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.
Chevrolet HHR loss of power problems
224 of the 3,575 owner complaints about the Chevrolet HHR describe sudden loss of power, most of them for the 2006 model year.
- owner complaints
- 224
- worst model year
- 2006
- typical repair cost reported
- $600
- typical mileage
- 79,889
By model year
Often reported together
Power steering loss 162Check engine light 12Stalling 9Door locks 9Won't start 2Water leak 2Jerking 2
Trouble codes mentioned
P2138 1P2135 1P0475 1C0280 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle temporarily returned to normal functionality however, the failure reoccurred. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Although this vehicle is a 2010 HHR, it has less than 23000 miles on it, has been garaged kept and maintained impeccably. The warning light blinks at random and then the power steering fails. It does not matter the speed of the vehicle and happens at random. Once turned off and restarted, the power steering works for approx 5 minutes and then fails again. There was a recall on 2009-2010 HHRs for sudden loss of power steering issued in 3/2014, recall # 14V153000. This recall is not VIN# specific. However, when I contact the dealer for repair of this vehicle, I am told that the recall does not pertain to my VIN#, so its not covered. the federal safety agency has more than 135 complaints about HHRs since 10/2019 with more than half of them being steering issues. This clearly is a wider recall issue than originally thought. My vehicle is inoperable due to this safety issue. I filed a complaint with GM. They told me it was not their issue and I could pay to have it diagnosed and fixed at a dealership. This is a GM issue due to the amount of complaints about this exact problem from other owners. I am hoping GM is made aware of the widespread issues and does the right thing, issuing another recall for all 2009-2010 HHRs regardless of VIN#.
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked with the key locked inside. The locksmith assisted the contact with entering the vehicle. The contact stated that it was difficult to pull out of the parking space due to a loss of power steering functionality. The vehicle was driven to a local mechanic but was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000.
Loss of power while driving 35mph and service traction light along with airbags light keeps showing at random times
Noticed gasoline dripping under the vehicle just behind the driver side rear door. Upon investigation discovered steel fuel line has corroded between a plastic support bracket and fiber heat shield. This seems to be due to a design that allows moisture and road debris (salt) to accumulate, leading to corrosion. This could lead to total loss of power to the vehicle, and poses a risk of fire while in operation or while parked.
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the power steering warning light, the ESC service, the ESC off, and the traction control warning lights illuminated, followed by the loss of power steering functionality. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the power steering assist motor and the power steering assist module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in a recall or TSB. The failure mileage was 185,000.
Owner of 2010 Chevrolet HHR. While driving approximately 35 MPH and other various speeds, the vehicle intermittently lost power steering functionality. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was parked and turned off, then restarted. The warning light was no longer showing and power steering was restored. After driving for approximately 60 seconds there was again a loss of power steering functionality and the warring light illuminated. The contact researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included.
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and other various speeds, the vehicle intermittently lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
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
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Chevrolet HHR loss of power
Which Chevrolet HHR years have sudden loss of power problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2006 (62 complaints), 2007 (59 complaints) and 2008 (50 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix sudden loss of power on the Chevrolet HHR?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $600 (median of 14 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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