Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Chevrolet HHR owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated while exiting the driveway of a restaurant, the steering wheel failed to respond as needed. The contact turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. There were unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the alternator and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to a second independent mechanic who informed the contact that the key was stuck in the ignition switch and the electrical system was burned. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated while reversing out of the driveway, the power steering warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact restarted the vehicle however, the power steering functionality did not return. They pulled the vehicle back into the driveway using manual steering and excessive force. The contact reached out to the local dealer to schedule an inspection however, the inspection was not performed due to a scheduling issue. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000.
Power steering lights up and I am unable to turn the steering wheel. When I shut the motor down and start back up, the steering starts working again. This has been doing this for about 4 years now. I took it to White Allen Chevrolet when it first started happening and they told me that they drove it around and that it did not happen while they test drove the car. It happens intermittingly. I never know when it is going to happen. When it first started, it only happened about once every six months or so. Now it is happening every time I am in the car. Sometimes when I pull out onto a street and into traffic the power steering light comes on and I have to find a spot to get off the street so that I can turn the motor off and restart the engine. Today 09/18/2025, it cut off 3 times. I am checking to see if there is a recall on this model for the power steering. …
While driving the vehicle approximately 45mph, the power steering light came on the dash. While driving straight was not an issue, attempting to pull off the road was difficult. I checked owners manual which told me to take it to a dealer. This in itself was bothersome. I opened the hood and called my mechanic, who told me to check fuses. I replaced the fuse and the vehicle was fine for about 4 weeks, but once again driving 30-35 mph, the light came on the dashboard. I have saved both replaced fuses, I'm wondering after reading other reports whether the fuses are even blown? Either way, this is not a safe situation to be driving any speed without power steering. Mine is a 2007 Chevrolet HHR with approximately 163 k miles
The power steering intermittently (but quite regularly) goes out. The "power steering" warning also comes up on the display panel on the dash. If vehicle is restarted, the power steering seems to resolve itself again but only temporarily. This problem is becoming much more frequent. This is a safety issue because without the power steering in working order, the steering wheel becomes difficult to turn and this happens not only on the road but also on the highway as well when the vehicle is going 70 miles per hour. We have not had the vehicle serviced or looked at for this issue. It has been ongoing for several months but seems to be getting worse/more frequent.
Power steering motor went out. Went to the dealer to get special coverage 14119 ( I was aware of the issue ). Dealership refused to do work for free as stated in service bulletin. Called GM Corporate and they also said work would would not be done for free. 14119 specifically stated that power steering motor would be changed and I quote " at no cost to the customer " unquote. They want $175 just to look at my vehicle. When does the " at no cost to the customer " come in, apparently we seem to have forgotten that. I would like some legal clarification to this from the nhtsa.
My power steering keeps going out. It randomly makes it hard to turn which could cause a crash. It's common in other hhr models, mine has not been inspected personally yet. It has a chime and then the console says "power steering". There were no signs before it started. It goes away when you restart the car but will come back randomly. I was advised by an auto repair place to replace the battery, but it didn't help.
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was firm and difficult to turn. The power steering warning light was illuminated and flashing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the system was reset. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power steering went out while I was driving and it put me in danger and other drivers because it was hard to control the vehicle, the steering wheel was really tough to turn. The vehicle wasn't inspected by a professional because the problem just occurred.
Cruise control set at 70 on highway, dry pavement, daylight hours and no precipitation occurring. Vehicle suddenly started drifting to the left and as I went to correct it, my steering wheel did not respond as it should have and my car continued to go off the left side of the road hitting the guard rail several times. All this happened instantaneously at high speed. Six days later I received the bulk mail form letter from GM dated January 2015 informing me that my vehicle "May experience a sudden loss of power steering that could occur at any time while driving". I can only speculate that such prior knowledge might have equipped me to handle the situation with any sort of readiness, which GM is assuming it would do by this letter. They need to do more! …
Steering complaints in other HHR years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2007 Chevrolet HHR?
NHTSA has 424 complaints about the steering of the 2007 Chevrolet HHR, 58% of the model year's 726 complaints. The component named most often is column (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Chevrolet HHR steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2007 Chevrolet HHR, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2007 Chevrolet HHR steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 15 crashes, 1 fire and 4 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.