I WAS DRIVING THE CAR GOT UP TO 25 MPH AND THE STEERING WENT OUT, THE CAR WAS HARD TO STEER I TURNAROUND FOR HOME. I TURN THE CAR OFF TOOK THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION PUT IT BACK IN STARTED THE CAR UP AND IT WORK FOR ONE MINUTE AND WENT OUT AGAIN. *TR
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
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.
What owners actually said
515 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, SHE ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A TURN AND THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE WARNING INDICATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND WHEN RESTARTED, THE VEHICLE R…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, SHE ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A TURN AND THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE WARNING INDICATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND WHEN RESTARTED, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMALLY UNTIL THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE POWER STEERING MOTOR WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,227.
IT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN THE LAST 2 DAYS. STARTED UP THE CAR, AND HEARD A COUPLE BEEPS AND ON THE INFORMATION CENTER IT SAID "POWER STEERING" AND COULD BARELY MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAVE READ THAT CHEVY HAD A RECALL ON THE COBALT WHICH USES THE SAME PARTS AS THE HHR FOR STEERING, WHY IS THIS NOT RECALLED ALSO. IT MAKES NO …
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IT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN THE LAST 2 DAYS. STARTED UP THE CAR, AND HEARD A COUPLE BEEPS AND ON THE INFORMATION CENTER IT SAID "POWER STEERING" AND COULD BARELY MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAVE READ THAT CHEVY HAD A RECALL ON THE COBALT WHICH USES THE SAME PARTS AS THE HHR FOR STEERING, WHY IS THIS NOT RECALLED ALSO. IT MAKES NO SENSE. I'VE ALSO READ OF PEOPLE HAVING ACCIDENTS IN HHRS DUE TO THIS ISSUE. MY DAUGHTER ALSO WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND THE STEERING JUST WENT OUT ON HER AT ABOUT 20 MPH. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND SEEMS PRETTY COMMON ON THESE VEHICLES. *TR
I WAS PARKING MY CAR ,AND MESSAGE CAME POWER STEERING.THE CAR WAS VERY HARD TO HANDLE AND COULD NOT PARK THE CAR.I WENT SLOWLY DRIFTING TO A PARKING SPACE TO PARK.THE CAR WAS VERY HARD TO PARK .THE STEERING WHEEL VERY HARD TO TURN I FINALLY PARKED THE CAR.I WENT TO A MEETING,CAME BACK IN ABOUT TWO HOURS,THE STEERING PROBLEM WA…
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I WAS PARKING MY CAR ,AND MESSAGE CAME POWER STEERING.THE CAR WAS VERY HARD TO HANDLE AND COULD NOT PARK THE CAR.I WENT SLOWLY DRIFTING TO A PARKING SPACE TO PARK.THE CAR WAS VERY HARD TO PARK .THE STEERING WHEEL VERY HARD TO TURN I FINALLY PARKED THE CAR.I WENT TO A MEETING,CAME BACK IN ABOUT TWO HOURS,THE STEERING PROBLEM WAS NOT THERE.AFRAID THAT THIS WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN,MY HUSBAND DROVE THE CAR HOME WITH NO PROBLEM.THIS SEEM TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. I WENT ONLINE TO SEE IF OTHER DRIVERS OF THIS CAR HAD PROBLEMS AND THE ANSWER IS YES. IF IT KEEPS HAPPENING THERE COULD BE AN ACCIDENT.THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL BECAUSE THERE IS DEFECT IN THIS CAR. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 75,000 ON IT..PLEASE CORRECT BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED. *TR
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.…
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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. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE F…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING MESSAGE CAME ON AS I MADE A LEFT TURN INTO HEAVY TRAFFIC. STEERING GOT VERY STIFF, BUT USABLE. PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND TURNED OFF THE CAR. WHEN I RESTARTED, THE POWER STEERING WAS AGAIN WORKING AND GOT ME 25 MILES HOME. THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF THESE INCIDENTS! …
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POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING MESSAGE CAME ON AS I MADE A LEFT TURN INTO HEAVY TRAFFIC. STEERING GOT VERY STIFF, BUT USABLE. PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND TURNED OFF THE CAR. WHEN I RESTARTED, THE POWER STEERING WAS AGAIN WORKING AND GOT ME 25 MILES HOME. THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF THESE INCIDENTS! *TR
WHILE DRIVING THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING SHUT OFF CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO JERK TO THE RIGHT CAUSING US TO HIT A ROW OF MAIL BOXES. THIS HAS BEEN A REOCCURRING PROBLEM EVER SINCE. *TR
AT APPROX. 5:30PM , MY WIFE WAS DRIVING EAST ON US-10 FROM M-18, TO THE GARFIELD RD EXIT AT AUBURN MI WHEN THE CHIMES RANG AND POWER STEERING CAME ON THE DIC PANEL. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT AT THE TIME IT WAS RAINING CAUSING HER TO BE UNEASY ALSO NOTE THAT IT DID NOT CLEAR UP FOR APPROX. 2 HRS. *TR
WHILE STOPPED AT STOP LIGHT, THREE CHIMES AND POWER STEERING MESSAGE ON WHEEL. POWER STEERING FAILED. COULD STILL OPERATE THE CAR BUT HARD TO TURN. AFTER TURNING OFF ENGINE AND TURNING ON AGAIN, POWER STEERING WAS RE-ENABLED. HAVE NOT YET DRIVEN THE CAR SINCE THE FAILURE SO I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS ONE TIME OR RECURRING. HOWEVER, T…
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WHILE STOPPED AT STOP LIGHT, THREE CHIMES AND POWER STEERING MESSAGE ON WHEEL. POWER STEERING FAILED. COULD STILL OPERATE THE CAR BUT HARD TO TURN. AFTER TURNING OFF ENGINE AND TURNING ON AGAIN, POWER STEERING WAS RE-ENABLED. HAVE NOT YET DRIVEN THE CAR SINCE THE FAILURE SO I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS ONE TIME OR RECURRING. HOWEVER, THIS EXACT ISSUE IS LISTED MANY TIMES ON THIS SITE. WHY IS NOTHING BEING DONE? *TR
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.
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