2010 Chevrolet HHR
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2010 Chevrolet HHR has 682 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 682. The most common issue is steering problems (34% of all complaints), specifically: when driving the power steering stops functioning and the steering becomes difficult to turn. when the car is turned off and restarted the power steering is operative for a short time and then fails again.. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.
682
Total Complaints
4
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.0x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
STEERING
233 complaints- • WHEN DRIVING THE POWER STEERING STOPS FUNCTIONING AND THE STEERING BECOMES DIFFICULT TO TURN. WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE POWER STEERING IS OPERATIVE FOR A SHORT TIME AND THEN FAILS AGAIN.
- • I WAS DRIVING DOWN A BUSY STREET WHEN MY CAR STARTING BEEPING(WARNING CHIME) AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON. I WENT TO PULL MY CAR OVER TO THE NEXT SIDE STREET AND FOUND IT VERY DIFFICULT TO DO SO. I FOUND I COULD TURN MY CAR OFF AND WAIT 30 SEC AND THE STEERING WOULD COME BACK, BUT WITHIN 3
- • POWER STEERING WENT OUT AT 42,000 PURCHASED VEHICLE AT 38,500 MILES. VEHICLE IS ALL ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. *TR
“WHEN DRIVING THE POWER STEERING STOPS FUNCTIONING AND THE STEERING BECOMES DIFFICULT TO TURN. WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE POWER STEERING IS OPERATIVE FOR A SHORT TIME AND THEN FAILS AGAIN.”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2010 Chevrolet HHR
Based on 540 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 63K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.
VISIBILITY
ELECTRICAL
AIR BAGS
TRANSMISSION
DOORS/LATCHES
STEERING
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (4)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
Risk: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
Fix: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.
Charging Cost Calculator for 2010 Chevrolet HHR
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2010 Chevrolet HHR
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Chevrolet HHR Service Intervals
GM Oil Life System dynamically calculates oil change interval. DEXOS-approved oil required.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Chevrolet New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2010 HHR, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chevrolet dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
EV Incentives for 2010 Chevrolet HHR
Updated 2026-07Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30
Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.
State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)
Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 682 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐STEERING: WHEN DRIVING THE POWER STEERING STOPS FUNCTIONING AND THE STEERING BECOMES DIFFICULT TO TURN. WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE POWER STEERING IS OPERATIVE FOR A SHORT TIME AND THEN FAILS AGAIN.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE LIGHTS SUDDENLY ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT AN ELECTRONIC PROBLEM CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐FUEL SYSTEM: 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 PR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐AIR BAGS: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40-45 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE ON THE SIDE AND FRONT. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. ONE PASSENGER SUFFERED INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP BUT DUE T
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Chevrolet HHR — Year Comparison
How does 2010 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
Full years-to-avoid analysis →NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 682
- Recalls
- 4
- Fire reports
- 1
- Crash reports
- 24
- Injury reports
- 16
- Segment avg
- 682
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2010 Chevrolet HHR