The paint on the trim in front of my rear wheels looks like it has been sand blasted. GM says it is a design problem and they will repaint the damaged area of my car but they want me to pay for the corrective action. This problem exsist on the 2006 & 2007 HHR. The corrective action is to install running boards at a cost of $490 dollars. Had GM told me of this problem I would have bought one with running boards. I think GM should pay for the corrective action. If you have this problem please contact me. I have found 6 cars in my area with this problem.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o132/pats50fan/smilies/welcome4.gif to the site!!! Many here have had this problem. I had mine installed within the first month of ownership. Let us know how you come out with GM/Chevy and your problem. Here is just one of the many threads related to this problem: Sandblasted Rear Fenders (http://chevyhhr.net/forums/showthread.php?t=7467&highlight=sandblasting)

I have sent a letter to the BBB and have contacted an attorney

Here is another thread: Paint Chip Problem (http://chevyhhr.net/forums/showthread.php?t=817&page=27&highlight=Business+Bureau). Someone in this thread was successful with the BBB. Starts around post 223.

:smile: I find it strange that Chevy has been aware of this problem for well over a year, (I would imagine? :roll: ), but they keep putting out some HHRs without running boards! You would think they would see that the best way to eliminate the problem would have been to put running boards on "ALL" HHRs a long time ago.:confused: And not add $490.00 on to the price of the car either, but something more in line with what they're actually worth. Maybe $200/250.00 :thumb: It all smells slightly like a scam! :2cents:

And it looks like the running boards will be standard on the 2LT next year but not for the others...that makes a hell of a lot of sense :roll:


Goose

:smile: I find it strange that Chevy has been aware of this problem for well over a year, (I would imagine? :roll: ), but they keep putting out some HHRs without running boards! You would think they would see that the best way to eliminate the problem would have been to put running boards on "ALL" HHRs a long time ago.:confused: And not add $490.00 on to the price of the car either, but something more in line with what they're actually worth. Maybe $200/250.00 :thumb: It all smells slightly like a scam! :2cents:
The way GM talked to me I was the first customer to complain about this.

The way GM talked to me I was the first customer to complain about this.

:laughabov :rof: :rof: :laughabov

The way GM talked to me I was the first customer to complain about this.
Have you been talking to GM or the dealer?

I don't have running boards... damn now I gotta go look at my paint.
My leak seems to be fixed however?!!!!

Just ordered a 2007 last week. We were told by the dealership and GM Canada that running boards are now standard. They better be or we won't be happy! We asked several times before ordering as we had read all of the paint problems. If there was even a slight chance that they weren't a standard feature at this point, I would have paid in advance for them. I'll let you know when it arrives in a couple of months.

yes I have talked to both

If you don't have a problem you will

I delt with both the dealer and GM and we agreed upon me paying the labor and they pay for the running boards so it cost me still like 170.00 but worth it. They told me 1st all they would do is paint it and i told them OK but i will be back in as soon as i get a nick on either side lol. Little side note here. GM and the Dealership are very familiar with me since my 2004 Colorado that i bought pre-owned. Long story short i found out that a few weeks after owning it from my buddy who owns a body shop says hey when did u get in an accident. i said NEVER. he pointed out the a piller with all the scratches from the bondo not being snded well then we noticed overspray on the door handle and new window on the pas side. well i took it right back and started yelling at the general manager and told them if it wasnt fixed it was going to be put in his show room window. ok they repainted it and cost them $2000.00 so they knew to push for the running boards for me. sorry this was so long BUT DO NOT let them charge you for the full price of install and boards.

Just ordered a 2007 last week. We were told by the dealership and GM Canada that running boards are now standard. They better be or we won't be happy! We asked several times before ordering as we had read all of the paint problems. If there was even a slight chance that they weren't a standard feature at this point, I would have paid in advance for them. I'll let you know when it arrives in a couple of months.
Running boards are standard equipment for 2007 HHRs in Canada.

http://www.gmcanada.com/gm/english/vehicles/chevrolet/hhr/options#Exterior

Do the people who have the paint problems have the splash guards? Do you drive on unpaved roads a lot?

It will still sand blast the paint just not as bad, No you don't have to drive on unpaved roads to have it.

Black Rose - thanks for the confirmation on the running boards.

I hope for everyone else's sake, GM does a recall on the ones without the running boards and at least offers this option.

Here is another thread: Paint Chip Problem (http://chevyhhr.net/forums/showthread.php?t=817&page=27&highlight=Business+Bureau). Someone in this thread was successful with the BBB. Starts around post 223.

I just read the last few pages of that.....:lol: Geeze that was intense. Maybe I should file with the BBB and get a refund for my boards since they should have been included for free. :nuts: Even if they wer already on it when I bought it......:lol:

Where does this leave owners of recently (like a couple weeks ago) owners in the States of 2007 (1LT) HHRs? Mine did not come with running boards...

Guess I need to go check the paint.... What am I looking for or hoping that I do not see/find?

Feel the area directly in front of the rear tires. Is it pitted/looks sandblasted? As far as what you can do. Complain and hope you have a good dealer.

Where does this leave owners of recently (like a couple weeks ago) owners in the States of 2007 (1LT) HHRs? Mine did not come with running boards...
Pretty much up "The" creek without a paddle.:(


Guess I need to go check the paint.... What am I looking for or hoping that I do not see/find?

Pitting and chipping in front of the rear tires.

Here is a picture of mine that I took yesterday RIGHT AFTER I scrubbed them clean. And after I cleaned the rest of Tinkerbell...she is sooo cute clean!

I just noticed if you look close you can see glowing water spots...tee hee! But it feels like sandpaper when you run your hand over it. Pretty sick looking.

Looks just like mine pretty bad.

I wanted to add that about a month ago the fenders were polished up pretty good too where only the deep chips were showing. So, this is a month of driving on roads (not gravel). It was worse before the polish and worse than they are now from the snowy/sanded roads in December.

I'm having the same problem with 2006 HHR the dealler has repainted it once and now I have a meeting with the service manager about it happening again 45 days after the new paint job. I wish I would have known about this before buying because I would have waited this is really tickin me off. And my dealler says I'm the only one with this complaint general motors needs to put out a recall on this and do the right thing.
Talk with dealer today they will repaint 1 more time if i want running boards I'll pay $600 so I called BBB and then Chevy and THAT WAS A MISTAKE call Chevy First then BBB if our not satisfied Chevy found out I talked to the BBB and treated me like a piece of dog s**t and was very disrespectfull. Call 1-866-790-5600 ext 11601 to fill a claim with Lori she might treat u better than me. But call Chevy first not BBB. Mistake to call BBB maybe, I was under the impression Chevy would take care of me but not now because I got a complaint filed with BBB and now I wont be able to talk to Chevy about this problem. What a day this took 5 hrs to complete and I'll propably end up paying for the boards myself any way instead of waiting for the BBB

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o132/pats50fan/smilies/welcome4.gif to the site!!! Sorry you are suffering from the sandblast nightmare.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e64/7amamy/t32361919_4500_4.gif Good luck with your meeting.

I had to go to the dealer yesterday for a brake problem and inquired about the sandblasting problem and if I could get a set of running boards installed. I was told by the service rep that he had not heard of the problem and sent me in to talk with the aftermarket guy.

I was told that GM is discontinuing the running boards but I still might be able to get a pair, have them painted (they don’t have any teal colored ones only primed) and installed for about $1000.

I did a little research and found them at GM parts direct for $400 and can have them painted to match and installed at a shop here in town for $350.

I might just chose option two and save a few hundred bucks.

Anyone else know of any other options?

In the mean time I an going to apply Turlte wax to the rear fender area every few weeks to see if it will protect the paint a little

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/x_BoNeZ_3/welcome.gif

Sure the dealer hasn't heard that before!!:lol: What a crock!!:roll:

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o132/pats50fan/smilies/welcome4.gif to the site luvrjc!!!

If I was you I would start talking to GM

I have the same problem with my HHR. Took it to my dealer and they say they will paint it only once, but that it needs to have running boards, at my cost. I have found where in Canada GM is repainting and installing running boards for free. I even took it to my dealer and gave them copies. They are contacting GM about it. I said I would give the dealership until today, then I will be talking directly with GM

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f334/tcvonfeldt/Welcome-03-june.gif

GM Canada now only offers the HHR with running boards as standard equipment.

Have any of the northern stateside members tried to have their running board issues fixed by a Canadian dealer?

Today I went to the dealler and he is willing to repaint the area one more time but no more,need to pruchase the extended warranty to cover this.Also wants me to pay for running boards $600 so if I want this problem to go away it will cost me 3 car payments in 1 month. Also contacted the BBB and then Chevy after Chevy found out i hade contacted the BBB they called back and refuse to work with me and treated me very disrespectfull the hole time I thought Chevy was going to take care of me but probably not just leading me on similar to this website???? Also Chevy says is not affiliated and does not care about this web site. And say most of the stories on this site are not trueI just don't know about people anymore why would people post bugus information about what is going on with their HHR.???????????

Today I went to the dealler and he is willing to repaint the area one more time but no more,need to pruchase the extended warranty to cover this.Also wants me to pay for running boards $600 so if I want this problem to go away it will cost me 3 car payments in 1 month. Also contacted the BBB and then Chevy after Chevy found out i hade contacted the BBB they called back and refuse to work with me and treated me very disrespectfull the hole time I thought Chevy was going to take care of me but probably not just leading me on similar to this website???? Also Chevy says is not affiliated and does not care about this web site. And say most of the stories on this site are not trueI just don't know about people anymore why would people post bugus information about what is going on with their HHR.???????????
I have talked to the BBB and GM is still working with me to correct the problem. Who are you talking to at GM. This problem is the same on all of the HHR with out running boards and we are all dealing with the same problems. Hope you get yours resolved.

I am having the same problem. GM says they will paint, but I have to pay for the running boards. I think they should pay. As you said if I had wanted running boards I would have purchased them.

I had splash guard put on my HHR right after purchase. They have not helped with the chipping paint. I drive on highways

I am having the same problem. GM says they will paint, but I have to pay for the running boards. I think they should pay. As you said if I had wanted running boards I would have purchased them.
I'm not trying to be harsh but if you didn't want running boards then you passed on what might have avoided your problem.

People keep calling this a design issue but look at cars from the 40's with similar fender setups........many of them have the same type of pads on the rear fenders as are on the HHRs w/o running boards. Its not a design problem, its just what happens with the design and apparently it always has.

I'm lucky, I liked the look of the running boards. You didn't. You made the decision to not get them, GM didn't make it for you. I could understand if they didn't offer the boards, but they do.

Just out of curiosity, did you bother to ask what those pads were for on the rear fender when you were looking at your car before you bought it?

I think the pads should`ve been made of black rubber, and not color coded, then the paint chipping question of the pad wouldn`t exist and people who didn`t like "the look" would opt for boards.
I`m reading these posts and shaking my head in amazement. Some people actually think this is a Chevy/GM site, and the anything they read has merit. (amazing)
Suggestions like, maybe you could go to Canada and get them "Free", should be a clue...
PS. Boards do stop some debris, but they`re not a magic wand, see pic.
PS2. If our money wasn`t being spent in other parts of the world, they could maintain our roads/highways and we wouldn`t have to discuss this kind of thing.
Write/call your congressperson instead of the BBB/GM...

PS2. If our money wasn`t being spent in other parts of the world, they could maintain our roads/highways and we wouldn`t have to discuss this kind of thing.

:bow: :thumb:

PS2. If our money wasn`t being spent in other parts of the world, they could maintain our roads/highways and we wouldn`t have to discuss this kind of thing.
Write/call your congressperson instead of the BBB/GM...

:lol: You think that would make a position for someone to remove all rocks from the road, everyday? Allday? :lol:

Yea, make that call......:nuts:

Call Chevy out on this problem I did and got them to pay one payment on my HHR or about half the cost of running boards.

And are you satisfied with that settlement???

have to be satisfied the bbb would not help me so i guess i have to be for now.

Call Chevy out on this problem I did and got them to pay one payment on my HHR or about half the cost of running boards.

:smile: I'd go for that deal myself:thumb: It'd probably be the only way I'd get the boards on our HHR! :roll:

Today I went to the dealler and he is willing to repaint the area one more time but no more,need to pruchase the extended warranty to cover this.Also wants me to pay for running boards $600 so if I want this problem to go away it will cost me 3 car payments in 1 month. Also contacted the BBB and then Chevy after Chevy found out i hade contacted the BBB they called back and refuse to work with me and treated me very disrespectfull the hole time I thought Chevy was going to take care of me but probably not just leading me on similar to this website???? Also Chevy says is not affiliated and does not care about this web site. And say most of the stories on this site are not trueI just don't know about people anymore why would people post bugus information about what is going on with their HHR.???????????

Call Chevy out on this problem I did and got them to pay one payment on my HHR or about half the cost of running boards.

:smile: I'd go for that deal myself:thumb: It'd probably be the only way I'd get the boards on our HHR! :roll:
Not me!

I'd rather have them stand by the TSB. $300 isn't going to paint the car when it happens again, and it WILL happen again w/o the boards. Sure, I'd have the $300 in-pocket, but down the road I'd pay out a LOT more.

Sounds like they should have gone to another dealer. Most are charging around $425 for the boards installed. That $425 will be much cheaper than a repaint over and over.

:lol: You think that would make a position for someone to remove all rocks from the road, everyday? Allday? :lol:

Yea, make that call......:nuts:
Maybe it`s the roadway, which gives off a fine grit, that is the design flaw.
Maybe our congressmen/women could see if our tax dollars are being spent wisely, and maybe our takehome money wouldn`t have to be spent on repairs caused by the potholes and debris that seem to grow on our streets and highways.

I only have a little over 500 miles on my HHR but after reading this post, I emailed my stealership about it. It being a holiday weekend, I dont expect to hear anything real soon. I did ask if they would be willing to add the floorboards like our northern Canucks. I dont look for a positive response but we'll see. I did ask about getting the boards AND splash guards installed to avoid any future trips to their body shop for repainting. I want to nip it in the bud before anything happens. I'll inform the group as to how it goes.

I already had running boards when I bought mine. I wish I could've milked GM like you guys did.

Hmm... wish I would have known about this pre-purchase. Would have used it as leverage in the deal negotiations.

Heck. So I have to buy boards to prevent my paint from getting slowing grit-blasted off? That is annoying.

Hmm... wish I would have known about this pre-purchase. Would have used it as leverage in the deal negotiations.

Heck. So I have to buy boards to prevent my paint from getting slowing grit-blasted off? That is annoying.

Agreed. I had mine added within the 1st month of ownership.

Like I posted before you can get board kits [unpainted] for $398.48+ $35.00 shipping.[They just went up] If P&G can sell them at this price then dealer cost is lower. If they will sell you the boards at cost & paint them [like they are willing to repaint the rear sandblasted spots] that they said they would paint, you can install them yourself. Look in the HOW TO and there is step by step that some of our woman members did. A great job at that!!!
It seams like a easer thing to do then just going round & round with dealer,GM,BBB ect.

The earliest thread on this starts Feb 9, 2006. Yep its been going on a while.

I used to have a '95 Corvette. I remember there was a product I saw once that was some kind of clear transparent high gloss protective plastic coating that could be applied to the front fascia of the Vettes to protect against rock chips etc. I wonder if this would work. I can't remember if it was a spray on or what.

I used to have a '95 Corvette. I remember there was a product I saw once that was some kind of clear transparent high gloss protective plastic coating that could be applied to the front fascia of the Vettes to protect against rock chips etc. I wonder if this would work. I can't remember if it was a spray on or what.

It's the 3M ClearBra material. It's available and it works, but most people here would rather have GM provide free running boards rather than pony up for a couple of pieces of the stuff.

I'd prefer free boards as well, but I don't see Chevrolet USA doing anything like that, especially as a preventative measure before the (apparently inevitable) paint damage occurs.

I found prepainted boards on gmpartsdirect.com for $433.65 and plan to take that figure to Chuck Hutton (midsouth's largest GM parts warehouse) to see if they'll match the pricing. I'd install them myself or pay chevy if they'd do it reasonably.

I found prepainted boards on gmpartsdirect.com for $433.65 and plan to take that figure to Chuck Hutton (midsouth's largest GM parts warehouse) to see if they'll match the pricing. I'd install them myself or pay chevy if they'd do it reasonably.

Remember you are paying the dealer to install not Chevy or GM. The dealers are not the same company as the manufacturer.;)

I found prepainted boards on gmpartsdirect.com for $433.65 and plan to take that figure to Chuck Hutton (midsouth's largest GM parts warehouse) to see if they'll match the pricing. I'd install them myself or pay chevy if they'd do it reasonably.
There is a note on most of those at gmpartsdirect.com indicating that they are discontinued and to call first. Hutton may hit you with "we'll only match that price if they are in stock". If they call your "bluff" and they don't have them in stock at gmpartsdirect.com, you've lost your negotiation edge.
Also take shipping into account, the boards are large and bulky. gmpartscheap.com wanted $200 to ship boards to me.

Install them yourself...the install is relatively straightforward, just time consuming (time consuming = pricey at dealership).

Seeing as I have an 07 Sport Red, I'm hoping the part number is still good and not discontinued already. Chuck Hutton Chevrolet is very close to where I work and is the major GM parts hub for the midsouth. They may be in stock, who knows. I'm going to call them tomorrow and check. If they have to order them, I can go by and pick them up after I get off work. I dont see freight as a factor since they are always doing stock orders for GM parts.

I thought the MFG. had to keep a supply of replacement parts for (X) number of years, so that repairs can be made on existing veh. already on the road.
If the boards have been discontinued, how would replacement pieces be available in an accident repair situation?
I believe my warranty calls for NEW replacement parts...

I thought the MFG. had to keep a supply of replacement parts for (X) number of years, so that repairs can be made on existing veh. already on the road.
If the boards have been discontinued, how would replacement pieces be available in an accident repair situation?
I believe my warranty calls for NEW replacement parts...
Painted running boards are being discontinued.

Primered running boards will be the new replacement.

Ok, that`s different, I thought the unavailablity was for boards in general.
But if that`s the case, what`s the problem, get the primered boards, have a paint shop/dealer paint them, install, and go on with life...
Unless you`re looking for a hand out...

Ok, that`s different, I thought the unavailablity was for boards in general.
But if that`s the case, what`s the problem, get the primered boards, have a paint shop/dealer paint them, install, and go on with life...
Unless you`re looking for a hand out...
The only issue I personally have with them is that they charge the same amount for the primered boards that they charged for the painted ones.

It would be a good opportunity for the paint shop at the local vocational school/community college.

Maybe the painted boards were overstock.
I know it`s hard to believe, but a lot of people bought a HHR, and didn`t want the boards option.
I know, hard to believe.
The boards and fenders make the Ride what it is.
Go figure...

Ok, for general information, the prepainted boards are history and all discontinued. All you can get are the primered IF you can find a set in stock anywhere. I lucked up and found a set in east TN and have them on the way to me. Total price was a little over $400 including tax and shipping. They are on national backorder from the manufacturer but GM can point you to certain dealers that might have a set in stock if you are in a hurry. All I'll have to do now is have them painted upon arrival and I can get them installed.

Looks like I'll be going the 3M clear plastic protector route, then.

One Chevy dealer quoted me $400 just to paint. A body shop quoted $500. The other dealer I originally mentioned (Chuck Hutton) quoted $250. He said to bring them by, they'll get the paint code and have them done by the next day and ready to pickup. I think I'm going to go ahead and get the splash guards while I'm at it and install it all at once and be done with it.

One Chevy dealer quoted me $400 just to paint. A body shop quoted $500. The other dealer I originally mentioned (Chuck Hutton) quoted $250. He said to bring them by, they'll get the paint code and have them done by the next day and ready to pickup. I think I'm going to go ahead and get the splash guards while I'm at it and install it all at once and be done with it.
It appears you have reached a good conclusion, got a real plan of attack, and doing what a lot of other people have done.
Congratulations.:one:

http://chevyhhr.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1919

Here is the TSB thread link.

question how is the best way to copy these threads to take with me when I go to the dealer to discuss this problem.

I have contacted Customer service at chevy and they suggest that I check with my dealer. But I want to be prepared when I go in for the fight that is coming.

Mine ( 2LT) came with running boards and my husband put the OEM splash guards on within a few days of purchase. I'm sure this has saved my paint, plus it looks really cool. Good luck with your paint problem.

question how is the best way to copy these threads to take with me when I go to the dealer to discuss this problem.

I have contacted Customer service at chevy and they suggest that I check with my dealer. But I want to be prepared when I go in for the fight that is coming.

If you are using windows, you can use the printer button on your header bar.
Second way is using Word. Start Word. Set page size margins to 1/2".
Then on the Fourm Highlight the articles, right click and copy, then paste to your word page. This way you can edit out the peoples name and that data. Good Luck.