307 of the 784 complaints about the 2008 Chevrolet HHR are about the steering — 39% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 80,000 miles.
307
Complaints
9
Crashes
0
Fires
5
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
STEERING
While driving steering motor just stops working causing hard steering and not steer properly. You try to pull off busy highway. stop put in park shut off car then restart steering works fine just out nowhere you loose steering. its intermitten.,
NHTSA complaint #11549969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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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. The General Motors statement announcing this recall is a bit on the vague side in terms of explaining exactly what is causing this loss of power assist, but the automaker has explained that it could be due to a problem with the power steering motor, the steering column assembly, the power steering control unit or a combination of the power steering column and the power steering control unit. Regardless of which of those components fail, it will become much more difficult to steer the car at low speeds, although when driving at higher speeds it may almost be unnoticeable. However, with the increased possibility of accidents, GM isn’t taking any chances so they have made the decision to add these 1.3 million cars to their already lengthy list of recalled models. My 2008 HHR is not listed in any recalls by it's VIN
NHTSA complaint #11474408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
Power steering dashboard light came on. Difficult to steer vehicle. Losing power steering is dangerous. Will report the matter to the Chevrolet dealership. No other inspections were done. The dealership may inspect the vehicle. Trying to find recalls to fix this problem for free, but it looks like Chevrolet has not provided a recall for this problem although there are numerous complaints about the failed power steering in their HHR vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11470790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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Steering gets very stiff and sometimes locks up when turning left or right in a curve at highway speeds. Had dealer check it and they said they replaced steering motor. Did not correct problem. Made an appointment to check again but was told I would incur charges. I have had it to several mechanic shops and we cannot find anything loose or failing. In a parked position it locks up completely until you start rolling. Afraid steering is going to lock up in a curve and cause harm to driver and passengers. It is available for inspection. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police or insurance. Has no warning lights or messages pertaining to problem. The problem first appeared approximately 6 months ago.
NHTSA complaint #11464292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
While driving down the interstate the power steering light flashed and locked the power steering to the point I was unable to steer in any direction. It has done this on multiple occasions to the point it has almost caused several accidents. This is a serious issue!
NHTSA complaint #11426364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
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. The light didn't come on when they looked at it. After the night in the rain I have taken the fuse outta the power steering part and just manually steer. This should be replaced as it is a common issue to ALL HHR. Mine isn't covered as it is an SS but clearly it should be covered by a recall. Hopefully I don't die before this is taken care of.
NHTSA complaint #11426065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
My power steering unexpectedly has gone out. When it first happened I was on the freeway in the rain and it locked up. Thankfully there were no others cars near me or I would of had an accident. I called the dealership and they said there WAS a recall but too much time has passed! This makes no sense. If it's bad it's bad, what the heck! So now I have taken the fuse out and it at least keeps it from locking up it it is VERY difficult to steer and I fear not being able to respond quickly in an emergency. Then I was noticing that when I add gas it had trouble turning over. Only when I added gas. Gas mileage began getting worse and then I felt the motor having difficulty while again on the freeway. I could smell gas and pulled over. There was smoke under the hood and I could see gas puddling up under my car. Now I am scared of my car. I called GMC and they said they couldn't help me with either of these issues to contact my dealership. I haven't done this because I already know they are gonna say they can not help me. This is absurd. I have had this car a year and NOTHING but problems for me.
NHTSA complaint #11424940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
POWER STEERING WARNING
NHTSA complaint #11376319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING, SERVICE ESC CODE CAME ON. CAR HAS DONE THIS NUMEROUS TIMES OVER THE PAST YEAR, I HAVE REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN, THE POWER STEERING MOTOR, THE CAR RAN FINE FOR WEEKS AND TODAY WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE SERVICE ESC CODE CAME ON AND I LOST POWER STEERING
NHTSA complaint #11351910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
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
NHTSA complaint #11338883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FIRST STARTED TO FAIL ABOUT 12/20/19. IT WOULD NOT ALLOW ASSISTED STEERING UNTIL THE VEHICLE STARTED MOVING. IT WORKED LIKE THIS FOR A FEW DAYS AND THEN STARTED TO FAIL AT RANDOM WHILE DRIVING, THE WORST INCIDENT WHEN STARTING TO MAKE A TURN AT A BUSY INTERSECTION. I BARELY AVOIDED AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE IT TRIED TO STRAIGHTEN MY WHEELS WHILE I WAS IN THE TURN. SHORTLY AFTER IT FAILED COMPLETELY. IT NOW HAS NO POWER ASSIST. I WOULD HERE A CLICKING FROM UNDER THE DASH, AND WHEN THAT STOPPED, MY STEERING RETURNED. NOW IT CLICKS AND THERE IS NO FURTHER ASSIST. I SAW WHERE OTHER GM CARS WITH THIS SYSTEM WERE COVERED UNDER A RECALL, INCLUDING NEWER MODELS, BUT WHEN I CALLED THEM, THEY STATED THERE WERE NO OPEN RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE. THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN THIS STATE AND NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #11297325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AS WE WERE DEALING WITH A STARTER ISSUE. IT INDICATED ONLY ONCE ON THE DASH THAT THERE MIGHT BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE POWER STEERING. NOW IT'S COMPLETELY GONE. THE DASH DOESN'T SHOW ANY INFORMATION THAT THERE COULD BE AN ISSUE. IT'S VERY HARD TO TAKE TURNS. BOTH WIDE OR TIGHT. IT TAKES A LOT OF STRENGTH TO GET THE STEERING WHEEL TO MOVE. IF I DRIVE IT, MOVING FROM LANE TO LANE IS DIFFICULT. I NOW HAVE IT BACK IN THE SHOP FOR THE MECHANIC TO CHECK IT OUT AND RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #11288625 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
THE POWER STEERING IS SUDDENLY INOPERATIVE. NO POWER STEERING. IT JUST CAME ON THE WARNING LIGHTS ONE TIME, POWER STEERING, AND I CAN'T FIND A FIX. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY WHEN IT HAPPENED.
NHTSA complaint #11222011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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WHILE DRIVING ON THE MAJOR ROADWAY IN 5:00 TRAFFIC AFTER WORK AND WHILE STOPPED TO GO FORWARD IN THE CAR WASH THE POWER STEERING LIGHT GAVE A WARNING THEN DIS ENGAGED AND STEERING WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE. I READ THE OWNERS MANUAL AND IT SAID TO TURN THE CAR BACK ON AND TURN THE WHEEL A COUPLE TIMES THEN THE STEERING WAS OK TO GET ME HOME I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT NOW ,IN CHECKING THE WEBSITE THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE. CAN YOU HELP ME PLEASE?!
NHTSA complaint #11210088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
MY STEERING FEELS THREATENING WITH LOUD SOUND UNDER DASH WHEN TURNING, AND CAR STEERING IS TOO LOOSE AT TIMES AND ALSO JUMPS ALITTLE WHILE TURNING.. IM LOOKING INTO WHAT AND HOW I CAN GET IT FIXED, IM TOLD IT IS PROBABLY INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT AND I UNDERSTAND MANY GM VEHICLES HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE. ALSO, MY 2 PASSENGER DOORS WONT OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE, THE LOCKS GO UP AND DOWN, BUT DOOR HANDLES ALSO DON'T ENGAGE ALL WAY UP WHEN TRY TO PULL THEM, MECHANIC TOLD ME , ITS THE ACTUATORS IN HANDLES BECAUSE MANY PEOPLE ALSO HAVE COMPLAINED ON THIS ISSUE AS WELL. SO I HAVE NO ACCESS TO BACK DOORS, I CANT AFFORD A NEW CAR. I AM A SENIOR ON FIXED INCOME. IS THERE ANY HELP FOR ME TO FIX MY CAR?
NHTSA complaint #11207390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
I AM HAVING POWER STEERING PROBLEMS. I CAN BE DRIVING DOWN THE ROADWAY AT ANY SPEED BETWEEN 20-80MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WILL BE A MESSAGE UNDER THE SPEEDOMETER THAT SAYS 'POWER STEERING FAILURE' AND I WILL HAVE LOST ALL OF MY POWER STEERING CONTROL. I CAN PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY AND TURN MY ENGINE OFF AND THEN RESTART THE CAR AND THE POWER STEERING WILL WORK AGAIN. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR THE LAST 8 MONTHS TOO MY CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11191821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT RESPOND IMMEDIATELY WHEN TURNING AT A SLOW SPEED. WITHIN THE PAST 8 MONTHS, THE EPS SIGNAL CAME ON WHILE DRIVING AND WENT OFF WITHIN A FEW MINUTES.
NHTSA complaint #11180319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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POWER STEERING WENT OUT
NHTSA complaint #11165778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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I WAS SITTING IN TRAFFIC TRYING TO MERGE AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT FLASHED ON THE DASH AND I LOST MY POWER STEERING. I GOT HOME AND SHUT THE CAR OFF FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS AND THE STEERING WAS FINE.I DROVE TO THE STORE AND AS I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE IT HAPPENED AGAIN,THE LIGHT ON THE DASH FLASHED AND I LOST MY POWER STEERING. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS BECAUSE MY DAUGHTER ALSO DRIVES MY VEHICLE AND I DO NOT WANT THIS TO OCCUR WITH HER.I AM QUESTIONING IF THIS WAS PART OF THE LIFE TIME WARRANTY RECALL AS I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTICES.
NHTSA complaint #11164191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
FOR THE PAST FEW MONTHS I NOTICED MY POWER STEERING, CRUISE CONTROL BEING CUT OFF AND JERKING WITH MY CAR. BUT UP TIL THE BEGINNING OF AUGUST MY CAR WOULDN'T START, IT WOULD CRANK BUT NOT START. COME AUGUST 18TH MY CAR COMPLLIFE ROY WON'T START. THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE AND THE PREVIOUS OWNER TOOK IN THE CAR FOR THE RECALL BUT NOW IT'S ACTING UP AGAIN. MULTIPLE TIME WHERE I LOOSE CONTROL OF MY CAR AND OR THE CAR WOULD SLOW DOWN TO THE POINT IT FELT LIKE I WAS STOPPING THEN IT WOULD JERK. I THOUGHT THE DEALERSHIP COULD FIX THIS BUT THEY CAN NOT, GM, RIGTH WAY AND ETC ARE NOT HELPING. I'M TERRIFIED MY CAR WON'T WORK AND ALSO IT'LL BE DANGEROUS TO DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #11121132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
TAKARA RECALL. WHILE PRESSING ON THE BREAK PEDAL TO SLOW DOWN OR STOP THE ENTIRE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES UNCONTOLABLEY. WHILE DRIVING ON BUMPY ROADS FEELS LIKE THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE IS GOING TO FALL APART. I HAVE TAKEN IT INTO DIFFERENT PLACES AND THEY SAY EVERYTHING IS FINE. NEXT STOP IS THE DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #11115175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
POWER STEERING UNEXPECTEDLY GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING. WHEN I FIRST TURN IN CAR, IT IS FINE AND CAN DRIVE BUT AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES POWER STEERING GOES OUT.
NHTSA complaint #11110012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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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!
NHTSA complaint #11105171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND MY STEERING WAS HARD TO TURN. IT'S VERY HARD TO STEER LIKE IF I WAS DRIVING AN OLDER MODEL CAR WITH NO POWER STEERING. NOT VERY SAFE FOR ME AND THE FAMILY
NHTSA complaint #11105231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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STEERING SHAFT U JOINT RUSTED AND BROKE IN DRIVE WAY
NHTSA complaint #11103683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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LOSS OF POWER STEERING ON HIGHWAY. NEARLY RUN OVER BY LOGGING TRUCK TRYING TO GET TO THE SHOULDER. RESTARTED CAR AND PROBLEM WENT AWAY FOR A WHILE. NOW, THE STEERING LOSS HAPPENS ALMOST EVERY TIME I DRIVE. THIS IS THE SAME SYSTEM THAT GM RECALLED FOR 2008-09 HHR'S,(14V153000) AND EXTENDED TO THE 2008 HHR THROUGH GM BULLETIN #14119. GM IS REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE RECALL!
NHTSA complaint #11097064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AROUND 40 MILES PER HOUR WHEN ALARM SOUNDS AND I HAVE NO POWER STEERING. VERY HARD TO TURN DROVE HOME AND IT DID IT AGAIN TODAY....ALSO TIRE SENSORS ALARM STATING TIRES ARE DEFLATED...WHEN THEY ARE FINE..
NHTSA complaint #11082205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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WHIAL DRIVING THE POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE TURNS OFF/FAILS AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT SHOWES ON DASH. WHEN YOU STOP AND CUT THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON IT WORKS AGAIN FOR A WIAL THEN FAILS AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #11076593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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TL* 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 TURN SIGNAL LEVER/ SWITCH ASSEMBLY 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. *TT
NHTSA complaint #11063288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AS IF THE POWER STEERING WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO MANIPULATE THE STEERING WHEEL UNTIL IT FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,291.
NHTSA complaint #11053364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.