Skip to content
Chevrolet HHRModel year report

2010 Chevrolet HHR Problems

Compared with other Chevrolet HHR years

Typical for this model

51/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical

Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2011

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
516filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
62,000miles, 410 complaints with mileage
Recalls
3campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
25 mpgcombined, 2.2L 4-cyl · flex-fuel FWD · 22 city / 30 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2010 Chevrolet HHR (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2010 Chevrolet HHR most often describe losing power steering assist while driving, sometimes repeatedly and requiring a restart to restore it temporarily. The next most common theme is a fuel smell and visible leak from corroded fuel lines near the left rear wheel, reported at higher mileage, along with scattered electrical, ignition-key and interior hardware complaints.

  1. Steering

    Power steering assist cuts out while driving

    • 220 complaints (43%)
    • median 63,000 mi at 4.4 yrs old (190 state mileage)
    • 8 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2011–2026

    Owners describe the power steering warning message or light appearing while driving at speeds from parking-lot pace to highway speed, after which the wheel becomes very hard to turn. Many say shutting off and restarting the car restores assist briefly, then the failure returns, in some cases several times per trip. Complaints mention power steering motors or modules being replaced; several owners say the dealer told them their VIN was not covered by the electric power steering recall, so repairs were paid for. Mostly reported between roughly 35,000 and 90,000 miles, with no clear pattern of weather or temperature.

    Recall 14V153000

    What to check: Ask whether the electric power steering assist recall was performed and whether the steering motor or module has ever been replaced. During a test drive, watch for the power steering message and check that assist is present at low speed.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Electric power steering assist . My VIN number is not under warranty for the service recall number 11415 electric power steering assist.that should be serviced under safety recall 10023 prior to may 31,2010. I own a 2010 chevy HHR (non-turbo) and the power steering assist has failed.”

    NHTSA complaint #11150260, filed 2018-11, 160,000 miles

    “My son had borrowed the car to go to work. About 1/2 mile form home he called me to tell me the power steering message came on the screen and the car felt really stiff to turn. After returning home and taking another vehicle, I took the car out and it failed within 1/2 mile. I took it to a meeting the next day, same result. The steering worked after being parked during the lunch meeting, but failed again within about 1 mile.”

    NHTSA complaint #10552553, filed 2013-11, 60,880 miles
  2. Fuel system

    Fuel smell and leak from corroded rear fuel lines

    Mentioned in 16 of 60 sampled complaints

    Owners report a strong gasoline odor and, in many cases, visible fuel puddling or dripping near the left rear wheel, often after parking. Mechanics and dealers in the complaints describe the steel fuel line in that area as rusted or corroded through, sometimes pointing to a covering or shield that traps moisture, and recommend replacing the line. Several owners note the leak was found during routine service rather than through a warning light. Typically reported between about 66,000 and 160,000 miles, often on older vehicles in rust-belt use; several describe the leak appearing or worsening while parked.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Look under the car near the left rear tire for rust, damp spots or fuel smell, and have the fuel and evaporator lines inspected on a lift before buying. Ask whether any sections of fuel line have already been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I had drove the night before and was smelling gas but I thought it was my back pack blower got up and started my car the next day 15 20 min come back out gas pouring out by the driver rear tire like a waterfall and just gas everywhere thought it had been raining seriously just filled up the night before”

    NHTSA complaint #11373594, filed 2020-11, 96,000 miles

    “I see that there is an investigation of fuel line leaks due to rusted lines for chevy HHR models. I had to have the fuel line on this vehicle replaced last year because of a leak also. Since 2010 is not one of the model years listed in the report, I can send billing detail if requested.”

    NHTSA complaint #11338565, filed 2020-07, 82,000 miles
  3. Electrical system

    Ignition key will not turn or release

    • 71 complaints (14%)
    • median 46,100 mi at 2.6 yrs old (60 state mileage)
    • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2011–2016

    Owners describe the key refusing to turn in the ignition, or the key not coming out and the engine staying on, sometimes leaving them to disconnect the battery or pull fuses to shut the car down. Some say the ignition switch was replaced at their own expense after being told the model year was not part of the ignition recall, and one complaint notes parts availability delays for the recall work. Reported from roughly 35,000 to 56,000 miles in the sampled complaints.

    Recall 14V171000Recall 14V047000

    What to check: Confirm with a dealer whether the ignition-related recalls were completed for this VIN. Try turning the key through all positions and check that it returns and releases normally, and that the engine shuts off.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The key will not turn to the off position, can not turn off vehicle, have to disconnect fuel pump power and then disconnect the vehicle battery. Mfg knows of this problem and will not do anything with out charging large amount of money. I have been a mechanic for many years and have not seen this problem ever. I want to see a recall to correct this very dangerous condition.”

    NHTSA complaint #10423797, filed 2011-09, 37,000 miles

    “I have contacted GM to get the recall done for the ignition switch on my 2010 chevy HHR. I have been told that the parts will not be available and have to be ordered. Time to make the repairs will be 4 to 6 weeks. Thought you should know.”

    NHTSA complaint #10599113, filed 2014-06, 35,000 miles

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 516 consumer complaints for the 2010 Chevrolet HHR. 410 of the complaints include a mileage, and 31% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 62,000 miles. Of all complaints, 19 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 13 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 1,138 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 3 Chevrolet HHR model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 51 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Latches, locks and linkages (12), Exterior lighting (10), Engine cooling (9), Suspension (7), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (7), Vehicle speed control (6), Seat belts (4), Tires (3), Equipment (2), Wheels (2).

Example complaints

Steering: “Electric power steering quits working at times making steering difficult. When this happens a chime sounds and a message appears on the instrument panel. There have been recalls on other models and maybe even this model but for some reason it does not register for my VIN . I have not been involved in a accident.”

NHTSA complaint #11205539, filed 2019-05, 115,000 miles

Electrical system: “I could not turn off the ignition after starting the car. Dealer who replaced the switch told me the ignition had exploded, that happens all the time with this car. He would not show me the unit he had removed, and said they have to send it the GM. It was not a GM warranty replacement. I had to pay the deductible for the aftermarket service contract.”

NHTSA complaint #10576588, filed 2014-04, 41,700 miles

Fuel system: “My 2010 chevy HHR is leaking gas at a fast pace from the fuel line near the rear wheel. I smelled a strong gas odor and after parking I noticed puddle and dripping new my rear wheel. It was gas. I took it to a service shop and they confirmed that the fuel line was worn and broken.”

NHTSA complaint #11349150, filed 2020-08, 153,800 miles

Air bags: “For no reason the chime started to chime and the airbag lite come on,,,the cause of this lite coming on was a harness under the passenger seat not making a connection ,,,but intill I found out what it was I drove in fear that the airbag was going to deploy for no reason and cause me to have an accident,, iam not the only one this happened to ,,,I found out on the HHR network its a common defect with chevy hhrs”

NHTSA complaint #10544796, filed 2013-09, 38,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

31% of the 410 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 45,000 and 85,000 miles.

3%0–105%10–2523%25–5034%50–7518%75–10012%100–1504%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (410 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 62,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

’11’13122’15’17’19’21’23’26
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2010 Chevrolet HHR. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
HHR · coupe FWDnot rated5 / 5———
HHR · sedan FWDnot rated5 / 5———

Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2010 Chevrolet HHR version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
HHR FWD2.0L 4-cyl5-speed manual212924$2,800
HHR FWD2.0L 4-cyl4-speed automatic192923$2,900
HHR FWD2.2L 4-cyl · flex-fuel5-speed manual223226$2,600
HHR FWD2.2L 4-cyl · flex-fuel4-speed automatic223025$2,700
HHR FWD2.4L 4-cyl · flex-fuel4-speed automatic223025$2,700
HHR FWD2.4L 4-cyl · flex-fuel5-speed manual223025$2,700
HHR Panel FWD2.2L 4-cyl · flex-fuel5-speed manual223226$2,600
HHR Panel FWD2.2L 4-cyl · flex-fuel4-speed automatic223025$2,700
HHR Panel FWD2.4L 4-cyl · flex-fuel4-speed automatic223025$2,700
HHR Panel FWD2.4L 4-cyl · flex-fuel5-speed manual223025$2,700

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2010 Chevrolet HHR → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,138 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 1,138 bulletins →

Other model years of the Chevrolet HHR

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
201120359,5942—250 · FewerFalling
201051662,0003—2551 · TypicalFalling
200950860,0004—2464 · TypicalFalling
200861675,4024—2449 · TypicalFalling
200772674,0004—23Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20061,00670,3865—23Not compared (before 2008)Falling

All Chevrolet HHR model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2010 Chevrolet HHR?

Owners of the 2010 Chevrolet HHR most often describe losing power steering assist while driving, sometimes repeatedly and requiring a restart to restore it temporarily. The issues reported most often: Power steering assist cuts out while driving; Fuel smell and leak from corroded rear fuel lines; Ignition key will not turn or release.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2010 Chevrolet HHR have?

NHTSA recorded 516 consumer complaints for the 2010 Chevrolet HHR as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2010 Chevrolet HHR is reported most often?

Steering is named most often, in 232 complaints (45% of the total), followed by electrical system with 120.

Has the 2010 Chevrolet HHR been recalled?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2010 Chevrolet HHR get?

The EPA rates the 2010 Chevrolet HHR (HHR FWD, 2.2L 4-cyl · flex-fuel) at 25 mpg combined, 22 city and 30 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2010 Chevrolet HHR reported?

Among the 410 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 62,000 miles and the middle half falls between 45,000 and 85,000 miles; 31% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.