Page 2 of 13 · complaints 51–100 of 616

2008 Chevrolet HHR complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2008 record →

Fuel/Propulsion SystemFire
Filed Dec 23, 2020127,000 milesIN

SEVERE FUEL LEAK WHICH CAUSED A SMALL FIRE. LUCKILY WE HAD A FIRE EXTINGUISHER HANDY. THIS IS APPARENTLY VERY COMMON WITH HHRS AND THANK GOD I WASN'T AT A GAS STATION WHEN THE FIRE STARTED.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 6, 2020140,000 milesMA

UPON RETURN HOME I DETECTED THE SMELL OF GASOLINE FROM DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL AREA. JACKED VEHICLE UP FOR VISUAL INSPECTION, WHICH REVEALED RUSTED FUEL LINE AND EVAP LINE FROM MIDPOINT OF VEHICLE TO REAR CONNECTION TERMINALS. BOTH FUEL LINES BEHIND SILVER PROTECTIVE WRAP WERE RUSTED THROUGH IN BOTH WRAP LOCATIONS ALTHOUGH THE BRAKE LINES IN SAME WRAP WERE NOT AFFECTED.

Steering
Filed Nov 25, 20201,113,027 milesWI

POWER STEERING WARNING

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 23, 2020108,500 milesNJ

I WENT TO START THE CAR IN MY DRIVEWAY, SMELLED GAS FROM THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. I THEN SHUT OFF MY CAR AND LOOKED. I HAVE A LEAK IN THE FUEL LINE, AFTER RESEARCHING SEEMS THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE IN THIS MAKE AND MODEL. I DO NOT WANT TO MOVE THE CAR OR PAY FOR A REPAIR THAT IS A DESIGN FLAW.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Nov 9, 2020105,000 milesDE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL LINE CONNECTED TO THE FUEL TANK WAS RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FUEL LINE WAS REPLACED WITH A TEMPORARY REPLACEMENT PART UNTIL THE PERMANENT PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS AVAILABLE. IG BURTON CHEVROLET LOCATED AT 793 BAY ROAD, MILFORD, DE 19963 WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 1, 2020165,000 milesMI

THE GAS LINE IN LEAKING ON THE DRIVERS SIDE NEAR THE REAR WHEEL WELL. THE AREA IS WRAPPED IN A HEAT SHEILDING WRAP WHICH HOLDS MOISTURE. IM ASSUMING THIS IS WHY IT CAUSED THE GAS LINE TO RUST THROUGH.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 22, 2020134,000 milesMI

FUEL LINE RUSTED OUT AND FUEL LEAKS ONTO EXHAUST PIPE AND SURROUNDING AREAS INCLUDING THE GROUND.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 17, 2020130,000 milesNY

HELLO, HOW ARE YOU? THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON AND THE BUTTON CANNOT TURN IT OFF. THE ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON AND THERE IS A SERVICE PROMPT ON THE INFORMATION SCROLL LCD SCREEN. THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH LIGHTS UP BUT THE CRUISE DOES NOT ENGAGE WHEN THE SET BUTTON IS PRESSED AT ANY SPEED, IE, 30MPH, 50MPH, 55MPH ETC. THE RESEARCH I READ RECOMMENDS TO CONTACT YOU TO HELP GET THIS VEHICLE INCLUDED IN AN EXISTING RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUES IN OTHER GM VEHICLES WITH THE SAME EQUIPMENT. IN OTHER WORDS, THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT AS OTHER GM VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR REPAIR. DUE TO THE FACT THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT THAT WAS RECALLED IN OTHER GM VEHICLES I REQUEST THIS VEHICLE BE COVERED UNDER THE SAME RECALL AND ABLE TO BE REPAIRED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Aug 28, 2020138,000 milesNJ

POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING, SERVICE ESC CODE CAME ON. CAR HAS DONE THIS NUMEROUS TIMES OVER THE PAST YEAR, I HAVE REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN, THE POWER STEERING MOTOR, THE CAR RAN FINE FOR WEEKS AND TODAY WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE SERVICE ESC CODE CAME ON AND I LOST POWER STEERING

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 25, 2020126,926 milesOH

I READ AN ARTICLE TODAY FROM THE DETROIT FREE PRESS ABOUT NHTSA'S INVESTIGATION OF FUEL LEAKS IN OLDER CHEVROLET HHR'S, SO I WANTED TO SEND YOU AN EMAIL ABOUT MY HHR'S ISSUE. I TOOK MY 2008 HHR IN FOR A NORMAL OIL CHANGE AND THEY TOLD ME ABOUT A FUEL LINE LEAK TOWARDS THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WELL OF MY CAR. I ALSO HAVE A 'CHECK ENGINE LIGHT' THAT WONT GO AWAY, AND GET A MESSAGE RANDOMLY TO CHECK MY FUEL CAP. I'VE REPLACED MY FUEL CAP TWICE, AND THE GARAGE I TAKE MY CAR TWO SAYS THE ENGINE LIGHT IS TIED INTO THE LEAKY FUEL LINE. I HAVE NOT REPLACED THE LINE DUE TO THE QUOTED $1,000 FOR REPAIR, BUT HAVE ATTACHED THE PHOTO BELOW. I BELIEVE THIS IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO NHTSA'S INVESTIGATION, AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW TO MOVE FORWARD NEXT. I ALSO THINK THIS LEAK HAS AFFECTED MY LEFT REAR TIRE SENSOR SINCE IT IS NEAR THE ROOT OF THE LEAK AND WOULD STOP AFTER 15-30 MINUTES. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME TODAY.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 15, 2020187,000 milesIN

MY FUEL LINE HAS BECOME CORRODED AND IS LEAKING GAS FROM AROUND THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Aug 13, 2020178,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR PRESENT INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. FUEL WAS ALSO DISCOVERED LEAKING UNTO THE GROUND COMING FROM THE REAR WHEEL WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER ARBOGAST CHEVROLET LOCATED AT 3540 SOUTH COUNTY RD, TROY OH 45373, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL LINES WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FUEL LINES WERE REPLACED AND THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 31, 2020141,458 milesMD

I RECENTLY HEARD ON THE NEWS THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LINE LEAK PROBLEM REPORTED BY NHTSA, ON CHEVY COBALTS AND HHRS. I PRINTED A COPY OF THE NEWS REPORT, PROVIDED IT TO MY MECHANIC AND ASKED THE SHOP TO CHECK IT. THEY FOUND THE FUEL LINES READY TO CRUMBLE, WHICH THEY DID WHEN THE LINES WERE REMOVED. I WAS LUCKY THEY HAD NOT CRUMBLED--THE CAR COULD'VE CAUGHT FIRE. THE REPAIR WAS COSTLY AND LABOR INTENSIVE. THE BACK PART OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM HAD TO BE REMOVED AND REPLACE DUE TO THE AGE OF THE CAR AND THINNESS OF THE EXHAUST PIPE AT THE CONVERTER.. THE MECHANICS STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE CORRODED FUEL LINES WAS POOR DESIGN, USING STEEL PIPES AND THE PIPES SITUATED SUCH THAT WATER (AND ROAD DE-ICER) GETS TRAPPED ABOVE A SHIELD PROMOTING CORROSION. I LOOKED UP THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND MANY ENTRIES FOR HHRS WITH CORRODED FUEL LINES. I'M FORTUNATE THAT I HEARD THE NEWS ITEM OR MY CAR COULD'VE GONE UP IN FLAMES. I'M SURPRISED THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL--THERE SHOULD BE.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 13, 2020CA

FUEL SMELL COMING FROM LEFT REAR OF CAR

Steering
Filed Jul 12, 2020150,000 milesMI

I'VE HAD MY CAR RECALLED FOR IGNITION SWITCH, THEN ANOTHER RECALL FOR THE POWER STEERING MODULE AND NOW MY POWER STEERING COLUMN IS BAD. ALL THESE PARTS ARE IN THE SAME AREA AND I'VE HEARD MANY HHR OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR STEERING COLUMN, IS THERE GOING TO BE A RECALL ON THIS AS WELL? I HAVEN'T EVEN HAD THIS CAR ALL THAT LONG! ANYTIME I DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY IT FEELS SHAKY AND WHEN TURNING LEFT THE THE CAR JERKS TO THE LEFT. I'VE REPLACED EVERYTHING IN THE SUSPENSION. REPLACES SWAY BAR, BUSHINGS, BALL JOINTS, CONTROL ARMS, BRAKES, ROATERS, SPRINGS, STRUTS...FIXED IT ALL! I DO NOT FEEL SAVE ON THIS CAR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 10, 2020120,000 milesMI

THE FUEL LINE ON MY CAR WAS LEAKING NEAR THE LEFT REAR TIRE. A SERVICE GARAGE REPAIRED THE RUSTED OUT METAL LINE WITH A 2 FOOT LENGTH OF RUBBER HOSE.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 10, 2020130,000 milesMI

THE FUEL LINE ON MY VEHICLE DEVELOPED A LEAK AT THE LEFT REAR TIRE. I HAD TO BUY AND INSTALL AN AFTERMARKET FUEL LINE KIT. I FOUND THAT THE METAL FUEL LINE HAS RUSTED THROUGH. WHEN REMOVING THE OLD FUEL LINE THE PURGE LINE BROKE OPEN AT A RUSTY AREA. THESE TWO LINES AND A BRAKE LINE RUN THROUGH A TUBULAR KNITTED HEAT SHIELD IN THIS AREA. THE HEAT SHIELD HAD COLLECTED DIRT AND SALT AND WAS DAMP ON A DRY DAY WHEN I WAS WORKING ON THE LINE REPLACEMENT. POOR DESIGN.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 10, 202080,000 milesMI

FUEL LINE IS LEAKING UNDER THE CAR AT THE FRONT OF THE LEFT REAR TIRE. I BELIEVE THE PURGE LINE IS ALSO LEAKING AT THIS LOCATION. A CHECK-ENGINE LIGHT IS CURRENTLY ON FOR A PURGE SYSTEM LEAK.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 9, 202096,661 milesIL

I HAD DROVE VEHICLE ABOUT 6 BLOCKS TO GROCERY STORE. UPON EXITING CAR HAD A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE. DIDN'T NOTICE ANY THING LEAKING. WENT INTO STORE. WHEN RETURNING STILL SMELLED GASOLINE AND NOTICED A SMALL AMOUNT OF FUEL ON DRIVER SIDE UNDER REAR SEAT AREA. STARTED VEHICLE AND FUEL POURED ON GROUND AS IT IDLED. WHEN RUNNING, ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP PUTS LINE UNDER PRESSURE AND FUEL CAMP OUT LEAK. TOOK VEHICLE TO MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD BOTH FUEL AND VAPOR LINES WERE RUSTED THROUGH. HE SAID THAT THEY HAVE HAD TO FIX A LOT OF HHRS AND COBALTS. HE SAID THE DESIGN RETAINS WATER IN THE AREA UNDER REAR SEAT MAKING THE LINES RUST OUT AND CREATING AN UNSAFE SITUATION. REPAIRS TOTALED $565.39 THIS FAILURE WAS DESIGNED INTO THE VEHICLE BY THE ENGINEERS. FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NOT A FIRE AS THIS IS CLOSE TO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Jul 8, 2020125,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE GARAGE, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE FUEL ON THE GROUND UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL LEAKED FROM THE FUEL PUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 125,000. VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. ## VIN FAILED ## 2008 CHEVROLET HHR ##

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 8, 2020170,359 milesOH

BOTH FUEL LINES WERE RUSTED AND LEAKING BY DRIVER REAR WHEEL .DEALERSHIP REPLACED BOTH LINES CAR WAS DOWN FOR FOUR DAYS. VERY DANGEROUS CHEVY COULD HAVE DONE A BETTER JOB WITH THE LINES.NOT RUNNING THE FUEL LINES BESIDE THE EXHAUST! AND NOT HAVING A WRAP TO HOLD IN MOISTURE.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 7, 2020136,200 milesMI

STRONG SMELL AND PUDDLING WHEN PARKED INDICATING FUEL LINE LEAKAGE AT REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE AREA (JUST IN FRONT OF THE REAR TIRE). UPON REPLACEMENT THE FUEL LINE WAS DISCOVERED TO BE CORRODED.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Jul 7, 2020103,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE NEAR THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL FUEL LINE WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 25, 202088,000 milesIL

FUEL LINE HAS RUSTED AND STARTED LEAKING FUEL JUST IN FRONT OF DRIVERS REAR TIRE. NOTICED ONCE VECHILE WAS PARK. I SAW A PUDDLE AND SMELT THE AROMA OF FUEL.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 10, 2020MN

WHEN I FIRST START THE CAR THE BRAKES GET HARD AND GO HALFWAY TO THE FLOOR BUT ONCE IT WARMS UP IT WORKS PERFECTLY

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 7, 202093,117 milesPA

FUEL LINES HAVE RUSTED. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. CAR IS NOW PARKED SAFELY. PENDING REPAIR. INFERIOR MATERIALS FROM CHEVROLET ON THIS CAR. MANY ON CHEVY BLOG WITH THE SAME PROBLEM.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 29, 202090,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE THE VEHICLE EMITTED A FUEL ODOR. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THE FUEL LINES THAT ARE LOCATED AT THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL CORRODED DUE TO WATER INTRUSION WHICH PENETRATED THE FUEL LINE RUBBER MOUNT AND METAL COVER. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE HIMSELF. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE CORRODED FUEL LINES WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Steering
Filed Jan 6, 2020185,000 milesMN

ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FIRST STARTED TO FAIL ABOUT 12/20/19. IT WOULD NOT ALLOW ASSISTED STEERING UNTIL THE VEHICLE STARTED MOVING. IT WORKED LIKE THIS FOR A FEW DAYS AND THEN STARTED TO FAIL AT RANDOM WHILE DRIVING, THE WORST INCIDENT WHEN STARTING TO MAKE A TURN AT A BUSY INTERSECTION. I BARELY AVOIDED AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE IT TRIED TO STRAIGHTEN MY WHEELS WHILE I WAS IN THE TURN. SHORTLY AFTER IT FAILED COMPLETELY. IT NOW HAS NO POWER ASSIST. I WOULD HERE A CLICKING FROM UNDER THE DASH, AND WHEN THAT STOPPED, MY STEERING RETURNED. NOW IT CLICKS AND THERE IS NO FURTHER ASSIST. I SAW WHERE OTHER GM CARS WITH THIS SYSTEM WERE COVERED UNDER A RECALL, INCLUDING NEWER MODELS, BUT WHEN I CALLED THEM, THEY STATED THERE WERE NO OPEN RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE. THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN THIS STATE AND NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 18, 201960,000 milesOH

WHEN I TURNED OFF MY CAR RECENTLY, I COULD SMELL GASOLINE. I COULD ALSO SMELL IT WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONING WAS ON. I TOOK MY HHR TO SWEENYBUICK/GMC, AND THEY POINTED OUT THAT TWO FUEL LINES WERE RUSTED THROUGH AND I WAS DRIVING MY CAR UNDER DANGEROUS CIRCUMSTANCES...SOME OF THE GASOLINE WAS LEAKING CLOSE TO THE MUFFLER. MY SERVICE AGENT SAID A FIRE COULD HAVE EASILY STARTED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED MY FUEL LINES, AND THEN TOLD ME THAT HE HAS HAD TO REPLACE FUEL LINES IN OTHER CHEVY HHR'S AND CHEVY COLBALTS. AT NO TIME HAS GM EVER NOTIFIED ME THAT MY FUEL LINES CAN RUST THROUGH, AND THAT OTHER CARS HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE: HHR OR COBALT. HOWEVER, THIS DANGEROUS RUSTING HAS OCCURRED IN OTHERS. I WENT ONLINE AND FOUND OUT THAT OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED RUSTED FUEL LINES, AND SOME HAVE ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE LINES THEMSELVES. A RECALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN ISSUED. HOPEFULLY NO ONE WILL DIE IN A TRAGIC FIRE CAUSED BY GAS LEAKS. I COULD SMELL THE GASOLINE BOTH WHEN DRIVING (ESPECIALLY WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING ON, AND WHEN USING THE KEY TO TURN THE CAR OFF. HOWEVER, WHEN LOOKING UNDERNEATH THE CAR, I DID NOT DETECT GAS LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH, AND I BELIEVE THIS WAS A SLOW LEAK, BECAUSE MY GAS GAUGE DID NOT SHOW A DRAMATIC LOSS OF GAS. WHEN I CALLED CHEVROLET CUSTOMER SUPPORT THEY REPORTED IT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE BUT NO RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 12, 2019183,000 milesWV

THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AS WE WERE DEALING WITH A STARTER ISSUE. IT INDICATED ONLY ONCE ON THE DASH THAT THERE MIGHT BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE POWER STEERING. NOW IT'S COMPLETELY GONE. THE DASH DOESN'T SHOW ANY INFORMATION THAT THERE COULD BE AN ISSUE. IT'S VERY HARD TO TAKE TURNS. BOTH WIDE OR TIGHT. IT TAKES A LOT OF STRENGTH TO GET THE STEERING WHEEL TO MOVE. IF I DRIVE IT, MOVING FROM LANE TO LANE IS DIFFICULT. I NOW HAVE IT BACK IN THE SHOP FOR THE MECHANIC TO CHECK IT OUT AND RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Nov 26, 2019134,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH OVER BLACK ICE, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, DROVE OFF THE ROAD, AND CRASHED INTO THREE TREES. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD, NECK, BACK, AND RIB INJURIES. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED MULTIPLE UNKNOWN INJURIES. BOTH OCCUPANTS RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT LOT. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 19, 2019165,000 milesIN

THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING, NO NOISE NO WARNING, COULD NOT STEER, BRAKE, ROLL WINDOWS DOWN. THIS HAPPENED LAST YEAR. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP. SAID IT WAS MY ALTERNATOR AND CHARGE ME AN EXTREME HIGH CHARGE TO REPLACE. VERY SCAREDY WHEN HAPPENED, FOR AUTO TO CUT OFF LIKE THAT. LUCKILY I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 30MPR AN NOT ON AN INTERSTATE. BOUGHT 2ND HAND. HAVE NOT BEEN HAPPY WITH SINCE. WHEN BOUGHT DID NOT RECEIVE KEY FAN OF, AN THE DRIVERS DOOR, WILL LOCK ON ITS OWN, WHICH LEFT ME BAFFLED HOW TO GET INTO IT WITH NO OTHER KEY HOLES ON ANY OTHER DOORS OR ESPECIALLY THE BACKEND. I FEEL THIS IS VERY TROUBLESOME FOR ANYONE, AND A BAD DESIGN FEATURE. THE AIRBAG IS QUESTIONABLE, AND NOW THE WATER PUMP HAS WENT OUT, AND THEY SAY THE MANIFOLD HAS TO COME OFF TO GET TO AND WANT TO CHARGE 750.00 AT A CAR REPAIR TO FIX, BUT WILL CHECK FIRST TO SEE IF THAT'S FOR SURE WHERE LEAKING. THEN ONE TIRE HAS THE THING THAT TELLS IF MY AIRS OKAY IN THE TIRE ON MY DASHBOARD. IT STAYS ON CAUSE IT FELL OFF IN THE TIRE. THE WHOLE DARN THING IS A NIGHTMARE TO ME, THAT I'M STUCK WITH. FROM THE MOTOR AN EXPENSE IT IS TO HAVE WORKED ON TO THE POOR EXPENSIVE DESIGN THAT GOT ON THE MARKET. IT'S A NIGHTMARE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 15, 2019165,000 milesGA

I WERE DRIVING IT AND HE'S JUST STOP BULLYING AND I WILL PRESS ALL WAY DOWN THE GAS ALWAYS DOWN TO THE FLOW IN THE POOL AGAIN WITHOUT THE FIRST TIME I DID IT AND THAT'S WHAT HAPPENED

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 19, 201981,000 milesIL

MY 2008 HHR PANEL LS HAS A FUEL LEAK AND IT IS LOCATED ON THE DRIVER SIDE JUST IN FRONT OF THE REAR LEFT CAR. AFTER INVESTIGATION I BELIEVE IT IS RUSTED. I UNDERSTAND CHEVY PUT A SLEEVE AROUND THE FUEL LINE FOR WHATEVER REASON AND LIVING UP NORTH IT HAS TRAPPED WATER AND RUSTED. THE FUEL LINE IS NEAR THE EXHAUST AND I FEAR IT MIGHT IGNITE OR POSSIBLY TRAP MYSELF OR A DRIVE IN A FLAMING VEHICLE. CAN YOU TELL ME IF THIS PROBLEM IS ONGOING AND HAS BEEN RECALLED.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 12, 2019132,000 milesNJ

I PUT MY 2008 HHR IN THE SHOP FOR A BRAKE ISSUE AND MENTIONED TO MY MECHANIC THAT I SMELLED A FAINT SMELL OF GASOLINE TO CHECK IT OUT. HE CALLED LATER AND TOLD ME THE BRAKES WERE A MINOR ISSUE BUT THE GAS SMELL WAS THE MAJOR ISSUE. THE GAS LINE WAS RUSTED OUT IN MORE THAN ONE PLACE AND I WAS LEAKING GAS ALL THIS TIME. MY STORY ABOUT THE GAS LINE IS ALMOST WORD FOR WORD THE SAME AS A PRIOR COMPLAINT ON THIS SITE. THIS IS A HIGHLY DANGEROUS ISSUE AND APPARENTLY NOT AN ISOLATED ONE. $ 1000.00 IN REPAIR BUT MY SAFETY AS WELL AS MY FAMILY'S IS AT STAKE. MY MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THAT I NOT GET INTO THIS CAR UNTIL THIS REPAIR WAS MADE. IMAGINE MY SURPRISE WHEN I READ SOMEONE ELSE HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM ON THE SAME TYPE CAR.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 19, 201910 milesMO

THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM ISN'T PROPERLY FUNCTIONING EVERY TIME I HIT THE BRAKES HARD IT LOCKS THE TIRES UP AND THE CAR SLIDES.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jul 15, 2019126,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED SEVERAL TIMES. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ESC WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY FAILED TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SEVERAL INDEPENDENT MECHANICS AND PRESTON HOOD CHEVROLET (212 HOLLYWOOD BLVD NW, FORT WALTON BEACH, FL 32548, (850) 610-7278) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STARTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, ALONG WITH SEVERAL OTHER ISSUES. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED PERIODICALLY ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED EACH TIME, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 23, 2019123,300 milesTX

THE POWER STEERING IS SUDDENLY INOPERATIVE. NO POWER STEERING. IT JUST CAME ON THE WARNING LIGHTS ONE TIME, POWER STEERING, AND I CAN'T FIND A FIX. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY WHEN IT HAPPENED.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 4, 2019181,900 milesIL

FUEL LINES RUSTED AND LEAKING. LEAK LOCATED ON DRIVERS SIDE JUST BEFORE REAR TIRE. UPON EXAMINATION IT APPEARS THAT THE TWO FUEL LINES ARE WRAPPED WITH INSULATION OF SOME SORT DUE TO THE LINES PROXIMITY TO THE EXHAUST. THIS INSULATION HAS BEEN TRAPPING MOISTURE FOR YEARS CAUSING THE OXIDATION OF NON STAINLESS STEEL FUEL LINES. THIS DANGEROUS CONDITION WAS NOTICED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE LINES MUST BE REPLACED WHICH WILL COST APPROX 650 DOLLARS. THE MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT HE IS FAMILIAR WITH THIS COMMON SAFETY HAZARD ATTACHED TO THIS MODEL. I ALSO HAVE NOW READ OTHER COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM. I STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT THE NHTSA USE ITS CONSIDERABLE INFLUENCE WITH THE MANUFACTURER OF THIS VEHICLE TO ENACT A SAFETY RECALL FOR THIS HAZARD ON THIS MODEL AND ALL VEHICLES THAT MAY HAVE THIS DEFECT. THIS SAFETY VIOLATION HAS BEEN REPORTED TO YOUR ORGANIZATION, TO CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS AND TO GENERAL MOTORS' CHEVROLET DIVISION FOR YEARS AND THOSE NOTIFICATIONS HAVE ALL BEEN IGNORED. WILL IT TAKE MULTIPLE HORRENDOUS TRAGEDIES BEFORE SOMEBODY DOES THE RIGHT THING. DOES AN AMERICAN CAR COMPANY NEED ANOTHER FORD PINTO-LIKE (AKA "PINTORCH") NEGATIVE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN ON ITS HANDS?I I CANNOT FATHOM WHY A COMPANY THAT ISSUED A RECALL FOR A PLASTIC LATCH FOR A DASHBOARD DOOR AND HAS SCOFFED AT FOLKS FOR NOTIFYING THEM OF THIS VERY PREVENTABLE SAFETY HAZARD.

Power Train
Filed May 26, 201995,623 milesWA

WHILE DRIVING ON THE MAJOR ROADWAY IN 5:00 TRAFFIC AFTER WORK AND WHILE STOPPED TO GO FORWARD IN THE CAR WASH THE POWER STEERING LIGHT GAVE A WARNING THEN DIS ENGAGED AND STEERING WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE. I READ THE OWNERS MANUAL AND IT SAID TO TURN THE CAR BACK ON AND TURN THE WHEEL A COUPLE TIMES THEN THE STEERING WAS OK TO GET ME HOME I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT NOW ,IN CHECKING THE WEBSITE THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE. CAN YOU HELP ME PLEASE?!

Structure › Body
Filed May 13, 2019TN

MY STEERING FEELS THREATENING WITH LOUD SOUND UNDER DASH WHEN TURNING, AND CAR STEERING IS TOO LOOSE AT TIMES AND ALSO JUMPS ALITTLE WHILE TURNING.. IM LOOKING INTO WHAT AND HOW I CAN GET IT FIXED, IM TOLD IT IS PROBABLY INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT AND I UNDERSTAND MANY GM VEHICLES HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE. ALSO, MY 2 PASSENGER DOORS WONT OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE, THE LOCKS GO UP AND DOWN, BUT DOOR HANDLES ALSO DON'T ENGAGE ALL WAY UP WHEN TRY TO PULL THEM, MECHANIC TOLD ME , ITS THE ACTUATORS IN HANDLES BECAUSE MANY PEOPLE ALSO HAVE COMPLAINED ON THIS ISSUE AS WELL. SO I HAVE NO ACCESS TO BACK DOORS, I CANT AFFORD A NEW CAR. I AM A SENIOR ON FIXED INCOME. IS THERE ANY HELP FOR ME TO FIX MY CAR?

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 25, 201955,000 milesLA

AFTER THE RECALL ON THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE KEY FOB NO LONGER WORKED, I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE DRIVERS DOORS NOT LOCKING PROPERLY. SEVERAL TIMES I LOCKED IT AND WENT ON ONLY TO COME BACK AND NOT BE ABLE TO GET INTO CAR WITH THE KEY. IT TOOK AWHILE FOR ME TO FIGURE OUT THAT I HAVE TO WATCH THE LATCH WHEN I LOCK IT AND IF IT DOES NOT GO DOWN ALL THE WAY, I HAVE TO UNLOCK AND LOCK AGAIN AND PULL THE LATCH UP AND THEN LOCK THE DRIVER DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. ALWAYS PARKED AND OUT OF VEHICLE. THERE IS NOT JUST ONE DATE THIS HAPPENED. I HAVE HAD TO CALL FOR ASSISTANCE TO GET IN.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 16, 2019154,561 milesNC

FUEL LINE LEAKING, NEAR FUEL TANK UNDER HEAT SHIELD, BETWEEN EXHAUST PIPE AND BODY PART. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED.IT APPEARS THAT THE EXHAUST HAD REPEATEDLY SMASHED THE FUEL LINE, OVERTIME.

Steering
Filed Mar 27, 2019109,534 milesTN

I AM HAVING POWER STEERING PROBLEMS. I CAN BE DRIVING DOWN THE ROADWAY AT ANY SPEED BETWEEN 20-80MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WILL BE A MESSAGE UNDER THE SPEEDOMETER THAT SAYS 'POWER STEERING FAILURE' AND I WILL HAVE LOST ALL OF MY POWER STEERING CONTROL. I CAN PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY AND TURN MY ENGINE OFF AND THEN RESTART THE CAR AND THE POWER STEERING WILL WORK AGAIN. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR THE LAST 8 MONTHS TOO MY CAR.

Steering
Filed Feb 15, 2019NJ

STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT RESPOND IMMEDIATELY WHEN TURNING AT A SLOW SPEED. WITHIN THE PAST 8 MONTHS, THE EPS SIGNAL CAME ON WHILE DRIVING AND WENT OFF WITHIN A FEW MINUTES.

Steering
Filed Jan 4, 201983,120 milesWV

POWER STEERING WENT OUT

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Dec 31, 2018NJ

ALL FOUR LIGHTS ON THE 3RD BRAKE LIGHT ARE OUT AND THE CRUISE CONTROL IS NOT WORKING

Steering
Filed Dec 31, 2018144,000 milesFL

I WAS SITTING IN TRAFFIC TRYING TO MERGE AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT FLASHED ON THE DASH AND I LOST MY POWER STEERING. I GOT HOME AND SHUT THE CAR OFF FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS AND THE STEERING WAS FINE.I DROVE TO THE STORE AND AS I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE IT HAPPENED AGAIN,THE LIGHT ON THE DASH FLASHED AND I LOST MY POWER STEERING. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS BECAUSE MY DAUGHTER ALSO DRIVES MY VEHICLE AND I DO NOT WANT THIS TO OCCUR WITH HER.I AM QUESTIONING IF THIS WAS PART OF THE LIFE TIME WARRANTY RECALL AS I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTICES.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Dec 2, 201878,000 milesMS

POWER STEERING FAILURE WHILE MOVING DOWN ROAD

Air Bags
Filed Nov 7, 201890,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 2008 Chevrolet HHR → · Every HHR year → · How the figures are calculated →