2009 Chevrolet HHR Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 127about this part
- Share
- 25%of 508 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 127 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Chevrolet HHR, 25% of the 508 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Loss of power steering was indicated on the dashboard display as well as by a series of dings. Power steering was restored the next time I started the engine. It failed again the next day. It now fails within moments of starting the car every time. I contacted the dealership, but they had no information on when parts would be available for the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10630426, filed 2014-09, 31,300 miles“My car's power steering has dangerously disappeared while I was driving on the highway. The power steering came on on the dashboard and I had to stir the car with so much force to get off the highway. I had my 10-year-old son with me on his way to school. No one knows why this happened and I can't drive it with a 10-year-old boy who I have to get to school and myself and my wife to work. Mechanic after mechanic no one can tell why the power steering wont work. Please help!”
NHTSA complaint #11403627, filed 2021-03, 189,000 miles“Went to back HHR out of my garage and the brake pedal was rock hard with no give. Power steering has no power and the exc light is on. Not safe to drive at all. I have had numerous problems with this car. The ignition, air bags, brakes, door lock actuators...the list goes on. This one takes the cake due to safety concerns.”
NHTSA complaint #10689846, filed 2015-02, 140,000 miles“While driving down a steep grade at aprox. 50mph the steering power assist failed and power steering warning message on the dash light up. I drove home slowly aprox 8 miles with no steering. When I started the car later, the steering was fine again. Since that day the same thing has happened daily and happens within seconds of turning on the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10523305, filed 2013-07, 51,000 miles“While making a left turn the power steering light came on and I could not turn the steering wheel. Four days later it did the same thing while driving straight on the road at about 30 MPH. Each time I have to turn the car off and then restart it to make the problem go away. This could lead to crashes causing injury or death.”
NHTSA complaint #10543595, filed 2013-09, 32,500 milesRelated recalls
- 14V153000Mar 31, 2014General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010…Covers: Chevrolet HHR 2009–2010, Malibu 2004–2006, 2008–2009, Saturn Ion 2004–2007 +4 more
Related service bulletins
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10242061Aug 7, 2023This 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.
- 10235561Apr 4, 2023This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 10222777Sep 16, 2022This 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.
- 10213700Jun 1, 2022This service bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on…
- 10191163Mar 8, 2021This service bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on…
- 10178292Jun 5, 2020This technical bulletin provides a procedure to eliminate a power steering noise due to extremely low temperatures.
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2009 Chevrolet HHR
151 complaintsAir bags
104 complaintsFuel system
84 complaintsBrakes
30 complaintsElectronic stability control
25 complaintsBody and structure
21 complaintsEngine
18 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsSeat belts
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Chevrolet HHR
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology