Problems with 2006 Chevrolet HHR STEERING

Traveling on solomon's island rd. in annapolis, md., i heard a chime sound, "power steering" appeared as a lighted warning, and i suddenly had no power steering. i pulled into a shopping center, making a lefthand turn, and it was very difficult to steer. i checked my manual which told me not to keep driving, called my husband who is a former auto tech, and he advised me to start the car again to see if the light came on again. it didn't, so he thought that maybe it was a temporary problem and advised me to drive cautiously, but to pull over if it came on again. i was more than an hour from home (denton, md.) and really didn't want to get stranded at nightfall, so i drove east on route 50, and just before rowe blvd., it came on again, and i pulled off to try to find a safe place to park. it was very difficult to steer, especially making a 90-degree turn. it was getting dark, and i was concerned about parking in a safe place to wait for my husband to meet up with me. so i reasoned that, once i got back on route 50, i would only have to drive straight to get to kent island and meet up with my husband who would drive my car the rest of the way home. i prayed my car wouldn't get stranded on the bay bridge, but it seemed that the power steering was the only issue. my husband drove the rest of the way home safely. we went online to find out if this was an issue with the hhr, and found that there were many owners who reported the same problem. frankly, we were and are surprised that hhrs older than 2010 have not been recalled. intermittently, the problem kept occurring with my husband driving my car until i finally got it repaired two weeks later on march 25, 2014. my steering motor had to be replaced for $262.50. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet hhr. after making a right turn at 10 mph, the power steering indicator illuminated, a warning sound chimed, and the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. the failure occurred several times. the dealer stated that the electric power steering assist was faulty and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

While driving, suddenly the warning alarm dinged and power steering appeared on the notification window. power steering was suddenly not there, just as i was entering a construction zone with lane realignment. i pulled over, turned off the car and let it sit for a minute. when i restarted it, the power steering worked. it stayed for about 5 minutes before the error returned. this pattern repeated throughout the day, regardless of speed or amount of turns. a quick google search to prepare me for a call to the mechanic on monday showed this seems to be a not-uncommon issue. *tr

Was driving at lunch & power steering message came on & when i went to turn, i had no power steering. *tr

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. *tr

I was driving home from work and stopped at a drive thru coffee shop. after receiving my order and drove off, i lost my power steering. my power steering light came on and i continued driving home. thankfully, i only live a couple of miles away, though driving home was difficult. while turning on one street, i almost hit a car, as it was very difficult making a turn. i took my car to the dealership and they have to replace the power steering motor which will cost me 312.00 dollars. i am upset that the manufacturer will not admit to the faulty motor, as i have read many complaints dealing with the same issue. please look into this, i am concerned that this could cause an accident if not addressed. *tr

Since february 2014, the vehicle loses power steering during every active operation. i have contacted chevrolet regarding this problem and was informed that based on my vin, the recall did not apply. i specifically in formed them that this wasn't just about the recall announcement, but that i was actively experiencing power steering failure during every operation, but i was emphatically informed by the recall representative that the recall did not apply to my car and that is was merely coincidental that my 2006 hhr is having power steering failure and was not related in any way to the recall! *tr

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. *tr

My car started giving me a charging system warning light. i had it checked, with no findings. the car stopped on me several times, yet always check out okay. the last time the battery was shorted, so i replaced it. the next day the car stopped while i was driving it. i had it towed to a shop, where it started up fine and didn't show anything on diagnostic. when i went to pick it up it started and then shorted out the computer. the computer was replaced, it started up, then started smoking and shorted out the new computer. i want to note that approximately two years ago, the power steering went out and shorted out the charging system, twice. it was repaired at chevrolet in bakersfield. *tr

Steering assist went out. message on dash display alerted me as well. could restart the car, and the problem went away. i understand this has occurred on many hhr's, and cobalts, and the cobalt has a recall. *tr

The power steering just goes out. if you turn the ignition off then turn the ignition back on the power steering 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. *tr

My power steering went out as i was leaving a parking garage. my driving was greatly impaired on the way home. *tr

Power steering randomly keeps turning off. *tr

Power steering goes in and out. stop the car and restart the engine and it resets and steering works. power steering quits at inopportune times. this could result in a major accident. gm is recalling cars with similar power steering issues but not the hhr. *tr

I was stopped at a light to make a right turn and the warning for the power steering came on. it then became difficult to steer. when i started the hhr up almost 8 hours later, it drove fine. i don't want to be involved in a wreck because my power steering goes out. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet hhr. the contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. the contact mentioned that the power steering warning light illuminated. the vehicle was taken to a dealer who informed the contact that the power steering motor failed. the vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 134,562 and the current mileage 136,958.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet hhr. while driving 25 mph and making a right turn, the contact stated that the power steering assist failed and the power steering warning lamp illuminated. the failure recurred arbitrarily. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for a diagnosis. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 75,500.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet hhr. the contact stated that while driving approximately 5 mph, the power steering assist failed. the failure was recurring however, the vehicle was neither diagnosed to determine the cause of the failure nor repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 72,000.

The power steering message comes on and the power steering goes out. it's very hard to steer the wheel. i have to find a place to pull over and re-start the car. today it i had to re-start it 3 times on a short trip to the store and back. i feel this is a very dangerous safety issue. it happens without warning. luckily i was in town to pull over, but even that was a hard with traffic and trying to find a place to pull over. if i was on the highway, it would have been really dangerous, because i wouldn't have any control. in searching the internet i found this is a common problem, but its not being recalled even though this part has been recalled in the ion, malibu and cobalt and the hhr in canada. if this is a faulty part, i shouldn't have to pay for it. so please re-call this part. *tr

The power steering goes in and out while driving the same issue as the other power steering recalls don't understand why this model year was not on the recall list. it is very dangerous to be driving and the power steering goes out due to the fact that it is electrical. please consider putting this on the recall list as well, several other chevy hhr owners are having the same issues.thank you very much. *js

When driving after making a turn the electrical power steering went out. this occurs about every other day when driving vehicle. there has been a recall on the 2005 chevy hhr's for the electric power steering motor going out i think it should apply to the 2006 model because it is the exact same thing happening. *tr

Bought 2006 hhr lt new for my company. purchased it from my company for personal use in early 2011. while my daughter was practicing parallel parking at the dmv (for license test), the power steering quit working. this was the first time it happened. the failure occurred when she was fully stopped and turned the wheel all the way to the right to begin the parking maneuver. it happened on the third practice for the day. turned the hhr off, let it set 30 sec, and turned it back on. steering reset. worked for a couple of practices, and then the power assist quit again. this happened three times, with the 3rd time not resetting. left and drove off with no power steering. a couple of miles down the road, turned off the hhr at a stoplight. it reset when i turned the hhr back on. went to the dealer that day (christmas eve 2013) to get it fixed. they replaced the power steering motor - $453. seemed to work fine. went to dmv site again today (christmas) for further parking practice and the power steering failed again -- during the wheel turn at a complete stop. happened twice; reset both times. quit practice in frustration. obviously the motor was not the issue . . . or not the only issue. seems to be a recurring theme on this site that hhr steering has design flaws. probably past time for regulators to see that the statistics justify a recall on the hhr's power steering. going back to dealer tomorrow. how much this time is the big question? *tr

I was driving down an interstate highway at about 55mph when the power steering light came on and lost all of my power steering almost causing an accident. luckily i got the car over to the shoulder. i turned the car off and restarted it to see if that would remedy the issue and 10 minutes down the road again, it did the same thing. i tried to change out the fuse under the hood and to no avail, the power steering went out within 5 minutes this time. this is a very serious issue and gm should fix this issue. i've had alot of cars and never had a power steering issue with this esp. i may never buy another gm product again. *tr

While driving on a curve at 55 mph the power steering quit and the vec became very hard to steer, almost causing an accident. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet hhr. the contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph and making a right turn, the power steering warning light illuminated and the steering wheel seized. the contact had to restart the vehicle in order for to resume normal function. the vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the fuse box needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 65,966. ...updated 03-11-15 *bf the consumer stated the part was replaced and there have been no more steering issue. however, the check engine light illuminated intermittently. updated 03/26/15*jb

We own a 2006 chevrolet hhr. while driving approximately 60 mph, the power steering warning illuminated and the steering wheel became very tight without warning. this has now happened numerous times in the past week - and at different speeds and weather conditions. a google search revealed there is a known problem with this component and it has been addressed in other models with the same power steering motor. why haven't the hhr's been included in the extended warranty? losing power steering at a high rate of speed and trying to get over 4 lanes of traffic to stop and restart the engine could be deadly! *tr

At varies speeds and driving conditions the power steering on the vechile stops working. it has happened while at stop lights and while driving home from work during normal driving conditions. *tr

Tl- the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet hhr. the contact stated while driving approximately 5 mph the power steering failed when she made a right turn. the contact maneuvered the vehicle to the right side of the road. the vehicle was not towed. the contact was able to driven the vehicle to her home. there were no warning indicator lights illuminated. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic, due to the cost. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the vin was not available. the approximate failure mileage was 100,000. rk

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet hhr. the contact stated that when driving at various speeds, the power steering assist would suddenly malfunction making it very difficult to turn the steering wheel. in addition, the vehicle would sporadically stall. the failure was recurring. the vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic but the failure was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 100,000.

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. *tr

I was exiting a commercial driveway upon trying to make a right turn, the steering was very difficult and it took a minute to straighten up. my dashboard indicated there was a problem with the power steering. i immediately pulled over to assess the vehicle and came to find out that this vehicle does not have a power steering pump, its electrical. at the time of this occurrence i was 100 miles away from home. upon researching this problem, i came across this website with complaints from other drivers with this same problem. i just purchase my car 3 weeks ago. hopefully, you will take in consideration the number of complaints and request a recall. does someone have to have an accident or be killed before this problem is rectified? *tr

Engine shut off first time resulting in minor contact with garage door while pulling into driveway. shut down 2 more times at low speeds and a 4th time at 50mph in a cement barrier construction zone on a bridge, no road shoulder, due to speed at shut down was able to coast through construction to roadside. ignition control module was replaced after incident, however shutdowns continued after. drove car with single key only since ignition control module was replaced, however my vehicle stills shuts down! it has been included in the recall but it still is not safe and i don't believe will be safe after recall repair! i don't want to wait until i kill someone to have the gov, gm, or anyone care, that the cars that are actually shutting down need to be taken off the road and replaced! please someone help the car owners like me! help us feel safe again and not as though we are playing russian roulette every time we drive our cars! i am begging someone at this agency to please make them replace our known defective and unsafe cars! my car continues to shutdown after removal of all things on the key! help! i have 2 small kids and have to keep them safe! *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet hhr. the contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the power steering warning lamp illuminated as the steering wheel seized, making it difficult for the contact to control the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the technician was unable to diagnose the failure. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 63,000. updated 12/04/13*lj

Wife was driving the car, the power steering warning light came on and she lost power steering. she got home, called the dealer and asked about recalls and was informed the 2006 cobalt (mechanically and equipment wise the same car with a different skin) was recalled but not the hhr. i took the car to firestone and the steering worked fine. they checked out the steering and could find nothing wrong but indicated the hhr has been recalled for this in canada but not in the us and that the repair is quite expensive. is the government protecting their investment in gm by not issuing a recall? please explain this situation or recall the twin of the cobalt. *tr

While driving and in traffic lost power steering. had to pull over, shut off car and restart t. this has happened numerous times and is to the point we can not drive the car. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet hhr. the contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn as the power steering warning light illuminated. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering failed. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 96,000.

As i was driving my electronic power steering shut down. i pulled over turned engine off and when started again it again steering worked. went to a store, and drove car about half mile and steering went out again. pulled to side of road turned engine off, restarted and worked for about eight of a mile. pulled to side of road and repeated as before. this is now more frequent. as of today 9/4 after the engine begins to warm up the steering turns off. all fluids in car are full. this is a safety issue because the car is very difficult to steer when the steering goes out. i saw that the cobalt had a recall for this and the hhr is mechanically and electronically the same as the hhr. the hhr should be included in the same recall. thank you. *jb

Driving to work and turned a corner, discover almost too late that i had no power steering. no light flashed on the dash to warn me and i almost hit another vehicle. there has been no solution to fix this problem as it keeps recurring. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet hhr. the contact stated that while driving 50 mph, the electric power steering light illuminated as the steering became very difficult to maneuver. the vehicle was restarted a few minutes later and operated as designed for another mile before the failure recurred. the vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis and the contact was informed that the electric power system motor would need to be replaced. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 97,000. updated 10/17/13*cn the vehicle was repaired at the owner's expense on august 20, 2013. updated 10/24/13

My power steering went out and its very hard to drive! i have to turn the car off and on to get it going! when it first happen i was going around a curve,and it totally scared me! *tr

Power steering motor shorted out, when we took it to chevy dealer we were told that gm would not sell the motor separately 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 definite safety issue. any help you can provide to have gm honor the recall would be appreciated. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet hhr. the contact stated that her vehicle failed to start. the contact attempted to jump start the vehicle but to no avail. the contact was able to restart the vehicle hours later however, the steering wheel had become extremely difficult to maneuver. the contact stated she did not take the vehicle to a dealer because she did not trust the parts that were being used to repair the vehicle. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 119,000.

I was backing out of my driveway when the vehicle lost power steering, causing me to nearly hit my mailbox. the information screen on the speedometer said power steering and my service engine light came on. *tr

Tl* 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.

Shortly after we purchased our, 06 chevrolet hhr, in may 2013, my fiance, infant child and i was out looking at homes to possibly purchase. when suddenly, without warning, the power steering light came on and i lost all control of the car. i came to a sudden stop against the curbside to avoid hitting anything or anyone. until now, i had no knowledge as to why that happened. i see that many chevrolet hhr owners has experienced the same thing with their vehicle. i want to know why gm has not recalled these cars for repairs along with the other vehicles for the same issues. we have experienced everything that has been listed as a condition of defects found in our car. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet hhr. the contact stated that while reversing from a residential driveway, the power steering assist failed and the steering wheel seized. the vehicle was neither repaired nor inspected for the cause of the failure. the manufacturer was notified. the approximate failure mileage was 108,000. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet hhr. the contact stated that the power steering assist failed and caused resistance in the steering wheel. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted about the failure. the failure mileage was 52,000.

I was going about 35mph when i came upon a curve and my electric power steering malfunctioned and caused me too loose control and crash into an open field. ive spent most of my day researching and making phone calls. my local dealer tells me that there has been many issues with this but there are currently no recalls on the 2006 hhr. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet hhr. the contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the steering wheel became very difficult to maneuver. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 85,000.

I was driving with atleast 42 mph coming down from a bridge with a curve road when my power steering shut down. no sign, when i tried to turn my steering wheel for the curve, it wouldn't move. i panicked and almost had an accident because everybody's driving the same speed as me. i had to turn on my hazard sign to notify others i+m having problem with my car. it was difficult to turn..as soon as i reached home, i turned off the engine and after 10 mins turned it on again and it was working fine. im too scared to drive my car. my work is 12 miles from me and this steering problem happened without a warning. *tr