Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
On August 28, 2012, the electronic power steering motor went out on my 2007 Chevrolet HHR. We went across the oncoming lane and it was extremely hard for my husband to get it back into the right lane. On 8/30/2012, we took it to a GM garage and they replaced it with a reman. Powering steering motor, giving us a one year/12,000 mile warranty.. On July 9, 2013, I was driving the HHR out of state and was coming out of a slight left hand curve when the power steering motor went out again, which I was not able to steer the car and it ended up in the right hand bank/ditch. Less than one year and less than 12,000 miles later, the GM garage said that they would replace the power steering pump if we brought the car back to them. That is impossible because the damage was more than enough to total the car and it happened in another state. They said there is nothing they can do. …
My 2007 HHR has made noise while driving since I purchase the car. Every 6-12 months it seems that this car needs new brakes I have had the vehicle since 2008 and had to replace the tires twice due to bad traction. Recently I had to replace the stabilizer bar which was the reason the car made noise while driving, I know that Chevy is aware of this problem, but to continue to tell customers that it is nothing wrong with the car. Three week ago when putting on brakes the anti-lock brakes kick in and cause the car to tail spin and inturn I end up in the guard rail. I really this that this vehicle and alot of issues that when not tested before consumers really started buying this model. I have spent alot of money out of pockets for this car, tires for this car from sears run $150 a tire and the stabilizer bar cost me $325.
There is a massive blind spot to the drivers front left side. This prevents being able to see medians going into a left hand turn. I was aware of this problem, because I have come very close to hitting them 5 times or so because of the lack of visibility. This most recent time, I tried my best to judge the medians location, but when it entered into the blind spot, I judged the best I could and still hit the curb. I have never been in an accident in all my driving years (7 years!).. This was the first time I had hit anything. I am very upset with Chevy's huge blind spot that causes so many problems while taking left's near medians. I have always owned a Chevy, and I have to say that I am not impressed at all by the HHR for this problem and problems with the suspension.
These vehicles are dangerous! The problems with mine are on-going despite several repair or replacement attempts. The rotors have been replaced five times since purchasing it new. Braking at higher speeds is near impossible. The vehicle shakes, lurches shimmies and feels like the brakes have locked up. Stopping on a hill is a scary experience. The only reason GM has not been forced to recall these cars is because no one has died yet. It would be easier for me to detail what is right with the car than try to explain all of its problems. It now has 60,000 miles on it and I've been trying to resolve the issues with it since it was new. I am now being forced to stop payment and let them repossess it. I cannot sell it in good faith nor can I afford to continue paying for these issues since it is now out of warranty. …
Purchased 2007 HHR new in October 2006. With only 249 miles on the car, I returned to the dealer and reported a loud banging noise from the drivers side front end. The could not verify the noise. Since then they replaced two shift assemblies, one steering column and in November 2007 they replaced the drivers side front strut. The banging noise was still there. Now they think it May be the chassis tweaking ,but still cannot find or fix the the rattling noise. Also the transmission makes a clunking noise and the car surges when starting it while still in park. The say this is normal. My car has been in courtesy Chevrolet's shop for moore than 30 days since I purchased it. I do not drive it anymore as I believe it is unsafe, and a lemon. The car now has less than 15,000 miles. The car was taken to their shop on 10/19/06, 1/08/07, 7/19/07, 10/27/07, 10/22/07 and 11/13/07.
Tl contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the power steering failed and the vehicle began pulling to the right. The contact had to gain control of the steering wheel and pull it in the opposite direction in order to gain control of it. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer six times for diagnostic testing but the dealer offered no assistance. The contact stated that the manufacturer was involved in a legal dispute for excessive gear backlash which caused steering failures under certain conditions. The failure mileage was approximately 2,500. The current mileage was 7,870. Updated 07/19/10. The consumer stated the vehicle would pull to the right, the dash lights were out on occasion, and the brake pedal would travel to the floor when it was applied. Updated 10/08/10
I have a 2007 Chevy HHR and few months ago my traction control light come on and engine light. Then shortly after my power steering went out. The power steering has been going out periodically...last time was on a exit ramp on the curve. I almost put it in the ditch. I understand that the cobalt had recalls on these items but not the HHR. Which makes no sense because of the same chassis and all. I took it to ed schidmt Chevy in perrysburg ohio and they said I need a steering column (because power steering module is in column), power steering motor, camshaft valve actuators, left lower control arm, and front struts. I have read a lot of internet forums and there has been many complaints on same issues. Chevy should take care of this. Dealership wants $2300+ for the repairs.
Tl contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet HHR. While driving approximately 20 MPH in the driveway, the contact heard a loud clanging noise underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the front rotors were resurfaced. The failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer four times for the similar failure; and the drivers side sway bar was replaced. Also, on a separate occasion the technician advised that the front and rear rotors be replaced; yet, they were not replaced when the complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 11,000. Updated 1/25/11 the check engine light illuminated, the outside door handle was peeling, the sway bar and drivers side headlight were replaced. Updated 04/21/11
It would be easier to list the things that are OK with this car. I've resurfaced or replaced the rotors several times (four times in one year) after consistently complaining to the dealer that it sounded like things were falling off the car. The car's braking and steering capacity is extremely diminished. I've replaced a broken stabilizer control arm and now I'm told the front end needs to be rebuilt. This damage is a direct result of the continuing problem with the rotor warping. The check engine light is on more than off and its been in at least 10 times for this issue. GM customer service is aware of these issues and refuses to return customer calls. Updated 11/29/11. Updated 12/06/11.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH on an icy and snowy road surface, the vehicle became difficult to steer as the entire instrument panel illuminated continuously. The vehicle was maneuvered to a parking lot where the contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the entire front drive train and both front inner chrome wheels were completely impacted with snow. The contact cleared off the snow from the affected areas and the vehicle resumed normally. The failure only occurred when the contact was driving on a road with snow of six inches or more. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The failure mileage was 87,000.
Suspension complaints in other HHR years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2007 Chevrolet HHR?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the suspension of the 2007 Chevrolet HHR, 4% of the model year's 726 complaints. The component named most often is front (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Chevrolet HHR suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 27% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to suspension 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.