Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Steering — runs 7.2× the fleet median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.
515Complaints
4Recalls
19Crashes
1Fires
13Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Steering (44.7% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Steering complaints here are 7.2× the median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Steering
230 · 44.7%
Recalled
Recall 14V153000
Electrical System
111 · 21.6%
Recalled
Recall 14V171000 · Recall 14E021000
Air Bags
49 · 9.5%
Recalled
Recall 14V047000
Fuel/propulsion System
46 · 8.9%
not available
—
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
32 · 6.2%
not available
—
Service Brakes
25 · 4.9%
not available
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 515 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
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… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“AFTER MAKING A TURN THE CAR BEEPED, "POWER STEERING" SHOWED ON THE DISPLAY, AND I LOST POWER STEERING. RESTARTING THE CAR CAUSES POWER STEERING TO…”NHTSA complaint 10503920 — filed 03/21/2013 · STEERING
“POWER STEERING STOPS WORKING AT ALL SPEEDS AND CONDITIONS. DASH LIGHTS UP SAYING POWER STEERING AND FROM THAT POINT ON UNTIL VEHICLE IS RESTARTED THERE…”NHTSA complaint 10503095 — filed 03/15/2013 · STEERING
“2010 HHR 2LT (MANUAL TRANS / FLEX FUEL) BOUGHT NEW. PROBLEM BEGAN SUMMER 2012 @ 10,200 MI. CLICKING & THUD METAL NOISES HEARD & FELT…”NHTSA complaint 10502802 — filed 03/14/2013 · STEERING
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Chevrolet HHR?
Steering issues are the most-reported category, cited in 230 of 515 NHTSA complaints (44.7%), followed by electrical system (111), air bags (49), fuel/propulsion system (46). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2010 Chevrolet HHR have?
515 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 19 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, and 13 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2010 Chevrolet HHR have any recalls?
Yes — 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 14V171000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2010 Chevrolet HHR's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
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