IllustrationPOWER STEERING FAILURE WARNING LIGHT AND LOSS OF POWER STEERING. *TR
2007 Chevrolet Hhr
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2007 Chevrolet Hhr do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 565.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Hhr years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
650–25K
8725–50K
15050–75K
12175–100K
132100–150K
43150K+
598 reports with mileage · 128 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Steering. Review the 424 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 111 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 48 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
42 crash reports4 fire reports23 injury reports
Steering complaints
424 reportsTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWI…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MILES PER HOUR ON THE INTERSTATE, THE POWER STEERING LIGHT BEEPS THREE TIMES AND MY POWER STEERING FAILS CAUSING ME TO ALMOST HAVE AN ACCIDENT - WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AND TURNED BACK ON, THE STEERING RESETS ITSELF BUT ONLY TEMPORARILY - I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND ITS A POWER STEERING MOTOR AND IS NOT CO…
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WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MILES PER HOUR ON THE INTERSTATE, THE POWER STEERING LIGHT BEEPS THREE TIMES AND MY POWER STEERING FAILS CAUSING ME TO ALMOST HAVE AN ACCIDENT - WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AND TURNED BACK ON, THE STEERING RESETS ITSELF BUT ONLY TEMPORARILY - I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND ITS A POWER STEERING MOTOR AND IS NOT COVERED UNDER MY WARRANTY - WHEN I STARTED RESEARCHING, I FOUND THAT MULTIPLE INSTANCES OF THIS OCCUR - I CALLED CHEVROLET AND THEY SAID THAT SEVERAL CARS WITH THIS PROBLEM AND THIS SAME POWER STEERING MOTOR HAVE BEEN RECALLED BUT NOT THE HHR BUT I SHOULD CHECK BACK LATER - IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE AND VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
ON MY 2007 HHR WITH ONLY 18,500 MILES ON IT THE "POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT" CAME ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY. I LOST POWER STEERING AND HANDLING THE VEHICLE WAS VERY DIFFICULT WHEN I HAD TO TURN THE WHEEL. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY CONCERN AND A RECALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. OTHER GM MODE…
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ON MY 2007 HHR WITH ONLY 18,500 MILES ON IT THE "POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT" CAME ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY. I LOST POWER STEERING AND HANDLING THE VEHICLE WAS VERY DIFFICULT WHEN I HAD TO TURN THE WHEEL. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY CONCERN AND A RECALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. OTHER GM MODELS IN THE SAME YEAR HAD RECALLS, BUT NOT THE HHR'S. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE THE STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL UPON STARTUP. *TR
POWER STEERING WILL DISPLAY ON CONSOLE & INSECONDS THE STEERING WHEEL PRACTICALLY LOCKS UNABLE TO TURN AT ALL, I PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURN OFF THE CAR & TURN IT ON AGAIN & WILL WORK AGAIN, THE FEAR OF CRASHING I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP & THEY STATE ITS THE MOTOR FOR THE POWER STEERING, THIS IS EXTREMLY DAN…
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POWER STEERING WILL DISPLAY ON CONSOLE & INSECONDS THE STEERING WHEEL PRACTICALLY LOCKS UNABLE TO TURN AT ALL, I PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURN OFF THE CAR & TURN IT ON AGAIN & WILL WORK AGAIN, THE FEAR OF CRASHING I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP & THEY STATE ITS THE MOTOR FOR THE POWER STEERING, THIS IS EXTREMLY DANGEROUS IT HAPPENED TO ME ON THE HWY. IF CANADA RECALLED THIS ISSUE. WHY NOT IN THE USA?
WHILE DRIVING OFF OF THE INTERSTATE, SLOWING FROM 70 MPH, AND TURNING ONTO THE EXIT RAMP, MY DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER GAVE 3 WARNING BEEPS AND SHOWED "POWER STEERING" IN THE DISPLAY. AT THE SAME TIME, I LOST ALL POWER STEERING. STEERING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT WITH MORE DIFFICULTY AT SLOWER SPEEDS. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE AND …
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WHILE DRIVING OFF OF THE INTERSTATE, SLOWING FROM 70 MPH, AND TURNING ONTO THE EXIT RAMP, MY DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER GAVE 3 WARNING BEEPS AND SHOWED "POWER STEERING" IN THE DISPLAY. AT THE SAME TIME, I LOST ALL POWER STEERING. STEERING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT WITH MORE DIFFICULTY AT SLOWER SPEEDS. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE AND TURNING THE IGNITION OFF, THE WARNING WENT AWAY AND POWER STEERING RETURNED FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THEN AGAIN, AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THE WARNING SOUNDED AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WAS ENTIRELY GONE. THIS HAS HAPPENED DAILY AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AT VARIOUS TIMES OF THE DAY. IT HAPPENS WITHIN THE FIRST MINUTE OF DRIVING AND SOMETIMES I CAN DRIVE 10 OR MORE MINUTES AFTER RE-START BEFORE THE WARNING SOUNDS AND STEERING ASSISTANCE IS LOST. IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC WHEN THE POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE IS LOST.
POWER STEERING FAILURE I OWN A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR WITH 65940 MILES. TWO TIMES NOW THE "POWER STEERING" WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM AND WAS TOLD THAT CURRENTLY THERE IS NO VEHICLE RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH THE CHEVROLET COBALT IS CURRENTLY BEING RECALLED, AND THEY…
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POWER STEERING FAILURE I OWN A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR WITH 65940 MILES. TWO TIMES NOW THE "POWER STEERING" WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM AND WAS TOLD THAT CURRENTLY THERE IS NO VEHICLE RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH THE CHEVROLET COBALT IS CURRENTLY BEING RECALLED, AND THEY BOTH USE THE SAME POWER STEERING UNIT. THE SERVICE PERSON REPORT STATED THAT THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE POWER STEERING MOTOR IS FAILING, REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF THE COLUMN AND POWER STEERING MOTOR. THE TOTAL COST FOR REPLACEMENT WAS QUOTED AT $765.40. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE WHEN THE WARNING SOUNDED THE STEERING BECAME MORE DIFFICULT. THIS VEHICLE PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AS A VEHICLE SAFETY ISSUE! *TR
IT WOULD BE EASIER TO LIST THE THINGS THAT ARE OK WITH THIS CAR. I'VE RESURFACED OR REPLACED THE ROTORS SEVERAL TIMES (FOUR TIMES IN ONE YEAR) AFTER CONSISTENTLY COMPLAINING TO THE DEALER THAT IT SOUNDED LIKE THINGS WERE FALLING OFF THE CAR. THE CAR'S BRAKING AND STEERING CAPACITY IS EXTREMELY DIMINISHED. I'VE REPLACED A BROKEN…
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IT WOULD BE EASIER TO LIST THE THINGS THAT ARE OK WITH THIS CAR. I'VE RESURFACED OR REPLACED THE ROTORS SEVERAL TIMES (FOUR TIMES IN ONE YEAR) AFTER CONSISTENTLY COMPLAINING TO THE DEALER THAT IT SOUNDED LIKE THINGS WERE FALLING OFF THE CAR. THE CAR'S BRAKING AND STEERING CAPACITY IS EXTREMELY DIMINISHED. I'VE REPLACED A BROKEN STABILIZER CONTROL ARM AND NOW I'M TOLD THE FRONT END NEEDS TO BE REBUILT. THIS DAMAGE IS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE CONTINUING PROBLEM WITH THE ROTOR WARPING. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON MORE THAN OFF AND ITS BEEN IN AT LEAST 10 TIMES FOR THIS ISSUE. GM CUSTOMER SERVICE IS AWARE OF THESE ISSUES AND REFUSES TO RETURN CUSTOMER CALLS. *LN UPDATED 11/29/11. *JB UPDATED 12/06/11. *JB
THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MOTOR FAILS ALMOST EVERY TIME MY CHEVY HHR (2007) IS DRIVEN. THIS LEAVES THE VEHICLE HARD TO CONTROL. I AM TOLD THAT THE ELECTRIC MOTOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS THE SAME ELECTRIC MOTOR THAT IS IN THE CHEVY COBALT AND CERTAIN PONTIACS THAT WAS RECALLED. GM WILL NOT RECALL THIS MODEL AND IS FOR…
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THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MOTOR FAILS ALMOST EVERY TIME MY CHEVY HHR (2007) IS DRIVEN. THIS LEAVES THE VEHICLE HARD TO CONTROL. I AM TOLD THAT THE ELECTRIC MOTOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS THE SAME ELECTRIC MOTOR THAT IS IN THE CHEVY COBALT AND CERTAIN PONTIACS THAT WAS RECALLED. GM WILL NOT RECALL THIS MODEL AND IS FORCING DRIVERS TO CONTINUE DRIVING WITH FAULTY AND HAZARDOUS POWER STEERING MOTORS, OR PAY TO REPLACE THEM ON THEIR OWN. *TR
POWER STERING MOTOR WENT OUT. *TR
Official recalls
414V171000 · Electrical System:ignition
Apr 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.
14V047000 · Air Bags; Electrical System:ignition:switch
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.
08V444000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
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> .
08V046000 · Air Bags
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> .
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.