mongo-

It's certainly not every HHR....I have an 08 Panel also. Mine is doing fine..I'm nearing 24K. Which isn't a lot, but I'm not worrying about stuff unless I need to.
Seems we only read about the problems. Not enough about the ones that are running fine & have had no issues..

Billy

 

I think this was much more common with the 06 and 07. There was a design change at some point that was supposed to solve it. My 06 had it happen at 20k miles or so.

 

Thanks, I know hardly anybody ever posts to say things are wonderful.


Really, the only issue I have is with how incredibly weak the steel rims are, I've replace 3 due to potholes.
Last one bent the rim and I barely felt the bump- but the tire started to lose air rapidly.

 

I have had that same thund happen in the front of the car I always assumed it was the suspension they replaced a lot of the frint end only to have it stil be there. Sowho would have thougt it was the steering colum my car is out of warenty but I have had it in a several times to continue fixing the problem. I will try again and see if they will replace it for me on thier dime.

 

Remind them that is a "pre-existing problem", that was not (while under warranty) ever been correctly diagnosed.

Maybe talk nice too.. Good luck..

 

I have an 06. Had mine replaced at 38K miles. Also caused interference in the radio when you turned the wheel. Noise in radio went away with new column. Thank you extended warranty! $800.00 + job and dealer acted like it was news to them. I just hope the one they replaced it with doesn't do it in another 30.

 

I have an 06 LS with 52,000 and no problems with that yet. The only problem I have ever had was with the AC compressor. Had that replaced while still under warranty.

 

I had the steering "Clunk" when I turn in the column at 20K miles.
GM replaced the column at $327 plus labor $127 tax/total = $586 under warranty.

 

Things are wonderful...... 46K miles and no issues.

 

Mileage is not a factor the rattle can show up at any time mine showed out on the first trip out from the dealership the third one going in soon or the lemon law will be used and GM can have the car back