2009 Chevrolet HHR Complaint Log

Fuel line is leaking near left rear wheel wheel

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that there was a fuel leak near the driver's side rear door. The contact stated that the TPMS, ESC, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact researched online and determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Action Number: PE20011 (FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The contact called the local dealer and was informed there were no recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 136,440.

last week we noticed gasoline showing up on the ground in front of the rear driver side tire. I looked underneath and found a pipe that seems to be corroded. I looked online and found that many people have the same problem, so I haven't had it checked at a dealership. The pipe continues to leak after you walk away and I'm afraid someone will discard a cigarette near the vehicle, or worse. We are generally home, and can be reached for inspection.

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light illuminated and occasionally flashed on and off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The contact had previously received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 199,000.

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, and while driving the vehicle, there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the contact noticed that the vehicle was experiencing excessive fuel consumption. The contact also noticed that fuel had leaked onto the ground. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that fuel was leaking from the driver's side rear wheel well, where the fuel tank was located. The contact related the failure NHTSA Action Number: PE20011(Fuel System, Other, Fuel/Propulsion System, Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

I was driving and I went to roll the sunroof down and it ejected itself and came off the whole glass and frame and broke in many pieces on the bridge if there would of been a car or person walking it would of hit them and caused a major accident its going to cosy over$2000.00 to get it replaced whicj I cant afford to do I feel like the manufacturer should replace the part it wasnt my fault

The gear shift gets stuck when it gets cold outside and does not won't to go in reverse or diver. It takes a little bit when the car has to set and warm up before it will work.

Gas leaking from fuel line near rear driver’s side tire

I was backing my car out of the garage and I noticed a line of liquid on the ground, indicating a leak. I immediately stopped the car, got out and took a look. I traced the leak back to the drivers side at the rear, just before the tire. I could see fuel dripping down from under the car. The exhaust pipe right near the dripping was also wet. I could smell gas and I confirmed that was what was dripping by smelling a drop after I let it fall on my finger. Definitely gasoline. After the dripping stopped, I pushed the car back into the garage. I used a QuickJack to raise the car to get a better look at the area where the leak was coming from. There was massive corrosion/rust of the metal lines in the area. The leak was easily found by just looking for where the lines were wet. Even though fuel was no longer dripping (the engine was off so there was no fuel pressure anymore), there was still wetness from the gas leaking through the rusted area. I will not drive the car again until the leak has been repaired. Considering the fact that the exhaust pipe had also gotten wet from the leak, the chance of a fire was VERY LIKELY. I consider myself very lucky to have found the leak when I did, rather than have a fire occur while driving. Even if I were to pull over and shut the engine off immediately, a significant amount of fuel would leak out and feed the fire as the fuel escapes under pressure. This certainly could cause the rest of the car to catch fire. This is clearly unsafe and dangerous. If the leak occurred after the car was put in the garage with the exhaust still hot, a fire could not only consume the vehicle but the garage and the house as well. That could cause injury or even death in a worst case scenario. This is clearly an unsafe design and a clear risk to both people and property. This absolutely should be the basis for a recall where the corroded lines are replaced free with new lines made of a more durable material such as stainless steel.

Leaking fuel line near left rear wheel

Fuel line driver side rear tire leaking gas.

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the power steering warning light, the ESC service, the ESC off, and the traction control warning lights illuminated, followed by the loss of power steering functionality. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the power steering assist motor and the power steering assist module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in a recall or TSB. The failure mileage was 185,000.

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the rear of the vehicle started burning. The contact was able to stop the fire and the contact noticed that the gasoline was leaking onto the ground under the vehicle. No one was injured and no police report was filed. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the fitting to the gasoline trunk was damaged causing the gasoline to leak. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 28,000

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact while driving at an undisclosed speed, noticed a strong fuel odor. The contact stated that upon parking and exiting the vehicle, there was fire underneath the rear driver's side, where the fuel tank was located. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher. There was no injury sustained. The contact then noticed a trail of fuel on the floor. The contact became aware that fuel had leaked while driving. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuel line was corroded and needed to be replaced due to a wrong design. The contact stated that the fuel line was designed over the muffler, which caused water intrusion and corrosion. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where the fuel line was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

Fuel line has rusted and is leaking gas under the left rear wheel, near the tail pipe. First noticed by smell while driving, then witnessed gas leaking upon exiting the vehicle at home. Have not had vehicle serviced as I will have to have it towed due to safety concerns. Please continue the investigation into this issue as it is potentially life threatening and the number of complaints are concerning. The vehicle is available for inspection.

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Service Air Bag message was displayed. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that she needed to pay out of pocket for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer to be serviced. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

Rusted fuel line is leaking and spraying fuel on ground and exhaust.

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated upon parking and exiting the vehicle, she smelled a strong gasoline odor on the driver's side of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel line needed to be replaced. However, the parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Action Number: PE20011. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,800.

Fuel Smell / Leak. Car developed a gas smell while driving and after getting out of the car a small amount of gas poured out in front of the passenger door on the drivers side. I was told my gas line has rusted through and will need to be replaced.

When driving my 2009 HHR the steering wheel shakes & vibrate at different intervals. Usually while slowing down to a stop & sometimes after during high speeds. Recently the noise it made was frightening. I had to use my emergency flashers & drive 50 mi per hr. on the freeway to arrive home safely. I took my car to Mark Chevrolet & reported it on 08/02/2021. The car's mileage was 133344. The car is not an everyday vehicle that is driven often. I received the car on 08/17/2021 after the steering column & shaft were replaced along with resurfacing front brake rotors & rear brake job. On August 18, 2021 while driving on the freeway I went to blow my horn at a hazardous situation & discovered none of the steering wheels controls were working, horn & etc. I immediately returned my car to Mark Chevrolet & reported their negligence & how they had risk my life to release the car without these functions working. They supposedly corrected the problem. On 07/05/2022 I had to return my car to Mark Chevrolet because I was experiencing the identical problem with my steering wheel vibrating & make noise. My cars mileage was only 137641 less than a year later with just 4,297 miles driven. They claimed to have tightened something up in the column & returned my car on 07/12/2022. As I was driving on 07/16/2022 again the steering wheel started vibrating & making strange loud noises. I felt so unsafe & tried to make it home safely driving at a reduced speed. I plan to return the car this week back to Mark Chevrolet and am asking for support to rectify this situation. I understand there was a recall on Chevrolet HHR 2009 Steering Electric Power Assist System. I don't know if this issue is related to that. I never received communication from General Motors stating that my vehicle was affected but apparently there is a problem. Please Help!

Leaking fuel lines in front of drivers side rear tire. Fuel lines appear to be rusted. Fuel lines are routed very near exaust pipe.

On February 10, 2022 I was riding in the front passenger seat of this vehicle with the front passenger window partially down. I had my fingers of my right hand partially out of the window holding the top of the door frame. The driver hit the remote switch for auto close of the power window. As I felt intense pain in my right hand I quickly withdrew my hand and noted spurting blood, mutilated pinky finger and intense pain. The driver's view of my hand may have been obstructed by my body. My fingertip was still stuck between the top of the window and door frame. I went directly to the nearest Emergency Room and was diagnosed with a traumatic amputation of the right hand (dominant) fifth finger with complete loss of the nail. Three hand x-rays show open, partially displaced fracture of the distal phalange. Due to severe mutilation of the fingertip it could not be reattached to the remaining portion of my finger. This vehicle must not have been in compliance with the FMVSS No. 118 that required anti-pinch windows in vehicles from 2008 forward. Owner's manual has no statement that it has this safety feature.

I turned on my rear window defrost in about 55 degree weather and 45 minutes later my rear window shattered

Started smelling gas when getting out of car. Smell comes from the rear, on the driver side. Upon inspection, this is caused by fuel line corrosion.

Something with steering and ESC problem unknown for now. The fuel line leaked and needed replacement. The drivers wiper is in visibility

Fuel line corroded and ruptured at the fuel line heat shield area along the car by the drivers side just in front of the back wheel. It was leaking profusely, especially when under pressure as when the engine is on. Went through a half tank of gas in 24 hours. Strong smell and huge, huge fire danger. I found many such reports of the exact same issue from many other HHR owners. Took to Belle Tire in Petoskey Michigan for repair and they told me it's a very common problem with Cobalts and HHR's from the mid to late 2000's. Parts were only inspected by the repair garage. There were no warning lights. Found out by smell and sight and reduced engine performance.

Gas/Fuel line leaking at LR door area, not noticed until gas smell. Poor design, wrapping fuel line in insulation near exhaust collects salt and water causing lines to rust, dripping raw gas. A safety hazard, a spark or cigarette butt could have caused a major fire, not only to the vehicle but surrounding vehicles and or property. A Chevrolet HHR is the same platform as a Chevrolet Cobalt and a Saturn Ion, all have the same safety-related issue. I contacted a local Chevrolet dealer they were unable to repair for 4 days, and would not cover needed repairs under a recall or warranty. Imagine leaking gas puddle under the vehicle in a parking lot with children and people walking nearby, fireworks! A recall is desperately needed ASAP!

Kept smelling gasoline...took it to a shop...gas lines rusted throughout the whole car but worst of it was at the muffler. It cost $716 to have all lines replaced. Is there a possibility of at least getting half my bill reimbursed? Hard hit to take when you live from Social Security check to Social Security check.

I have a 2009 Chevy HHR with only 62k miles. Recently while driving out of town there was a strong gas odor in the car all the way home. We had also parked the car in a relatives attached garage leaving a gas odor. When parked at home a puddle of gasoline formed under the car. The fuel leak was from corroded fuel lines on the driver side in front of the rear tire. Upon inspection both supply and return fuel lines were corroded in an approximate 5 foot span. This fuel leak put us at risk of fire and also the entire garage/house where the car was parked. I contacted General Motors about the problem and was told to take it to a dealer for service. I asked General Motors for assistance in the cost and they said it would require a diagnostic by the dealership. I contacted the dealership and was told I would get no assistance per General Motors PET equation.

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact noticed that there was a leak coming from the rear driver’s side of the vehicle. Additionally, there was a fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was a rusted fuel line. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,900.

Fuel line corrosion causing leaking of gas that puddles on the ground below. The vehicle is unsafe to drive, or even leave parked in a driveway due to a gas leak!! The smell of gas is very strong due to an active leak under the driverside rear door, no warnings, just smell, visual of drips, and fuel pooled under the car. The car was parked. There is an open investigation started in 2020...how long will it take to recall these manufacturers' defect???

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that after parking, a popping noise was present coming from inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact discovered flames coming from the interior roof dome lights. The contact used water to extinguish the flames. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 145,853.

The contact owned a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that a loud popping sound was heard after exiting the vehicle. The contact turned around and saw fire coming from inside the roof of the vehicle. The fire was coming from the rear interior roof light. The contact was able to put out the fire with water. No police report was filed. There was no injury sustained. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was 145,385. The VIN was unavailable.

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, he noticed fuel leaking from the rear driver's side of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnosis or repairs. A Chevrolet dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The contact stated that he was able to look under the vehicle and found that the fuel line was corroded. The contact was relating the failure to an unknown recall for a fuel line that was issued for similar Chevrolet HHR vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000.

FUEL LINES RUSTED OUT CAR HAS 33000 MILES ON IT

I OWN A 2009 CHEVROLET HHR. WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE, A FUEL ODOR WAS DETECTED. I SAW GAS LEAKING FROM NEAR THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE ONTO THE DRIVEWAY. FUEL LINE HAS RUSTED THROUGH NEAR THE HOT MUFFLER. VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION.

My key gets stuck in my ignition and will not pull out happens when I'm in park and it's been a persistent ongoing problem I how to do the key release the button every time to have my keys released the back hatch of my HR is locked and it will not open it from the outside Norwood open from the inside this is also been ongoing issue I had my brake line and abs and line and inspect them in your place and my abs traction and tire pressure light remain on even after being serviced I took it to a dealership dealership and the dealership refuse to do the recall on it and want to charge me to have the whole modules replaced but it's my knowledge has a recall going on with the traction and abs I bought the car used about 4 months ago. Before my back Hats about of my HHR locked up for good where I used to lock the door the back latched did not lock you and you will still be able to open the bat match even if the doors are locked so either I'm facing it being locked completely and I can't get into it or on a good day is unlocked for me but will not remain lock when I lock the doors

Fuel lines corroded

fuel line actively leaking under the driverside passenger area.

My 2009 Chevy HHR began leaking fuel. In April 2020 I had the fuel line repaired. I was told that this is a very common problem with the HHRs because of where the fuel line is located. I just paid $1049 to have the fuel line replaced. I understand that the NHTSA is investigating this issue. I would like to add my complaint to your list of frustrated HHR customers.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHE STARTED THE VEHICLE, A FUEL ODOR WAS DETECTED. THE CONTACT LATER SAW GAS LEAKING FROM NEAR THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE ONTO HER DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

PUDDLE OF FUEL NEAR REAR LEFT WHEEL WELL NOTICED WHEN PARKED. SMELLS OF FUEL. RESIDUE CAN BE SEEN ON AND AROUND POLYMER BLOCK WHERE FUEL LINES MEET.

STARTED SMELLING SMOKE AND THE WHOLE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WITH THE BEING STUCK ON IGNITION. COULDN'T OPEN THE DOORS AND SMOKE WAS BILLOWING OUT AND FIRE START COMING OUT OF LOWER MIDDLE CONSOLE. LUCKILY WAS ABLE TO OPEN DOOR AND EXIT VEHICLE. FIRE THEN ERUPTED AND QUICKLY TRAVELED STRAIGHT DOWN THE CENTER CONSOLE TO THE REAR OF THE CAR. WITHIN MINUTES THE CAR WAS TOTALLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND WAS COMPLETELY BURNED TO NOTHING. SUFFERED SEVERAL BURNS AND SMOKE INHALATION AND THE CAR AND EVERY THING IN IT WAS DESTROYED

MY STEERING WHEEL BEGINS TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE, ONSET ABOUT 10 MINUTES INTO DRIVING, SPEEDING UP OR BRAKING HAS NO EFFECT ON THE FREQUENCY OR LEVEL OF SHAKE. MY STEERING WHEEL WILL BE NORMAL, ABOUT 10 MINUTES INTO THE DRIVE, GOING THE SAME SPEED WILL BEGIN TO SHAKE. I CAN STOP AND PARK THE CAR, RESTART IT, WILL NOT SHAKE UNTIL I AM DRIVING AGAIN ABOUT 10 MINUTES INTO THE DRIVE. WHILE SHAKING, IT BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL EVEN TO GET INTO THE NEXT LANE. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE CITY DRIVING, I AM TOO AFRAID TO TAKE IT ON THE HIGHWAY OR GO OVER 40 MPH AS I FEEL LIKE I HAVE NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES.

I NOTICED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL COMING FROM UNDER MY CAR (A 2009 HHR LT2). AFTER BEING DRIVEN I NOTICED FUEL LEAKING OUT FROM UNDER THE CAR IN FRONT OF THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WELL. MY HUSBAND GOT UNDER THERE AND NOTICE THAT THE TWO FUEL LINES ARE RUSTED THROUGH BY THE PLASTIC CLAMP. I NOTIFIED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR AND I AM TAKING IT IN TODAY TO BE FIXED.

I was driving about 30 miles an hour in town when the check engine light started to Flash then immediately following all the dashlight started to Flash and then not a second later the car shut off the steering will locked the brakes locked up And all the doors were locked So at 30 miles an hour the brakes locked up the steering wheel locked so I couldn't turn the wheel and the car shut off There were no injuries thank God

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH at night, the low-beam headlights became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local mechanic which replaced the headlight bulbs; however, the failure recurred several times. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 172,087

MY CAR'S POWER STEERING HAS DANGEROUSLY DISAPPEARED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE POWER STEERING CAME ON ON THE DASHBOARD AND I HAD TO STIR THE CAR WITH SO MUCH FORCE TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY. I HAD MY 10-YEAR-OLD SON WITH ME ON HIS WAY TO SCHOOL. NO ONE KNOWS WHY THIS HAPPENED AND I CAN'T DRIVE IT WITH A 10-YEAR-OLD BOY WHO I HAVE TO GET TO SCHOOL AND MYSELF AND MY WIFE TO WORK. MECHANIC AFTER MECHANIC NO ONE CAN TELL WHY THE POWER STEERING WONT WORK. PLEASE HELP!

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle would not immediately start. The contact later noticed a fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact discovered a fuel leak coming from the rear driver’s side of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BEFORE THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE THEN STARTED TO STALL. AFTER TURNING OFF AND RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER WADE CHEVROLET LOCATED AT 1670 HILTON DR, ST. GEORGE, UT 84770 WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000.