NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
20 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Aug 14, 2026
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other
Remedy for campaign 14V047000 was executed defectively, creating an unsafe mechanical failure that destroyed the powertrain. Failure occurred while or shortly before vehicle stalled in heavy traffic. Vehicle would not restart, but ignition switch stuck in start position while attempting restart, causing starter motor to crank c…
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Remedy for campaign 14V047000 was executed defectively, creating an unsafe mechanical failure that destroyed the powertrain. Failure occurred while or shortly before vehicle stalled in heavy traffic. Vehicle would not restart, but ignition switch stuck in start position while attempting restart, causing starter motor to crank continuously until the switch was turned to the off position. It is believed that starter motor was running while engine was running since last successful start about 3 minutes prior to stall, interfering with normal operation of the engine and eventually causing engine to jump timing and sustain catastrophic internal damage. Subsequent GM dealer service visit found that a burr on the new key provided with campaign 14V047000 repair caused ignition switch to bind in start position. Service staff buffed out burr on key which resolved switch binding, but vehicle refused to start. Borehole inspection of engine found damaged valves and pistons, leading to diagnosis of jumped timing. No other work other that diagnosis has been attempted at this point. Estimate to replace engine is $8600
NHTSA ODI #11757032
Mileage unknown · Jul 1, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion System
Engine cuts out , loses power ar random times. Especially when the air is humid. Constant smell of leaking gasoline.
NHTSA ODI #11423033
165,000 miles · Nov 19, 2019
Electrical SystemEngineWheels
THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING, NO NOISE NO WARNING, COULD NOT STEER, BRAKE, ROLL WINDOWS DOWN. THIS HAPPENED LAST YEAR. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP. SAID IT WAS MY ALTERNATOR AND CHARGE ME AN EXTREME HIGH CHARGE TO REPLACE. VERY SCAREDY WHEN HAPPENED, FOR AUTO TO CUT OFF LIKE THAT. LUCKILY I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 30MPR AN NOT O…
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THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING, NO NOISE NO WARNING, COULD NOT STEER, BRAKE, ROLL WINDOWS DOWN. THIS HAPPENED LAST YEAR. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP. SAID IT WAS MY ALTERNATOR AND CHARGE ME AN EXTREME HIGH CHARGE TO REPLACE. VERY SCAREDY WHEN HAPPENED, FOR AUTO TO CUT OFF LIKE THAT. LUCKILY I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 30MPR AN NOT ON AN INTERSTATE. BOUGHT 2ND HAND. HAVE NOT BEEN HAPPY WITH SINCE. WHEN BOUGHT DID NOT RECEIVE KEY FAN OF, AN THE DRIVERS DOOR, WILL LOCK ON ITS OWN, WHICH LEFT ME BAFFLED HOW TO GET INTO IT WITH NO OTHER KEY HOLES ON ANY OTHER DOORS OR ESPECIALLY THE BACKEND. I FEEL THIS IS VERY TROUBLESOME FOR ANYONE, AND A BAD DESIGN FEATURE. THE AIRBAG IS QUESTIONABLE, AND NOW THE WATER PUMP HAS WENT OUT, AND THEY SAY THE MANIFOLD HAS TO COME OFF TO GET TO AND WANT TO CHARGE 750.00 AT A CAR REPAIR TO FIX, BUT WILL CHECK FIRST TO SEE IF THAT'S FOR SURE WHERE LEAKING. THEN ONE TIRE HAS THE THING THAT TELLS IF MY AIRS OKAY IN THE TIRE ON MY DASHBOARD. IT STAYS ON CAUSE IT FELL OFF IN THE TIRE. THE WHOLE DARN THING IS A NIGHTMARE TO ME, THAT I'M STUCK WITH. FROM THE MOTOR AN EXPENSE IT IS TO HAVE WORKED ON TO THE POOR EXPENSIVE DESIGN THAT GOT ON THE MARKET. IT'S A NIGHTMARE.
NHTSA ODI #11281119
40,000 miles · May 20, 2018
Air BagsEngineStructureCrashInjury
SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT/HIT AN ANIMAL / CAR SPUN OUT OF CONTROL/HIT SEVERAL TREES(CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS) WIFE & DAUGHTER SEVERELY INJURED//NOT ONE AIR BAG DEPLOYED(HIGHWAY PATROLMAN VERIFIED IN HIS REPORT
NHTSA ODI #11096942
135,000 miles · Feb 27, 2018
EngineVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR FAILED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE W…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR FAILED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED AND THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
NHTSA ODI #11075316
130,000 miles · Nov 26, 2017
Electrical SystemEngine
I BOUGHT A USED 2008 CHEVY HHR FROM LITHIA IN EUREKA, CA 11/3/2017 AND 11/24/2017 THE CAR WOULD NOT ENGAGE THE DRIVE FUNCTION. TRIED SEVERAL TIMES AND NO LUCK. TRANSMISSION SEEMS BLOWN, AND THE ELECTRICAL WAS MALFUNCTIONING. NO FLASHEERS, RADIO WITH WEIRD NOISES, STRANGE SOUNDS FROM ENGINE AFTER ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE. WE ARE NOW S…
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I BOUGHT A USED 2008 CHEVY HHR FROM LITHIA IN EUREKA, CA 11/3/2017 AND 11/24/2017 THE CAR WOULD NOT ENGAGE THE DRIVE FUNCTION. TRIED SEVERAL TIMES AND NO LUCK. TRANSMISSION SEEMS BLOWN, AND THE ELECTRICAL WAS MALFUNCTIONING. NO FLASHEERS, RADIO WITH WEIRD NOISES, STRANGE SOUNDS FROM ENGINE AFTER ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE. WE ARE NOW STUCK 200 MILES FROM HOME AND LITHIA MANAGER HAS NOT RETURNED MY PHONE CALL. I AM A MIDDLE AGED STUDENT, WORKING MINIMUM WAHE. I GAVE THE DEALERSHIP ALL MY MOMEY FOR A BROKEN CAR. I SHOULS HAVE RESEARCHED MORE THAT IS APPARENT. I TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY MISHAPS. YET, THIS IS 3 WEEKS AFTER GIVING AWAY $5000 FOR A WORKING VEHICLE. PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN.
NHTSA ODI #11048472
140,000 miles · Jun 12, 2017
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING BELT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE MORE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING BELT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE MORE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SAME MECHANIC EACH TIME, GIVEN THE SAME DIAGNOSIS, AND GIVEN THE SAME REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE CONTACT SHOULD TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A CHEVROLET DEALER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA ODI #10994550
Mileage unknown · Mar 8, 2017
Air BagsEngineService Brakes
I AM UNABLE TO GET GM OR MY LOCAL CHEVY DEALERSHIP TO COMPLETE THE TWO OUTSTANDING SAFETY RECALLS IN A TIMELY MANOR. I'VE BEEN EXTREMELY PATIENT BUT THEY REFUSE TO ACCOMMODATE MY SIMPLE NEEDS. I'VE BEEN WORKING WITH CHEVY OF SOUTH ANCHORAGE (DEALERSHIP) SINCE 4/8/2015 ATTEMPTING TO SCHEDULE THE WORK FOR THE WEEKEND OR GET A LOAN…
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I AM UNABLE TO GET GM OR MY LOCAL CHEVY DEALERSHIP TO COMPLETE THE TWO OUTSTANDING SAFETY RECALLS IN A TIMELY MANOR. I'VE BEEN EXTREMELY PATIENT BUT THEY REFUSE TO ACCOMMODATE MY SIMPLE NEEDS. I'VE BEEN WORKING WITH CHEVY OF SOUTH ANCHORAGE (DEALERSHIP) SINCE 4/8/2015 ATTEMPTING TO SCHEDULE THE WORK FOR THE WEEKEND OR GET A LOANER CAR. THEY WERE UNABLE TO ACCOMMODATE MY NEEDS (A CAR WHILE MINE IS BEING REPAIRED OR A LOANER CAR). I CONTACTED CHEVROLET CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER ON 12/1/2016 AFTER REPEATEDLY BEING IGNORED OR LIED TO BY THE DEALERSHIP. FOR THE PAST THREE MONTH I'VE BEEN GETTING ABSOLUTELY NO HELP FROM CHEVROLET IN GETTING A APPOINTMENT FOR THE WEEKEND OR A LOANER CAR. I FEEL VERY UNSAFE DRIVING THE CAR BUT HAVE NO ALTERNATIVE. THIS HAS CONTINUED TO CAUSE ME SERIOUS EMOTIONAL DISTRESS. I HAVE 57 EMAILS BETWEEN MYSELF AND CHEVROLET CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER OR THE DEALERSHIP ATTEMPTING TO GET THIS RESOLVED ON TOP OF THE COUNTLESS PHONE CALLS, VOICEMAILS, AND NUMEROUS VISITS TO THE DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA ODI #10959699
80,000 miles · Jul 6, 2016
EngineStructureFire
OUR CAR HAD ENGINE TROUBLES WHERE IT KEPT SHIFTING BACK INTO NEUTRAL WHILE WE WERE TRYING TO DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY AND THEN ON SIDE STREETS ON THE WAY HOME. WHILE DRIVING IT TO GET REPAIRED, THERE WAS A LOUD POPPING NOISE AND THE ENGINE BURST INTO FLAMES. THE FLAMES CONSUMED A LARGE PORTION OF THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI #10883083
133,000 miles · Jan 11, 2016
Engine
I COULD EASILY COMPLAIN ABOUT THE COOLING SYSTEM AS THIS COST ME ABOUT $1400 THIS MONTH DUE TO FIRST THE WATER PUMP GOING AND THEN A CHROME PIPE/HOSE THAT GOES ACROSS THE ENGINE ALSO RUSTING THROUGH...BUT BECAUSE I GUESS THAT WOULDN'T BE CONSIDERED A "DANGEROUS" ISSUE OTHER THAN POSSIBLY BEING STRANDED, THIS ENGINE RELATED COMPL…
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I COULD EASILY COMPLAIN ABOUT THE COOLING SYSTEM AS THIS COST ME ABOUT $1400 THIS MONTH DUE TO FIRST THE WATER PUMP GOING AND THEN A CHROME PIPE/HOSE THAT GOES ACROSS THE ENGINE ALSO RUSTING THROUGH...BUT BECAUSE I GUESS THAT WOULDN'T BE CONSIDERED A "DANGEROUS" ISSUE OTHER THAN POSSIBLY BEING STRANDED, THIS ENGINE RELATED COMPLAINT IS IN REGARDS TO THE EXHAUST. THE CAR IS A 2008 AND TWICE THE EXHAUST "FLEX" HOSE WHICH IS JUST BEYOND THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND IN FRONT OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS HAS RUSTED AND DEVELOPED LEAKS. BECAUSE OF THE PROXIMITY OF THE PART CLOSE TO THE ENGINE, NOT ONLY DO THE EXHAUST FUMES RISE UP INTO THE PASSENGER CABIN BUT IT SOUNDS LIKE LARGE DIESEL TRUCK. THE DEALER WILL NOT REPLACE ONLY THE FLEX HOSE AND WILL ONLY REPLACE THE ENTIRE PIPE BACK FROM THE MANIFOLD WHICH INCLUDES 2 CATALYTIC CONVERTERS FOR AROUND $2000. NOT ONLY IS THIS DANGEROUS FOR THE DRIVER/PASSENGER INHALING THE FUMES BUT IT'S ROBBERY TO THE CONSUMER AS THE CAR ISN'T EVEN WORTH THAT MUCH.
NHTSA ODI #10819331
Official recalls
4Apr 10, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.
Feb 10, 2014
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
Electrical System:ignition:switch
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
Sep 3, 2008
GM IS RECALLING 296,422 MY 2006-2008 CHEVROLET HHR VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE DOOR ON THE STORAGE BIN IN THE TOP CENTER OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO REMAIN CLOSED AS REQUIRED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS TO PROVIDE HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION FOR OCCUPANTS.
Remedy: A REDESIGNED LATCH WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 23, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .
Jan 30, 2008
GM IS RECALLING 181,516 MY 2006-2008 CHEVROLET HHR VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ROOF RAIL AIR BAGS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT.' IN TESTS, ONE OF THE UPPER INTERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION TEST POINTS EXCEEDED THE STANDARD'S REQUIREMENT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS TO PROVIDE HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION FOR OCCUPANTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ENERGY-ABSORBING PLASTIC PIECE TO THE HEADLINER TRIM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 2, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1PE20011 · Fuel Line Leak
Opened Jul 5, 2020 · Closed Aug 17, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Other:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings; Fuel/propulsion System
On July 5, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE20-011 to investigate instances of metal fuel lines under the vehicle corroding and leaking fuel in model year (MY) 2008 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and 2008 through 2009 Chevrolet HHR passenger cars manufactured by General Motors (GM). The metal fuel lines are corroding and leaking fuel in the area between the front and rear wheels on the driver's side of the vehicle before the muffler. Most consumers allege a fuel odor and/or an observable fuel leak that alerts them to the condition.The subject metal fuel lines have a protective AGE coating and, in the vicinity of the left rear wheel, are further wrapped in a foil heat shield. The AGE coating consists of an annealed zinc aluminum alloy metal coating with extended corrosion protection paint. Under certain conditions, water and corrosive road deicing agents may enter a crevice between the heat shield and the AGE coating. With extended environmental exposure in high corrosive environments, the AGE coating can degrade. If it degrades enough, the base metal lines may begin to corrode beneath the heat shield.Corrosion to the fuel lines may eventually cause a perforation to develop in the line, allowing fuel vapors to escape from between the line and the heat shield, emitting a fuel odor that will be detectable to the vehicle operator. If the corrosion progresses, fuel may begin to weep from the line. Further metal degradation due to corrosion could create a drip or a mist of fuel. If this occurs, vehicle owners may see drips, spots, or puddles on the ground near the rear portion of the vehicle, primarily along the driver's side rear wheel.The majority of allegations (85%) were reported for vehicles that are operated in the salt belt region of the United States. This area includes states in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions. Additionally, the average failure mileage in the subject vehicles is approximately 111,000 across all data sources.Considering the low manufacturer complaint/warranty rates of fuel line replacement, the fact that the majority of failures are concentrated in salt belt states, high failure mileages, as well as the field exposure time for the subject vehicles, and the highly detectable and progressive nature of this failure over time, the potential safety consequences of this issue are very low. To date, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. There are two reported fires in ODI data and no reported fires in GM data. Both ODI reported fires were minor, occurred after the vehicle was parked, and were extinguished utilizing fire extinguishers.In view of the progressive failure occurring at high mileages, the age of the subject vehicles, the high detectability of the leak, and the majority of failures occurred in salt belt states, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the attached identification numbers.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Fuel/propulsion System
On July 5, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE20-011 to investigate instances of metal fuel lines under the vehicle corroding and leaking fuel in model year (MY) 2008 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and 2008 through 2009 Chevrolet HHR passenger cars manufactured by General Motors (GM). The metal fuel lines are corroding and leaking fuel in the area between the front and rear wheels on the driver's side of the vehicle before the muffler. Most consumers allege a fuel odor and/or an observable fuel leak that alerts them to the condition.The subject metal fuel lines have a protective AGE coating and, in the vicinity of the left rear wheel, are further wrapped in a foil heat shield. The AGE coating consists of an annealed zinc aluminum alloy metal coating with extended corrosion protection paint. Under certain conditions, water and corrosive road deicing agents may enter a crevice between the heat shield and the AGE coating. With extended environmental exposure in high corrosive environments, the AGE coating can degrade. If it degrades enough, the base metal lines may begin to corrode beneath the heat shield.Corrosion to the fuel lines may eventually cause a perforation to develop in the line, allowing fuel vapors to escape from between the line and the heat shield, emitting a fuel odor that will be detectable to the vehicle operator. If the corrosion progresses, fuel may begin to weep from the line. Further metal degradation due to corrosion could create a drip or a mist of fuel. If this occurs, vehicle owners may see drips, spots, or puddles on the ground near the rear portion of the vehicle, primarily along the driver's side rear wheel.The majority of allegations (85%) were reported for vehicles that are operated in the salt belt region of the United States. This area includes states in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions. Additionally, the average failure mileage in the subject vehicles is approximately 111,000 across all data sources.Considering the low manufacturer complaint/warranty rates of fuel line replacement, the fact that the majority of failures are concentrated in salt belt states, high failure mileages, as well as the field exposure time for the subject vehicles, and the highly detectable and progressive nature of this failure over time, the potential safety consequences of this issue are very low. To date, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. There are two reported fires in ODI data and no reported fires in GM data. Both ODI reported fires were minor, occurred after the vehicle was parked, and were extinguished utilizing fire extinguishers.In view of the progressive failure occurring at high mileages, the age of the subject vehicles, the high detectability of the leak, and the majority of failures occurred in salt belt states, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the attached identification numbers.
Fuel System, Gasoline
On July 5, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE20-011 to investigate instances of metal fuel lines under the vehicle corroding and leaking fuel in model year (MY) 2008 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and 2008 through 2009 Chevrolet HHR passenger cars manufactured by General Motors (GM). The metal fuel lines are corroding and leaking fuel in the area between the front and rear wheels on the driver's side of the vehicle before the muffler. Most consumers allege a fuel odor and/or an observable fuel leak that alerts them to the condition.The subject metal fuel lines have a protective AGE coating and, in the vicinity of the left rear wheel, are further wrapped in a foil heat shield. The AGE coating consists of an annealed zinc aluminum alloy metal coating with extended corrosion protection paint. Under certain conditions, water and corrosive road deicing agents may enter a crevice between the heat shield and the AGE coating. With extended environmental exposure in high corrosive environments, the AGE coating can degrade. If it degrades enough, the base metal lines may begin to corrode beneath the heat shield.Corrosion to the fuel lines may eventually cause a perforation to develop in the line, allowing fuel vapors to escape from between the line and the heat shield, emitting a fuel odor that will be detectable to the vehicle operator. If the corrosion progresses, fuel may begin to weep from the line. Further metal degradation due to corrosion could create a drip or a mist of fuel. If this occurs, vehicle owners may see drips, spots, or puddles on the ground near the rear portion of the vehicle, primarily along the driver's side rear wheel.The majority of allegations (85%) were reported for vehicles that are operated in the salt belt region of the United States. This area includes states in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions. Additionally, the average failure mileage in the subject vehicles is approximately 111,000 across all data sources.Considering the low manufacturer complaint/warranty rates of fuel line replacement, the fact that the majority of failures are concentrated in salt belt states, high failure mileages, as well as the field exposure time for the subject vehicles, and the highly detectable and progressive nature of this failure over time, the potential safety consequences of this issue are very low. To date, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. There are two reported fires in ODI data and no reported fires in GM data. Both ODI reported fires were minor, occurred after the vehicle was parked, and were extinguished utilizing fire extinguishers.In view of the progressive failure occurring at high mileages, the age of the subject vehicles, the high detectability of the leak, and the majority of failures occurred in salt belt states, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the attached identification numbers.
Fuel System, Other:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
On July 5, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE20-011 to investigate instances of metal fuel lines under the vehicle corroding and leaking fuel in model year (MY) 2008 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and 2008 through 2009 Chevrolet HHR passenger cars manufactured by General Motors (GM). The metal fuel lines are corroding and leaking fuel in the area between the front and rear wheels on the driver's side of the vehicle before the muffler. Most consumers allege a fuel odor and/or an observable fuel leak that alerts them to the condition.The subject metal fuel lines have a protective AGE coating and, in the vicinity of the left rear wheel, are further wrapped in a foil heat shield. The AGE coating consists of an annealed zinc aluminum alloy metal coating with extended corrosion protection paint. Under certain conditions, water and corrosive road deicing agents may enter a crevice between the heat shield and the AGE coating. With extended environmental exposure in high corrosive environments, the AGE coating can degrade. If it degrades enough, the base metal lines may begin to corrode beneath the heat shield.Corrosion to the fuel lines may eventually cause a perforation to develop in the line, allowing fuel vapors to escape from between the line and the heat shield, emitting a fuel odor that will be detectable to the vehicle operator. If the corrosion progresses, fuel may begin to weep from the line. Further metal degradation due to corrosion could create a drip or a mist of fuel. If this occurs, vehicle owners may see drips, spots, or puddles on the ground near the rear portion of the vehicle, primarily along the driver's side rear wheel.The majority of allegations (85%) were reported for vehicles that are operated in the salt belt region of the United States. This area includes states in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions. Additionally, the average failure mileage in the subject vehicles is approximately 111,000 across all data sources.Considering the low manufacturer complaint/warranty rates of fuel line replacement, the fact that the majority of failures are concentrated in salt belt states, high failure mileages, as well as the field exposure time for the subject vehicles, and the highly detectable and progressive nature of this failure over time, the potential safety consequences of this issue are very low. To date, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. There are two reported fires in ODI data and no reported fires in GM data. Both ODI reported fires were minor, occurred after the vehicle was parked, and were extinguished utilizing fire extinguishers.In view of the progressive failure occurring at high mileages, the age of the subject vehicles, the high detectability of the leak, and the majority of failures occurred in salt belt states, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the attached identification numbers.
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