I just bought a 2009 HHR and I love it! but there is a loud roar coming from the back of the car even when I am at a stop light. The car has 56000 miles on it. I have an appointment at a dealership next sat and they are going to charge me 90 dollars if whatever is wrong with it is not under warrenty. Any thoughts on this? Thanks!

 

Some fuel pumps make a bit of noise. Fill the tank up and see if the noise decreases. Or – turn the engine off and see if the noise goes away.

Another possible is a speaker in the rear is bad.

That is all I can think of.

 

Is the noise speed-related (more speed = more noise) or is it engine speed related (higher engine RPM's = more noise)

Do a little investigative work. Does it make noise just when stopped in 'park' with the engine running? (Have someone blip the gas pedal while you check around the vehicle) If it seems to be only while moving, then have someone drive you while you sit in the back, maybe with the seats down. Check around for the source of the noise. Roll down a door window and stick your head out if necessary - maybe a wheel noise (bad wheel bearing?)

On a side note, lots of people have complained about 'rattles' in the back only to find out it was simply the jack/ lug wrench rattling around - not tightened down enough).

 

If they're going to charge you $90 just to look at it, then I would take it somewhere else.
If the noise is indeed a "roar" as you described, then it sounds like maybe an exhaust problem or possibly a noisy fuel pump as suggested above.
Do you have a friend or neighbor with a little mechanical ability? Ask them to take a look. It may be a simple thing to spot.

 

FWIW the only two sounds possible from the rear at idle wouldbe exhaust related or fuel pump. Unless your sub woofer is shorting out or something

 

welcome to the site..alyce45. I would be cautious with the guy who wants to charge you 90 to look at it. Let us know what they find.

 

You don't by chance use Exxon Gas ..... Maybe There's a Tiger in Your Tank ..... .....

 

A lot of Chevy dealerships are charging a diagnostic fee now. I brought my 2009 into a dealer for what I thought was a front wheel bearing. He said if it was the bearing, it would be covered by power train warranty...if it was something else, they were going to charge me to diagnose problem...

 

Welcome to the site!! Hopefully you get it figured out soon...

 

You may be hearing the same thing I heard after buying my 2011 last week. remove the rear deck lid cover and spare tire cover lid. start the car and see if you hear it then. If so have it checked. You can also find a car lot that has a HHR for sale and drive it and see if it too makes the same sound. I am lucky to have a friend that has the same 11 HHR as mine . I drove his yesterday. His HHR makes the same sounds as mine. This car does take a bit getting use to. Sounds bounce around and fool you at times I am finding out.