Steering complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated while reversing into her friend's driveway, the steering wheel lost power steering inadvertently. The power steering warning light illuminated. The contact forcefully steered the steering wheel and pulled to the side of the curb in front of her friend's residence. The contact stated that as she turned off and restarted the vehicle, the steering wheel regained power steering; however, the failure reoccurred while driving and making turns. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that no issues were found; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the same independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering sensors had failed. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000. …
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle temporarily returned to normal functionality however, the failure reoccurred. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the power steering warning light, the ESC service, the ESC off, and the traction control warning lights illuminated, followed by the loss of power steering functionality. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the power steering assist motor and the power steering assist module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in a recall or TSB. The failure mileage was 185,000.
When driving my 2009 HHR the steering wheel shakes & vibrate at different intervals. Usually while slowing down to a stop & sometimes after during high speeds. Recently the noise it made was frightening. I had to use my emergency flashers & drive 50 mi per hr. on the freeway to arrive home safely. I took my car to Mark Chevrolet & reported it on 08/02/2021. The car's mileage was 133344. The car is not an everyday vehicle that is driven often. I received the car on 08/17/2021 after the steering column & shaft were replaced along with resurfacing front brake rotors & rear brake job. On August 18, 2021 while driving on the freeway I went to blow my horn at a hazardous situation & discovered none of the steering wheels controls were working, horn & etc. …
Power steering went out completely causing me to swerve on the highway to side of road. The steering locked up and it was raining and I would of crashed had anyone else been on the highway. I was going about 55 mph at the time. I then proceeded to CAREFULLY at about 30 mph force my car to drive another half mile to nearest exit ramp. The entire time I was driving in the middle of the lanes and a huge liability as far as safety is concerned. Thankfully I made it with no harm to myself vehicle or anyone else. I pulled over to side of road and slept in car till the rain stopped. Prior to this I backed into a fence when the steering failed backing into a carport resulting in body damage to front end under left headlight. Months before I had asked the Chevy dealership to diagnose issue and they found nothing wrong as in the beginning the car would still steer at its own leisure. …
Needless to say, General Motors has dealt with their share of recalls lately and while much of the GM recall news has been devoted to the ignition failures which have forced new CEO Mary Barra to stand before the US Government, this new recall has nothing to do with the ignition cylinder failures. Although the ignition problems can cause a steering issue and some of the vehicles included in the ignition recall are also included in this new recall, this recall pertains specifically to the power steering system. It seems that in the 1.3 million affected vehicles, one or more components of the electric power steering assist system could fail and when that happens, the car will not have the same level of power assist. …
Related recalls (1)
Steering › Electric power assist system
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet HHR years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (458), 2007 (424), 2008 (297), 2010 (231) and 2009 (127) model years. Steering complaints make up 46% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet HHR steering problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 14V-153 (electric power assist system, Mar 31, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet HHR steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles; 21% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the electric power assist system (31 mentions), followed by the column (10).
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.