Vehicle Speed Control Problems of Chevrolet HHR - part 1

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.

See all problems of the 2008 Chevrolet HHR 🔎.

Noticed that the cruise control would disengage randomly when activated. I checked the function of the brake lights at night and found that the brake lights would turn themselves on randomly with zero brake input, disengaging the cruise control. In this state, depressing the brake pedal more than around 30-40% would turn the brake lights off, even with the brake pedal fully pressed. Furthermore, with the brake pedal pressed to a moderate level, the cruise control is able to be engaged, even with obvious brake pressure being applied. This defeats the cruise control disengagement feature and the cruise control system will fight against the braking system to maintain speed instead of turning itself off as it seems to rely solely on the brake lights for the automatic disengagement. This issue is quite dangerous as this seems to happen quite often with the brake lights, but I cannot find any sort of consistent scenario that causes these issues to occur.

See all problems of the 2010 Chevrolet HHR 🔎.

The gas pedal would stick and the car would not decelerate when removing pressure from it. This happened a couple of times on separate days but would unstick and decelerate fairly quickly. Then today the gas pedal not only became stuck but it accelerated and I had to hit the brakes to get it to stop accelerating.

Out of no where, speed odometer went to flashing and car would not speed up even when pushing the gas. . . Had it checked and was told to check to see if there was a recall because mechanic could not find anything wrong with it. It stopped working while on the highway, had to tow it home because was too scared to try to make it home. When pushing the gas, you can feel it losing power.

See all problems of the 2007 Chevrolet HHR 🔎.

Instrument panel functions work intermittently while vehicle is running and flashes on and off. It is a safety concern as the speedometer function does not work while driving vehicle. This problem also affects the ability of transmission to shift into gear properly. When vehicle is checked using diagnostic computer, computer fails to detect code error or identify problem with vehicle. Electrical system.

See all problems of the 2011 Chevrolet HHR 🔎.

A faint noise was heard and I pulled the vehicle over to the side of road walked around the entire vehicle looking to see if anything stood out, assessed the tires, engine and nothing appeared to be wrong. I proceeded to get on the ramp on and as I went through the toll booth driving around 40 mph, the car accelerated to a speed of about 87 mph, the steering could not be controlled it was almost as if it was in a locked position. Once the vehicle took off at the high speed, it then came almost to a complete stop. The sound of the engine was revving but the speed was not supporting the sound. I proceeded to brake, use the accelerator and was going back and forth between the two functions but neither would work. Scared to go into the flow of heavy traffic, I placed the vehicle in neutral which allowed me to roll down the ramp and onto the shoulder. I then turned the vehicle off and let it sit and attempted to turn it back on to remove it more out of the driving lane, but the vehicle would not move.

The service ecs does not go off. Theirfor the car will not go unless the roads are completely free of snow and ice. The car just sits and spins. Traction control light on constantly . Can not drive car in winter months.

See all problems of the 2009 Chevrolet HHR 🔎.

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.

The car lost some steering and speed all happened while I was driving the car.

Driving 45 mph pressed the brakes , vehicle started accelerating then I applied excessive force on the brakes, finally engine started to reduce rpm's no check engine light came on, lucky that I am a very experienced driver lol to other drivers.

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.

I was driving my 07 Chevrolet Hhr @ 45 mph when the dash display blinked then displayed engine power reduced, followed by a substantial reduction of speed. I couldn't accelerate beyond 30 mph, so I pulled off of the road to avoid being hit by the 18 wheeler traveling behind me. I turned the engine off and back on. The check engine light came on and stayed on. I drove 15 miles back home @ a speed of 30 mph. The vehicle refuses to accelerate beyond 30 mph.

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Hhr. While driving up to 10 mph, the check engine indicator flashed off and on and the vehicle would not accelerate. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.

See all problems of the 2006 Chevrolet HHR 🔎.

Engine reduced power warning and engine light came on while I was driving. It took me down to 25 mph. I couldn't go no more than 25 or 30 miles per hour. Pulled over and put the car in park and it felt like it was about to take off by itself.

Driving at 70 mph on freeway and suddenly "engine power reduced" warning comes on display and I can't accelerate. The engine cut off. On the freeway. This is not safe (obviously) and I don't see myself buying another chevy again. I have a family and this problem could kill us all.

I was driving around 30 mph and sped up to pass a car. All of a sudden, the accelerator pedal went to the floor and was stuck there. I couldn't budge it. Luckily, my brakes were strong enough to overpower the accelerator. I stopped the car and shut it off. I was stranded. My mom came down and turned it on again and it was fine. I had her drive me home since I am eight months pregnant. This was a really scary occurance and I am worried it may happen to someone else. I brought the car to the dealer to get it fixed but they couldn't find anything wrong. So here I am with a potentially dangerous vehicle with no knowledge of what may be wrong. In addition, after doing some research I found that others have had the same problem. Some have been in accidents because of it. What is it going to take before this is recalled? a death? I wouldn't recommend anyone buy this car. At least this year of this model.

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.

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Hhr. While driving from a complete stop, there was hesitation when the accelerator pedal was applied. The failure recurred on a separate occasion while driving 30 mph. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 53,700.

Tl - the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Hhr. The contact stated that while driving 50 mph, the reduce engine power warning light illuminated as the vehicle decelerated. The contact mentioned that after turning the engine off and restarting it, the vehicle resume normal function. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the throttle body sensor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 59,497. Pm.

Car speeded up and down ,car started to spin in circle,lost power steering,lost control of car,car flipped and rolled over 3 times down a 30 yd. Cliff . No head air bags worked at all ,only the steering wheel air bag worked. Took over 2 hrs. To be found by police. Had to use cell phone signal to be found.

While driving a km/h light came on on the dash. . . Everything converted to khp. . . I now have absolutely no clue on how fast/slow im driving. . . Got to my destination and took a look at my owners manual to see if maybe there was a way to switch back to mph. . . And go figure. . . Followed the instructions to a t. . . And it doesnt work. . . Couldnt put in my mileage at the top of this form because it asks for mph and suddenly my dash is only putting out km/h.

The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Hhr. The contact stated that while attempting a right turn, the vehicle abnormally accelerated. The contact crashed into a retaining wall and another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy and the seat belt failed to restrain the contact securely. Additionally, the vehicle stalled and the doors could not be unlocked. The contact became trapped in the vehicle. A police report was filed of the incident. The contact sustained injuries to the knee, chest and arm. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,990. Kmj.

Tl- the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Hhr. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the power steering had suddenly malfunctioned making the steering wheel very difficult to turn. The contact also indicated that while driving the vehicle would suddenly decelerate. The contact indicated that the defects had occurred after the ignition switch was replaced for NHTSA recall campaign number 14v171000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 105,000. Jft.

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.

Tl- the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Hhr. The contact stated while driving approximately 50mph, the steering wheel seized and excessive force on the steering wheel was required without warning. The contact then coasted to the emergency lane,exited the vehicle and performed a brief inspection of the vehicle. The contact had then tried to input power steering fluid in the reservoir,however he noticed that there was electric power steering instead. The contact managed to drive home,however the problem recurred multiple times. The accelerator pedal also would intermittently malfunction and cause the contact to not be able to accelerate and lock up on many occasions. The contact had received NHTSA campaign numbers:14v171000(electrical system) and 14e021000 and stated that the failure had not occurred prior to taking the vehicle to the dealer to remedy those recalls. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for a diagnosis and the dealer informed the contact that they were unable to diagnosis the vehicle free of charge. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 158,000. Gb.

I have been experiencing problems with this vehicle every since I got it. Now with me reading these recalls come to find out this car is not safe at all. When I get to 60mph my car shakes. I thought it was the breaks but I have brand new break put on. It still shakes when trying to ride on the highway. Is anyone else having these issues?.

Tl- the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Hhr. The contact stated that twice while driving approximately 50 mph, there was an abnormal noise and at the same time the service traction and the service esc warning lights flashed randomly, the vehicle suddenly reduced speed and hesitated as if the vehicle may stall. The acceleration pedal was not responding each time the failure recurred as the vehicle jerked voilently and reduced speed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer more than once and they were not able to replicate and diagnose the failure. The dealer test drove the vehicle and found no failure and had the vehicle for a week. The dealer did not send a technician from the manufacturer as the condition continued to happen. The vehicle was continuing to ride extremely rough, hesitated and constantly reduced speed with no warning. The contact indicated that upon turning off the vehicle and restarting the vehicle the computer reset the vehicle and then the warning lights went off but the failure may recurr. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was notified of the failure and they provided no remedy. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000. Dyd.

Drove 1 mile. Turned engine off for 15 min. When restarted car it started shaking, warning message on dash read engine power reduced. Unable to drive more than 30 mph,with car still shaking drove 1 mile to my local mechanic, when mechanic restarted car and conducted dx test and reset code the problem resolved, no further incidents after miles of test driving. Hesitant to drive car any long distance for fear it may happen again and curious if other Hhr drivers have had this problem or if there was a silent recall. . Would like advice as to how to correct this issue, prevent a reoccurrence without expensive dealer costs and feel safe driving this vehicle. Please advise. Thank you.

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.

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Hhr. The contact stated that while driving 45 mph, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the throttle body needed to be cleaned. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Hhr. The contact stated while driving 40 mph the speed decreased to 20 mph. The contact had to shut the vehicle off and restart it in order to correct the failure. The traction warning indicator illuminated whenever the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 28,000.

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.

Engine became sluggish, unresponsive to gas pedal, and shut down in heavy traffic causing dangerous situation. Instrument warnings: engine power reduced and something about traction. . . Called onstar - towed to dealer and diagnostics said "wrong readings on the throttle body" and "wrong gas pedal position". Dealer replaced throttle body.

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Hhr. The contact stated that while driving 50 mph and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle abnormally accelerated. The contact was able to drive onto the emergency lane without incident and shut off the engine. He was able to contact onstar who advised the contact to restart the engine. Upon doing so, the vehicle began to accelerate without the accelerator or brake pedal being depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for further inspection. The failure and current mileages were 4,000.

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Hhr. While driving approximately 20 to 30 mph the vehicle accelerated. He engaged the brakes and turned the ignition off. He restarted the vehicle, drove a couple of miles and the vehicle accelerated again. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer several times, yet, they were unable to duplicate the failure. The contact was unable to provide a VIN. The approximate failure mileage was 300. The current mileage was 2,000.