I was pulling out into traffic tonight, and the shifter just jumped out of gear. This has happened to me 3 other times since I've bought the car brand new off the showroom floor.

Each time, I took it to the dealer and they said they "replaced" the trans.

Anyone else with a manual trans have a problem with 2nd gear going out?

What doesn't seem to make sense to me is that I have had 2 other vehicles with a manny (including a VW Golf, original trans/clutch, with over 250k on it bought new) and this is the only that actually broke on me 3 times with just over 55k on the clock.

Also, I've noticed rusting on the bottom inside of all 4 doors, and that my back doors/rockers on both sides are looking like someone sandblasted them. Is there a warranty on the paint or the rust? Is it something I should have the dealer look at?

I really like the car, I baby the hell out of it. It's the perfect vehicle for my stereo addiction. I just want it to stay looking good and driving good. Not just sounding good.

 

Step 1 would be to find another dealer, I highly doubt that they "replaced" the transmission twice already, they might have billed GM for them, but the chances you "got" them seem slim. Getting a second opinion might be an pain, but you owe it to yourself.

All the transmission choices on the HHR are pretty much trouble free, not 100% perfect all of the time, but not anywhere near what you're dealing with.

I'm thinking you might have a problem with the clutch that has caused the failure, if the clutch is not fully disengaging you can still shift gears but its hard on the Synchromesh assemblies and they'll eventually fail. You might have a failing clutch slave cylinder or pressure plate.

Here's a thread on the door rust issue, it has affected some 2006-2008 models, it seems that after the '08 model year changes were made to the sealing of the door skins to the door frames.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/show...ight=door+rust

As for the sandblasting of the rear quarters and rockers, its almost unavoidable unless you install mudflaps or the factory optional running boards. The '06 models and a portion of the early production '07 models had plastic body colored protectors on the leading edge of the rear fenders, after that GM went with a 3M film. Some folks have retrofitted newer models with the early production fender protectors, but in my opinion the best and most effective thing is to install running boards.

Here's a thread on the running boards/mudflaps and the sandblasting issue in general.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/show...t=sandblasting

 

X2

 

Its not a common problem, haven't seen any other comments describing that problem, and I certainly have never had mine jump out of any gear on my five speed. Time to find another dealer, or/and put pressure on them, via a GM zone rep.

 

Dear OrangeWhip,

I have read about your situation with your 2007 Chevrolet HHR. I can understand the emotions that you are experiencing with your situation. I do recommend that you contact the dealership about all that you are experiencing. This is the first initial step that must be taken in any of our processes. By doing this it will allow the things to be diagnosed and information to be gathered as to warranty coverage with your particular situation.

Sincerely,
Michelle, Chevrolet Customer Service

 

He has:

 

Now that right there, that's entertainment.

 

I was chuckling a little bit at that too.

 

Be nice, Michelle is just trying to help........

 

That was nice