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.
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.
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.
- Warsaw, MO, USA
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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"?"
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.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Racine, WI, USA