This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Fuel line leaking in two places, in the rear and in the front. Completely rusted out. My car only has 60,800 miles on it. Type of car is a 2008 Chevy HHR lt 2.4. gas is leaking on the ground and a strong smell of gas is emitted from the car. This is very dangerous because the car could catch fire. I did not think this would happen to my car with so few miles on the car. I did not know there was a problem and drove the car 130 miles away from home to my dad's funeral. Then I had to drive it back because the tow would have been $700. The mechanic who inspected the car. Buddy lloyd's lakeview automotive at 4757 sang run road in mcenry, md 21541, said it would cost about $2,000 to fix because of the extent of the corrosion and the chaep materials used. In addition, the fuel lines are located underneath other major parts and would have to be taken off to get to the fuel lines. The mechanic said at any moment if I hit a bump that the gas could empty the tank and possibly catch fire!
2008 HHR Chevy LS 4D. Within 10 months of purchasing this car (October, 2017) the smell of gasoline became so strong I took it to the local mechanic. The fuel line had completely rusted out. I was told it could have caught fire! Cost of replacement was $420. A huge financial burden for a senior citizen. I have original bill for this amount and receipt of payment.
Purchased vehicle in Sep 2021. After 4 months of purchase, muffler became loose from exhaust after hitting a pothole on highway and, having a mechanical background, I repaired the exhaust by placing a solid stainless steel exhaust sleeve around the weak area and tac welding it. Within a month, I began to smell a rich fuel odor after every trip. I jacked up vehicle and found a fuel leak within insulated area just left of exhaust. I also located another small exhaust leak and repaired it as best as possible with an exhaust wrap, then took it to an exhaust repair shop. I was told fuel leak had to be repaired before exhaust repairs could be done. Mechanic said HHRs we're well known for fuel line corrosion due to poor design and eventually leaking. He said he has turned away many HHRs and Cobalts for this problem over the last 2-3 years.
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.
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.
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
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. 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.
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.
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.
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....
Metal fuel lines rusted thru under the left rear door area where they are wrapped in insulation with no ability tor drain or dry out. The car is unsafe to drive I need to have it fixed now. I will try to safe defective parts. Fuel leak under the car near exhaust and almost undrivable, safety factor is obvious and currently under investigation. Will be calling dealer today. Noticed delayed start and heavy gas smell and then saw puddle under car. Removed insulation wrap and found heavy deposit of road dirt and rust.
I just bought this car less than a week ago. When the car is sitting still or in park, and idling, there's a strong gas smell. Looks to be the return line leaking.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Saginaw, MI, USA