I got my HHR SS back in August and I've had so many problems with this thing! I got in today and I go to put the car in reverse, and as soon as I pushed in the clutch there was grinding. The first thing that came to mind was sand. It felt like I was grinding sand when I was pushing it in, and then when I released it the same thing happened. I've already had the thing in for a loud tick.. for the window control panel on the driver window shorting out.. the blower motor had to be replaced.. and now this. Should have kept my SRT-4

 

Yep, I've had tons of issues too. I just had the blower motor replaced as well. All of these issues are keeping me from doing mods because there is always some other issue coming up that may cause the dealer to blame on mod and drop me.

 

Sounds like the throwout bearing is bad. Unlike the clutch plates, if it is a bad throwout bearing, it should be covered by the warrantee. Thats a financial relief, but its still a pain to deal with.