Started smelling smoke and the whole vehicle shut down with the being stuck on ignition. Couldn't open the doors and smoke was billowing out and fire start coming out of lower middle console. Luckily was able to open door and exit vehicle. Fire then erupted and quickly traveled straight down the center console to the rear of the car. Within minutes the car was totally engulfed in flames and was completely burned to nothing. Suffered several burns and smoke inhalation and the car and every thing in it was destroyed

- Cutler Bay, FL, USA

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the vehicle leaked fuel underneath the vehicle, in front of the rear passenger tire. The contact called matthews-hargreaves Chevrolet (2000 twelve mile rd, royal oak, mi 48067) and was informed that the vehicle was not subjected to a recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that there was a repair kit online for sale however, the manufacturer stated that if the vehicle was repaired using the repair kit, the warranty would be voided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 210,000.

- Flint, MI, USA

Check engine light. Reduced engine power. ESC off. This occurred on vehicle startup and while the vehicle was in motion. The vehicle goes into a low power mode and cannot be driven more than five miles per hour.

- Pittsburg, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. While driving 65 mph, the vehicle stalled and the ESC warning indicator illuminated. The contact mentioned that the security lock warning indicator also illuminated. The contact had to make multiple attempts of turning the ignition key back and forth before the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

- Morganton, NC, USA

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the engine stalled when attempting to start the vehicle. The check engine indicator illuminated when starting the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the timing chain was stretched and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 150,000. Updated 06/05/2017

- Elkhorn, WI, USA

I was driving down the highway and all of a sudden the service airbag warning light came on as well as the warning chime. I purchased the car used in August 2013, and soon after getting it the very same warning came on. I went back to the dealer and they had it sent to a local GM dealer to be fixed. I purchased the car from a Dodge and Subaru dealer and they were not able to do the repair. I was shown the repair paperwork stating that a faulty airbag sensor was replaced. Well just last week the very same thing happened again. The service airbag light comes on then goes off sometimes after only a few seconds. Then another warning light went on stating faulty air pressure sensor. The check engine light is on as well so I'm wondering if there is some type of electrical gremlin in the car. This is extremely frustrating because I like the car but all of these stupid little issues make me want to trade it in, and never buy anything made by GM ever again.

- Shiremanstown, PA, USA

I have had my recall competed on my ignition switch, however, I am concerned because I still have an issue where I turn off the car and take the key out of the ignition, and either I hear the engine still run slightly, but more commonly the issue is that the door chimes as if I opened the door with the key still in the ignition (although it is not). I thought the replacement after this recall would fix the problem as I had previously brought it to the dealership and they could not "duplicate it" or see any immediate issues. Should I be concerned that this is still happening after the recall?

- Bethesda, MD, USA

Went to leave from friend's house, vehicle would not start.called tow truck, but by the time ( 2 hrs ) I waited car started-up.cancelled tow truck. Next time while making turn, power steering stopped working. It has not worked since approx 05/21/14. Called the dealer to make appointment on 06/03/14. They give me the papers services. And they told me it will probably take between 6 weeks to 7 weeks for them to get the part.I been calling, still waiting for the parts. On another note, I told them about my condition. I have one arm the is very hard for me to drive with out power steering. I had surgery on my left arm. ( a survivor of sarcoma). For them maybe is nothing. I don't want them to feel sorry for me. I just want to fallow the rules, and the promises they make to me. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Brandon, FL, USA

I bought my HHR brand new. Within weeks of having it, the brakes had to be replaced due to warping. This has become an every six month routine now. The brakes don't always catch and can be scary when trying to slow down. I've barely avoided wrecks several times, and usually that involves steering towards a ditch.

- Deering, ND, USA

Vehicle ran fine entire day(12-20-2013), I parked to shop with my wife at a local mall. When we were ready to leave the vehicle would turn over and then immediately shut off. This happened at least 10 times, my battery was beginning to drain so I stopped. My wife and I decided to continue our shopping and come back to vehicle later. Once again I started the vehicle and it immediately shut off. I had to call a towing service (aaa) to tow us to a local repair shop. The next day I was told the vehicle started fine and they could not find any problem. The mechanic did tell us that the vehicle had previous error codes from last night pointing to ignition and starter units, but they found no problems. I have received numerous recall notices from GM describing this very thing and have requested a full refund of my towing fees ($95 invoice#73066) and trying to set up my repair since the recall notices went out in April 2014. I have not heard anything since. GM case # [xxx] operator (jim). Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Tarentum, PA, USA

Turned the key and started my car and then I couldn't turn it off. I could take the key out but the vehicle would not shut off as the ignition switch appears to be stuck in the on position. Took it to GM dealer in salinas to ask about it but said could not assist me till Wednesday, granted it was Saturday so okay, but could not help me shut off the vehicle. Said it most likely would not be associated with the recall though it seems related.

- Salinas, CA, USA

Ignition switch can not be turned to off position. Cycled thru gears (automatic trans) several times thinking park sensor switch pin may be the problem - no effect. Aware there is a recall on this ignition - called hotline - 1st attempt, busy, 2nd attempt received recording. Called dealership of purchase, service dept closed at 1pm sat. Located fuse panel, removed engine control module fuse, this stopped eng. Elec power still on due to key stuck in on position, removed battery connection. Following Monday morning called dealership & reported problem, service dept verified recall & informed me replacement ignition cylinder is taking in excess of 4 weeks delivery.

- Driftwood, TX, USA

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the key was became stuck in the ignition and the vehicle failed to power off. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 104,000, and the current mileage was 105,000.

- Saint Clair, MI, USA

2009 Chevy HHR has 50,000 miles on it and I have noticed that the temperature runs very hot with no explanation. Fluids full, clean and regularly serviced. The cooling fan kicks on when sitting idle for any small period of time.

- Kingman, AZ, USA

While driving on the highway my service ESC light came on along with the road traction picture and my car started jerking and shaking after a few minutes my check engine light came on. My husband thought it was misfiring so he changed out the spark plugs but it is still doing the same thing. The ESC light will go off for a few miles but will came back on.

- Willis , TX, USA

I pulled in my driveway and put the car in park and could not turn off the key. I tried to everything, steering wheel, key, shifter, brakes, etc and I could not turn the car off or get the key out. I had to pull a fuse to get the car to shut down. This problem is similar, if not exactly, the same of other complaints on this type car. I will probably have to have it towed and repaired by a dealer at great expense. Not good for GM.

- Fayetteville, TN, USA

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that he had several problems with the vehicle. The failures included the brakes, power steering assist and a foul odor being emitted through the ventilation system. In addition, the driver's side door handle cable fractured and the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that he took the vehicle to the dealer for the failure of the power steering assist where they advised that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The steering rack was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer because the check engine light was illuminated and they advised that the cam shaft sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the vehicle began to drive roughly afterward. The vehicle was also taken to the dealer for the brake failure, door handle and the exhaust and the technicians stated that they could not duplicate the brake problem or the foul odor that was coming through the exhaust. In addition, the cable in the door handle needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 32,000.

- New Paltz, NY, USA

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while attempting to park, the vehicle stalled. In addition, the doors failed to unlock and the contact became trapped in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who referred her to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 39,000.

- Aransas Pass, TX, USA