This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Chevrolet HHR airbags problems
severe 27 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
27
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
4crashes
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 27 airbags complaints filed for the 2010 Chevrolet HHR, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 27 airbags complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 6 model years of Chevrolet HHR in our records for airbags problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to complete a terminal replacement or connector re connection to correct a condition of Diagnostic Information for Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System, Intermittent AIR BAG Indicator/Lamp Illuminated with DTC(s) B0012, B0013, B0015, B0016, B0019, B0020, B0022, B0023, B0026, B0033, B0040, B0042 or B0044 Set (Inspect and Replace Connector Position Assurance (CPA) Retainer)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides Information on Passenger Presence Sensing System (PPS or PSS) Concerns with Custom Upholstery, Accessory Seat Heaters or Other Comfort Enhancing Devices
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CHEVROLET HHR:2009-2010 PASSENGER AIR BAG WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR: CERTAIN VEHICLES AIRBAGS CAN CAUSE CORROSION. SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNERS LETTER.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗PASSENGER PRESENCE SYSTEM (PPS) MAY COMMAND PASSENGER AIRBAG INDICATOR AND SEAT BELT REMINDER ON WHEN ELECTRONIC DEVICES (COMPUTERS, MP3 PLAYERS, CELL PHONES, DIAGNOSTIC SCAN TOOL, ETC.) ARE PLACED ON FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, DTCS 5045 OR B0074 0F SET IN PPS MODULE. UPDATED 2/21/13.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The service airbag light is the dominant complaint across these 27 complaints. Owners describe it coming on intermittently or staying on constantly, cycling off and on unpredictably, and reappearing weeks or months after dealer visits. While the light is illuminated, owners state the airbag system does not function—a critical safety gap if a crash occurs.
The root cause most commonly cited is a loose or defective harness connector under the passenger or driver seat. Dealerships often fix it by re-plugging the connector or replacing it entirely ($218 reported for harness plus labor), but the problem recurs. Owners report this as a known defect discussed widely on HHR forums.
Three separate crash incidents are documented where airbags failed to deploy entirely—impacts at 25 mph, 35 mph, and 40-45 mph all resulted in no deployment and occupant injuries. One owner reported the opposite: spontaneous deployment of rear and driver-side airbags at 25 mph during normal driving with no collision.
Diagnostic codes B0019-0D and B0010-04 appear in one complaint as known connector problems that can prevent airbag deployment. Recall campaign 14V047000 exists but has faced parts delays; some owners were told their VINs were not covered despite having identical complaints as recalled vehicles. Out-of-warranty owners face full repair bills; dealers sometimes suggest ignoring the warning despite it indicating the system is inactive.
Same Chevrolet HHR airbags reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2009 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Service Airbag Light Illumination
Owners report the service airbag warning light coming on intermittently or staying on constantly. When the light is on, owners believe the airbag system is inoperative and will not function in a crash. The light often cycles on and off, or reappears after dealer visits. Some dealers claim the warning can be safely ignored despite the light remaining on.
When: Various mileages; some instances reported at 36,900-40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Service airbag light illuminates on dashboard; Light cycles on and off intermittently; Light reappears after temporary dealer fixes; Light turns on at startup or while driving
Codes mentioned: B0019-0D, B0010-04
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report replacing harnesses ($18 part, $200 labor mentioned in one case), replacing sensors multiple times, re-plugging connectors under seats, clearing computer codes. Repairs are temporary—lights return. One owner paid $218 total for harness replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall campaign 14V047000 (Air Bags, Electrical System) exists but parts availability delayed repairs. Some owners told vehicle was not covered under recall despite similar complaints from other VINs. Warranty period limits coverage; out-of-warranty repairs are owner responsibility.
Harness Connection Failure Under Seats
Multiple owners identify a loose or defective harness connector under the passenger or driver seat as the source of airbag light illumination. The connection fails to seat properly, triggering the warning light and disabling the airbag system.
When: Can occur at low mileage (59 miles after purchase in one case) or higher mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag light comes on; Chime sounds along with light; Connector under seat is loose or unplugged
Repairs/costs cited: Re-plugging the harness temporarily fixes the issue; however, the connection fails again. One owner replaced the entire harness for $218. Owners report this as a known common defect on HHR forums.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls specifically addressing harness design; owners treat this as a design flaw requiring repeated repairs.
Airbag Deployment Failure in Crashes
Three owners experienced crashes where airbags failed to deploy. One occurred at 35 mph during a front and side impact; another at 40-45 mph from a side and front impact; a third at 40 mph after vehicle stall. All resulted in occupant injuries and medical attention.
When: At mileage 29,000-34,500 miles at time of crash
Symptoms owners cite: No airbag deployment on impact; Injuries sustained by occupants; Vehicle required police report and dealer inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnostics were inconclusive or stated 'not at fault.' One vehicle's computer shut down in the crash and key became stuck in ignition, preventing towing assessment.
Unintended Airbag Deployment
One owner reported rear and driver-side airbags deploying without warning while driving at 25 mph on normal road conditions with no impact or emergency.
When: At 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags deploy spontaneously during normal driving; No collision or emergency trigger
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired according to the complaint.
Passenger Seatbelt Pretensioner Malfunction
Owners report the seatbelt retraction system and passenger seat belt warning are affected by the same underlying electrical or connector issue that triggers the airbag light. The passenger seatbelt does not lock during hard braking or impacts, and the passenger seatbelt warning chime/light is intermittent or absent.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Seatbelt does not lock during hard braking; Passenger seatbelt warning light does not come on when passenger present; Seatbelt extends but does not retract in a crash
Synthesized from 27 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Air bag warning light constantly coming on, had it fixed in october 2012, after arguing with the dealer that it should be covered under the warranty. 2 months later the light is back on. *tr ## VIN failed ##
Had airbags trouble with your 2010 Chevrolet HHR?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2010 Chevrolet HHR?
It's a meaningful issue. 27 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Across the 18 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 36,900 and 115,000 miles, with the median around 69,498. A quarter of owners report trouble before 36,900; a quarter make it past 115,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/Chevrolet/HHR.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.