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 ↗2008 Chevrolet HHR steering problems
critical 297 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
297
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
9crashes
7injuries
1fatality
When does it fail?
Of the 297 steering complaints filed for the 2008 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
Steering accounts for 48% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 297 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.
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 service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The dominant complaint is intermittent or complete electric power steering failure. Owners describe the steering wheel locking up mid-turn or becoming so hard to turn that manual steering is nearly impossible. A "Power Steering" message displays on the instrument cluster, sometimes accompanied by a clicking sound or dashboard chime. Restarting the vehicle temporarily restores function, but failures recur—eventually so frequently that some owners report losing power steering within minutes of starting the car. The problem appears temperature-sensitive, worsening in hot weather.
Owners consistently note that the Chevrolet Cobalt and Saturn Ion—vehicles with identical electric power steering motors—were recalled for this exact failure, but the 2008 HHR was not included in the U.S. recall despite experiencing the same symptoms. A Canadian recall for the 2008 HHR exists, raising questions about why the U.S. market was excluded. Dealerships have told owners their VINs are not on any recall list and repair costs are the owner's responsibility. Independent mechanics and dealerships quote $160–$400 to replace the electric power steering motor; one dealership quoted $1,400 for a complete steering column replacement.
A secondary pattern involves steering angle position sensor failure, steering column lockup, and electrical gremlins (failed keyless entry, door locks, ignition issues) that sometimes coincide with power steering loss. Some owners report steering wheel shimmy at highway speeds, with one owner stating the wheel was replaced three times without resolution.
Safety incidents are frequent: owners report swerving into ditches, nearly hitting oncoming traffic, backing into fences, and struggling to maintain vehicle control on highways. Several owners are afraid to drive the vehicle at all.
Same Chevrolet HHR steering reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2009 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Electric Power Steering Motor Failure
The electric power steering assist system loses function intermittently or completely, triggering a 'Power Steering' warning message on the instrument cluster. The steering wheel becomes extremely difficult or impossible to turn, requiring manual steering effort. Restarting the vehicle usually restores function temporarily, though failures may recur within minutes or resume after hours.
When: Failures occur between 34,000–162,000 miles; some owners report the issue appearing around 38,000 miles as if 'like clockwork.' Temperature-sensitive: worsens in hot weather (above 90°F), less frequent in cold. Frequently triggered during turns, highway driving, or low-speed maneuvers; occasionally at standstill.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering cuts out without warning; steering wheel locks up or becomes extremely hard to turn; Dashboard displays 'Power Steering' warning message or 'POWER STEERING' text in the driver information center; Audible click or single 'click' sound from under the dash or engine compartment at onset; Warning chime or dinging sound from the dash coinciding with power steering loss; Steering wheel experiences heavy side-to-side shimmy when power steering fails; Power steering function returns only after turning vehicle off and restarting; Failures become more frequent over time; intervals shorten from hours to minutes to seconds; Vehicle becomes uncontrollable at high speeds; manual steering effort required and difficult at low speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealerships and independent mechanics recommend replacement of the electric power steering motor (Part #19257875, superseding #20995579) at costs ranging from $163–$400. Some dealers suggested replacement of the entire steering column assembly (estimated $900–$1,400), steering rack, or power steering control unit. One owner found the same motor available on eBay for $82.85. Multiple owners report repairs completed by independent mechanics for lower costs than dealership quotes.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chevrolet dealerships have stated that many 2008 HHR VINs are not included in any power steering recall, despite identical motor and components to recalled Chevrolet Cobalt and Saturn Ion models (Cobalt recalled under NHTSA Recall #10023 / GM Bulletin #14119). A Canadian recall exists for the 2008 HHR but not the U.S. market. One owner reports GM has provided lifetime warranty for EPS motor replacement under Bulletin #14119 only for vehicles included in the recall. Some dealers incorrectly stated the part was covered in Canada only. Owners report GM's customer service stating nothing would be done and that the vehicle is safe to drive despite the hazard. The 2009–2011 model years appear to have partial recall inclusion; the 2008 model year largely excluded.
Steering Angle Position Sensor Failure / Steering Column Assembly Defect
The steering angle position sensor fails, triggering ESC or power steering messages and causing the steering column to lock or become extremely difficult to turn. Some owners report the entire steering column requires replacement. The failure is often intermittent and weather-dependent.
When: Timing varies; one owner at 34,400 miles, another with low mileage. Appears weather-sensitive (worse in rain or cold, per one narrative).
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard displays 'ESC' or 'Power Steering' warning messages; Steering wheel locks up or becomes extremely hard to turn; Service chime or dinging sound from the dash; Intermittent failure; steering may function normally after restart
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships have quoted $1,400 for complete steering column replacement. Diagnostic code produced at one service center was not recognized by the service specialist. Owners report extended warranties do not cover this repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls identified for this specific failure mode on 2008 HHR. Dealerships have stated the repair is the owner's responsibility and not covered under warranty.
Intermittent Electrical/Ignition-Related Power Steering Loss
Power steering loss coincides with electrical anomalies, including ignition switch issues, failed keyless entry, automatic start failure, and door lock failures. The narratives suggest some 2008 models included in ignition switch recalls may experience secondary power steering failures.
When: Occurred after brake application or ignition events in some cases; one owner had repeated electrical issues over several months.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering failure during braking or turning; Heavy side-to-side steering wheel shimmy coinciding with power steering loss and dashboard chime; Keyless entry and automatic start functions failing intermittently or permanently; Driver-side door lock inoperative when using key, especially in rain; Electrical cutting in and out
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships suspected faulty ignition switch as the root cause; one dealership placed an order for the ignition switch replacement. After ignition switch recall service, at least one owner's power steering continued to fail and was later attributed to the power steering motor itself.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership advised owner that a faulty ignition switch (covered under recall) was likely the cause and placed an order for parts. However, power steering failures persisted after ignition switch service, suggesting the ignition recall did not fully address the power steering issue. One owner reported being told by dealership that the power steering recall was 'added for my car in Oct.' but then told the power steering issue was not part of the recall.
Steering Wheel Shimmy and Vibration at Highway Speeds
Steering wheel experiences uncontrolled shaking or vibration at speeds above 50 mph. One owner reports replacing the steering wheel three times without resolution. The issue persists with low-mileage vehicles and appears systemic.
When: Occurs at highway speeds (above 50 mph); one vehicle had shaking issues starting around April with low prior mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel shakes out of control at speeds above 50 mph; Severe front-end shaking and vibration; Vehicle difficult to control at highway speeds
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported steering wheel was replaced three times without resolving the shimmy. Another owner had brakes replaced (all four), rotors turned, and tires balanced/rotated without resolution. Tire shop suggested tire replacement, which did not help.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall identified. Owners report dealerships have suggested tire balancing, rotation, and replacement, as well as brake and rotor service, without identifying a systemic defect.
Synthesized from 297 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
I was sitting in traffic trying to merge and the power steering light flashed on the dash and I lost my power steering. I got home and shut the car off for a couple of hours and the steering was fine.I drove to the store and as I was pulling into a parking space it happened again,the light on the dash flashed and I lost my power steering. I am very concerned about this because my daughter also…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet hhr. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated as the steering wheel seized. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem.…
Power steering keeps going out. Usually when turning. The first time it went out, I was driving 45 MPH and it went out while I was rounding a curve, and I almost hit a tree because I was unaware that it was going to do this. After that, it went out about 2-3 times a week, everytime when making a turn. I went to have it looked at and my mechanic said that he couldn't find anything wrong with the…
As I was in the middle of a turn with no warning what so ever the electrical power steering quit working almost causing a accident the only warning I had was the power steering message that came up after it quit working in a turn this is very dangerous and is a known problem on there other cars like the cobalt and ions this should be a mandatory recall very dangerous once you shut the car off and…
My 2008 hhr looses power steering while turning, then suddenly returns power causing to oversteer. This is a sever safety issue as it is a come and go type problem,I do not drive during inclement weather fearing body damage to persons and vehicles other than myself. I have taken to dealer only to be told we can not determine the problem as it is intermittent. Also the tire pressure display is on…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet hhr. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn and the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v153000 (steering). The failure mileage was 56,000.
Had steering trouble with your 2008 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 2008 Chevrolet HHR?
It's a serious issue. 297 complaints have been filed, including 9 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 253 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 56,000 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 80,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 56,000; a quarter make it past 100,000. 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/2008/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.