Hi, I realize that there are quite a few threads regarding the issue of the key being stuck in the ignition, but it seems that there are very few of us out there driving stick shift. Based on what I've read so far, I'm thinking it's the ignition cylinder. The key is stuck in the ignition and will not turn off. I had to stall it to shut the car off and then disconnect the battery. Since it's not an automatic, I don't have the little release button under the steering column mentioned in the manual. According to a local dealership, there aren't any recalls or service bulletins for my VIN no. Any thoughts??

 

Welcome to the site. There is a special type of coverage on the key cyl. Here is a tsb about it.
Also you can use the search bar at the top of the page to find more about binding key cylinders.

12089
Special Coverage

MODELS: 2007-2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
2008-2009 Chevrolet HHR
2007-2008 Pontiac G5

CONDITION
On some 2007-2008 model year Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5, and 2008-2009 Chevrolet HHR vehicles may develop a binding condition between the ignition lock cylinder and the housing. If this occurs, it may be difficult to turn the ignition key and/or remove it from the ignition. If the vehicle is running, the driver may not be able to turn the vehicle off.

SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT
This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 120,000 miles (193,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. Dealers are to replace the ignition lock cylinder. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer. For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after April 19, 2012 are covered by this special coverage and must be submitted using the labor operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to April 19, 2012 must be submitted to the Service Contract provider.

 

Thank you, Lucky! This could be very useful in the future so I printed it out for my file. I have an '08 2LT with only 16k miles on it and, I guess, you just never know!

 

Thank you Lucky! That is great news! Since the dealer is claiming I have no bulletin out for my year/model, is there a place I can print or give them a link to the bulletin?

 

You should try contacting another dealer.
If your present dealer says there is no recalls or TSB's relating to your VIN, they're either too lazy to deal with you or ignorant of the Special Bulletin sent out by GM. That bulletin was a wide coverage one that covered about 90% of the HHR's.
Fwiw. I have a 5 speed and had my lock cylinder replaced under this Special Bulletin before I had any problems with it.

There were actually 2 different Special Bulletins numbers depending on year model. Don't recall the details on each, but mine is a 2010 and was covered.

 

You can see a print the tsb by going to tools at the top of the page and you will see the tsb and recall tab. I think I still still have the letter that gm sent me announcing this campaign. If you need it pm me with your email and I can send you a copy. The tsb number that I posted is 12089 that's all they should need.

You could also send a pm to gm customer service here on this site. I was able to get some out of warranty paint work done with there help.

 

Check out this thread. It shows the letter from gm and has a post from gm customer service so you could pm him.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/showthread.php?p=647607

 

Hello rebug,

I apologize that you had this experience with your HHR. I would be happy to look into your situation for you. If this is something you would like me to assist you with please reach out via PM with your full name and contact information, VIN, current mileage, and involved dealership.

I look forward to hearing from you,

Jonathan A.
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

I was hoping you would post up on this one.

Thanks Jonathan.

 

Hey! Just tagging along here. I have an '08 SS Manual that hasn't seen this issue. Is is something I should contact my dealer about? I will likely have this car another 5-10 years so if the recall expires am I SOL?
JIm