2008 Chevrolet HHR: sudden loss of power

Filed Feb 6, 2025 · Acceleration · OR

vehicle ecm keeps reporting an error code p2138 that refers to a correlation issue between sensors on the throttle/pedal system, causing the vehicle to enter into reduced power and eventually disables engine. Problem persists even after replacing pedal component. Apparently water enters the compartment where the part is located and corrodes wiring between the ecm and the pedal system. GM is apparently aware but so far has done nothing. Problem is especially hazardous because engine power is reduced during acceleration and happens without warning. Vehicle could be in high density traffic and then suddenly experiences lack of power or total disability, and driver must try to navigate to the side of the road--not always possible or safe to do.

Filed Jul 17, 2022 · Electrical, Steering · TX

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

Filed Jun 24, 2022 · Steering · TX

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.

Filed Aug 28, 2020 · Driver assistance, Steering · 138,000 miles · NJ

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

Filed May 21, 2018 · Steering · 100,000 miles · TN

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!

Filed Feb 27, 2018 · Acceleration, Engine · 135,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet hhr. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost power and failed to accelerate. The check engine indicator illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the throttle position sensor failed. The dealer was not notified. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the warranty was expired and the contact would be responsible for the repair cost. The failure mileage was 135,000.

Filed Jun 7, 2017 · Steering · 53,091 miles · MD

Loss of power steering slow speeds 3 events, high speed 2 events

Filed May 12, 2017 · Steering · 81,000 miles · NV

While driving, I would keep constantly losing power steering. I would pull over, turn off vehicle and then restart vehicle to regain power steering. Then minutes later the loss of power steering would be experienced again. This is very dangerous at higher speeds and in the middle of higher speed turns.

Filed May 5, 2017 · Steering · 155,000 miles · AZ

Steering will lock up and loss of power steering will occur. This has happen while car is in motion or parked and engine turned on. When in motion will pull over and stop engine wait a while and power steering returns, when in parked will turn on engine if power steering is absent will turn off engine wait awhile and power steering will return, this has happen frequently.

Filed Mar 12, 2017 · Steering · 88,000 miles · NJ

Loss of power steering while driving under normal driving conditions. Receive a 3 chime warning and power steering warning appears on dash board as power steering is lost. Happened while turning on local streets.

Filed Dec 1, 2016 · Steering · 42,000 miles · FL

The vehicle lost power steering assist while driving. There was a chime and an indicator light. Power assist returned after the car was turned off and restarted.

Filed Nov 21, 2016 · Steering · 110,000 miles · ME

Power steering was lost on the exit ramp of the highway. Didn't use the car for the rest of the day, the next morning drove for 15 minutes and no loss of power steering... Until a couple days later. List power steering while in the middle of downtown traffic. Has become increasingly more regular, now happening at least once a day or several. This is a safety issues as you turn a corner or try to lane change and all of a sudden you have to yank the wheel! You have other cheverlot models recalled for this, the 2008 hhr needs to be included in this. Not safe.