Owners have filed 689 complaints
about the 2009 Chevrolet HHR with NHTSA between 2009 and 2025.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 6 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 43
Against the median year of the Chevrolet HHR. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 51
9.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 33
19% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Ignition
1326.0%
Body
816.0%
Electric Power Assist System
714.0%
Door
714.0%
Switch
510.0%
Hoses, Lines/Piping, AND Fittings
48.0%
Side/Window
36.0%
Latch
36.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
112.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
193.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
305.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
12522.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
14726.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
9316.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
7613.8%
150,000+ miles
498.9%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2009peak 28Jul 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2009 Chevrolet HHR
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE20011Opened 5 Jul 2020Closed 17 Aug 2023FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel Line Leak
On July 5, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE20-011 to investigate instances of metal fuel lines under the vehicle corroding and leaking fuel in model year (MY) 2008 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and 2008 through 2009 Chevrolet HHR passenger cars manufactured by General Motors (GM). The metal fuel lines are corroding and leaking fuel in the area between the front and rear wheels on the driver's side of the vehicle before the muffler. Most consumers allege a fuel odor and/or an observable fuel leak that alerts them to the condition.The subject metal fuel lines have a pro...
Recalls on the 2009 Chevrolet HHR
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
14E021000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the affected ignition switches to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and disabling the air bags.
Risk: If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.
14V171000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
Risk: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
14V153000
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.
Risk: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
14V047000
AIR BAGS
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392
Risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
09V073000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 276,729 MY 2009 BUICK ENCLAVE, CHEVROLET COBALT, HHR, MALIBU, TRAVERSE, GMC ACADIA, PONTIAC G5, G6 AND SATURN AURA AND OUTLOOK PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLES SAFETY STANDARD 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT POSITION SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT", AND FMVSS 114, "THEFT PROTECTION AND ROLLAWAY PREVENTION". ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT CLIP MAY NOT BE FULLY ENGAGED. IF THE CLIP IS NOT FULLY ENGAGED, THE SHIFT LEVER AND THE ACTUAL POSITION OF THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT MATCH. WITH THIS CONDITION, THE DRIVE COULD MOVE THE SHIFTER TO "PARK" AND REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY, BUT THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT BE IN "PARK".
Risk: THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AWAY AFTER THE DRIVER HAS EXITED THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2014126367,972 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, a defect may allow the ignition key to be removed from the ignition switch when the key is not in the "Off" position. This could result in unintended vehicle movement if the transmission is not in the "park" position (automatic transmission) or not in the reverse gear with the parking brake engaged (manual transmission), and increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the ignition lock cylinder and/or ignition key.
Recall 2014104157,423 units in Canada
Steering
Certain vehicles equipped with electric power steering may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist that could occur at any time while driving. If the power steering assist is lost, a message is displayed on the Driver Information Centre and a chime sounds to inform the driver. Steering control can be maintained, as the vehicle will revert to a manual steering mode, but will require greater driver effort. The sudden change in steering may increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs as necessary. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 2010447 and 2012331. Vehicles having already been repaired under the previous campaigns do not require re-inspection.
Recall 2014101132,243 units in Canada
Other
A safety defect may exist in ignition switches sold as service replacement parts. The defect could allow the ignition switch to unintentionally move from the “run” position to the “accessory” or “off” position with a corresponding reduction or loss of power. This risk may be increased if the key ring is carrying added weight or the vehicle goes off road or experiences some other jarring event. The timing of the key movement out of the “run” position, relative to the activation of the sensing algorithm of the crash event, may result in the airbags not deploying, increasing the potential for occupant injury in certain kinds of crashes. General Motors Canada will notify owners of all vehicles not affected by recalls 2014038 (GM number 13454) and 2014060 (GM number 14063) that could potentially have had the affected ignition switches installed during service or repair work. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer for inspection and repair if required. Note: Until the inspection is performed, all items should be removed from the key ring.
Recall 201044786,345 units in Canada
Steering
Certain vehicles equipped with electric power steering may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist that could occur at any time while driving. If the power steering assist is lost, a message is displayed on the Driver Information Centre and a chime sounds to inform the driver. Typically, at the next ignition cycle, power assist is regained and the Driver Information Centre message will be off. Steering control can be maintained, as the vehicle will revert to a manual steering mode, but would require greater driver effort at low vehicle speeds, which could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Vehicles will receive a special extended warranty coverage of 10 years/240,000 km from first registration. Under this special coverage program, vehicles which experience this condition will have the electric power steering motor replaced.
Recall 200907631,458 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjustment clip may not be fully engaged. Should this occur, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. As such, the driver could move the shifter to PARK and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not actually be in the PARK position. This could allow the vehicle to roll away, possibly causing property damage and/or personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the shift cable.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 28,000 milesBerkley, MIFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11520617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 28,000 milesBerkley, MIFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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
NHTSA complaint #11515168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rocklin, CA1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11451762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,853 milesNEW Orleans, LAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11429903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,385 milesLockport, LAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11426855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesCutler BAY, FLFire1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
NHTSA complaint #11406550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 199,000 milesMedford, OR
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11673723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 199,000 milesMedford, OR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11673723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hamtramck, MI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel line is leaking near left rear wheel wheel
NHTSA complaint #11627299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,440 milesDeltona, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11622868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,440 milesDeltona, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11622868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,440 milesDeltona, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11622868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fargo, ND
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11621763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesOwensboro, KY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11620091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kingsburg, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
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
NHTSA complaint #11608559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrodsburg, KY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11558880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Racine, WI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Gas leaking from fuel line near rear driver’s side tire
NHTSA complaint #11541629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Belle Plaine, MN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Leaking fuel line near left rear wheel
NHTSA complaint #11530012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brighton, MI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11529905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 28,000 milesBerkley, MIFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11520617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oklahoma City, OK
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel line driver side rear tire leaking gas.
NHTSA complaint #11519615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 185,000 milesMinnetonka, MN
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11517820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warsaw, MO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11516374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 28,000 milesBerkley, MIFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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
NHTSA complaint #11515168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesArchdale, NC
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11509856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesKirkville, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11508726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Rusted fuel line is leaking and spraying fuel on ground and exhaust.
NHTSA complaint #11499712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Westland, MI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Heavily leaking fuel line. Read over 600,00 vehicles affected by this! Why the heck has there not been a recall?!!
NHTSA complaint #11495475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,800 milesDurand, IL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11484705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Farmland, IN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11481388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Canton, MI
STEERING
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!
NHTSA complaint #11474383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.