Chevrolet HHR premature wear problems

Filed Oct 29, 2014 · Steering · 98,000 miles · AR

Power steering fails daily, lose all power assist. Why are 2009-12 covered under recall and 2008 is not? Also brake rotors warp too easy.

Filed Apr 23, 2014 · Brakes · 65,000 miles · WA

Since we got the hhr 3 years ago we have had to replace the rotors 5 different times because they become warped. The new ones only last a month, maybe a 1,000 miles of wear before the brakes start to become warped again. Two months ago before I could get it into the shop to replace the rotors I stepped on the brake doing about 5 MPH when I heard a grinding noise. I immediately took it the shop, 50 miles away, to find out that a brake pad was completely missing!!! Apparently the warped rotor uneven surface jerked the brake pad out of its setting and that is why it was missing. The mechanic had to do a complete brake (front) job using the best rotors on the market 2 months ago and in less than 1 month, with no heavy braking, the brakes are once again showing signs that the rotors are warped---stepping on the brakes it is jerking once again, and now they are almost as bad as they were when I took them in to get repaired. It is a very dangerous situation especially realizing the possibility of another brake pad coming off when I step on the brake. I have read online so many other people complaining of this same problem with these cars. I strongly feel that there needs to be a recall on these cars before something horrible happens to the occupants riding in these cars.

Filed Jun 21, 2012 · Brakes · NY

Car has 38,000 miles at this time. Since 5,000 miles the car when brakes are applied the car would pulsate and shake at the steering wheel and front end. The higher the speed the more severe. This seems to be a characteristic of the model. I am reading on edmonds car forum about thousands of people with the same problems. The rotor warps prematurely causing the issues. The rotors are clearly not the grade needed for the car. Gm has never addressed the complaints and should be pressured to recall the model and replace the deficient rotors.

Filed Dec 23, 2010 · Brakes, Engine · 11,604 miles · MA

It would be easier to list the things that are ok with this car. I've resurfaced or replaced the rotors several times (four times in one year) after consistently complaining to the dealer that it sounded like things were falling off the car. The car's braking and steering capacity is extremely diminished. I've replaced a broken stabilizer control arm and now I'm told the front end needs to be rebuilt. This damage is a direct result of the continuing problem with the rotor warping. The check engine light is on more than off and its been in at least 10 times for this issue. Gm customer service is aware of these issues and refuses to return customer calls. *ln updated 11/29/11. *jb updated 12/06/11.

Filed May 27, 2010 · Brakes, Steering · 7,500 miles · OH

Brake rotors warped and the car would shake with such a severe force controlling the car was very hard. After the dealer replaced four sets, before the car had 50,000 miles on it, the dealer told me that the brake pads were worn out and that would cause this to happen again. Just before the last rotors were, replaced the electric power steering would cease working and effectively hinder our ability to steer the car. The electric power steering is still a problem daily at different times. I am going to check into the repair process soon. I feel that this problem is caused by the rotors warping and shaking the front end equipment of the hhr. In closing, I replaced the pads and they were not worn out. I kept them for future reference.

Filed Mar 9, 2010 · Brakes · 44,000 miles · GA

At 18,000 mile my 2009 chevrolet hhr started shaking as the brakes were applied while going down a 5% mountain grade. Within a short distance after leveling off the braking returned to normal. This occurred several more times and at 24,000 mile the vehicle was taken to the dealership to have the brakes checked. The diagnosis was that the rotors had over heated and warped. At 44,000 mile the vehicle started shaking again as the brakes were applied while going down a 5% mountain grade. Brake pads do wear out. Rotors do need to be turned. Violent shaking from rotors warping because of overheating is not normal. It is an indication that the braking system may be undersized for this vehicle or that inferior parts are being used. The brakes have not been applied excessively. The vehicle is not overloaded. The vehicle has not been subject to sudden braking. The high mileage on the vehicle is from freeway driving.

Filed May 18, 2008 · Brakes · 10,000 miles · AZ

Vehicle was bought new in november 2007, and has had a couple issues. When new, the vehicle seemed to not track straight, or was at least 'twitchy' on the road. With less than 6000 miles, the vehicle developed a noticeable 'clunk' in the front end. Took to the dealer, and they found a "damaged sway bar bushing", decided that it was defective from the factory, and replaced under warranty. This seemed to fix that issue, as well as made the car less 'twitchy' to drive. With just under 10,000 miles, the vehicle has developed a sensation of having a warped rotor when braking. Rotors turned by dealer and the problem has gone away for now, but tech at dealership says this seems to be a common occurrence for hhr's.

Filed Mar 7, 2008 · Brakes · 5,000 miles · PA

Front brake rotors warping. Had them cut twice at dealer. Out of warranty know, I waited to long for the 3 rd. Fix ( family emg.) know I have to pay.

Filed Jan 9, 2008 · Tires · 15,000 miles · CA

I am having tire problems, premature wear on front, and knocking noise in front steering, took it to I took it to the local dealer they replaced the steering assy, but did nothing with tires, now I need tires and have gone to 5 different tire stores, and all of them state that the tires I have on my 2007 chevrolet hhr 2.2 dohc, are not the proper ones for the vehicle rating. And no one carries them. And if they did they would be 175.00 per tire, tires in mention are p215/50 r17 90t, I would expect full tire replacement at no charge to myself and others in this situation.

Filed Aug 6, 2007 · Brakes · 24,350 miles · CT

Driving home from out of state, applied brakes and steering wheel shuddered violently, with reduced braking ability. Took to dealer, diagnosed warped rotors. The same problem had occurred three months earlier, at 20,000 miles. Vehicle now has 24,000 miles. Rotors were resurfaced both times.