2008 Chevrolet HHR: fuel leak

Filed Mar 26, 2026 · Fuel system · 68,900 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, the contact was informed that the vehicle was leaking gasoline. The vehicle was inspected, and the contact was informed that fuel was leaking from the driver’s side rear wheel well area, near the muffler. While at the residence, the contact observed that fuel was still leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a rusted fuel line located near the driver’s side rear wheel well, and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to have the vehicle diagnosed by a dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 68,900. The VIN was not available.

Filed Aug 7, 2024 · Fuel system · MI

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that on one occasion after her friend parked the vehicle, the contact observed condensation underneath the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by the friend's nephew, and it was determined that the fuel line had a hole and was leaking fuel. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Dec 28, 2023 · Fuel system · 199,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the contact became aware of a fuel leak nearby the rear driver’s side wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel line had completely rusted due to being wrapped in heat-reliant tape. The contact was informed that the fuel lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and was informed that there was a recall related to the rust failure of the fuel line of another make and model vehicle however, the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 199,000.

Filed Oct 30, 2023 · Fuel system · PA

Fuel line leaking in two places, in the rear and in the front. Completely rusted out. My car only has 60,800 miles on it. Type of car is a 2008 chevy hhr lt 2.4. Gas is leaking on the ground and a strong smell of gas is emitted from the car. This is very dangerous because the car could catch fire. I did not think this would happen to my car with so few miles on the car. I did not know there was a problem and drove the car 130 miles away from home to my dad's funeral. Then I had to drive it back because th e tow would have been $700. The mechanic who inspected the car. Buddy lloyd's lakeview automotive at 4757 sang run road in mcenry, md 21541, said it would cost about $2,000 to fix because of the extent of the corrosion and the chaep materials used. In addition, the fuel lines are located underneath other major parts and would have to be taken off to get to the fuel lines. The mechanic said at any moment if I hit a bump that the gas could empty the tank and possibly catch fire!

Filed Jul 18, 2023 · Fuel system · 6,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that there was fuel leaking from the fuel tank. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the fuel tank however, the failure persisted. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.

Filed Jul 16, 2022 · Fuel system · TN

Gas leak has started on the driver side in front of the rear tire.

Filed Jun 9, 2022 · Fuel system · WV

Purchased vehicle in Sep 2021. After 4 months of purchase, muffler became loose from exhaust after hitting a pothole on highway and, having a mechanical background, I repaired the exhaust by placing a solid stainless steel exhaust sleeve around the weak area and tac welding it. Within a month, I began to smell a rich fuel odor after every trip. I jacked up vehicle and found a fuel leak within insulated area just left of exhaust. I also located another small exhaust leak and repaired it as best as possible with an exhaust wrap, then took it to an exhaust repair shop. I was told fuel leak had to be repaired before exhaust repairs could be done. Mechanic said HHRs we're well known for fuel line corrosion due to poor design and eventually leaking. He said he has turned away many HHRs and Cobalts for this problem over the last 2-3 years.

Filed Apr 6, 2022 · Fuel system · AZ

Fuel tank assembly developed a fuel leak at or around its integrated tank vents creating a strong fuel smell inside and outside the vehicle. THIS IS NOT A RUSTED FUEL LINE PROBLEM. This poses a fire hazard if the vehicle were to come into contact with any spark or flames. This also poses a health hazard from exposure to toxic fumes inside and outside the vehicle. This condition did not trigger any warning messages from the onboard vehicle computer. The seal between the tank vents and fuel tank is made by the manufacturer and is unserviceable. I attempted to seal the leaks with adhesive but was unsuccessful. I then purchased a used replacement fuel tank from an auto recycler and discovered it also has this issue. I believe this to be a design defect that will lead to an unsafe condition in these vehicles. I can make these components available for inspection. I have not had the issue inspected by any other parties as that would involve further costs.

Filed Jan 5, 2022 · Fuel system · 141,802 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that her father noticed that the vehicle was leaking fuel. Upon inspection, the contact became aware that the fuel lines had rusted and had started leaking. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be inspected. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 141,802. Consumer stated mechanic had to take off the fiberglass mat heat barrier because it was soaked in fuel, and was rubbing the exhaust, so we could see the damage.

Filed Nov 22, 2021 · Fuel system · 113,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, she noticed there was a puddle on the ground located on the rear driver's side. Upon inspection, the contact detected a fuel odor and noticed there was a fuel leak coming from the fuel lines. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment for diagnosis. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Action Number: PE20011 (Fuel System, Other). The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

Filed Sep 7, 2021 · Fuel system · VA

I noticed a strong odor of gasoline and took the HHR to my local mechanic. He diagnosed it as a rusted fuel line caused by the proximity of a heat shield that traps water.. He was able to repir it by splicing in a section of the line. A bout a yer later the line was leaking again and this time there is not enough line left to splice that isn;t rusted. Obviously this is a danger ranging from leaking gasoline hitting a hot exhaust to a passerby discarding a lit cigarette near the leak and blowing themselves and my car to Kingdome Come. A Check engine light comes on periodically, but is only partially indicative of the gas leak as a possibility. This is a safety issue for both the owner and anyone who might happen by with a lit object

Filed Jul 19, 2021 · Fuel system · 147,240 miles · IN

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, he started to smell gasoline fumes inside the vehicle. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated after parking his vehicle, a bystander informed him that the vehicle had a fuel leak. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,240.