Chevrolet HHR And Cobalt Investigated Over Fuel Leak Concerns
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation after receiving numerous complaints regarding fuel leaks in the Chevrolet Cobalt and HHR compact cars.
According to The Detroit Free Press, NHTSA says it has received 208 complaints from owners of the Cobalt and HHR over fuel leaks. Of these, 39 complained of fuel leaking out from a line located near the left rear well. The safety watchdog claims the leaks are caused by corroding metal fuel lines.
In a statement issued to the Free Press, GM spokesman Dan Flores said the automaker has “been in discussion with NHTSA on this matter and will continue to cooperate with NHTSA in its investigation.”
The government has not yet tied any crashes, fire or injuries to the purported fuel leaks. NHTSA reps also told the Free Press they would investigate any potential safety issues that may stem from the problem and noted that investigations like these can lead to recalls.
The agency’s probe involves 614,000 Cobalt and HHR models. Cobalt models affected are from the 2008 to 2010 model years, while the HHRs are from 2008 and 2009. Searching these vehicles on NHTSA’s online database turns up a number of complaints pertaining to this same fuel leak issue.
“The gas line is rusted and leaking,” one owner of a 2009 Chevrolet HHR said. “There is a strong odor of gasoline at the rear drivers side tire of my car. It leaves fuel on my driveway.”
One complaint said the location of the gas lines, which are located within an insulation heat shield near the exhaust pipe/muffler, is the reason behind the corrosion. They also said GM had them come in to confirm the corrosion problem – suggesting the issue was previously on the automaker’s radar.
“Gas line corrosion problem (due) to muffler right under gas lines and gas line up in pocket where heat and moisture cause early corrosion (poor design),” the complainant, who owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt, wrote. “GM had me go to a dealership and confirm corrosion problem.”
It is not clear when the findings from NHTSA’s investigation will be released.
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I got my fuel lines (and filter) replaced for under $400. Scout around and see if you can find something in your price range–and keep the receipt. Dealership will rob you blind.
Yes, I’d never go to a dealership. Thanks for the reply.
I think it should be all HHR that has the problem with the left wheel corrosion, not go by vin numbers or year. My 2011 has this problem and is costing $800.00 to get it fixed which I live on a small social security check but that is only way to get around. How sad they cant do that on ALL HHR VEHICLES
Are you having a dealer replace them? I would find a mechanic who could do it for half that. I paid under $400 and got my lines and filter replaced. They told me these lines should outlast my car!
I own a 2010 Chevy Colbot, with only 82,000 km. Fuel line leaking and corroded. Very disappointed. Just cost me $900.00.
just had fuel line leak near front of drivers rear tire and muffler doing run around
notice strong smell of gas but then i just used engine cleaner and check leaks under car and it was water and older others leaks from before
then check engine light was on then off and i put in 85 corn oil gas in
had been running car on low amt of fill tank–put in fuel ejector cleaner
and also turn ignition over and took more than couple times —about 5x and scratched alternator
finally saw and felt dripping gas on pavement so went to GMC dealer and looked under to see rusting out about 3 inched on both lines
got estimate of unexpected 1k
bad time on my bank acct
need GM hhr recall info
Please include the 2011 Chevrolet HHR in your investigation. I am having the exact same problem with my 2011 Chevrolet HHR. I was driving it to the store. When I parked, there was an intense odor of gas. I looked around and followed the smell to the exact spot described. Rear driver’s side, in the vicinity of the front of the rear tire. This is extremely unsafe and as I’ve been looking into this, there are countless others who also own the 2011 Chevrolet HHR and are having the exact same problem. Please let all of us know if there is a recall for this extremely dangerous problem on the 2011 model. Thank you.
It’s now July, 2021
My little 2008 HHR is sitting in my driveway rotting away also. I have been on disability for 3 years.
I purchased the little car because I’ve always been a Chevy driver and thought it would be a reliable car.
I do not have $1000 to replace a problem with the fuel lines that should have been recalled.
I am very disappointed in GM.
Shame on you.
I do not have a $1,000 to repair a problem that GM has known about for a while now.
They should be held accountable for their actions.
My 2006 Chevy cobalt sat in the hot sun and had the fuel leak so I was told Chevrolet would fix it under the special campaign for the problem…. after having it towed to a dealer they fixed the exact problem in the recall then charged me almost a $1,000.00 to fix it . Of course, it being a Chevy dealer the labor was more than the parts! Plus, they supposedly did a multi-point inspection & that was a lie! The other things l know are wrong with my car they made all green so they really charged me for it & never really did it! I used to love chevys and only would drive them but, the way they are going about these cobalt problems make me think twice!
I have a 2010 hhr with only 49950 mi on it. I smelled gas and saw a leak under driver side back door in front of back tire. I could see corrosion of fuel line at block where rubber line meets metal connection. Will have mechanic fix leak.
If you take it to a dealer, be prepared for $750 – $800 repair bill. This is wrong in so many ways. Apparently, not enough cars or houses have burned to the ground to get serious attention from GM or NHSTA.
GM will take care of your Cobalt problem no matter where you live(06 & 07s). I know because they just did it for me. Your local Chevy dealer probably will charge you but, GM reimburses the cost plus labor. There is a special warranty for the fuel leaks only if it’s the module, any other thing that accuses from the leak is not included.
Good luck, just go on line & find GM, give them a call.lve done it & was refunded over 1/2 of my cost.
Just found out my fuel line is leaking on my 2008 chevy hhr….