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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
18 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
6 / 0
Average Mileage:
78,998 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2006 Chevrolet HHR steering problems

steering problem

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2006 Chevrolet HHR Owner Comments (Page 9 of 23)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #281

Mar 012013

HHR

  • 35,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I experienced the same problems mentioned with my HHR, the power steering sound would ring and immediately the power steering went out. This happened over a period of 4-5 months along with numerous other problems such as the front end making a popping sound from the day I got it. Knowing there was no use in contacting Chevrolet, I traded it in last summer, holding my breath that the dealer wouldn't check it out too closely. I had to take about $2,000 less than the book but was thrilled with what I got for it anyway ($5,000). I'm happy "not" to own this car anymore, but feel there is a serious issue with the power steering aside from the ignition problem that's all over the news. Someone/thing needs to address this before other drivers are harmed. Like we all know the HHR is merely a cobalt with a different body. The HHR has been kicked aside somewhat in relation to the cobalt problems. All owners of HHR's, beware.

- Clarksville , TN, USA

problem #280

Mar 052013

HHR 4-cyl

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the power steering failure made it extremely rough to turn the steering wheel intermittently. The contact had to apply force to the steering wheel in order to make a complete right or left turn. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V073000 (steering). The vehicle was to be inspected, diagnosed and repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.....updated 07/23/14

- Crete, IL, USA

problem #279

May 102014

HHR 4-cyl

  • 113,008 miles
I was driving and the power steering light came on and no power steering this condition continued until I stopped the car and restarted it.... I have a recall for the ignition and now I am afraid for my wife to drive it!! this is as dangerous a condition as the ignition which has happened repeatedly!!

- London, OH, USA

problem #278

May 092014

HHR 4-cyl

  • 76,118 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This is my 2nd complaint about power steering on my 2006 HHR after complaining the first time and no guaranteed help financially and told to pay 200 dollars to have my vehicle inspected at a GM dealers.I replaced 2 solenoids and had no problem for about 1 1/2 years. My power steering goes out while driving with no warning. The problem is back this is the 3rd time this month.but today frightened me while driving my daughter to school I was driving 70 mph went to exit hwy and boom no power steering then indicator(turn signal) was out because of power steering light started flashing after the fact.this is very dangerous morning traffic with semi trucks zipping around me.I have gone down this road with you on this matter before.it is a obvious problem with this make and model of car. I have read 1000 + complaints about this problem on every site I have looked at to find a fix. Why wait until a life is lost before you handle it. Also you have a faulty part in automatic transmission shifter that you are aware of a small plastic pin that falls out and sticks and you can not shift it into gear. I bought the new shifter that is made much better and I need to have it installed. I will try to stay with the one problem power steering. I find it shocking that you have this many complaints on several sites and nothing has been done looking again after 2 years. Its not the ignition key that worries me as much as power steering. This needs to be recalled and fixed. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Forney, TX, USA

problem #277

May 012014

HHR 4-cyl

  • miles
2006 Chevrolet HHR. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle power steering and starter failure. Consumer seeks financial assistance.

- Silsbee, TX, USA

problem #276

Oct 252013

HHR

  • 108,000 miles
I have a 2006 Chevy HHR that I bought used in November 2012 with 92,000 miles. Over a 6 month period with the first incident happening in October 2013 at 108,000 miles, I have had 3 separate incidents where the power steering goes out. I haven't had it happen on the road, but it has happened to me either when I'm in a parking lot or pulling out or in my driveway. The most recent incident I had of this was yesterday (May 5, 2014) at 115,000 miles. The issue seems to be caused from turning the steering wheel fast or you steer from far right to far left (or vice versa) as the issue always occurs mid turn. While I'm fortunate that this happened at low speeds, I'm concerned about this due to I live in a mountainous area. Also, I noticed that there is a recall on 2006 Chevy cobalts and Saturn ions and after doing some research, I found that the cobalt and HHR share many of the same parts, including the steering mechanism. Also, the 2009 and newer HHR's have a steering recall for the same issue with the power steering going out with no warning. I do believe this is a huge safety concern and some sort of action needs to be taken about this.

- Dahlonega, GA, USA

problem #275

May 022011

HHR 4-cyl

  • 45,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Something is very wrong here! over the past few years I have had the power steering fail on three instances! the last one, just a couple of weeks ago occurred while pulling out of parallel parking space at about 10 mph. Almost hit the car 2 spaces in front of me! why was there a recall back in 2010 for the cobalts with the same ps motor and not the HHR" now the current recall does not include the earlier Hhrs" GM has tried to hide these and other issues. I believe NHTSA was ineffective and complacent due to government ownership status and trying to protect their investment. If the real truth were known, head would roll and people imprisoned!

- Norfolk, VA, USA

problem #274

May 032013

HHR 4-cyl

  • 65,000 miles
The power steering goes out while driving, multiple..I had to turn it off then back on...one time I was driving in the middle of a turn the power steering went out and the vehicle hit a curb. I paid out off pocket to get the steering fixed.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #273

Mar 132014

HHR 4-cyl

  • 48,261 miles
Spouse made turn at stop sign and steering became difficult almost running into curb. Chime sounded and dash light came on. Managed to get to Chevrolet garage and verification of steering problem. Steering motor replaced at a cost of $300+. not on recall list despite number of incidents. GM covers some of these but not this model"???"

- Bluffton, SC, USA

problem #272

Feb 212014

HHR 4-cyl

  • 80,190 miles
I was exiting off the highway and came to a stop at the first intersection. As I turned the corner, I heard a "ping" and then the power steering went out. The words "power steering" appeared on the dashboard. The power steering has not been working properly since.

- Stevens Point, WI, USA

problem #271

Apr 072011

HHR 4-cyl

  • 60,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

There is agm recall for the ps on Chevy HHR's but only for the 2009-2010 model years. I have a 2006 HHR and am having the same problem with my steering with the steering light coming on all the time. Now I have replaced the power steering motor as GM recommended and thje steering light still comes on everyday 3 4 or 5 times and I loose power steering while it is on. This is a safety issue and I feel that the 2006 model year should be part of that recall.

- Kent, WA, USA

problem #270

Apr 012014

HHR

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while traveling various speeds, the vehicle became difficult to steer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

- Olive Hill, KY, USA

problem #269

Jul 022013

HHR

  • 72,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the power steering assist suddenly malfunctioned and caused the steering wheel to become difficult to turn. A warning bell sounded as the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact turned the vehicle off and once restarted, the vehicle would operate normally for a short period before the failure would recur. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 72,000.

- Anderson, IN, USA

problem #268

Apr 262014

HHR 5-cyl

  • 97,000 miles
Excessive steering wheel vibration at highway speeds, and on city streets signal light stay on when turning into another street that your have to manually turn off signal lights( this has being a problem since I purchase, documented by local Chevy dealer). I believe this cars have problems with their entire steering column not just their ignition switch.

- Manchester, CT, USA

problem #267

Jun 272011

HHR 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while making a right turn at unknown speeds, the steering wheel became very hard to maneuver. The contact turned the vehicle off and restarted it and it resumed normal function. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000 and the current mileage was 180,000. Updated 06/17/14 MA updated 8/23/2017

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #266

Apr 232014

HHR 4-cyl

  • 73,556 miles
As I was coming to a stop at a stop light. The power steering displayed and the power steering went away. It was hard to steer and after I stopped and turned off the ignition and started the vehicle again then the power steering was working again.

- Missoula, MT, USA

problem #265

Apr 022014

HHR

  • 225,000 miles
I was driving my car and all of a sudden the dash board made a tone, it said "power steering" on the instrument panel and I lost all power steering. It was extremely difficult to turn the car and after getting it stopped, I turned the ignition off, sitting there for a few minutes I restarted the car and their was no issues until I backed out, then it did it again. I ended up sitting their for a while longer (aprox 15 minutes) and restarted the car again, backed out of the parking place and was able to drive off with no problem's. since then I have not had another incident with the power steering. I notified Chevrolet the next day and they said my car wasn't in the recall so, they were not going to do anything to fix it.

- Leland , IL, USA

problem #264

Apr 222014

HHR

  • miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while traveling various speeds, the vehicle became difficult to steer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage and VIN was not available.

- Portland, OR, USA

problem #263

Apr 072011

HHR

  • 50,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist malfunctioned. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. No repairs were made to the vehicle. The failure mileage was 50,000 and the current mileage was 100,000.

- Riverview, FL, USA

problem #262

Aug 112010

HHR

  • 65,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while driving approximately 3 mph in reverse, there was an immediate loss of power steering with the illumination of the warning indicator. The contact was able to resume in drive with pressure applied forcefully to the steering wheel. The failure recurred whenever the engine was operable. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

- Jonesville, LA, USA

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