Radiator problems of the 2006 Chevrolet HHR

My coolant gauge on the instrument panel would not work occasionally but would start working again within miles and before I could get it to the dealer. They looked at it the first time and said there was nothing they could do unless it stopped working completely, that they had no way of finding out why it would stop working and then just start working again. It happened the first time at about 15,00 miles and then again about every 5,000 miles further. It stopped working the other day again (everything else worked fine on the panel and no problems with the heat/air, radiator or any other coolant issue) but this time it made the "check engine" light come on also. I called the dealer and they said it was best not to drive it in case the engine would overheat so I had it towed to the shop. They finally diagnosed the problem as the thermostat sticking and charged me the full cost of repairs and towing since the mileage was now at 43,800. I had been having this problem for 30,000 miles but they could never figure out why. The last time it happened, my ac wouldn't work. They said that the ac compressor which costs $1300 to replace is broken but that the problem with the coolant gauge/thermostat had nothing to do with it. It just seems very coincidental that both go out at the same time. My car has had other problems that I've never heard anyone having with a brand new car that is less than 3 years old. I will never recommend anyone by this year/model car. It's dangerous due to the problems that everyone is experiencing and in constant need of repair. My next issue with my car is a noise that comes and goes in the front suspension. Again, this problem comes and goes and they can never figure out the problem because it works great when the dealer has it. I would get rid of this car if I could afford to.

While driving on the highway (495 beltway near washington, DC) during rush hour my dashboard light indicating a coolant problem came on. I managed to get over to the side of the road. All of the coolant had run out of my car and it was not drivable without risking damage. I did drive it with the temperature reading over 300 degrees until the gauge failed so that I could get it to the dealership. The manual stated that there was a risk of fire if you drive the car with the red indicator warning light on, but I had no choice to get my car away from heavy traffic and to the dealership. According to the dealer the car's radiator and condenser are damaged beyond repair and must be replaced. I did not drive over anything or feel anything collide with my car. I was simply driving when the warning signal sounded and the red indicator light came on. Now the dealership and the manufacturer say that there is no defect in the car that would cause this. I have found several other people who indicate having the same problem with this model of car. There is no protective plate under the radiator to prevent rocks or road debris from coming up as a projectile and damaging it. I have asked the manufacturer to fix the car and install some kind of protective plate, but they have refused. I do not feel safe driving a car that is at such risk for radiator damage during normal driving conditions.