Chevrolet HHR engine failure problems

Filed Aug 14, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MI

Remedy for campaign 14V047000 was executed defectively, creating an unsafe mechanical failure that destroyed the powertrain. Failure occurred while or shortly before vehicle stalled in heavy traffic. Vehicle would not restart, but ignition switch stuck in start position while attempting restart, causing starter motor to crank continuously until the switch was turned to the off position. It is believed that starter motor was running while engine was running since last successful start about 3 minutes prior to stall, interfering with normal operation of the engine and eventually causing engine to jump timing and sustain catastrophic internal damage. Subsequent GM dealer service visit found that a burr on the new key provided with campaign 14V047000 repair caused ignition switch to bind in start position. Service staff buffed out burr on key which resolved switch binding, but vehicle refused to start. Borehole inspection of engine found damaged valves and pistons, leading to diagnosis of jumped timing. No other work other that diagnosis has been attempted at this point. Estimate to replace engine is $8600

Filed Dec 6, 2024 · Steering · 240,000 miles · IN

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 240,000.

Filed Oct 5, 2018 · Steering · 156,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 chevrolet hhr. While driving various speeds, the steering wheel seized and the power steering warning indicator illuminated. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was able to be steered. The vehicle was taken to sherman chevrolet cadillac (600 e lamberth rd, sherman, tx 75090, (903) 209-2353) where the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v153000 (steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 156,000.

Filed Aug 10, 2018 · Steering · 114,000 miles · CO

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 chevrolet hhr. While driving 30 MPH on various occasions, the power steering warning indicator illuminated and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

Filed Aug 9, 2018 · Steering · 79,208 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 chevrolet hhr. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the power steering ability seized and the power steering warning indicator illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and turned the vehicle off. After five minutes, the vehicle restarted normally and the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and then towed to rydell chevrolet (18600 devonshire street, northridge, ca 91324) where it was diagnosed that the power steering motor failed and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,208. The VIN was not available.

Filed Oct 25, 2017 · Steering · KY

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 chevrolet hhr. While driving various speeds, the steering wheel seized and the power steering warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to bachman chevrolet (9650 bluegrass pkwy, louisville, ky 40299 (502) 499-6161), but the failure was unable to be duplicated. Over a period of time, the power steering was replaced in three stages. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jan 11, 2017 · Steering · 121,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 chevrolet hhr. While driving various speeds, the steering wheel seized and the power steering warning indicator illuminated. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuse box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 121,000.

Filed Nov 1, 2016 · Steering · 75,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet hhr. When the contact started to drive the vehicle, the power steering seized. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was no power going to the steering. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v153000 (steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Filed Sep 7, 2016 · Steering · 92,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet hhr. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the power steering warning indicator illuminated and the steering wheel seized. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician could not determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.

Filed Jul 25, 2016 · Steering · 153,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet hhr. While driving various speeds, the steering wheel seized. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 153,000.