2008 Chevrolet HHR: gas smell in the cabin

Filed Apr 29, 2024 · Fuel system · 184,025 miles · IN

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the contact detected an abnormally strong fuel odor. Upon inspection, the contact noticed a leak coming from underneath the rear driver's side door. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. 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, Fuel/Propulsion System, Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was 184,025.

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 Aug 8, 2022 · Fuel system · FL

2008 HHR Chevy LS 4D. Within 10 months of purchasing this car (October, 2017) the smell of gasoline became so strong I took it to the local mechanic. The fuel line had completely rusted out. I was told it could have caught fire! Cost of replacement was $420.00. A huge financial burden for a senior citizen. I have original bill for this amount and receipt of payment.

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 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 Oct 25, 2021 · Fuel system · NC

My Fuel line is pouring gas out . The gas fumes are filling the cabin of the car waiting for a repair.

Filed Sep 25, 2021 · Fuel system · FL

Around 6 months ago I started to notice a fuel smell and upon inspection at the local shop it was diagnosed that my fuel line had rusted through and they informed me there are other cases of this exact issue on the Chevrolet hhr and cobalt vehicles with this engine and fuel setup it has started to leak into the exhaust but has not caught fire.

Filed Aug 15, 2021 · Fuel system · MD

Fuel lines leaking in front of drivers side rear tire. Lines run inside of a channel that has a protective wrap over them, but is very close to part of the exhaust pipe. Fuel line had corroded inside of protective wrap. Only leaks when the engine is running and fuel system under pressure. Fuel could have hit hot exhaust pipe and caused a fire or explosion. Apparently this is a common problem with the Chevy HHR with multiple cases having already been reported. Had the car repair at our local Chevy dealer. Cost of removing and replacing the fuel lines was $1,307.00. The only indications of the problem was the smell of fuel near the rear tire and a puddle of fuel under the car when engine was shut off. Frame cross member was also wet from fuel shooting out of end of protective wrap.

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.

Filed Jul 19, 2021 · Fuel system · IN

Fuel lines leaking under left rear of 2008 HHR. According to Google internet investigations this seems to be a problem in the design and placement of insulation material over the fuel line. I almost had a explosive concern, not knowing where the smell of fuel was coming from, a alert gentleman smoking a cigarette counseled me on a dripping fuel on the parking lot. He said smokers will throw their cigarette down and unintentionally possibly causing a fire/explosion.

Filed Jun 11, 2021 · Fuel system · 93,368 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor at the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that the fuel lines located at the rear driver’s side wheel were leaking and that the wheel was corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 93,368.