Problems · by component
2006 Chevrolet HHR steering problems
458 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2006 Chevrolet HHR cite steering, 46% of all 1,006 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
458
46% of all complaints
Crashes
19
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
6
Reported by owners
What owners say about the steering
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“While replacing 3 motor mounts, engine oil pan,transmission oil pan, also CV axles, wheel bearings needed replaced. When i got my car back the power steering wasn't working. My mechanic said there was a recall for my year, make and model for the power steering assist. I haven't gotten this fixed yet due to lack of funds . I am filling this out to see if is recalled.”
“The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 240,000.”
“The (EPS) system in my 2006 Chevy HHR has experienced multiple malfunctions. The power steering suddenly cuts out without warning while driving at both low and high speeds, making it extremely difficult to steer, especially when attempting to turn or change lanes. This failure happens intermittently, and the EPS motor is suspected to be the root cause. I have replaced fuses and relays, but the issue persists. This system is available for inspection upon request. This malfunction poses a severe risk to my safety and the safety of others. When the power steering fails, it becomes nearly impossible to turn the vehicle, which is especially hazardous during routine maneuvers such as lane changes or turns at intersections. The sudden loss of steering capability, especially at higher speeds, has left me vulnerable to potential collisions. Given the unpredictability of the issue, it could easily lead to a fatal accident if it occurs while navigating tight curves or avoiding road hazards. The problem has been confirmed by a certified mechanic, who validated that the power steering system is malfunctioning and recognized the danger it poses. The mechanic advised that…”
“Power steering cuts off and very hard to steer until you turn off vehicle and turn back on but then will go out again while driving .This is very un safe when my wife is driving Kids to school.I have read that 2009-2011 has same issue and have been recalled why isn’t this one if it’s same problem .”
“The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked with the key locked inside. The locksmith assisted the contact with entering the vehicle. The contact stated that it was difficult to pull out of the parking space due to a loss of power steering functionality. The vehicle was driven to a local mechanic but was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000.”
“while driving the car after a few miles, the door locks start going up and down, the power steering light comes on and is hard to steer, the check engine light comes on, the speedometer stops working and the tach malfunctions. the car surges while moving foward. if you shut the car off it will reset itself. once you start the car again it starts to malfunction again. one gararge owner did some tests but didn't fix the problem”
Showing 6 of 458 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.