I have a 2007 Chevy HHR that has been losing power steering intermittently while driving it. I took it to the dealer and they told me that I need my power steering column replaced. I have been reading about all the HHRs having this problem and cannot afford to have this done. I don't even feel comfortable selling this car, because I think it is a safety issue. Has there been any updates on the recalls for other models or years about this issue? Thank you!

 

This dealer was it a GM service department? There is a extended warranty that should cover it. A few other problems are also covered if there are certain codes stored.
NOT A RECALL
Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.

 

There is an extended warranty on the electric power steering motor (not a recall)

Nothing for the column though....


EDIT: Don beat me to it...

 

There is an extended warranty on the power steering motor that is likely available on your HHR, but nothing related to the power steering column itself. Note it is a WARRANTY, not a recall. If you mention recall to the dealer they will not be co-operative. The extended warranty will replace the motor at no charge to you. The motor itself is not that expensive and is easy to replace.

I suspect that it is a power steering motor issue, not the steering column.

 

There you go - three replies detailing the issue. Good luck with the dealer.

 

Since I have already been to the dealer and they told me it's the power steering column they are going to say the same thing if I take it back in there and ask to have it checked under my extended warranty though. How do I get around that? I am a single mom just trying to get my car fixed. I am not trying to scam anyone I just want what I'm entitled to. Thanks for the replies.

 

Did you not spot what donbrew wrote: Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.""

Quote that bulletin number to them and ask them to look it up. If they still do not cooperate, you can call GM at the number in your owners manual.

 

And ask them to furnish the proof they have that the entire column is bad, there are specific codes they can read.

Your description leads to the motor only.
14119 refers you to 14115 for the HHR. It is called a recall but is actually a warranty. Earlier there was a "replace the column" for some vehicles that was modified to replacing the torque sensor only. I would go to a different dealership, any GM shop can do it not just Chevy.
Here is a pdf from NHTSA https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/201...4V153-8173.pdf for when they give the blank looks.

 

Your problem sure sounds like it should be covered. Mine completely went out and I "shopped" for dealers and took it to one and they told me it was not covered. I ended up buying an entire steering column from a junkyard for $80. I used the entire gear box, electrical box and motor off of it. Feel free to read my thread Here

 

If the Dealer continues to Stonewall You, ask them to put the Work Estimate in writing.
Once you get that, tell them you are going call the GM customer Service and complain how this has been handled. They usually do not like to have customers do that.
Personally if possible, I would take the HHR to a different GM Dealer with the GM Bulletin number and see if they will do the replacement of the Power Steering unit for you at No charge.
I have had excellent Warranty work done by my local Cadillac/Buick dealer.

Once you have a bad experience with a Service Manager, they may not be as inclined to do a good job for you.

SF