Key stuck in ignition, able to turn car off, but will not turn past acc position to remove key. Car will shift into park and out again, brake interlock still works.

- Shakopee, MN, USA

I have a 2007 Chevy HHR and starting having problems with trying to shift out of park. At first it was every so often it happened all the time. While I was on vacation my friend took the car to a Chevy dealership and they said the gear shift had to be replaced it cost me $497.99. In the mean time I went on line and found that 15,000 other owners of HHR's had the same exact problem. I went to GM to see if there was a recall and they said no. I then asked if they would do something to help me with this huge bill and after getting the run around for a month I was told by larry at GM 866-790-5700 ext 21217 there is nothing they can do to help. So now I am writing to you and I will also write the to the better business bureau too and see if there is any help for me at all. Thanks for taking the time to look into this and a speedy reply would be greatly appreciated.

- Streamwood, IL, USA

07 HHR key stuck in ignition, shift didn't register in park so key could be pulled. Because of this car can be put in gear or neutral without starting. Leaves car vulnerable to theft because can't set alarm. Chronic problem with model, brother-in-law has one with same problem. Chevy knows about prob but only fix under warranty period when it is known to break.

- Cartersville, GA, USA

The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the engine has suddenly shut off over 20 times, usually while traveling at any speed on the interstate. The most recent failure occurred while driving 15 mph. She called the dealer from where the vehicle was purchased and was informed that they would take the vehicle back. When she went to turn in the vehicle, the dealer attempted to sell her another vehicle and then refused to take the defective vehicle back. They stated that the cause of the failure was due to corrosion of one of the plugs. They repaired the plug corrosion and some brake issues. The repair lasted for approximately one month before recurring. The vehicle has not been repaired again. The failure mileage was 34,666 and current mileage was 48,000. Updated 09/29/08. The gear shift also needed to be replaced. Updated 09/29/08.

- Roanokee Rapids, NC, USA

Purchased 2007 HHR new in October 2006. With only 249 miles on the car, I returned to the dealer and reported a loud banging noise from the drivers side front end. The could not verify the noise. Since then they replaced two shift assemblies, one steering column and in November 2007 they replaced the drivers side front strut. The banging noise was still there. Now they think it may be the chassis tweaking, but still cannot find or fix the the rattling noise. Also the transmission makes a clunking noise and the car surges when starting it while still in park. The say this is normal. My car has been in courtesy Chevrolet's shop for moore than 30 days since I purchased it. I do not drive it anymore as I believe it is unsafe, and a lemon. The car now has less than 15,000 miles. The car was taken to their shop on 10/19/06, 1/08/07, 7/19/07, 10/27/07, 10/22/07 and 11/13/07.

- Mariposa, CA, USA