NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
458 reportsClear category filter72,000 miles · Dec 17, 2012
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH UP A MOUNTAIN, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AS THE POWER STEERING ASSIST PERFORMED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHAN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH UP A MOUNTAIN, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AS THE POWER STEERING ASSIST PERFORMED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 72,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10488971
652,011 miles · Dec 9, 2012
Steering
THE POWER STEERING WARNING COMES ON AND THE POWER STEERING MOTOR QUITS. IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES, THE LAST TIME I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND SHUT THE MOTOR OFF AND RESTARTED IT AND THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY. THE CAR IS VERY HARD TO STEER WITHOUT THE POWER STEERING MOTOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10487782
100,000 miles · Dec 5, 2012
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT STEERING BECAME EXTREMELY HARD TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT STEERING BECAME EXTREMELY HARD TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED ON ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
NHTSA ODI #10487440
98,000 miles · Dec 4, 2012
Steering
WHILE DRIVING, MY WIFE SAID THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND POWER STEERING WENT OUT. I WAS IMPOSSIBLE FOR HER TO TURN WHICH NEARLY CAUSED A HEAD ON COLLISION. THIS IS AN UN-SAFE STEERING MOTOR USED IN THIS AUTOMOBILE AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ASAP BEFORE SOMEBODY GETS KILLED! THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME AS WELL AND HAS HAPPENED …
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WHILE DRIVING, MY WIFE SAID THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND POWER STEERING WENT OUT. I WAS IMPOSSIBLE FOR HER TO TURN WHICH NEARLY CAUSED A HEAD ON COLLISION. THIS IS AN UN-SAFE STEERING MOTOR USED IN THIS AUTOMOBILE AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ASAP BEFORE SOMEBODY GETS KILLED! THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME AS WELL AND HAS HAPPENED ON AT LEAST A DOZEN DIFFERENT DATES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10487299
Mileage unknown · Nov 21, 2012
Steering
I HAVE HAD QUIT A FEW OF INCIDENTS WITH MY VEHICLE. I BOUGHT IT USED. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP AND WHEN IT DOES THAT THE DASH DISPLAY SAYS POWER STEERING. I DON'T KNOW IF ITS A RECALL OR NOT BUT I FEEL LIKE IT NEEDS TO BE. A LOCAL TOWING COMPANY OWNER IS A CLOSE FRIEND AND HE HAS RECENTLY TOWED ON A HHR THAT FLIPPED BECAUSE …
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I HAVE HAD QUIT A FEW OF INCIDENTS WITH MY VEHICLE. I BOUGHT IT USED. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP AND WHEN IT DOES THAT THE DASH DISPLAY SAYS POWER STEERING. I DON'T KNOW IF ITS A RECALL OR NOT BUT I FEEL LIKE IT NEEDS TO BE. A LOCAL TOWING COMPANY OWNER IS A CLOSE FRIEND AND HE HAS RECENTLY TOWED ON A HHR THAT FLIPPED BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THE LADY GOT SCARED AND OVER CORRECTED AND FLIPPED. I BELIEVE IT NEEDS TO BE LABELED AS A RECALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10485369
70,000 miles · Nov 16, 2012
Steering
I WAS DRIVING AT THE FREEWAY WHEN THE POWER STEERING CUT OUT AND MADE MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL SO HARD THE I STOP THE CAR STARTER AGAIN AND WAS OK LATER IT DID IT SEVERAL TIMES IN MY WAY HOME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10484975
75,000 miles · Nov 15, 2012
Air BagsSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE WHETHER A PASSENGER WAS OCCUPYING THE SEAT OR NOT. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE WHETHER A PASSENGER WAS OCCUPYING THE SEAT OR NOT. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE CONTACT MERGED TO THE SHOULDER, POWERED OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE INSPECTED FOR THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V046000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA ODI #10484846
70,000 miles · Nov 8, 2012
Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND MAKING A TURN, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING WITH AN ILLUMINATION OF THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTATE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND MAKING A TURN, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING WITH AN ILLUMINATION OF THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTATED AND RESUMED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE OR DETECT A TROUBLE CODE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
NHTSA ODI #10483750
80,000 miles · Nov 3, 2012
Electrical SystemSteering
ORIGINALLY THE POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING RANDOMLY WHEN DRIVING BUT NOW IT STOPS WORKING AFTER 30 SECONDS OR SO EVERY TIME CAR IS STARTED AND FAILURE ALERT IS DISPLAYED. ALSO WHILE DRIVING THE POWER DOOR LOCKS UNLOCKED, THE GAUGES STOPPED WORKING, THE CAR HARD SHIFTED DOWN, AND IT ALSO STARTED TO DISPLAY IT WAS RUNNING AT LE…
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ORIGINALLY THE POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING RANDOMLY WHEN DRIVING BUT NOW IT STOPS WORKING AFTER 30 SECONDS OR SO EVERY TIME CAR IS STARTED AND FAILURE ALERT IS DISPLAYED. ALSO WHILE DRIVING THE POWER DOOR LOCKS UNLOCKED, THE GAUGES STOPPED WORKING, THE CAR HARD SHIFTED DOWN, AND IT ALSO STARTED TO DISPLAY IT WAS RUNNING AT LEAST 20 DEGREES HOTTER THAN NORMAL. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE BUT SEEMS FINE LATER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10483262
65,000 miles · Oct 29, 2012
Electrical SystemPower TrainSteering
POWER STEERING MESSAGE ON DASH; SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON; RPM, SPEED, AND GAS GAUGES JUMP, TRANSMISSION JERKS, CLICKING IN CENTER CONSOLE UNDER SHIFTER. AFTER TURNING ENGINE OFF FOR PERIOD OF TIME RUNS LIKE NORMAL, RESTART AN DRIVE FOR PERIOD OF TIME AND POWER STEERING GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10482518
Official recalls
5Apr 10, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.
Feb 10, 2014
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
Electrical System:ignition:switch
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
Sep 3, 2008
GM IS RECALLING 296,422 MY 2006-2008 CHEVROLET HHR VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE DOOR ON THE STORAGE BIN IN THE TOP CENTER OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO REMAIN CLOSED AS REQUIRED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS TO PROVIDE HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION FOR OCCUPANTS.
Remedy: A REDESIGNED LATCH WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 23, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .
Jan 30, 2008
GM IS RECALLING 181,516 MY 2006-2008 CHEVROLET HHR VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ROOF RAIL AIR BAGS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT.' IN TESTS, ONE OF THE UPPER INTERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION TEST POINTS EXCEEDED THE STANDARD'S REQUIREMENT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS TO PROVIDE HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION FOR OCCUPANTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ENERGY-ABSORBING PLASTIC PIECE TO THE HEADLINER TRIM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 2, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .
Oct 31, 2006
CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, THE FRONT AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MAY BE DISABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE ENABLED, OR ENABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE DISABLED. IN EITHER CASE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT REQUIRES AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, A FRONT PASSENGER'S LEVEL OF INJURY MAY BE INCREASED.
Remedy: BECAUSE A REPLACEMENT LEATHER SEAT COVER THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) WILL REPURCHASE THESE VEHICLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS STATED IN GM'S LETTER TO OWNERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT GM AT 1-877-477-1022 TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF REPURCHASING THEIR VEHICLE.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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