines had rusted and had started leaking. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be inspected. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 141,802. Consumer stated mechanic had to take off the fiberglass mat heat barrier because it was soaked in fuel, and was rubbing the exhaust, so we could see the damage.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11441369November 22, 2021
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, she noticed there was a puddle on the ground located on the rear driver's side. Upon inspection, the contact detected a fuel odor and noticed there was a fuel leak coming from the fuel lines. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment for diagnosis. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE20011 (Fuel System, Other). The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11438078October 25, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My Fuel line is pouring gas out . The gas fumes are filling the cabin of the car waiting for a repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11434674September 28, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel line leak.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11434332September 25, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Around 6 months ago I started to notice a fuel smell and upon inspection at the local shop it was diagnosed that my fuel line had rusted through and they informed me there are other cases of this exact issue on the Chevrolet hhr and cobalt vehicles with this engine and fuel setup it has started to leak into the exhaust but has not caught fire.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11432034September 7, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I noticed a strong odor of gasoline and took the HHR to my local mechanic. He diagnosed it as a rusted fuel line caused by the proximity of a heat shield that traps water.. He was able to repir it by splicing in a section of the line. A bout a yer later the line was leaking again and this time there is not enough line left to splice that isn;t rusted. Obviously this is a danger ranging from leaking gasoline hitting a hot exhaust to a passerby discarding a lit cigarette near the leak and blowing themselves and my car to Kingdome Come. A Check engine light comes on periodically, but is only partially indicative of the gas leak as a possibility. This is a safety issue for both the owner and anyone who might happen by with a lit object
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11429153August 15, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel lines leaking in front of drivers side rear tire. Lines run inside of a channel that has a protective wrap over them, but is very close to part of the exhaust pipe. Fuel line had corroded inside of protective wrap. Only leaks when the engine is running and fuel system under pressure. Fuel could have hit hot exhaust pipe and caused a fire or explosion. Apparently this is a common problem with the Chevy HHR with multiple cases having already been reported. Had the car repair at our local Chevy dealer. Cost of removing and replacing the fuel lines was $1,307.00. The only indications of the problem was the smell of fuel near the rear tire and a puddle of fuel under the car when engine was shut off. Frame cross member was also wet from fuel shooting out of end of protective wrap.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11426364July 25, 2021
STEERING
While driving down the interstate the power steering light flashed and locked the power steering to the point I was unable to steer in any direction. It has done this on multiple occasions to the point it has almost caused several accidents. This is a serious issue!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11426065July 23, 2021
STEERING
Power steering went out completely causing me to swerve on the highway to side of road. The steering locked up and it was raining and I would of crashed had anyone else been on the highway. I was going about 55 mph at the time. I then proceeded to CAREFULLY at about 30 mph force my car to drive another half mile to nearest exit ramp. The entire time I was driving in the middle of the lanes and a huge liability as far as safety is concerned. Thankfully I made it with no harm to myself vehicle or anyone else. I pulled over to side of road and slept in car till the rain stopped. Prior to this I backed into a fence when the steering failed backing into a carport resulting in body damage to front end under left headlight. Months before I had asked the Chevy dealership to diagnose issue and they found nothing wrong as in the beginning the car would still steer at its own leisure. The light didn't come on when they looked at it. After the night in the rain I have taken the fuse outta the power steering part and just manually steer. This should be replaced as it is a common issue to ALL HHR. Mine isn't covered as it is an SS but clearly it should be covered by a recall. Hopefully I don't die before this is taken care of.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11425529July 19, 2021
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, he started to smell gasoline fumes inside the vehicle. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated after parking his vehicle, a bystander informed him that the vehicle had a fuel leak. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,240.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11425534July 19, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel lines leaking under left rear of 2008 HHR. According to Google internet investigations this seems to be a problem in the design and placement of insulation material over the fuel line. I almost had a explosive concern, not knowing where the smell of fuel was coming from, a alert gentleman smoking a cigarette counseled me on a dripping fuel on the parking lot. He said smokers will throw their cigarette down and unintentionally possibly causing a fire/explosion.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424940July 15, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, STEERING
My power steering unexpectedly has gone out. When it first happened I was on the freeway in the rain and it locked up. Thankfully there were no others cars near me or I would of had an accident. I called the dealership and they said there WAS a recall but too much time has passed! This makes no sense. If it's bad it's bad, what the heck! So now I have taken the fuse out and it at least keeps it from locking up it it is VERY difficult to steer and I fear not being able to respond quickly in an emergency. Then I was noticing that when I add gas it had trouble turning over. Only when I added gas. Gas mileage began getting worse and then I felt the motor having difficulty while again on the freeway. I could smell gas and pulled over. There was smoke under the hood and I could see gas puddling up under my car. Now I am scared of my car. I called GMC and they said they couldn't help me with either of these issues to contact my dealership. I haven't done this because I already know they are gonna say they can not help me. This is absurd. I have had this car a year and NOTHING but problems for me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11423033July 1, 2021
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Engine cuts out , loses power ar random times. Especially when the air is humid. Constant smell of leaking gasoline.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11422472June 27, 2021
TIRES:TREAD/BELT, TIRES
ALL FOUR OF THE TIRES I BOUGHT DEVELOPED NUMEROUS CRACKS IN LESS THAT 18 MONTHS OF USE, AND LESS THAN 10,000 MILES OF USE. UNIROYAL WILL NOT STATE IF THE TIRES ARE SAFE OR NOT.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11421535June 20, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
gas leaking..over left rear wheel well where the silver insulation is ..line has rusted thru the insulation is because the exhaust runs close to that side of the vehicle but unfortunately there in no way or takes too long for moisture to evaporate poor design ....
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11421362June 18, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE POER STEERING WARNING MESSAGE KEEPS COMEING ON
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11420590June 11, 2021
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor at the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that the fuel lines located at the rear driver’s side wheel were leaking and that the wheel was corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 93,368.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11418833May 28, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My gas lines are leaking. It appears that several other owners of HHR's are having the same issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Chevrolet HHR