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2008 Chevrolet HHR steering problems

297 complaints (48% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 80,000. 9 crashes reported.

owner complaints
297
of this car's complaints
48%
typical mileage
80,000
crashes
9
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Electric power assist system
    11
  • Hydraulic power assist system
    2

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chevrolet HHR steering problems in other years

200620072008200920102011

Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Chevrolet HHR steering

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Power steering loss 121Steering lock-up 11

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2008 Chevrolet HHR owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 14, 2023 · Steering · IL

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.,

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 May 11, 2022 · Brakes, Steering · KY

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.

Filed Jul 25, 2021 · Steering · TN

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!

Filed Jul 23, 2021 · Steering · CA · crash

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.

Filed Jul 15, 2021 · Fuel system, Steering · CA

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.

Filed Nov 25, 2020 · Steering · WI

Power steering warning

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 Jul 12, 2020 · Steering · 150,000 miles · MI

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

Questions about the 2008 Chevrolet HHR steering

Does the 2008 Chevrolet HHR have steering problems?

Owners have filed 297 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Chevrolet HHR, 48% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2008 Chevrolet HHR steering problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 80,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2008 Chevrolet HHR steering?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Chevrolet HHR have bad steering?

The Chevrolet HHR model years with the most steering complaints are 2006 (458 complaints), 2007 (424 complaints) and 2008 (297 complaints).

Other 2008 Chevrolet HHR problems

Electrical 108Fuel system 85Brakes 55Airbags 38Engine 28Locks 25Transmission 22Driver assistance 15Suspension 15Body 13Acceleration 12Lights 12Wheels 9Tires 6Visibility 6Seats 2Seat belts 1

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