Driving a Chevy HHR is enjoyable—until the power steering malfunctions. Many owners find themselves suddenly grappling with steering issues, making the car difficult to control, especially at lower speeds. If you’ve encountered this problem, you’re not alone, and it’s certainly not something to overlook.
Recognizing the common power steering problems in the HHR and knowing how to deal with them can prevent unexpected difficulties on the road and ensure your vehicle remains safe and reliable. Here’s what you need to know to keep your steering smooth and stress-free.
Table of Contents
1. Sudden Loss of Power Steering Assist
One of the most alarming issues that Chevy HHR owners face is the sudden loss of power steering assist. This can make the steering wheel incredibly difficult to turn, particularly when driving at low speeds or during parking maneuvers.
The abrupt change from easy, responsive steering to a heavy, uncooperative wheel can catch drivers off guard, increasing the risk of an accident.
The primary cause of this problem is often the failure of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) motor. The HHR uses an electric motor to assist with steering, but over time, this motor can burn out, leading to a complete loss of steering assistance.
This issue typically surfaces after the vehicle clocks between 50,000 and 70,000 miles. Overheating, especially during stop-and-go traffic or long drives, can further strain the EPS system, exacerbating the problem.
Owners of 2006-2011 Chevy HHR models frequently share their experiences with this issue on various forums, describing how their steering suddenly becomes heavy and difficult to manage.
The problem is prevalent in earlier models (2006-2008), suggesting that the components used during these years may be more prone to failure.
Although GM may have improved the durability of the EPS motor in later models, this issue remains a significant concern for HHR owners.
2. Intermittent Power Steering Failure
Another frustrating problem reported by Chevy HHR owners is intermittent power steering failure. This issue is particularly troublesome because the power steering assist may work ideally one moment and then fail the next, making the steering wheel difficult to turn without warning.
This unpredictability can be unnerving, especially during critical driving moments like turning or parking.
One of the main causes of this issue is loose or corroded electrical connections within the EPS system. The system relies on a series of electrical connections to function correctly; these connections can degrade over time.
Corrosion from moisture, road salt, or vibrations from regular driving can cause these connections to become loose or unreliable.
When the connections fail, the power steering assist can cut out even momentarily, leaving the driver to wrestle with the steering.
Another potential cause is a faulty torque sensor, which detects the force the driver is applying to the steering wheel.
If this sensor fails or provides inaccurate readings, the EPS system may not activate correctly, resulting in intermittent assist. Sudden changes in steering effort can make the vehicle difficult to control.
Chevy HHR owners have reported this issue across all model years from 2006 to 2011. Many describe how the power steering assist will cut in and out, sometimes accompanied by warning lights on the dashboard.
The unpredictable nature of this problem makes it particularly challenging to diagnose and fix. Some owners note that it seems more common in vehicles exposed to harsh weather conditions.
3. Power Steering Warning Light Activation
Many Chevy HHR owners have experienced the power steering warning light activating on the dashboard, often accompanied by a noticeable change in the steering effort.
When this light comes on, it typically signals a problem with the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, which can lead to a sudden loss of power steering assist. This makes the steering wheel harder to turn, especially at low speeds, and can be alarming.
One common reason for the warning light activation is a fault in the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) that manages the EPS system.
The ECU might develop faults or experience software glitches, which can trigger the warning light even if there isn’t a mechanical issue. These glitches can cause the EPS system to reduce or cut off power steering assist, making it more challenging to steer the vehicle.
Another frequent cause is sensor failures within the EPS system. Sensors like the torque or speed sensor play crucial roles in providing the ECU with accurate data to adjust the steering assist.
If these sensors malfunction or send incorrect signals, the warning light can be triggered, and the steering performance may be affected.
Owners of Chevy HHRs, particularly from the 2007 to 2010 model years, have reported these issues on various forums.
Many have noted that the power steering warning light tends to illuminate unexpectedly, sometimes coinciding with a reduction in power steering assist.
This issue often requires sensor replacements or a software update to the ECU to resolve, although in some cases, the problem persists, leading to ongoing frustration.
4. Complete EPS System Failure
For some Chevy HHR owners, the worst-case scenario is a complete failure of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. When this happens, the vehicle loses all power steering assist, making it significantly harder to steer, especially at lower speeds.
This situation can be frustrating and dangerous, as controlling the vehicle requires much more effort, particularly during parking or tight maneuvers.
One of the primary causes of this complete failure is the burnout of the EPS motor. The motor is responsible for providing the necessary power assist to the steering, and over time, it can fail due to prolonged use, overheating, or internal electrical faults.
When the motor burns out, the steering system reverts to manual mode, which requires considerable physical effort.
Another contributing factor is damage to the wiring harness that connects the EPS components. Wear and tear, environmental exposure, or previous minor repairs can cause the wiring to degrade, leading to a loss of communication between the EPS motor and the vehicle’s control systems. This communication breakdown can result in a total loss of steering assist.
Owners of Chevy HHRs, especially those with higher mileage (above 100,000 miles), have reported these severe issues, often on forums like ChevyOwnersClub.
In many cases, the entire steering column assembly had to be replaced, which is costly. These complete failures are frequently noted in the 2006 to 2008 models, with some owners experiencing intermittent EPS issues before the system failed entirely.
5. Cost and Complexity of EPS Repairs
Repairing the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system in a Chevy HHR can be expensive and complicated. For many owners, this is one of the most daunting aspects of dealing with power steering problems.
The cost and effort involved in diagnosing and fixing EPS issues can vary widely, depending on the severity of the problem and the specific components that need attention.
One of the main reasons for the high cost is the labor-intensive nature of EPS repairs. The system is deeply integrated into the vehicle’s steering column, which means accessing and replacing parts often requires significant disassembly.
This process is time-consuming, and the labor costs can quickly add up. Moreover, some repairs may require specialized tools and expertise, which can further increase the price.
Also, the components themselves can be expensive. For example, replacing the EPS motor or the entire steering column assembly can cost several hundred dollars in parts alone.
When you factor in the labor, the total bill for repairing or replacing the EPS system can range from $800 to $1,500 or more, depending on the extent of the work needed.
Many Chevy HHR owners have shared their experiences with these costly repairs on forums like CarGurus and HHRForum. Given the complexity of the EPS system, they often express frustration over the limited options for DIY repairs.
As a result, many turn to dealerships or specialized mechanics, which can further increase the expense due to higher labor rates and the use of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts.
These challenges are commonly reported across all model years from 2006 to 2011, with many owners highlighting the importance of finding a mechanic familiar with the EPS system to avoid unnecessary costs and ensure the repair is done correctly.
If you’re facing EPS issues with your Chevy HHR, you need to weigh the costs and complexities of repairs carefully. Understanding what’s involved can help you make informed decisions and avoid unexpected expenses.
Conclusion
Dealing with power steering issues in a Chevy HHR can be frustrating and costly, especially as the vehicle ages.
Awareness of the common problems and their solutions can help you address them early, potentially saving time and money. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs are essential to keeping your HHR safe and comfortable to drive.