I love this forum because when anything breaks on my HHR I look it up here and lo and behold it's happened to dozens of other people. Sunroof wind deflector snapping, car getting stuck in gear, etc. Common problems.

Is there one master list of the common recurring problems so everybody can just go down the list and make sure they've either taken precautions or know what to expect with the vehicle?

I'm not well versed in the list but there has to be about 10 things or so that keep popping up. Please forgive me if this list already exists somewhere else on this forum. If it's here, I'd love to see it.

 

No list has been started for these events.

 

There is a list of technical service bulletins on a sticky thread maintained by the moderator. However, it's not in a check list form, is long, and is not set up in a year-by-year format. That could be a basis to start to formulate such a list, which I believe is a good idea for someone to do. Volunteers?

 

if we are starting a list:
there are a couple early issues like the leaky butyl patch and popping radio sound on the 06s
the rattling steering columns and radiator protection were corrected in 08
ongoing issues are warped brake rotors and loose front suspension (swaybar/control arm bushings and/or endlinks)

 

I had the warped rotors, the stuck gearshift, the XM problem with the PAL installation and the broken sunroof wind deflector. Apparently the leak in the passenger side is common but I have yet to enjoy that.

 

Been reading around to see if anyone has my problem. Mine is one of the oriiginal 06s nymber 262. Has 82K miles and runs great. bought it three years ago (rescued rental). Only issue I have is a popping noise when I pull over the driveway curb or go over a good size bump in the road. Sounds like worn bushings. Is that what the known problem is? If so, how much am I looking at for repair?

 

I have an '07 and will hit 60K by March and the only issue was replacing the sunroof (under warranty) in '08. No problems since.

The PAL works perfectly and still does.

Just got new tires over Thanksgiving, 2011 -- first new set.

Most people tend to post on here when there are issues which is why it may seem there are a lot of problems -- there really aren't that many.

However, you do mention some of the issues most folks bring up and none seem to make the car dangerous. I think you have it covered with what you have found.

@

 

Clunk, I had, swaybar links, popping haven't had (yet)

 

Cardwiz428,

I'm sorry you are having this problem. Have you taken your HHR to your dealer to have this issue diagnosed? If not, it sounds like something your dealer could figure out quickly. Please keep me updated on this situation, thank you.

Evan, Chevrolet Customer Service

 

I had a clunking noise on my 08 at 37,000 miles and replaced both front sway bar end links myself. Problem solved -cost $36.