Chevy HHR Key Stuck in Ignition Fix – Is this a Joke?
March 17th, 2011. By AbiK
I’ve heard one too many complaints now about the Chevy HHR ignition problem—the one where you can’t get the key out of the ignition, and in some instances the key won’t come out and the HHR is still running! In these parts, we’d call that a design defect. But seems like GM doesn’t quite feel the same way.
So while I had done some checking into this a while back when I had first posted about the Chevy HHR problem (and while we’re at it, let’s throw in the Chevy Cobalt problem, too) I had focused on official complaints being filed over at the NHTSA—not so much the solution because, heck, shouldn’t GM or Chevy be taking care of this gratis for folks who’ve been stuck in an HHR that won’t shut off? Is it just me? Or, shouldn’t there be some sort of Chevy HHR recall or at least a “come in and get your part replaced” notice?
Well, there’s been none that I’ve seen, and apparently none of you HHR owners out there have seen one either.
So I came across this guy’s video on how to fix the HHR problem. Kudos to him for taking the time to film 10 minutes of repair work, explaining everything step by step. But is this a joke?!? Don’t get me wrong—the video is great—but like I’m going to dislodge my car’s gear shift and put everything back together again. Right. And I love his comment at about minute 6:15: “pretty maddening to put in” followed by minute 6:36: “it sounds easier than it is” —I’ll bet! Bottom line, there’s a car mechanic somewhere (or HHR dealer) who’ll be making a few quid off HHR owners from this problem.
Is this how GM Customer Service works?
C’mon Chevy, step up to the plate.
Find us on
Archive by Category
- Accidents (24)
- Airlines (9)
- Asbestos Mesothelioma (262)
- Automotive (25)
- Celebrity (14)
- Class Action (84)
- Complaints/Comments (15)
- Consumer Fraud (84)
- Contest (2)
- Court of Public Opinion (5)
- Crazy Sh*t Lawyers See (61)
- Criminal Law (4)
- Defective Products (111)
- DePuy ASR Hip Recall (2)
- Discrimination (22)
- Drugs/Medical (248)
- Elder Care Abuse (4)
- Emerging Issues (462)
- Employment (54)
- Environment (52)
- Financial (28)
- Food Illness (15)
- Human/Civil Rights (4)
- Insecurities (5)
- Insurance (16)
- Intellectual Property (16)
- Internet/E-commerce (19)
- lawsuits (161)
- Lawyers (20)
- Lawyers Giving Back (43)
- Lex Levity (10)
- Personal Injury (106)
- Pleading Ignorance (53)
- Real Estate (2)
- Recall (6)
- Scam (3)
- Securities (13)
- Settlement (81)
- Tort Reform (2)
- Totally Tortelicious (81)
- Veterans (11)
- Whistleblower (9)
Ill never own a GM in my life, 2006 cadillac dts, had two diff kinds of brakes on it, not what the build sheets said, front std, rear limo.
the cars brakes overheat so bad the rotors would deform and cause the front to shake like both tire were flat. took it in a dozen times, once it was so bad both tie rods had to be replaced(at 20k miles). last time they said there is 80% pad on the brakes but if i want new ones it is $4k. called the rep, thats a joke, i told her there was a tsb since i got the car, she said she didnt know any thing "im not a tec" brake are a mint item. you need to fix it your self. so i can never get matched brakes on this car. there should be a law.
my caddie is a joke as well
I just had to have my 2009 HHR towed to the dealership because I couldn't get the key out of the ignition and it kept running. What a nightmare! Thank goodness my neighbor knew how to shut the vehicle off until the tow truck could show up. I am being charged $245.00 to have it repaired. Only 50,000 mile on it and of course…the warranty doesn't cover it. I want my JEEP back!!!!!!
Hi Julie, Sounds like a nightmare for sure–you're lucky your neighbor knew what to do! We're looking for anyone who's had one of these Chevy HHR ignition problems (or HHR gear shift problems) to send in a video of it–just capture it on your phone and send it over to us at . The more the merrier–as it seems some folks (hello, Chevy) can't quite understand that this really happens without actually seeing it for themselves. Maybe by posting some videos we can get Chevy to actually step up to the plate a bit more and do something about it.
hello there ! Same problem happened yesterday, my key stuck and still in the ignition in my 2009 chevy hhr,
My keys are stuck in the ignition. Grrr. 2007 HHR. WTF. I’m not paying for this to get fixed cuz I see a lot of others having the same problem.
Hi there same happened to my 2009 HHR and I paid 350.00 to have the problem fixed. Customer at the dealer at same time said she ran in to 4 other HHR owners a few weeks ago at an auto store with same problem.
Yeah–just got my 2009 HHR back from the dealer–out of warrenty-of course…. the computer crapped out and de-activated my airbags….cost me $227……The day after I got it back the computer gave me a "Monitor service tire" message- same crap, the computer is messed up…..Right this minute… like right NOW—- the damn key is stuck in the ignition and the CAR IS RUNNING!!!!! I have 3 Chevy productions…. this is it- I will NEVER buy another one!!! I was at the grocery store when this went down and I can not tell you how pissed off I am….it is in my drive way right now running out the $3.57 per gallon gas…. GM needs the pants sued off them!
Hello. I own a 06 Chevy hhr. It exhibited the exact same issues as everyone else. I was on my way to class when this happened to me. Took so long to get key out I actually was late for class even though is showed up early. After listening I noticed a clicking that was occurring when I turned off car and turned it on The key wasn’t coming out the whole time. The when I about broke the key through frustration it came out of the ignition. I finally realized days later at my home what was happening to me. The key wasn’t coming out and the clicking was happening again. At first I figured cutting the car on and off would do the trick, but it did not. I sat there annoyed once again. Stupid key in the stupid ignition. Note this has occurred countless times since I obtained the car in 08. So I say there and just listened. The clicking was irregular as I just turned off the key. Then it hit me. The locking mechanism that keeps the key in was malfunctioning and still holding the key. So I waited for one click and pulled no luck. But I heard another and pulled. The key was free. So every time this happens I wait for that particular click after shutting off car and pull my key free. But the needs to be dealt with before something tragic occurs to an owner of a Chevy product. It really does annoy me along with other things about my car. It also has a leak via the sunroof and the vent for air in the front of the car. The interior light dins in and out that lights up the dash at night. These cars need to be looked into. Terrible product equal unhappy customer therefore no consumer. That’s my story hope it helps.
Hello, I had this problem happen to me last night as soon as I got home. I too have a 2009 HHR and this is really the first major problem I have come across. Car was running for about an hour before AAA showed up. The AAA guy said that this is a constant problem with HHR and Cobalts. Now I need to take it to the dealership to get it fix. Just reading some of the responses, MY WARRANTY may not cover this. That sucks. I guess I'm gonna have fork out some money that I don't have. I am really upset about this. Man, the dealership is gonna hear from me. I've always been a FORD person. I should have stayed with FORD.
my daughter has a 2009 HHR and her car would not shut off nor could she get the key out. called the dealership and they said it was either a shift lever problem or the module underthe steering colum was bad. first option would cost $450 to repair, second option $350 to repair. called a buddy of mine who works on cars for his living and concentrates on electrical problems. anyway, he came buy and in 7 minutes had the problem solved. it was the ignition switch. when he removed the switch the tumblers were misaligned. he fixed the origional switch and re-inserted it and "bingo" the problem went away. my cost under $50.
Thank you Julie. After owning my HHR 2009, I want my jeep back too! They make things the way you are supposed to, not with plastic in your shifter! Ught!
HI EVERYONE I HAD THE SAME ISSUE, BUT THE DEALER WILL FIX IT FOR FREE!!! THEY HAVE
EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THIS FOR 100,000 MILES 5 YEARS SO IF YOUR IN THAT RANGE
THEY WILL DO IT FREE . I HAD A BAD IGNITION SWITCH
What if your not the original owner? bought the car with 40,000 over a year ago and now its up to 55,000… just had it towed tonight. 2009 chevy hhr key stuck in with the car running..
I just experienced the same problem after years of buying hondas i decided to give Chevy a chance. What a joke. last American car I'll buy. I had Honda fifteen years old no problems close to this. ugh!
no fun when it happens to you 250 miles from home at a hotel. Hubby had to drive up, rent a trailer to tow car back home.
my 2007 just rolled to 50,00 an guess what keys stuck in ignition.. oh an by they way just replaced rotors for 2nd time, an also a wheel bearing
I have this problem and it is the most infuriating thing I've ever had to deal with. I took in to the dealer over a month ago (it's been going on for at least 6 mos.) thinking it was just the tumbler in the ignition, so about a what? $80 fix? Nope. Try more like $400-500 as they told me "a part of the gear shift broke and has to be replaced." When I asked the guy at the dealership to explain the problem in more detail he couldn't. However, after doing some research AND seeing this video, but of which sum up the problem as a tiny little switch problem in many Chevy car models, to include my HHR from years 2006-2010. Seriously? They couldn't manage to figure out and fix the problem in 4 years? I live in the desert and am 8 months pregnant, so to have to sit in my car in a parking lot in the hot summer sun fighting with my car is not only embarrassing but a giant pain. If it was a problem due to my error or normal wear and tear I'd have no problem footing the bill, however my car is 5 years old with just over 30,000 miles on it, is maintained regularly and you want me to dish out $500 for a $2.00 piece that your design team screwed up in implementing in the car's overall design???? I'm at the point where I plan on writing to GM and Chevy and telling them that if I could still bend over, I'd do so in order for them to kiss my a**. My poor little Cavalier that I traded in, without even the basic stock radio had less problems than I'm having now with a fully loaded HHR.
I just had the same problem last night with my 2009 HHR and it has just over 30,000 miles on it. Thank you so much for this video. My son and husband are going to attempt to fix it rather than give the stealer $500! I am so disgusted with this car. Last year it was a problem with the brakes overheating that GM wouldn't fix but when I when I looked on the internet here were all these other HHR owners having the same problem. What is it going to take for GM to step up to the plate to fix the problems they created???
I agree, had the same problem friday night of course the dealership was closed all weekend! I had to cut the fuel switch and pull the neg. battery cable just to turn it off and on. I’m trying to get an appt today to fix it, if it’s not covered, I’ll be really angry, this is a mechanical error due to poor design, not wear and tear. This the first and probably last GM car I’ll buy if this is how they customer service is. No wonder they needed our money to stay afloat.
Hi Crystal, Incredible! We’ve had so many comments about this Chevy HHR problem–if you’d like to submit a complaint, we’ve started accepting them for a lawyer to review–you can fill one out here (it’s free/no obligation): https://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/submit_form…
I am having the same exact problem with my 2006 HHR (Key stuck in the ignition). It started over the weekend, but my brother and my son were able to get the key out. Last night it happened again and I was not able to get the key out. So, I had to leave it in the ignition overnight which drained the battery – so I had to jump the battery this morning to get the car started to go to work. I called the dealership and they cannot get me in until Thursday. So what do I do meanwhile. This is a HUGE inconvenience!
Hi KWJ, File a complaint over at the NHTSA, and while you're at is, as the NHTSA has not yet started an investigation into this –even though there are quite a few folks out there having Chevy HHR problems w/the keys in the ignition, you can also fill out a complaint form here–we're now accepting HHR complaints; complaints will be forwarded to an attorney to review. The form to fill out is here: https://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/submit_form…
2009 HHR, bought it used from a major dealer. Pulled in to work and couldn't turn it off… had to pull the fuel pump thingy out in the fuse box to get the engine to stall before removing the negative lead on the battery to keep the battery from going dead while I worked my shift. If i hadn't had a smart phone with internet access to figure out what to do I don't know what I would have done at 10pm at night with no one to call for help.
Hi Jason, We've set up a complaint form that you can fill out for the HHR ignition problems. Folks are also filing complaints with the NHTSA. The form here ( https://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/submit_form… ) gets reviewed by an attorney (it's free, no obligation). Regardless of who starts looking into this HHR problem "officially", someone has to. This is ridiculous. Not only have you shared your story, but we've had a couple of folks share video clips of the engine not shutting off as it's been happening, but we've also heard from a lot of HHR owners on this post as well http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/blog/maybe-c…
Same issue this morning when I pulled in to work…..2010 HHR with 52k miles. A coworker found this blog/video clip so I'm at the dealership now. It will cost nearly $400 to fix. When I mentioned the numerous complaints on this blog and asked why a recall hadn't been issued, I was told this isn't a widespread spread problem for HHR's and other vehicles have this issue! Fortunately my extended warranty will cover the repair but the inconvenience and lack of concern about this issue from the service department makes me question GMs commitment to service and customer satisfaction.
Jason
How did you get back to the battery
I cant seem to find a way to open the lift gate to reattach the battery
Did you replace the shifter?
Is there a temporary alternative till one can be purchased and installed
Any assistance is greatly appreciated
Same issue. Purchased new. 52344 miles.
Hi Jim, I can't believe how many readers have commented on our HHR posts about this problem with the key getting stuck in the HHR ignition. There have been so many that we've started accepting complaints for an attorney to review–you can fill out a complaint here if you'd like: https://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/submit_form…. And, make sure you stop over at the NHTSA website and file a complaint there as well–if they get enough complaints, perhaps they'll start an official investigation on it. Either way, since Chevy doesn't appear to be doing much, it's time get the word out on this.
Same isssue last night 2009 HHR 63,000 kms
Hi Dave, I wish I could say "join the club" and have it be a really great club to join. Unfortunately…. the HHR ignition problem club is a bit of a frustrating downer. So in order to help get the ball rolling here on some possible help for folks, we've started accepting complaints for an attorney to review. You can submit a complaint here: https://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/submit_form…. (It's free/no obligation–just fyi). And while you're at it, head over to the NHTSA site and file a complaint there–so far, there's no investigation (hard to believe, but true)–but it's good to officially report the incident there, too. We've had a few complaints here already, and the more the merrier as it shows the lawyer(s) who review the complaints just how large the scope of this thing is.
I have made a complaint with the lawyers and settlements and also filed a complaint with the NHTSA.. I think this is insane that all these people are having the same issues with the igniton and blinkers on the cars and they don't care to take the time to make it right for the hundreds of dollars that are being spent to fix their defect! I sure hope something is done soon cause it is getting old to have to keep manually turning off the blinkers and finding the little button under the steering column to pop my stuck key out of the ignition!
Hey we are having the same problem! I just called and the company said noone has called them and told them about this so they cant do a recall on it till then. 1.800-222-1020 theres the number tell them! HHR06 key stuck and gear shift stuck with the button stuck also.
Hi Kris, Sorry to hear you've officially joined the HHR key stuck in ignition club… I guess Chevy dealers (where many folks state they had their HHR repairs done for the cars that wouldn't shut off) don't talk to anyone at chevy or gm, huh? yeah, and I've got a bridge to sell you too…
Mine is doing the exact same thing!! Did they cover the warranty on yours?
Great I just had ignition switch replaced when I could not shut the car off when I got home Saturday night. It was running and running. Lucky it happened when I got home and in my driveway. My husband was able to get it shut off and restart it so we could take it to the dealers on Monday. . Also luck it was still under warranty. From what I am reading this may happen again as the real problem is the gear shift? My warranty is due to run out in November. Do I have to wait till the gear shift is broken to have it replaced? Can this happen again? Are you saying they know that it is not the ignition switch and this will happen again because of the gear shift? I hope that is not the case.
Anyway I was lucky. All I missed was a day of work not any cost. If this is going to happen again cause the real reason is the shift and they know about it isn't that fraud, or negligence on GM's part?
This can be very dangerous too. Time for them to do something about this. Come on GM lets do the right thing.
I have 2010 HHR that I purchased just over a year ago. The car has 28,000 miles on it. my husband ran to the store last night and when he came home the key was stuck and the engine was still on. Thankfully we were able to get it to the dealership when it happened and they gave us a rental car. It should be covered under warranty since the warranty we have is 100,000 miles/10 years, bumper to bumper. We will see what happens.
Just spent nearly $500 to have the entire shifter replaced in my 2006 HHR (75,000 miles). I'm so angry
Is anyone having problems with the signal?
This just started with my 2009, 27,000 miles. HHR
When I turn right or left the signal does not go off
The blinker just keeps blinking.
Unless I make a very sharp right or left turn,
I have to manually turn it off.
This did not happen until recently, but it is a nuisance.
I just bought a 2011 HHR last Wednesday. Yesterday morning it wouldn't start, tried to put in neutral so we could jump the battery- it won't shift into neutral while not running and the key got stuck. The dealer came out to the house , jumped it and took it to run diagnostics. They couldn't find a problem! Dealer told me that this is a design/manufacturing issue with the keys getting stuck. We still have no idea why the battery was dead.
Kudos to Applegate in Flint Michigan but seriously unhappy with these design flaws.
I appreciate all the comments but no one really tells how to get the car cut off. Ours ran for an hour before we figured out how. You have to pull number 26 in the fuse fox. Then disconnect the negative battery cable. We still can't get the key out. Ours is a 2010…guess I will be calling to get a new part tomorrow.
Read the owners manual. It tells you about a place under the steering colum that you pop off a little door and put your finger in to push a button while turning the key to get it out. it works but now I have to take it in for fix. Guess I'll be spendin 500. Ouch
My 2010 Cobalt just did the same thing. To kill it I have dump the clutch and then disconnect the battery. GM said 500 to fix it. This seems to be a major problem that they need to take care of and not me.
My 2004 GMC is really causing me to be disappointed. I have the XUV Envoy, it has the rear door glass that lowers, and a roof that retracts, the tailgate will either swing open or lie down flat like a pickup truck. I have had to have the tailgate switches changed out because I couldn't get the tailgate to open, an expensive and ridiculous repair. Within a year the same problem came back, so I have been too cheap too fix it again. Currently I lower the window and retract the roof to use the compartment/trunk. Now I get to the Key Stuck in ignition, so…. I get in the car the instrument panel says "see manual-Tailgate". The owners manual says to lower window and hold button an extra 2 seconds, then to raise the window and hold an extra two seconds. I did that and the problem didn't go away in fact now the key wont come out of the ignition either. To add more pain to the situation it wont start it, wont shift and the back window is down. for a 40K plus vehicle you certainly expect no problems like these. I love the ride but I hate the frustration. SOS I hate getting ripped off.
Key can not be removed, shifter will not shift without battery. CHECK battery first. I never heard of it before but it’s true. I called the GM people and they told me (866) 790-5600. I have HHR 2009. I replaced battery and I was good to go.
Went out vet day ate @ places, went home hhr 09 was fine. Next morning wife wants hair done. Car wont start with key stuck in ignition and would not start. Also nothing in car worked. Clocks and all electrical out and will not crank at all as in no sound. Next day sunday i get up off @ss unbolted 3 bolts and looked here found how to release key. Did it but solves nothing. Started car by jumping it. Car starts fine but airbag flashes. Drove it around to charge battery but no battery indicater flashes. Turned off car was able to turn it back on and indicater lights are fine. Was freaking out about key stuck in ignition and air bag indicater but all is fine.
Do not tow immidiately, jump it and drive it around. If u have same problem here my be your solution.
Have a nice day
It sounds like a relay stays picked up when the key can't be removed. That would run the battery down in a few hours.
I am having this exact issue right now. I went out to start my car this morning and nothing works at all…and now the key is stuck in the ignition. I tried to jump the battery, but it would not jump. Is there something I need to do to get the battery to take a charge? Do I need to get the key unstuck before I try? I have had no problems with this car before now, and nothing to indicate this was going to happen.
Guys and gals all of my problems, blinker, and ignition problem were all covered 100% by the warrenty which ends in Nov for me. Guess what I did? Paid for a 3 year, 36,000 mile bumper to bumper 0 deductable warrenty. The problem is not the repair so much as who the heck has time to go to the dealership and deal with a problem on your way to a wedding, broadway play or a day at the beach. This can be a very dangerous situation. Good luck and lets keep the heat up for the car maker.
My 2009 HHR would not turn off at 5:00 pm, Thanksgiving night, and 90 miles away from home. I drove it to the nearest dealer after arriving home and don't know how much this is going to cost. After reading the other readers' comments, I will be prepared for nothing less than $500 to fix. This also sounds to me like a defect in these vehicles. My son-in-law has a 2007 HHR that had the same problem. How do I make my voice heard?
I'm having the same problem, my key is stuck in the ignition and I can't turn it off. I can't find the release button, can anyone help me.
Me too!!!! 2010 HHR with 18,000 miles on it, stuck in the driveway running and couldn't get the key out. The dealerships all closed at 5pm so I am stuck without a car until Monday. I pulled the fuse for the fuel pump which shut off the car…..and then after about a half hour of searching for my battery (which is in the trunk) disconnected the negative terminal!!! This is so disgusting to read all of these and see year after year nothing is done about it. Something has to be done.
I watched the first 3 minutes of the video. Being an engineer, the first thing I thought of after he said that the switch on the gear shifter assembly activates a solenoid to release the key when the shifter is in park was to save me some money by getting into the steering assembly and find the solenoid attached to the ignition switch. I would then get rid of the latch so that the ignition switch can be turned freely at all times. I'm not stupid like our federal government thinks I am, so I would not have to worry about turning the car off and removing the key while driving down the road. My solution would cost you nothing but some time and will last forever.
Mark could you please explain to me exactly what you did .
Mark,
My son is very mechanically inclined and he found the button in the stearing column that releases the key after it got stuck. He was thinking of just permanently pushing the latch in so it never locks. Will this damage anything else in the car. He doesn't have a lot of money for a whole new shifter assembly. Being an engineer I figure you will know. Thanks for any help you can give me.
Mark that sounds great, I assume you were succesful. So how can i do this?
It is the day after Christmas and we called the Dealership were we bought it Denny Menholt who is suppose to have the friendlist auto repair dept and the lady was very rude, so here we are in the garage pullings things apart. I am ssick of rip of companies
We all need to call GM and complain I will never buy a Chevy or GMC
Call and complain but don't tell them you will never buy another GM product – they won 't have any incentive to fix it. Tell them you are disappointed and never expected a GM car to act this way.
Just happened to my 2009 HHR Christmas Eve. Ironically I had the 2006 Cobalt which power steering kept going out trying to kill me on the interstate so I am well prepared to handle GM's B.S. I recorded the entire fiasco and will post the video on youtube on the next day or so. I'll return to share the link with all the frustrated GM owners out there. Shame on GM for not recalling cars with issues- this is quite the habit they've developed so on blast they shall go….
I have a 2010 HHR that is the shop now!! Get this going out of town 6 hrs away get to the hotel and guess what will not shut off!! Have to remove the fuel pump relay and unhook the battery no way to ride now. Have to cut vacation short to take the car to have fixed before having to return to work!! I have always bought chevys but I have a chevy truck the gauge dont work!! I think I will look at ford next time.I know my friends are going to rag me but what the hell at least the car will get me home!! CHEVY needs to think hard about using CHEAP PARTS>>>><>>>
Wow I can't believe how many people had the same problem as me. It just happened to me tonight. I drove over an hour to a wedding reception and when I parked my car I could not get the key out or turn the car off. I did the same thing, I pulled out the fuse to kill the engine then disconnected the battery. If there are all these problems with these cars they should at least have a TSB for it. This is ridiculous. Now to see how much the dealer I bought it from wants to fix it. Mine is a 2009 HHR with 57k miles.
same problem with a 2009 HHR, wouldn't turn off with the key stuck in ignition. triple a said that they wouldn't tow it since it was "running", had to pull the fuel fuse to turn it off since when we pulled the battery cables it still kept running. finally, got triple a to come and pick it up since now it wouldn't "run", hid the fuel fuse in the glove box and the tow guy tried repeatedly to get it to turn over. chevrolet charged $300.00 saying that it wasn't covered in the warranty! had no other problem but this with the vehicle but definately think that this should be a recall!
This just happened to me tonight. I have a 2009 HHR LS and it's been running for about 5 hours now. I can't find the switch in the column like he was saying in the video and definitely nothing that is easily depressed. I might try the gear shift replacement since I don't want to pay $500 to replace the lock. Anyone have any advice about the switch in the steering column to release the key? It is in the on position and can't get it to turn in the off direction at all. Thanks
Same problem! I stopped last night to put gas in my 2010 Chevy HHR and the key was stuck in the ignition and the vehicle running. I thought I was alone in this. I mean how often can this possibly happen? Obviously quite often. This is utterly ridiculous. If this has been going on for this long and this often, Chevy should have already done a recall. I cannot believe how negligent they have been in dealing with this problem. I have always loved Chevrolet but now I think I will change my preference. I will never buy another Chevy. I am now going to have to use the money for my daughters b’day party to fix my car. I am pissed!!!!
Hi Donna, Sorry to hear about your Chevy HHR ignition problem–unfortunately, we're approaching 200 comments on our site related to this fiasco. If you'd like an attorney to look into the matter (some are at present), you can submit a complaint on this form: https://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/submit_form… Chevy really needs to step up to the plate on this, and they haven't. No one should have to take money they've earmarked for their daughter's birthday and use it to fix Chevy's screw up.
Folks, this key thing is a real problem. This is an election year – do you have time to write 3 letters to the federal government? 1 each to your 2 senators, and 1 to your Congressman. Trust me – this works! I have gotten so many things done with a NICE letter to my rep asking for help. I got my passport when the government was shut down, I got my disability insurance reinstated, there's more, lots more. Don't email, write. Ask for help. Ask them to speak with GM and issue a recall. Tell them it's not safe, that if you can't shut it off, or in my case, start it (it's locked up) in a dangerous area, what is going to happen to you? GM doesn't want a call from a congressional staffer, let alone from multiple offices. This works, just takes a few minutes. You can google their addresses. We can get it done – power to the (HHR) people!
Hi TAK–agreed. And there's another way to be heard: submit a complaint for an attorney to review. Class action lawsuits only happen when there's an actual class. And this "class" is starting to look like one hell of an overcrowded class room! Seriously, Chevy needed to step up to the plate a long time ago. (btw, those dealing with an HHR lemon can submit a complaint here: https://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/submit_form…
What a shame. I've always bought foreign cars because of their reliabailty. However; this time i wanted to support anything American, so i bought the Chevy 2010 HHR. It currently has 46,000 miles. Saturday, Feb 11, 2012 1 went to do a ible study at a work release prison camp, and the car would not turn off. I had to cancel the meeting, and drive the car back home. I took off the battery cable, but i took off the red one (positive), and the next day the battery was dead. I also forced the key out of the ignition. Just wondering–for all these years the US have been making cars. Why can't they make a car free of such major defects? This truly puzzles me. I am now driving around in my 1995 Nissan pickup that has almost 200,000 miles, and NO major PROBLEMS. Except it has no A/C. Or i borrow my son's 2006 KIA with 80,0000 miles, and NO PROBLEM. Shame on US for being such losers, in an Industry that we invented.
Well, I must be an official member of this club now. This too happened to me last night. I came home from the grocery store, my child in tow, almost 8pm, and my 2008 HHR would not shut off. I thought I was going mad. I put the car in reverse, put it back in park, drove it around, parked it again, wiggled the shifter knob, etc, to no avail. Being a single parent, with no family within a 800 mile radius and knowing nothing about cars, I was scared, clueless and frustrated. I have owned this car for almost a year. I bought it GM certified with a warranty (thank goodness). I got in touch with the dealership. Of course the service department was closed but sales was open. I drove the car 25 minutes away to the dealership. Some sales guys tried to fool around with it and of course, the key was stuck. The sales guy told me that this happens a lot with HHR's and Colbolts. Then, why the heck hasn't it been recalled?!?!? They were able to disconnect the hose from the throttle body. I was stranded with no transportation and was pretty lucky that a neighbor stepped in to help us. Once I got home I started researching this and I can not believe how common this is. What if I would have been traveling and needed to stop for the night, or gas up or any number of things?
Same problem. $170. 🙁
i own a 2010 hhr with same prob. car has 40.000 miles. just want to say thanks for the video it does help but i am going to try and by pass this switch. if i get the job done i will repost results, thanks again…
I have a 2010 HHR same problem. Wife came home last night key was stuck in ignition engine still running. I disconected switch engine dies reconnect switch and I can start engine and drive car. Car has 53,000 miles on it.
My Husbands 2010 HHR is in the shop as I type this and I am furious after reading all of these posts. I can't believe this has not been addressed with chevy and am not looking forward to the $750 bill to repair this and the grinding that has been occuring in the front end for awhile now!
Janelle, I just bought a 2011 HHR This past month of July. I have had it for only 1 month and have had to replace the front bearings, the front drive shafts, the front breaks, and calipers, the rear brakes, calipers and Rotors. Chevrolet after it got the bail out bought the cheapest parts they could find and the bearing don't even have grease in them. The dealer I bought the car from told me that I should bring the car into them, why so they can empty my bank account. Thank goodness my husband can do the work it saved us a ton of money. So now we are going to check out this switch problem that you and everyone else is having, and fix it before it happens to us. Chevrolet should be held responsible for everyone's repairs.
same thing happen to me i have had to get my key out using the manual button inside the steering column for over a year now i think i am going to buy an after market shifter i found that is suppose to be a better part than the original one was. going to try to put it in myself…..
update on my post i put some duck tape depressing the release button inside the steering column working like a charm!!
Do you still have the duck tape on the manual button??
Hi,debrah i m having the same problem with my 2006 hhr. I been looking on the web for a shifter can't find a site to buy one. can you give me the site or the auto place where you purchase yours. I m very piss with all the things thats going wrong with my car. I been reading everyone complaint about there hhr. GM need to do something about this fast. I m hoping to hear from you soon.
sign…..marlene
Happened just tonight. sitting in the garage waiting for monday to take it to the shop.
I have a 2010 hhr 50,000 miles Key stuck same fn thing car at dealer now but Ihave hand controls and they have to move them and wwon’t have them inspected so if something happens I’m screwed WTF
just paid almost $500 for same problem as every other post here – GM is not customer friendly, to say the least…need to get this issue on the news!
2009 with the key stuck in and not able to shut off. Wow GM should be recalling this part.
How in the hell is this problem still happening? There is a Strattec ignition that solved the same problem with the Focus in 2004.
same issue right this minute that is why i am checking to see if there is a recall???????? 37,000 mile's wtf!!!!!
Husband took my car today, called me at work to tell me could not get key out of ignition and car would not turn off. I have a HHR 2009 w/ 60,000 miles. He had to take a pair of vice grips and break the key off.. Gmc should have a recall for this defect.. I don't feel I should have to pay for something that is obvious a defect on HHR models.. Also when I first got the car the battery went dead for no apparent reason at that time was under warranty and they came out a gave me hot shot.. that happen twice.. I also had a problem in the past with key being stuck in ignition and not being able able to start but after fooling w/it a couple minutes was able to start..
I am 250 miles away from home on a business trip. Cannot shut off car…key stuck in ignition. Missed my meeting, and who knows how many sales. Now I'm reading that in addition to losing my business opportunities… GM's poor engineering becomes their business opportunity? The bail-out failed. GM should have been allowed to go under. This is bullsh!t. My tax dollars have been wasted…again. We need to learn how to accept mediocrity from our nation's businesses and it's politicians.
ugh same problem here. taking it to the dealership tomorrow. i hope to goodness it wont cost 500$ to fix. i dont even like this car to begin with. and to the other person with the signal problem~ same problem here. i took it in to the dealership 3 times to have it fixed while it was still under warranty but they could not reproduce the problem. now the warrantry is expired. sweet. 2010 40,000 miles.
I have a Chevy Cobalt 05 with 57,000 miles, and last night on my way to the store the shifter handle thingy broke. So now, my key is stuck in the ignition. Very annoying, First GM car, and probably, Well most likely the last one. This sucks,its on the weekend and of course, the dealer is closed! haha. So I am suffering all weekend with my car like that. I gotta wait and see what happens.
Ican't shut the damned thing off. 38000 miles ,out of warrenty and it is a piece of crap. Also have the brake issue too. Should have gone with Chrysler. What ever happened to one of our best cars for years?