This complaint concerns a 2007 chevrolet hhr lt which was purchased as a new vehicle. It is 'always garaged'. It has 36,1xx original miles. About 2 weeks ago we began to notice 'chunks' of rust gathering under the rear of the vehicle. An inspection made by self revealed extensive rust-out to the "rear reinforcement bar" (part #10 in the enclosed diagram). I contacted "gm" via their 'social media customer care center', thoroughly explained the issue, and was directed to a local buick/gmc dealership for an evaluation, within hours I heard a negative response to my request for assistance. Subsequent attempts by self have not given me a satisfactory explanation as to the "why" of this rusted part. This vehicle has always been maintained to a high degree. The examiner told me he did not observe any other rust issues on or under this vehicle. Keep in mind that I am not an 'automotive' engineer; but- to my 'untrained eye' part of the problem is that the part is deeply hidden within the rear bumper cover; and the design of the rear bumper cover is such that it fosters the collection of debris from the road on it's horizontal surfaces. This debris then is in situ with the metal parts of the actual 'rear bumper'. Given time the debris retains moisture which 'apparently' then covers the metal parts. ...and one gets the results shown in the photos. None of this would be visible unless a periodic, careful examination of the hidden parts were to be made by the owner/operator of the vehicle. A "possible" measure to be taken would be for general motors to educate/inform owner/operators as to the potential for a problem. Another "possible" solution, were this a vehicle still in production (and not yet another gm 'orphan' car) would be, of course, to correct the apparent, original 'design deficiency'.
2007 Chevrolet HHR body problems
43 complaints (6% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 68,000. 6 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 43
- of this car's complaints
- 6%
- typical mileage
- 68,000
- crashes
- 6
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Body20
- Body: door12
- Frame and members: underbody shields2
- Body: roof and pillars2
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Chevrolet HHR body problems in other years
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2007 Chevrolet HHR owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I got into my car with no problem, when it was time to get out of the car I could not because the driver side door would not open. I had to let the window down to get out.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 chevrolet hhr. The contact stated that the driver and passenger door handles detached from the doors. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 53,000.
Interior door handles to open the car doors from inside car broke off on both drivers and passengers sides. The only way now to get out of the car is to roll down the window and open the door from the outside. In an emergency situation we could not easily get out, posing a life threatening danger. Vehicle stationary.
Excessive rust on internal rear bumper support. It's to the point of flaking. This metal support is mounted to the body, between the vehicle body and plastic cover. This is on a vehicle with only 31,000 miles on it. I have since tried to cover the exposed areas with a industrial rust converter chassis saver type of paint.
2007 chevrolet hhr. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle fuel line corrosion and fuel leak issues. *smd the consumer stated she noticed hesitation when starting the vehicle. Also, the consumer kept smelling gasoline. The consumer did not believe that a rusted fuel line was a matter of normal wear and tear or owner neglect. The dealer informed the consumer, the rusted fuel line, had to do with the age of the vehicle. Gm informed the consumer, the issue was prevalent with her make and model. However, there would not be assisting her with the matter.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 chevrolet hhr. In rainy weather conditions, the interior of the vehicle would flood. The failure occurred constantly. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 chevrolet hhr. The contact stated that the interior driver side door handle fractured. The contact had to use the exterior driver side door handle to open the door and exit the vehicle. The dealer previously replaced the driver side door handle and the panel; however, the repair did not deter the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,000...updated 02/01/16 *bf 03/30/18*jb
In september 2013 when I went to open my door to get out of my car the door handle snapped. I was unable to open the door unless I turned the car back on, rolled the window down, reach outside, and open the door using the exterior door handle. This is on the driver's side. I had it replaced (approximately $195.00). On july 25th, 2015, I went to get out of my car and the same thing happened. The door handle broke. This poses a major safety and life threatening issue. If someone was in an accident and the car caught fire you'd die before you could get out of the car. This needs to be fixed by chevrolet at no cost to the owner. I've been driving for 35 years and have owned piece of crap cars and never had a door handle break once, let alone twice. I spoke to chevy customer service and they said it was unfortunate but I would have to pay for the repairs myself. Really?? Please make this a recall issue. Thank you for your time.
Door handel is broken for the second time on the drivers side. Have to roll my window down and open handel from outside. This is not good, if engine dies so will I. Could not open door.
Questions about the 2007 Chevrolet HHR body
Does the 2007 Chevrolet HHR have body problems?
Owners have filed 43 complaints about the body of the 2007 Chevrolet HHR, 6% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2007 Chevrolet HHR body problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 68,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2007 Chevrolet HHR body?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Chevrolet HHR have the most body problems?
The Chevrolet HHR model years with the most body complaints are 2006 (119 complaints), 2010 (44 complaints) and 2007 (43 complaints).
Other 2007 Chevrolet HHR problems
Steering 424Electrical 111Brakes 51Fuel system 51Airbags 48Transmission 40Engine 35Suspension 27Locks 25Seat belts 11Acceleration 10Tires 9Driver assistance 8Visibility 8Lights 6Wheels 3
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