I have a 2008 Chevy HHR. The last few days my electronic power steering has been on and off. I’ve changed the fuse, but that did not take care of the problem. When I start driving each time the EPS seems to start out fine. At some point , ususally mid-turn, the power steering goes out. Anytime that I turn the steering wheel I hear a clicking or switching sound similiar to what you might hear when you use a turn signal. After stopping and turning the car off for a period of time and then jumping back in the car to conitinue the day it all starts over. Any ideas?
There was a recall on my 2010 Cobalt to replace the power steering motor. I’m not sure if the recall was extended to the HHR even though it’s the same platform as the Cobalt.
Check with the dealer or the NHSTA website for recalls.
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/recallsearch.cfm
Ed B.
This problem could pose a safety issue and a Chevy dealer is the place to go for this…
Thanks. I checked the NHSTA and didn’t see anything specific for the HHR, however, I happened to run across an HHR forum and it was discussed at length. They mentioned the Cobalt similarities also. Didn’t seem to be plans for a recall, but I am not alone. Seems to be a Power Steering Motor that overheats and turns off. It apparently resets after it cools. They sound like they can be replaced for around $110 or so plus labor to get them in. Thanks for the direction.
Here’s the description for the Cobalt power steering recall. We have a 2009 Cobalt LT1 and the EPS was replaced. It seems odd that the HHR was not recalled as well since it is essentially a Cobalt station wagon. You might ask a Chevy dealer if there is a TSB on it for the HHR. Maybe there is a silent recall. You will only know if you ask the dealer.
Summary:
In a March 1, 2010 letter, General Motors Corporation (GM) provided a defect information report to NHTSA regarding a problem that could result in sudden loss of power steering assist in certain model year (MY) 2005 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and MY 2007 through 2010 Pontiac G5 vehicles equipped with electric power steering (EPS). The letter indicates that the loss of steering assist could occur at any time while driving and that, once assist is lost, a message is displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC) and a chime sounds to inform the driver. The letter further states that steering control is maintained in manual mode, “but would require greater driver effort at low vehicle speeds.” In the next ignition cycle, power assist is typically regained and the DIC message is no longer displayed. GM’s letter identifies the root cause of the EPS failure as the EPS motor and indicates that production of a new motor started in December 2009. GM’s recall repair procedure instructs dealers to replace the EPS motor in all recalled vehicles. ODI’s analysis of all information available related to sudden loss of EPS assist while driving in the MY 2005 through 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt vehicles shows current complaint and warranty rates of 323/100,000 vehicles and 0.4% respectively. In response to ODI’s request for information, GM identified 81 complaints where a crash was claimed that may be related to loss of EPS assist. ODI’s analysis of all crash claims was based on verifiable factors such as; whether a loss of EPS was indicated at the time of the crash by a chime or malfunction indicator lamp or if a EPS related component malfunction was identified after the crash occurred. With this method ODI identified 36 possible crashes related to EPS failure. GM assessed crash claims based on the available facts and excluded crash claims that indicated that the vehicle was travelling at speeds in the range of 30 mph or greater. GM said that it believes if power assist is lost while a vehicle is moving at speeds in the range of 30 mph or greater there is a small difference in steering efforts perceived in subjective evaluations at those speeds and it is unlikely to lead to loss of vehicle control. Based on GM’s safety recall, this investigation is closed.
You could see if the HHR and the Cobalt P.S. motors both have the same GM part number. If so, the HHR should be covered in the recall.
srry to say there is no recall at this time for any year hhr
The parts are the same on the HHR as the Cobalt and there is no reason that they should not be covered. I would take it to Chevy and make them replace it.