general problems of the 2008 Chevrolet HHR

Vehicle ecm keeps reporting an error code p2138 that refers to a correlation issue between sensors on the throttle/pedal system, causing the vehicle to enter into reduced power and eventually disables engine. Problem persists even after replacing pedal component. Apparently water enters the compartment where the part is located and corrodes wiring between the ecm and the pedal system. Gm is apparently aware but so far has done nothing. Problem is especially hazardous because engine power is reduced during acceleration and happens without warning. Vehicle could be in high density traffic and then suddenly experiences lack of power or total disability, and driver must try to navigate to the side of the road--not always possible or safe to do.

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Hhr. The contact stated that while driving at 70 mph, the accelerator pedal was applied but it went to the floorboard. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormal odor of fuel outside the vehicle and noticed fuel was leaking from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,000.

Was at a stop sign and went to cross the highway got halfway across and relied the car was slowing down looked at dashboard and everything lok normal made it across highway safely and pulled over engine was not running put car in park and restarted the car proceeded home to find the doors would not lock with interior buttons or remote the remote will turn on the alarm you can manually lock the doors but you can't lock the hatch.

Around April my car started to have a hard time accelerating. A warning cane on the dash that read "loosing enginepower" or words to that effect. When I would brake my car would shake. When I would drive at about 35 my car steering wheel would start b to shake and was hard to control. I took it to my local chevy dealership where I had the oil change, all four breaks replaced, the tech took a ride with me to hear and feel what my car had been doing. He said he didn't know what it was but ran a diagnostic on it and it said multiple things maybe wrong with, such as the fuel injector, the turbo had came up and a fuel regulator and the electrical system. I asked if it was safe to drive and they insured me it was. My car continued to make all these sounds and struggled to accelerate and the breaks were still slipping. On April 17th I was driving on my son's field trip and suddenly my car started to lose power. I pulled over to side of the interstate at the truck stop. I turned my car off and oil was every where. I had my car towed to the local dealership where I purchased the car. They said the timing chain had broke, causing major damage to my engine. I will have to replace my engine. Had my car been properly diagnosed, this could have been prevented. I am now out I found a vehicle due to this misduagnoses. I have had this car for almost 2 years.

While driving, multiple times, I would hear a chime, the power steering lights up on dash, then loss of power steering would result. This problem started happening approximately 1 1/2 years ago. This problem is getting more frequent and is extremely dangerous. I took the car to pine belt approximately 1 1/2 weeks ago and was told I needed a power steering pump. I was told if that did not work that I would need a column replacement. This is a $1400 repair that I cannot afford. This is my only vehicle & I use it for both business and personal uses. As an example of how dangerous this situation is, I went on an hour & a half drive yesterday (4/22/14) and the power steering went out 18 times. At one point, I lost control of the car while trying to make a turn and almost ran into a curb. This is an extremely dangerous situation for both myself & to other drivers on the road.

This vehicle has problems picking up speed. It jerks constantly and when idling it shutters. I have looked at message boards and seen others with same complaints. These problems need to be addressed. This is a huge safety issue when I'm trying to merge.