Yep.. got in a little accident Sunday night. I've had previous malfunctions in my HHR, and that was the cause of the accident. My electronic system is totally f***ed, and when it goes haywire it does this ENGINE POWER REDUCED warning, and engine brakes, sort of like driving it in I or L gear.
Anyway, I was on a dirt road when it happened. I was going about 60, and it did the engine brake and started sliding. I tried to save it, but it was too far gone. I missed a double telephone pole and slid into a barbed-wire fence. It might not have been too bad with a regular wire fence, but the barbs cut deep gashes into my body panels, door handles, it took out the driver-side fog light and wheel-well plastic pieces.
Two of my friends were with me, and I'm just glad nobody was hurt. After I fix it as much as possible, I think I'm going to trade it in on a different vehicle. I like the car's looks, but it's been nothing but a PITA for me overall.
I think I'm going to go with a Dodge Nitro or a Ram 1500. I know I won't like filling-up at the station, but I think it'll be worth it.

 

WOW! I'm just glad no one was hurt. Now I understand the PM.

 

Yea.. the bumper hit one of the posts, and is pretty banged up.. I think it would just be easier to replace it then all the bondo work.

 

Wow, is this expected behavior?

I know that the engine will revert to "reduced power" mode if there's a problem, but it should at least get you in neutral until you've slowed down enough. Can you imagine this on a snow / ice covered road?

Unless it's a specific problem with your HHR, that's a safety issue and I would report it. Maybe it's recall material if the car does this on purpose.

Yves

 

I think it's time for you to contact a lawyer. If a reported mechanical problem caused this, you have a case. If it went the way you stated, I think you have a case requardless.

 

Yea... that's what I thought. I've taken it to two major Chevy dealers here in town in the past 3 weeks, and neither of them have fixed the problem. Both say that it is the battery that is the cause. I replaced it after the first dealer told me, and the problem persisted. I took it to the 2nd dealer, and they said it was a short in one of the battery cells. Had the battery tested at a different place for a second opinion, and it tested perfectly fine.
So, I'm going to call the place where I got it, and see what they say. I will try not to bring a lawyer into it, but if need be, I will not hesitate to do so. It's also good that my two friends were in the car with me at the time, so there are other eyewitnesses.
It'll all work out in the end.. hopefully.

 

Ah dude, 60 MPH on a dirt road in an HHR that has known problems. You got some sort of death wish?

Pat

 

Frosty has never seen a dirt road and never will!!!!

 

I'll play devil's advocate here for a sec:

Is there a state-wide speed limit for dirt/gravel or otherwise unimproved roads for OK? In VA, posted or un-posted, the max is 35 mph.

So, if there is for OK, then I wouldn't tell them you were doing 60 when you get a lawyer...

 

same here, I will never take my HHR on a dirt road. I don't even like driving it on dirty roads after rain or snow.