Steering Column Problems of Chevrolet HHR - part 1

Chevrolet HHR owners have reported 55 problems related to steering column (under the steering category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Chevrolet HHR based on all problems reported for the HHR.

1 Steering Column problem of the 2008 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 06/09/2020

I've had my car recalled for ignition switch, then another recall for the power steering module and now my power steering column is bad. All these parts are in the same area and I've heard many Hhr owners are having the same problem with their steering column, is there going to be a recall on this as well? I haven't even had this car all that long! anytime I drive on the highway it feels shaky and when turning left the the car jerks to the left. I've replaced everything in the suspension. Replaces sway bar, bushings, ball joints, control arms, brakes, roaters, springs, struts. . . Fixed it all! I do not feel save on this car.

See all problems of the 2008 Chevrolet HHR 🔎.

2 Steering Column problem of the 2007 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 02/15/2019

The Hhr is in motion at random speeds, temperature, location, etc. And the dic light for "power steering" comes on. We have changed the appropriate fuses (under the hood and passenger side center panel) and still have same result-no power steering. We have checked the plugs/connectors on the steering column have been checked for any loose connections or broken connectors. This is a very dangerous situation when driving down the road, but especially when going into a curve and it shuts off. We checked the wires under the hood as well. While we have power steering, the steering wheel is very touchy and hard to drive in a safe manner. Now, our left turn signal will sometimes stay on after the turn is complete and won't click off. We love our car but this is getting to be very dangerous as we use it to as a family car with kids.

See all problems of the 2007 Chevrolet HHR 🔎.

3 Steering Column problem of the 2008 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 12/17/2017

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Hhr. While the contact's wife was driving 55 mph, the rear passenger door independently opened and failed to latch. The contact also stated that the front and rear turn signal switch failed to properly operate. The contact had to manually deactivate the signal switch to turn off the signals. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear passenger door latch and the steering column needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 48,000.

4 Steering Column problem of the 2008 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 11/21/2017

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Hhr. The contact indicated that the power steering stopped working while driving approximately 45 mph. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to tillery Buick GMC (2221 autumn brush rd NW, los lunas, nm 87031, (505) 565-3333) for repairs. The mechanic at the dealer diagnosed that the initial diagnosis was that the motor power assist failed. The dealer repaired the vehicle. The contact was informed by the mechanic that the remedy did not resolve the recurring failure and the issue may be the column kit module. The manufacturer was not notified. The repair was not completed. The failure mileage was 79,223.

5 Steering Column problem of the 2010 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 03/30/2017

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Hhr. While driving 5 mph out of the driveway, the steering lost power without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the steering column and steering module needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to NHTSA. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 76,000.

See all problems of the 2010 Chevrolet HHR 🔎.

6 Steering Column problem of the 2008 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 12/01/2016

So I purchased a 2008 Chevrolet Hhr and have constantly had trouble with it! here goes the last one! the esc message showed up in the dic with a message about the power steering! I took the car back to the dealership that I purchased it from. Was told that it was my steering angle position sensor and that I would have to replace the entire steering column. I have seen that this is a common problem with these vehicles! Chevrolet should be responsible for this and it should be recalled because there is no way that I'm paying $1400 to replace this! I purchased the best extended warranty and was told that this is not covered under them therfore it would be out of pocket! the car is extremely hard to steer while in this stage. So until a recall is made about this I would totally let every one I know to never purchase these vehicles! I will never ever purchase another car from that dealer!.

7 Steering Column problem of the 2006 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 10/27/2016

Power steering went out. Message indicated power steering on dash. I paid dealer$1000 to replace steering column.

See all problems of the 2006 Chevrolet HHR 🔎.

8 Steering Column problem of the 2007 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 06/29/2016

The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Hhr. While driving at low speeds, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering. The power steering warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column assembly was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,750.

9 Steering Column problem of the 2006 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 04/09/2016

I took my 2006 Hhr to the dealership for repairs on a tail light and fuses. When I picked it up it was sitting in the parking lot. I started the car. Went to drive away and I had no power steering. I went in side and had to leave my car again. It took 2 weeks for them to work on my car. The whole steering column had to be replaced to fix the steering module.

10 Steering Column problem of the 2010 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 02/13/2016

Steering column locks up. Car is very,very,very hard to steer. Power steering goes out at any time and I am afraid to drive because of potential accident. I have already called ,02/15/2016, and complained about power steering lock up.

11 Steering Column problem of the 2006 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 09/06/2015

Our 2006 Chevrolet Hhr had total power steering loss and wasn't regained until turning off the vehicle and restarting. The car was diagnosed at a local Chevrolet dealership and the error code of c0050 was given, this identifies the problem as a faulty power steering control module(pscm). The entire steering column, consisting of the pscm, was replaced. This is a known steering system issue with gm as it has already been addressed in 2009-10 Hhrs and various other gm models that have the same platform components.

12 Steering Column problem of the 2006 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 04/29/2015

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Hhr. While driving approximately 35 mph, the steering wheel seized and excessive force was required without warning. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing who stated that an unknown part located inside the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 151,000.

13 Steering Column problem of the 2006 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 03/15/2015

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Hhr. While driving approximately 60 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn without warning. The failure recurred each time the vehicle was driven. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

14 Steering Column problem of the 2008 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 09/26/2014

When vehicle is in motion there is a single "click" sound ( no "beep" or chime ) along with "power steering" displayed on the driver information center, and sudden failure of power steering. Manual steering and turning is then required until ignition can be turned off/on. Restarting ignition restores power steering until vehicle is in motion again. All vehicle services have been done by dealership where vehicle was purchased. Vehicle was taken to dealer service center for maintenance and power steering diagnosis. Vehicle is not part of any power steering recall to date. Service specialist said that the diagnosis was inconclusive. Service specialist claimed they were given a diagnostic code that they did not know. Service specialist suggested replacement of power steering rack, and if that does not solve the problem, replacement of entire steering column. Power steering was not repaired, as requested by vehicle owner, until a conclusive diagnostic service can be done.

15 Steering Column problem of the 2007 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 05/24/2014

I purchased the car 5/13/14. Since that date the car has been "repaired" 16 times, beginning on 5/27/14 for ongoing suspension problems and steering wheel/electrical issues. Suspension issues included the sway bar, stabalizer bar and bushings, defective stablink and frozed strut bearing. Replaced front struts. Steering wheel issues included, replacing of steering wheel complete due to bad wiring, wiring, wiring harness, sir coil replaced, sir coil causing interferance, replaced entire column, ignition switch replacement. The car is unsafe on any road in motion. Entire 14 pages of service records available.

16 Steering Column problem of the 2007 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 05/21/2014

The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Hhr. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse, the power steering light illuminated and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact mentioned that the power steering light turned off once the vehicle was restarted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the power steering column and power steering motor were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 56,806 and the current mileage was 56,859.

17 Steering Column problem of the 2010 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 05/09/2014

While driving down the interstate at 70 mph,I had a warning light and the display read svc esc. Shortly after, the power steering display came on in the vehicle. I then immediately lost control of vehicle. It took great force to steer the vehicle off of the highway to a safe location. I then used the onstar service, they ran a quick diagnostic - result came back that they were unable to connect to the power steering system - the power steering system had lost electrical connection or had failed completely - they were unable to let me know without having it diagnosed further at a local chevy dealership. The vehicle was then towed to the local chevy dealer. They ran a diagnostic and found that my entire steering column needed to be replaced. They also explained that other models of the Hhr were recalled for the same issue that I experienced, however my model was considered "safe".

18 Steering Column problem of the 2007 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 05/01/2014

Tl - the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Hhr. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the power steering warning lamp illuminated and the steering became very hard to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the power steering motor and steering column needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 13,000 and the current mileage was 15,000. Pm.

19 Steering Column problem of the 2009 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 04/21/2014

Loss of power steering when attempting to turn into side street. Warning message on dash. Car was brought to dealership, expecting problem to be repaired free of charge under gm recall/bulletin 14115 or 14119, but was told by dealership that this VIN had no steering recalls or bulletins as of yet. Paid almost $1000 to replace column and power steering motor. I would expect to be reimbursed. This is a company owned vehicle.

See all problems of the 2009 Chevrolet HHR 🔎.

20 Steering Column problem of the 2010 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 04/05/2014

The power steering keeps shutting off? I will be driving when I will hear this brief chiming sound and my odometer readout on the dashboard is replaced with a flashing "power steering" message. Suddenly the vehicle is a bear to steer? it almost takes a muscle man to drive the vehicle at this point. It used to occur only once in a while. Now the power steering is constantly out. I'm taking this car in to the dealer now. . . The service rep stated that if my issue is a "power steering motor" replacement that it will cost me $325. 00 including parts. However if the complete "steering column" needs replacement, the guy laughed and stated that I should consider taking a second out on my home, that this would be pricey. And that if both parts needed to be replaced. . . ? well. . . Let's not go there he said. . . Just bring it in and we'll run a series of computer diagnostics on it. Oh boy. . . My first Chevrolet. . .

21 Steering Column problem of the 2006 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 04/01/2014

2006 Chevrolet Hhr. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch recall notice. The consumer stated the steering wheel and front end were shaking, and there was a noise coming from the vehicle. The technician found a worn out bearing, the steering shaft had an internal failure and the sway bar links were worn. The steering column, intermediate shaft and sway bar links were replaced. Also, it was difficult to shift out of park at times. It was determined a liquid had been spilled in the shifter. Also, the consumer was unable to remove the key from the ignition.

22 Steering Column problem of the 2006 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 03/04/2014

I was going to leave for work at 3:25 pm, March 4, 2014. I got in , started the car, placed the car in reverse, and began to back out, when I noticed that the wheel became really hard to steer, I couldn't steer at all. My power steering was gone. I was panicked, and had to call out from work, I knew I was lucky that it didn't happen when I left work the night before. It really struck me that thank god it didn't happen when I was on the freeway, or driving up the mountain to running springs, to spend the weekend with my fiancee. Lucky that it happened in my driveway. When I investigated the recent recalls for power steering recalls, I noticed that my car was not apart of that particular recall. . . Why not! I thought, what would it have taken, my death? so, I had my car towed to my mechanic, who also thought it should have been part of the recall as well. . . I had to pay for the power steering column myself, at $400, and remove and replace the column at $150, plus tax of $48. 00, for the grand total of $598. This unexpected expense caused a financial hardship that should have been avoided had gm included my car in the power steering recall. I'm lucky that unlike the others who had to die to initiate this recall, I'm still here. Gm, I would like to be reimbursed for the out of pocket expense, what I am asking for is less than the lawsuits of the families of those who died, are asking for. Believe me when I say, had I been one of those unfortunate victims, my family would be one of those seeking damages against gm.

23 Steering Column problem of the 2006 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 02/07/2014

The powersteering just goes out. If you turn the ignition off then turn the ignition back on the powersteering comes back on. The power steering will just go out randomly. We thought this would be covered under our extended warranty, but they say it's not. The mechanic says it's the steering column and the powersteering module. Cost of repair will be about 1100 dollars. 2006 Hhr.

24 Steering Column problem of the 2010 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 02/04/2014

2010 Chevrolet Hhr. The engine died while driving. The dealer informed the consumer, the steering column and steering box needed to be replaced.

25 Steering Column problem of the 2007 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 01/10/2014

My car has the same sterring column as in the colbolt I once owned. They recalled many makes of the Hhr for new columns. But not the 2007 or 2008. I have replaced the wiper motor once before and aftrer 3 years have to replace again. Any time the temperture gets above 70 degree, the power sterring goes out. Also when the ignition switch was recalled and exchanged, the dealership refused to reset the keyless entry key rings, so cannt use my auto starter, unlock or oped my doors, especially the hatch back. There is no way to open that door, no handle, no inner button, no pull to open it.

26 Steering Column problem of the 2008 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 01/01/2014

While driving my Hhr ss a service esc message appeared in the dic along with a chime like the dinging of no seat belt. Then a power steering message came after that. When this happens my steering wheel locks up and is hard to turn. I have heard that some of these steering columns have been recalled! why not the Hhr ss!! I have been told that it is the angle position sensor and the entire steering column has to be replaced! when this first accurd my vehicle did have a warranty but they said that because it was deemed an angle position sensor that warranty would not cover it even though the whole steering column has to be replace because of it being a ss. This is a major problem that I have seen alot of Hhr owners are having and this should be recalled!.

27 Steering Column problem of the 2010 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 11/26/2013

On Nov. 26 ,2013 I was turning car around in a lot at 1 mph and power steering stopped working and dash light came on power steering. I drove highway for 5 miles to a garage with steering difficulty to get it checked, turned motor off. Mechanic said to pull in garage. When I started it up power steering worked and he could not check it since it was working at that time. Dealer said if its ps motor including steering column it could cost $1500 or more. I wrote to GMC motors and they phoned and said they never recalled for this " because there were not enough complaints filed. ". Bob fisher Chevrolet where I purchased the auto , rt 61 reading PA assistant manager, [xxx] told me they have had quite a few Hhr's in with this problem. GMC only wants to pay only first hour of diagnostic which I am not satisfied with. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

28 Steering Column problem of the 2007 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 10/08/2013

When I start my car, it seems to drive ok, but within seconds, sometimes minutes, I hear a "click" from under the steering column, and suddenly my steering wheel goes "hard". At first it seemed to only do it occasionally, but now almost every time I get in the car, the power steering goes out. I have almost gotten into accidents because of this happening. Called the local dealer and they say there are no recalls on this model, but have heard that some similar gm cars are recalled for the same problem.

29 Steering Column problem of the 2007 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 07/31/2013

While turning onto a busy street near my home the power steering suddenly stopped working and the steering wheel became very hard to turn. I nearly drove into oncoming traffic but was able to get out of the way just in time. The power steering came back on the next few times I drove the car, but then subsequently continued to fail intermittently around 75% of the times I would drive. I learned from reviewing other safety complaints that this is a common problem known to gm, and that the power steering motor was recalled in the chevy cobalt for this very failure but not the Hhr, despite being the same faulty component. I just paid over $1000 for the dealer to replace the power steering motor and steering column (another known faulty part to gm). It seems reckless to me that gm would not recall a known bad part that can lead to safety hazards. While I want to remain a gm customer, this experience is making me rethink that decision when it comes time to replace this car.

30 Steering Column problem of the 2006 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 07/18/2013

Power steering motor shorted out, when we took it to chevy dealer we were told that gm would not sell the motor seperately as the steering column went out shortly after the power steering motor, and were also told there had been a recall on some Hhr's. The price to repair is $1500. I am 71 years old, my disabled husband is 72 years old and we only have social security as income. Tried to get some compensation from gm and after almost 3 weeks they told me they would not help me because I bought the car used from a dealer other than a chevy dealer, that it was out of warranty and over mileage. If the steering goes out there most likely be an accident of some kind. We have no other transportation, I do feel this is a definate safety issue. Any help you can provide to have gm honor the recall would be appreciated.

31 Steering Column problem of the 2008 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 07/12/2013

I could be sitting in line at a drive thru, turning slowly, or driving straight and I hear a click, and the "power steering" message displays, and then it becomes extremely difficult to steer. If I shut the car off it goes away. Also a major point is that it seems to be weather sensitive. Last winter it came on only two times and never happened again until about a few days ago when the weather got above 90 degrees here. On those days it is very hard to get rid of it. However,, ironically, on a day that was only 74 degrees it never came on! I am afraid that this will come on while driving down the interstate and I am put into a situation of having to maneuver quickly. . And I am sure that all the other people that have complained about this will agree that moving "quickly" isn't going to happen. Dealer tells me that the steering "module" is the entire steering column. . So repair cost is $900. I have 162,000 highway miles on my car and yes,, it's just an 08. If this part stayed in a faulty mode all the time I would say that it was a maintenance repair that I am liable for,, but with it going on and off and putting my safety at risk. . I feel this should be a manufacturer recall! they are the ones that decided to make this into an electronic component. . And a faulty one at that! do a search on line about "power steering" see how many other Hhr owners are having the exact same safety issue with way less miles on their cars. I was shocked and disgusted. I am not feeling the confidence to make chevy my next purchase. Why do the chevy cobalts have this recall. . But not Hhr owners?.

32 Steering Column problem of the 2007 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 06/19/2013

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 compliants on same issues. Chevy should take care of this. Dealership wants $2300+ for the repairs.

33 Steering Column problem of the 2006 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 04/18/2013

Vehicle will stall and we will crash or be hit by some one. When the vehicle stalls you loose all power that is power steering,brakes,the ability to maintain control of my vehicle . It began with my key getting stuck in the ignition,would have to try to place in park multiple times to release the key. Found the panel in the steering column and the release button to remove key. Now the gear shift button is stuck in the pressed position, making the car vulnerable to coming out of gear. This is extremely unsafe and costly to fix. Additional personal research has indicated this is a common & known issue with the manufacturer.

34 Steering Column problem of the 2010 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 03/05/2013

Having alot of noise from front passenger side of car, sounds if something is loose, sound is at low speeds, have heard chevy is having alot of problems with loose steering columns and has posted a TSB 04-03-08-006e, to dealers. I believe so many owners are having the problem with this that chevy should have to recall and fix all cars with problem.

35 Steering Column problem of the 2007 Chevrolet HHR

Failure Date: 01/25/2013

When I started the car in the morning the read out on the dash said "power steering problem". The wheel would not turn at all. I restarted the car and the steering worked. I took it to castle Chevrolet, villa park, IL. For repair. They changed the power steering column assembly costing me $811. 45. I found out that the chevy cobalt 2007 is subject to recall #10v073000, March 3, 2010 for the same part. I feel this part should be recalled and I should get a full refund. Did I mention how dangerous this is? loss of steering at 60 mph? what is chevy waiting for, fatality?.



Safety Ratings of HHR Cars
Fuel Economy of HHR Vehicles
HHR Service Bulletins
HHR Safety Recalls
HHR Defect Investigations