IllustrationELECTRIC 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.
2010 Chevrolet Hhr
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2010 Chevrolet Hhr do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 565.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Hhr years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
340–25K
9425–50K
13950–75K
7575–100K
50100–150K
21150K+
413 reports with mileage · 102 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Steering. Review the 231 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 119 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 49 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
19 crash reports1 fire reports9 injury reports
Steering complaints
231 reportsTHE IGNITION IS LOCKING KEY IN. ALSO THIS IS CAUSING MY BATTERY TO DIE .
"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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE STEERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SHERMAN CHEVROLET CADILLAC (600 E LAMBERTH RD, SHERMAN, TX 75090, (903) 209-2353) WHERE T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE STEERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SHERMAN CHEVROLET CADILLAC (600 E LAMBERTH RD, SHERMAN, TX 75090, (903) 209-2353) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ABILITY SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. AFTER FIVE MINUTES, THE VEHICLE RESTARTED NORMALLY AND THE FAILURE RECURRED…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ABILITY SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. AFTER FIVE MINUTES, THE VEHICLE RESTARTED NORMALLY AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND THEN TOWED TO RYDELL CHEVROLET (18600 DEVONSHIRE STREET, NORTHRIDGE, CA 91324) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING MOTOR FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,208. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILED. ONCE THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER (MICHAEL CHEVROLET, 5735 N BLACKSTONE AVE, FRESNO, CA 93710, (559) 431-6001) STATED THAT THERE WERE NO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILED. ONCE THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER (MICHAEL CHEVROLET, 5735 N BLACKSTONE AVE, FRESNO, CA 93710, (559) 431-6001) STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
KEY LOCKS IN THE IGNITION IN THE ON POSITION AND CAR CUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING
APPROXIMATELY TWO MINUTES AFTER LEAVING A CITY PARKING LOT DURING THE PROCESS OF MAKING A LEFT TURN ON A BUSY FOUR LANE ROAD A CHIME WAS HEARD AND THE DISPLAY READ POWER STEERING. AT THIS POINT THE POWER ASSIST WAS LOST AND THE CORNERING STEER EFFORT WAS VERY STRONG. I REDUCED SPEED CAUSING TRAFFIC DIFFICULTIES BUT WAS ABLE TO S…
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APPROXIMATELY TWO MINUTES AFTER LEAVING A CITY PARKING LOT DURING THE PROCESS OF MAKING A LEFT TURN ON A BUSY FOUR LANE ROAD A CHIME WAS HEARD AND THE DISPLAY READ POWER STEERING. AT THIS POINT THE POWER ASSIST WAS LOST AND THE CORNERING STEER EFFORT WAS VERY STRONG. I REDUCED SPEED CAUSING TRAFFIC DIFFICULTIES BUT WAS ABLE TO STEER BACK INTO THE LANE. DROVE SLOWLY DOWN STREET. PULLED OVER AND SHUT OF CAR. RESTARTED CAR AND POWER ASSIST RETURNED AND ALARM WAS CLEARED. CAR HAS 72,900 MILES ON IT. IT IS MY WIFE'S VEHICLE AND AS SHE WAS A PASSENGER DURING THIS INCIDENT SHE WILL NOT OPERATE IT NOW. HAVE DRIVEN IT FOR A WEEK WITH NO RE-OCCURRENCE. IF UNPREPARED THIS FAILURE COULD HAVE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES.
CAR LOST POWER STEERING & STEERING SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON . OUR MECHANIC ADVISED 'GO TO CHEVROLET, IT'S A RECALL BUT THEY REFUSED TO FIX FREE & CHARGED $268.17 FOR FIX . CLAIMED IT WAS TURBO BUT WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? CAN I GET REIMBURSED? WEB SITE SAYS THIS YEAR WAS RECALLED.
THE POWER STEERING LIGHT POPS ON AFTER YOU ARE DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE IS VERY HARD TO STEER.
Official recalls
314V171000 · Electrical System:ignition
Apr 10, 2014
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
14V153000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System
Mar 31, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. 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.
14V047000 · Air Bags; Electrical System:ignition:switch
Feb 10, 2014
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
Electrical System:ignition:switch
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.