This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Chevrolet HHR steering problems
severe 458 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
458
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
19crashes
1fire
6injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 458 steering complaints filed for the 2006 Chevrolet HHR, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 6 model years of Chevrolet HHR we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 458.
Steering accounts for 46% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to eliminate a power steering noise due to extremely low temperatures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This preliminary information bulletin provides information for diagnosing a power steering fluid leak at the fluid reservoir.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have unwanted or phantom phone calls. Technician will need to determine what type of call the customer is having that is unwanted. The vehicle may receive an incoming call just like any other phone. Typically the customer will hear the phone ringing in the vehicle. This scenario also includes incoming Bluetooth calls. One type of unwanted call can be made if the key pad is faulty the OnStar system will try to make a blue button call for shorted voltage in the circuits. The OnStar module could have an internal fault and produce a ″Phone Unavaila
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗14119 - SPECIAL COVERAGE (MESSAGE ONLY - CUSTOMER LETTER MAILING NOTIFICATION). SOME 2006-2009 MODEL YEAR CHEVROLET HHR (NON-TURBO) AND 2003 MODEL YEAR SATURN ION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MAY EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST THAT COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING. IF THE POWER STEERING ASSIST IS LOST, A MESSAGE IS DISPLAYED ON THE DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER AND A CHIME SOUNDS TO INFORM THE DRIVER. STEERING CONTROL CAN BE MAINTAINED, AS THE VEHICLE WILL REVERT TO A MANUAL STEERING MODE, BUT WOULD REQUIRE GREATER DRIVER EFFORT AT LOW VEHICLE SPEEDS, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN INCREASED RISK OF A CRASH. DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE POWER STEERING MOTOR.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2006 Chevrolet HHRs report the most severe and most common issue: sudden, unpredictable loss of electric power steering assist. Without warning—sometimes within minutes of starting, sometimes after hours of driving—the steering wheel becomes extremely hard to turn. A chime sounds and "POWER STEERING" flashes on the instrument cluster. Ninety percent of the time, turning the ignition off and restarting restores assist temporarily, but the failure returns within minutes, hours, or days. Over time, the temporary reset stops working entirely, leaving drivers without power assist.
The failures happen at any speed: in parking lots, city streets, and interstate highways. Drivers describe nearly losing control during lane changes, curves, and turns—especially hazardous for elderly or weaker drivers and anyone in heavy traffic or mountainous terrain. Many owners report multiple dealer visits and repeated repairs of the same part without permanent resolution.
The underlying cause appears to be the electric power steering motor (various part numbers, all predecessors to later redesigned versions) or the steering control module that commands it. Replacement costs $260–$500+ for parts and labor. Owners also report steering column vibration and shaking during braking, steering column noise and looseness, and premature wear of bushings and the intermediate steering shaft—all of which compound steering difficulty.
What angers owners most: GM recalled Chevy Cobalts, Pontiac G5/G6, and some 2008–2009 HHRs for the identical EPS motor but refused to recall 2006–2007 models, despite offering a "lifetime warranty" that many dealers would not honor. Owners found themselves paying out of pocket for a safety defect GM demonstrably knew about.
Same Chevrolet HHR steering reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
The electronic power steering (EPS) motor fails without warning at any speed, from parking lot maneuvers to highway driving. When it occurs, a chime sounds and "POWER STEERING" appears on the instrument panel. The steering wheel becomes extremely hard to turn, requiring manual steering effort. In most cases, turning the ignition off and back on temporarily restores assist, though the problem recurs intermittently—sometimes within minutes, sometimes after hours or days. As the issue progresses, the temporary reset stops working entirely.
When: Failures reported from 3 miles to 115,000 miles; some owners experience first failure within days of purchase, others after 3+ years. Incidents happen at low speeds (parking), moderate speeds (25–45 mph in traffic), and highway speeds (55–80 mph).
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel suddenly becomes very hard to turn; Chime/beeping sound alerts driver; "POWER STEERING" message appears on dashboard information center; Loss of power steering assist; manual steering only; Difficulty steering through turns, lane changes, curves, especially at higher speeds; Loss of control risk in traffic or mountainous terrain; Temporary fix: turning ignition off and restarting restores power steering briefly
Codes mentioned: Power steering motor fault, Electronic power steering (EPS) system malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite replacement of power steering motor (part #19257876, 19257875, or updated part numbers—GM changed the part number, suggesting a known redesign) for approximately $262–$500+ labor included; some dealers replaced the entire steering column assembly (part #578.59+) even when motor alone could not be confirmed as sole cause. One owner replaced two solenoids without permanent resolution. Many repairs done out of pocket because owners were initially told no recall applied.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued a recall for 2009 and some 2008 HHR models and recalled 1.3 million Cobalts and Pontiac G5/G6 vehicles with the same EPS motor. However, 2006–2007 HHR and non-turbocharged 2006–2008 HHR models (309,160 vehicles) were NOT included in the initial recall but were offered a lifetime warranty for motor replacement according to a GM media release—though many dealers refused to honor it without proof or VIN verification. GM stated it had no record of 2006 HHR power steering defects despite overwhelming complaints. One owner found a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) for the issue. Chevy Canada issued a recall for the same problem (Bulletin #10413). Owners repeatedly noted Cobalt, G5, G6, and Malibu owners received recall notices for identical motors.
Steering wheel vibration and shaking
The steering wheel vibrates or shakes, especially during braking or at speeds above 45 mph. Some owners describe violent shimmy when applying brakes repeatedly. The problem does not respond to rotor resurfacing or replacement, and dealers have replaced rotors many times without resolving it.
When: Reported at low mileage (200 miles, 30k miles) and continuing; vibration worsens with continued brake use.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel shudders when braking; Shaking at highway speeds (above 45 mph); Car difficult to control due to vibration; Violent shimmy after repeated braking until brakes cool down
Repairs/costs cited: Rotor resurfacing/replacement attempted multiple times (up to 30+ times in one case) without resolution; rotors described as warped or dangerously thin. Dealers offered no explanation; one owner spent ~$2,000 on repairs including strut, shock, and rotor work.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer response: "normal wear and tear" and repeated rotor turning. No manufacturer acknowledgment of defect provided in narratives.
Steering column noise and mechanical failure
Groaning, squeaking, popping, clunking, or rattling sounds from the steering column; loose or failing front end bushings; worn steering column components requiring replacement.
When: October 2007 (early ownership); 52,000 miles; various intervals reported.
Symptoms owners cite: Groaning or squeaking sounds from steering column; Clunking noise in left front when steering; Rattle or vibration in steering column below 45 mph; Front wheels seem to float back and forth; Steering column wobbles or feels loose
Repairs/costs cited: Front bushings replaced under warranty (early model); steering column replaced under warranty; stabilizer links replaced; tension rods and bushings identified as failing at low mileage (52k miles).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Replaced under warranty when failures occurred within coverage period; later out-of-warranty claims denied.
Intermediate steering shaft defect
The intermediate steering shaft, which connects the steering column to the rack-and-pinion, wears out prematurely or fails. This is a critical component for maintaining steering control.
When: Out-of-warranty failures reported; GM aware of issue and sued the shaft manufacturer for $30 million in warranty replacement costs.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering feels loose or disconnected; Vehicle pulling to one side; Difficulty maintaining steering control
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement costs not provided in narratives; parts not covered outside warranty. Even after replacement, problem recurred in at least one case because the underlying design issue was not addressed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM has stated the intermediate steering shaft is "not a safety concern" despite it being vital to steering column-to-rack-and-pinion connection. GM sued the manufacturer for warranty replacements, indicating internal acknowledgment of defect.
Steering control module failure (steering column assembly)
The steering control module, which is integrated into the steering column assembly, fails to command the EPS motor. Even when the motor itself tests okay, the control module prevents proper power steering function. Many dealers appear unaware that the module, not just the motor, can be the failure point.
When: Not explicitly stated in narratives but associated with power steering light coming on and loss of assist.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering light illuminates; Power steering assist fails despite motor functioning
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column assembly must be replaced as a unit with motor; one dealer estimated $578.59 for parts plus labor, totaling well over $600. One GM recall letter promised to cover the motor but explicitly excluded the module, leaving owners to pay the full cost of the assembly.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM's recall letter for the power steering motor was ambiguous: it promised repair "at no charge" if the light came on, but dealers interpreted it as covering motor only. When the module was the actual failure, owners had to pay the full cost of the steering column assembly.
Synthesized from 458 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 12 most recent
Power steering comes up in messsge center over 10 MPH. Steering is very hard. When you turn the motor off and restart it resets. Over 10 MPH power steering comes up again. Brought it to local dealership and diagnostic test done but test comes up with no problems. Gm recalled only the 2010 hhr for this problem, not the other year models. I purchased my 2006 hhr new in december 2005.
As I was driving down the interstate at about 65 MPH the power steering went out and I got a notification on my dash panel. I had to turn the vehicle off to reset it, and now its been going out at least once a day everyday since then. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet hhr. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The failure occurred constantly. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
while driving the car after a few miles, the door locks start going up and down, the power steering light comes on and is hard to steer, the check engine light comes on, the speedometer stops working and the tach malfunctions. the car surges while moving foward. if you shut the car off it will reset itself. once you start the car again it starts to malfunction again. one gararge owner did…
Driving with cruise control on, weather very nice and road dry around 7-7:30pm on familiar road. Car had been pulling to the right for about a week. Had son check tires before leaving newark oh and heading home. All of a sudden the vehicle went off road totaled car and I was in hospital for 2 1/2days. Had been knocked out, seat belt rubbed neck to almost bleeding, air bag burned hole in…
The first incident happened when I was pulling my vehicle out of my drive way, I was in reverse and put the car in park and began driving, afew seconds later, I heard a warning chime and a message came up on my dash saying "power steering". The car was very hard to maneuver, I stopped the car and turned it off. I needed to get it back into my drive way so I turned the car on to go back home, once…
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet hhr. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized upon shifting into drive. The power steering light also illuminated on the instrument panel during the failure. The failure recurred on an intermittent basis. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. The…
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…
While driving, the "power steering" warning light came on across the dashboard impeding steering maneuvers. After a complete stop and disengaging the engine, the warning light a power steering seems to resume normal performance. However, the warning light and impeded steering returns within 20-25 miles of travel. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet hhr. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact stopped the vehicle on the shoulder of the road and shut the engine off. After restarting the vehicle it regained power steering capabilities. The failure recurred intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that when driving over any uneven road…
Had steering trouble with your 2006 Chevrolet HHR?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2006 Chevrolet HHR?
It's a meaningful issue. 458 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 396 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 55,000 and 113,000 miles, with the median around 79,900. A quarter of owners report trouble before 55,000; a quarter make it past 113,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Chevrolet/HHR.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.