List Of Common Recurring HHR Problems
Member
Joined: 11-09-2009
Posts: 38
From: Huntington Beach CA
I have an '09 HHR 2.2 1LT.
Most bizarre: drove home one Sunday night, parked, tried to turn off the car, key won't turn. Ended up leaving the car locked and running all night (btw doesn't use much gas at all) and drove in to the dealer the next morning. Bad lock tumbler, had entire lock unit replaced (and new replacement keys). Done under warranty. The way the dealer acted, this is NOT an unusual problem.
Driver's side doorlock not unlocking now when the rest do (seems to be in cold weather) dealer replaced linkages (under warranty), now past warranty and problem still exists. They think it's the actuator now. Guess I get to pay for this one.
Replaced front end suspension bushings all around to stop clunking when going over dips or rises in the road. Got them fixed under warranty. Nice and quiet now.
Had peeling clear coat on the bumper piece, under the lights, dealer repainted it under warrant, looks good.
Right now the little part in the wheel assembly that turns off the turn signals (after turns) has started to go. That will need a replacement. (wish this did not happen or happened during warranty).
Been pretty good car outside of these items. Just got new tires on it at about 49k. Ditched the Firestones (bad traction when the road is wet) and got some BFG traction T/A's. Good on wet road now, pretty quiet.
Great on a long trip, put it on cruise, and watch the 32 mpg!
Most bizarre: drove home one Sunday night, parked, tried to turn off the car, key won't turn. Ended up leaving the car locked and running all night (btw doesn't use much gas at all) and drove in to the dealer the next morning. Bad lock tumbler, had entire lock unit replaced (and new replacement keys). Done under warranty. The way the dealer acted, this is NOT an unusual problem.
Driver's side doorlock not unlocking now when the rest do (seems to be in cold weather) dealer replaced linkages (under warranty), now past warranty and problem still exists. They think it's the actuator now. Guess I get to pay for this one.
Replaced front end suspension bushings all around to stop clunking when going over dips or rises in the road. Got them fixed under warranty. Nice and quiet now.
Had peeling clear coat on the bumper piece, under the lights, dealer repainted it under warrant, looks good.
Right now the little part in the wheel assembly that turns off the turn signals (after turns) has started to go. That will need a replacement. (wish this did not happen or happened during warranty).
Been pretty good car outside of these items. Just got new tires on it at about 49k. Ditched the Firestones (bad traction when the road is wet) and got some BFG traction T/A's. Good on wet road now, pretty quiet.
Great on a long trip, put it on cruise, and watch the 32 mpg!
New Member
Joined: 04-26-2010
Posts: 17
From: new brunswick, canada
wheel noise is likely a wheel bearing. had rt side go on mine and now i think the left one is going. i jacked the wheel clear of ground, set park brake and put in gear. you should here the noise on whichever side is bad.
Senior Member
Joined: 06-02-2008
Posts: 2,358
From: Fairport Harbor, OH
Member
Joined: 12-31-2011
Posts: 31
From: Orange County CA
Also Carfax on my SS said sunroof frame was replaced while it was under warranty and ignition assembly was also replaced. The other day I tried to open my sunroof and it only opened 1/4 and stuck. Then wouldn't close all the way either. My mechanic was able to get it to close and open again....but it does not open more than 4-5 inches. I'm afraid to take it to the dealer after hearing how much they charge to fix these things.
Senior Member
Joined: 11-14-2010
Posts: 256
From: Louisiana
mine is a 2010, if you are sitting still and put it in reverse i have the clicking in the front. it also does it when you put it in drive after backing up. it has done it since i got it with 10K miles.
Senior Member
Joined: 11-05-2010
Posts: 1,492
From: Detroit, Michigan USA
Michelle, Chevrolet Customer Service
Member
Joined: 05-14-2012
Posts: 57
From: Colts Neck, NJ
So far, I've had mine for a bit over a month now and I have noticed the following, though none of these make me like the car any less..
1) Sunroof won't do the "one push close" function, as it retracts when it hits the wind deflector to push it down (so I need to hold the button until it closes completely).
2) Occasionally I notice a little thump in the suspension, but its nothing catastrophic and I just haven't been underneath it yet..usually during braking in reverse.
3) The door lock actuators don't fully "actuate" all of the locks when using the remote.. usually need to hit it twice to get them to fully lock-unlock, but they work fine when its running or when you use the buttons inside..odd.
4) The automatic lights get a little too excited sometimes about light/dark difference
Other than that, it does what I tell it to do..great car. It's quick, unique, and mostly un-refined, which fits me perfectly. All of my cars have been American and they have each had their own little set of "character-building" gremlins, none of which were threatening, but usually comical instead.
Just remember: high-end cars break, too.. only the owners don't laugh about it over a beer like we do
1) Sunroof won't do the "one push close" function, as it retracts when it hits the wind deflector to push it down (so I need to hold the button until it closes completely).
2) Occasionally I notice a little thump in the suspension, but its nothing catastrophic and I just haven't been underneath it yet..usually during braking in reverse.
3) The door lock actuators don't fully "actuate" all of the locks when using the remote.. usually need to hit it twice to get them to fully lock-unlock, but they work fine when its running or when you use the buttons inside..odd.
4) The automatic lights get a little too excited sometimes about light/dark difference
Other than that, it does what I tell it to do..great car. It's quick, unique, and mostly un-refined, which fits me perfectly. All of my cars have been American and they have each had their own little set of "character-building" gremlins, none of which were threatening, but usually comical instead.
Just remember: high-end cars break, too.. only the owners don't laugh about it over a beer like we do
Senior Member
Joined: 02-06-2010
Posts: 580
From: Shreveport, LA
Normal behavior
3) The door lock actuators don't fully "actuate" all of the locks when using the remote.. usually need to hit it twice to get them to fully lock-unlock, but they work fine when its running or when you use the buttons inside..odd
I believe that this is the normal, default behavior with the remote. If you don't like it, I believe it can be changed via the driver information center. Check your owner's manual.
Doctuh
I believe that this is the normal, default behavior with the remote. If you don't like it, I believe it can be changed via the driver information center. Check your owner's manual.
Doctuh
Senior Member
Joined: 11-05-2010
Posts: 1,492
From: Detroit, Michigan USA
So far, I've had mine for a bit over a month now and I have noticed the following, though none of these make me like the car any less..
1) Sunroof won't do the "one push close" function, as it retracts when it hits the wind deflector to push it down (so I need to hold the button until it closes completely).
2) Occasionally I notice a little thump in the suspension, but its nothing catastrophic and I just haven't been underneath it yet..usually during braking in reverse.
3) The door lock actuators don't fully "actuate" all of the locks when using the remote.. usually need to hit it twice to get them to fully lock-unlock, but they work fine when its running or when you use the buttons inside..odd.
4) The automatic lights get a little too excited sometimes about light/dark difference
Other than that, it does what I tell it to do..great car. It's quick, unique, and mostly un-refined, which fits me perfectly. All of my cars have been American and they have each had their own little set of "character-building" gremlins, none of which were threatening, but usually comical instead.
Just remember: high-end cars break, too.. only the owners don't laugh about it over a beer like we do
1) Sunroof won't do the "one push close" function, as it retracts when it hits the wind deflector to push it down (so I need to hold the button until it closes completely).
2) Occasionally I notice a little thump in the suspension, but its nothing catastrophic and I just haven't been underneath it yet..usually during braking in reverse.
3) The door lock actuators don't fully "actuate" all of the locks when using the remote.. usually need to hit it twice to get them to fully lock-unlock, but they work fine when its running or when you use the buttons inside..odd.
4) The automatic lights get a little too excited sometimes about light/dark difference
Other than that, it does what I tell it to do..great car. It's quick, unique, and mostly un-refined, which fits me perfectly. All of my cars have been American and they have each had their own little set of "character-building" gremlins, none of which were threatening, but usually comical instead.
Just remember: high-end cars break, too.. only the owners don't laugh about it over a beer like we do
Michelle, Chevrolet Customer Service