Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Chevrolet HHR owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
There is a serious electrical glitch that's in the computer, that causes the car to perform poorly at a slow speed, which cases the steering to become very hard to turn, and maintain lanes while driving. All lights, warnings, and gauges fluctuate back and forth, while the bell inide the car when stared keeps chiming.
Before I knew about the recalls, I had an accident that really scared me. I was on my way to pick up my daughter from school. All of a sudden, I steering wheel jerked to the right and locked. I hit a light pole. The impact of the crash should have deployed the airbags, but did not. Seat belts exploded. The cop said I shouldn't be walking and to get this checked out. Since then, I have had two recall repairs and now need another repair. On veterans day, 2014, I was given a car from the vfw and progressive as a part of their "keys to progress program. Since then, the HHR has been driven maybe 3 times. No one wants to drive it, I don't know what to do, because its just sitting in the driveway. My kids won't drive it either. If you can help me in any way, I would be grateful. I am having trouble making the payments too, because I am going through a divorce.
I was driving down my street south harmony road in bloomington my power steering light came on I lost control I was forced to the right into a ditch over a driveway back into the ditch and I wound up sideways in my street slammed into a tree. I was driving my 2011 HHR as I understand it all the HHR's of 2010 have been recalled for their power steering I did go to dealers I was turned away as to leave I called um over and over again I was blown off I was not being taken seriously and as a result I am now without a car we are on disability unable to afford another car and their idea of helping me is a $2,000 voucher towards a new car that's not acceptable I have a letter that states it was their fault not mine that it was a result of the power steering and I want my car replaced and they're refusing to do so so as a result now my family has no way to get around to GM's fault I believe …
My 2011 HHR has started acting up by throwing out the reduced engine power light, ESC light and service traction light. This will happen when in park(when warning up the vehicle) and when im driving. It seems to happen more in cold weather. When it happens it reduces the speed down to 25mph and lurches forward and sounds horrible! I have had this happen when driving down a highway and the interstate (luckily I was in the right lane and able to get the shoulder safely. There is no warning when it is about to happen. It also will do it while stopped waiting for a stop light to change. It will throw on the check engine light and we have checked the codes and changed what it said needed change but that did not work. From what I have looked up it looks like people are having all sorts of issues with this but no one has found a solution. …
Power steering failed to operate while parking. This happened while teaching my wife how to drive. She was practicing 3 point parking. Upon turning the wheel to the right prior to backing up it felt like the steering of a 53 Chevrolet, then after backing into the drive way it would not come back straight. Being a retired mechanic I was very surprised that a car with only 17000 miles would have such a problem. But after investigating the internet, I found that many others have had the same problem. Seems to work OK though with normal driving, but what will happen in the event of the necessity to turn sharply all of a sudden, I have no idea and I don't care to find out.
I tried to used remote start from my fob. It worked the first time but nothing after that..stationary these were the events that followed: all at the same time lost power steering (power steering assist) landed me in the hospital with torn chest muscle while car was moving on a interstate no A/C (compressor does not come on) stationary service airbag light came on while car was moving on the interstate service tire monitors stationery no temp reading stationary
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet HHR. While operating the vehicle, a rattling noise was heard coming from the dashboard of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the steering shaft was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Pioneer Chevrolet (1315 pike st, marietta, oh) and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,000.
While driving my EPS power steering went out in my car while the vehicle was in motion on city street it became really hard to control my vehicle I heard clicking coming from under the steering wheel panel also the power steering came active on my dash panel while driving
When steering around sharp turns at speed, the steering wheel does not want to return to center when released. Steering is not smooth, feels 'notchy'. Fuse is good. Replacing power steering motor did not repair problem.
Steering wheel began to shake violently, car pulled to left. Repeated visits and calls to dealership resulted in denial of problem until warranty ran out. After hydroplaning on a small puddle of water, ESC and service traction lights came on. Dealership "reset lights" car has continued to shake. Have put 3 sets of tires on car and 2 sets of brakes, one set of rotors and turned rotors. Dealership says this is normal. Only found out about ignition recall after calling to complain about light still on and yet another set of bald tires. Called GM and they offered rental car until ignition parts come in but will replace ESC sensor at my cost. No investigation as to stabilization issue of car or why it is chewing up tires and pulling to the left. The car is still unsafe. A google search will show many others are experiencing this same issue. Awaiting yet another response from GM. …
Steering complaints in other HHR years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2011 Chevrolet HHR?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the steering of the 2011 Chevrolet HHR, 12% of the model year's 203 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2011 Chevrolet HHR steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2011 Chevrolet HHR, though it has 2 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 2011 Chevrolet HHR steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 48,000 miles, and 26% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.