When I was driving, suddenly there is a warning sound and the dash shows the words 'power steering'. I lose the power steering at that moment. I also found that if I stop the car and restart, I get the power steering back, however it might not last long.
2007 Chevrolet HHR steering problems
moderate 424 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
424
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
15crashes
1fire
4injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 424 steering complaints filed for the 2007 Chevrolet HHR, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 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.
How fast does it fail?
Cumulative share of the 12 mileage-bearing steering complaints filed against the 2007 Chevrolet HHR by each odometer reading. Median failure: 110,000 mi.
10% have failed by35,246 mi
Half the fleet by110,000 mi
90% have failed by123,000 mi
Curve based on owner-reported odometer mileage at the time of complaint. Reflects when owners filed, not when symptoms first appeared. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve.
What stands out
Steering accounts for 58% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 424 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2007 HHR has a well-documented electronic power steering motor that fails intermittently without warning, leaving the steering wheel extremely difficult to turn and creating dangerous driving situations. Multiple HHR owners report the same failure pattern that was recalled in the Chevy Cobalt, yet not all 2007 HHR model years are covered; dealers frequently deny warranty coverage despite GM's contradictory public statements, leaving owners to pay $280–$1,800+ out of pocket for repairs.
The 2007 HHR steering system has a critical failure pattern centered on the electronic power steering motor. Owners describe sudden, unannounced loss of power assist while driving at any speed—from low-speed parking maneuvers to highway speeds on curves. A warning chime and "POWER STEERING" dashboard message accompany the failure, but by then the steering wheel is already stiff. Restarting the engine restores assist temporarily, but failures recur within minutes to hours, sometimes several times per drive.
The motor itself is identical to units recalled in the 2005–2010 Chevy Cobalt and early Pontiac G5 models, yet many 2007 HHR owners are denied coverage. GM issued Recall N140115 in 2014 with a lifetime warranty bulletin for some 2006–2009 HHRs, but dealerships claim owner VINs do not qualify or are not in the system, contradicting GM's own public statements. Repair costs run $280 to $1,800+, with owners frequently unable to recover expenses.
Beyond the motor, owners report steering column rattle and clunking from the intermediate steering shaft, sometimes requiring replacement every 10,000 miles. Brake shaking and pulling under hard braking, particularly on grades, affects control and is attributed to undersized rotors that warp at low mileage. One documented CV shaft failure at 35,000 miles broke completely, blocking left-hand steering and immobilizing the vehicle. Overall, steering-related failures create genuine loss-of-control hazards during turns and curves.
Same Chevrolet HHR steering reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic Power Steering Motor Failure
The electric power steering motor fails intermittently or completely, causing sudden loss of power steering assist. When it fails, the steering wheel becomes extremely difficult or impossible to turn. Most owners report the problem recurs after shutting off and restarting the engine, though steering assist returns only temporarily. The failure has been linked to the same motor part used in recalled 2005-2010 Chevy Cobalts, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, and other GM vehicles, yet many HHR model years are not included in recalls despite identical hardware.
When: Failures reported from 2009 onward; typically occurred between 2,500 and 140,000 miles, with many in the 30,000–55,000 mile range. Owners report failures starting as early as 2009 (complaint #2) through 2014+. Some failures occur immediately upon startup; others happen randomly during driving at varying speeds.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power steering assist while driving; Warning chime and 'POWER STEERING' message on dashboard; Steering wheel becomes extremely stiff and difficult to turn; Intermittent failures requiring engine restart to restore assist; Failures occur at any speed (5–70 mph) and in any driving condition; Failures more frequent in hot weather for some owners; Near-accidents and loss of vehicle control reported, especially during curves or turns; Assist returns temporarily after restart but fails again within minutes to hours
Codes mentioned: Power Steering motor circuit fault, EPS motor failure detected
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced the electronic power steering motor at owner expense ($280–$1,800+). Motor part number 19257876 documented in narratives. Some owners report replacement motors also failing within a year (complaint #39). One owner paid $1,000+ for motor replacement and it failed within a week; another replacement then requested at $1,200. Dealers initially blamed low-cost/defective components. One owner reports motor cost is approximately $107, but dealerships quoted $1,400–$1,800 including labor and steering column replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued Recall N140115 in 2014 with GM Bulletin 14119 for 2006-2008 and early 2009 (non-turbo) HHRs, offering lifetime warranty EPS motor replacement. However, many 2007 HHRs not initially covered; owners report VINs rejected by dealers and GM customer service despite GM's public statements. GM extended lifetime warranty to non-turbocharged 2006-2008 HHRs and some 2009 models not subject to original recall, but dealerships and GM claim VINs are not in system or do not qualify. Canada issued a recall for 2006-2010 HHRs, but U.S. coverage has been inconsistent and contested. Owners report multiple failed attempts to get GM to honor the warranty bulletin; one owner (complaint #2) expressed frustration that GM stated the bulletin would be implemented but dealerships would not link it to VINs.
Steering Column Rattle and Noise
Loud rubbing, rattling, or clunking noise from the steering column, particularly over bumps, cold weather, or low-speed uneven surfaces. Dealers have been unable to replicate or fix the issue. One owner (complaint #34) reported the mechanic could not duplicate the sound despite driving the car 25 miles and hearing it in the parking lot. Another owner (complaint #21) noted the intermediate shaft requires replacement approximately every 10,000 miles due to binding and clunking; their car had it replaced three times by 31,000 miles.
When: Reported from as early as new vehicle (249 miles, complaint #44) to 31,000+ miles. Rubbing noise most notable in cold weather and over rough surfaces.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud banging, rubbing, rattling, or clunking from steering column area; Noise worse over bumps and uneven road surfaces; Noise more prominent in cold weather; Intermediate steering shaft binding and making clunking sounds, requiring frequent replacement; Noise persists after dealer attempts to repair
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced steering columns, intermediate steering shafts (multiple times on some vehicles), lower control arms, sway bar bushings, stabilizer links, and outer tie rod ends—without resolving the underlying rattle in several cases. One owner (complaint #37) reports the latest dealer visit proposed a steering column replacement for approximately $1,000 as the only possible fix, despite earlier suspension repairs yielding no results. Another owner (complaint #21) had sway bar bushings replaced at least once per their dealer, but the problem recurred. Complaint #44 documents one customer whose vehicle spent over 30 days in the dealership shop in the first few months of ownership due to unresolved banging noise from the driver-side front end.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented. GM was aware that the steering column supplier was sued in 2009 for defective parts, and GM redesigned components, but no recall issued other than for the steering motor. One owner notes this is documented online extensively.
Broken CV Shaft
Right front (passenger side) CV shaft broke completely in half without warning, rendering the vehicle immobile and blocking left-hand steering. The shaft slapped around under the car while the motor ran in gear, likely tearing other suspension and drivetrain components. The broken shaft blocked the steering wheel's ability to turn left. This failure occurred after the vehicle was returned from the dealership for brake and heat shield repairs, suggesting possible incorrect reinstallation.
When: 35,440 miles (complaint #1); occurred one week after brake overheating/warping and heat shield grinding repairs
Symptoms owners cite: CV shaft broke completely in half; Slapping sound under car while in gear; Complete loss of power to passenger wheel (drive wheel); Vehicle rolled backward out of control; Steering wheel could not turn to the left due to broken shaft hitting wheel/heat shield/rotor assembly
Repairs/costs cited: Owner suspected the CV shaft was made of cheap aluminum cast that became brittle due to heat from brake warping, or components were incorrectly reinstalled by the dealership during the prior brake repair. Vehicle was towed to JBA Chevrolet in Glen Burnie, MD on June 25, 2009. No specific repair cost documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented. Owner noted the mechanic acknowledged brakes were cheaply made, stated no recall was available, and noted that repairs over 36,000 miles would not be free.
Severe Brake Shaking and Pulling Under Hard Braking
Steering wheel violently shakes and pulls when applying brakes, especially on grades or when using full braking. The shaking is so severe that vehicle control is compromised. One owner (complaint #6) reported this issue occurred in 2013 and again in 2014 while braking on a grade; dealer attributed it to warped rotors and said turning rotors would fix it, but owner noted no standard rotor problem should cause such violent shaking and pulling. Another owner (complaint #40) reported brake rotors warped at 20,000 miles (dealer turned them), then trouble returned at 55,000 miles outside of warranty; service managers acknowledged this is happening to many HHR owners and attributed it to rotors being too light for the vehicle weight.
When: Reported at 20,000 miles (initial warping), recurring at 55,000+ miles (complaint #40). Another owner reported 2013 and again May 2014 (complaint #6).
Symptoms owners cite: Violent steering wheel shake when braking, especially on grades; Steering wheel pulling to one side under hard braking; Vehicle becomes difficult to control; Shaking worse when turning; Brake rotors warp at low mileage (20,000 miles documented)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers machined/turned rotors and replaced brake pads. However, problems returned after warranty expiration. Owners report service managers acknowledged the rotors are too light for the vehicle weight and this is a known issue affecting many owners. Repairs outside warranty were owner's responsibility.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Dealers attribute to light rotors (design issue) but offer no permanent fix or warranty extension past 36,000 miles / 3 years.
Steering Wheel Stiffness and Responsiveness Issues
Steering wheel becomes stiff and unresponsive, sometimes described as 'touchy' and difficult to drive safely. Some owners report the steering feels like the vehicle has been put in neutral, with reduced response to steering input. One owner mentions plastic gears wearing and causing shaking when brakes are applied and when driving over rough surfaces.
When: Intermittent; reported at various mileages and speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes stiff and hard to turn; Steering feels unresponsive, as if car is in neutral; Steering is 'touchy' and difficult to control safely; Plastic gears wear over time; Steering wheel shakes when brakes applied (related to brake issue)
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repairs documented beyond those for power steering motor replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented for this specific complaint.
Synthesized from 424 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 12 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet hhr. The contact stated that as she parked, the power steering warning light illuminated. Several hours later, the contact attempted to drive the vehicle but the power steering assist failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the power steering column and motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet hhr. The contact was driving 40 MPH when the power steering warning lamp illuminated and the power steering assist failed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection and was advised that the power steering motor would need replacing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure…
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet hhr. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the power steering light illuminated and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was maneuvered to the shoulder and shut off. The contact also stated that the key would not remove from the ignition once the vehicle was shut off. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic and they were unable to…
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet hhr. The contacted was driving 60 MPH when a chime noise was emitted from under the dashboard as the vehicle became difficult to steer. The power steering warning light illuminated along the digital control panel prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
Power steering going out on the highway. Pulling off road and restarting car temporarily fixes issue. Can drive around town for 45 min attempting to see if it would happen again- it didnt happen again until I was on the highway two days later.
Cars power steering goes out while driving and comes back when I turn it off and back on again.
This happened when I first bought the car, we could not get the key out of ignition and it would not stay park. So I called dealer and got nowhere, I even made a complaint on here I believe stating someone is going to get hurt. Still to this day I can put the car in and out of gear without having to apply the brake!!! Gm has known about this for a long time and there should be a recall. My car…
Power steering assist motor stopped working and the dic showed "power steering". Engine was stopped and restarted to resolve the issue. The issue appears to happen at random speeds and at random intervals, and once the dic warning is showing steering is extremely difficult. The issue has occurred at least a dozen times in the last ~2 weeks. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet hhr. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the power steering motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who diagnosed that an electrical component attached to…
Had steering trouble with your 2007 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 2007 Chevrolet HHR?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 424 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 365 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 57,000 and 107,340 miles, with the median around 78,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 57,000; a quarter make it past 107,340. 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/2007/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.