This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number for reflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Chevrolet HHR electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2010 Chevrolet HHR have filed 85 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 47,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
85
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 HHR | 142 |
| 2007 HHR | 63 |
| 2008 HHR | 78 |
| 2009 HHR | 117 |
| 2010 HHR (this page) | 85 |
| 2011 HHR | 29 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 85 electrical 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 85 electrical 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 electrical problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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 Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2010 HHR electrical architecture has deep structural issues. Most critical: the ignition switch and lock cylinder frequently jam, trapping the key in the ON position with the engine running. Owners have disconnected batteries, pulled fuel pump fuses, and left vehicles running at dealerships (sometimes for 2+ days) because the key won't turn to OFF. This defect recurs across 85 separate complaints at various mileages—even after recall work.
Brake lights turn on without brake pedal input, disengaging cruise control unpredictably and defeating a core safety system. Replacing the brake switch doesn't fix it; the problem traces to a circuit board loose or shorted on the center console passenger side.
Headlights and running lights cycle on and off randomly or fail permanently. Right headlight failure is routine. Tail light bulbs burn out in weeks, then the fixture melts. Power windows—especially passenger and rear—stop responding to driver controls.
Airbag warning lights illuminate intermittently or stay lit. One owner's warranty airbag repair was ordered in 2012, never installed, and in 2014 the dealer demanded $400 to complete what should have been free—GM customer service refused to help.
The blower motor runs wild or not at all, fuses blow every three weeks, and the engine stalls without warning at highway speeds. After ignition switch recall work, these electrical gremlins persist. Dealer parts availability remains chronically poor, leaving owners stranded and without loaner vehicles for weeks.
Same Chevrolet HHR electrical reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2009 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Ignition Switch / Cylinder - Key Stuck, Engine Won't Shut Off
Key becomes stuck in the ignition switch, unable to turn the engine off or remove the key. Vehicle remains running, sometimes for extended periods. Owners forced to disconnect battery or pull fuel pump fuse to stop the engine.
When: Various mileages reported: 35,000–82,578 miles; incidents span 2011–2018
Symptoms owners cite: Key will not turn past ON position to OFF; Key cannot be removed from ignition; Engine continues running with key stuck in ON position; Ignition lock cylinder frozen or jammed
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition switch or lock cylinder replacement reported; costs range $240–$499.50; dealers cite failure of tumbler housing, worn lock cylinder, or missing/inadequate lubrication during prior recall work
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V171000 (Electrical System); also references to ignition switch recall; some owners report GM issued 'advisories' but no formal recall for lock cylinder failure; recall parts availability delays common; some owners report ignition switch replacement did not resolve subsequent key-sticking incidents
Brake Lights Illuminating Without Brake Input
Brake lights turn on randomly without driver pressing brake pedal. Cruise control disengages when this occurs. Replacement of brake switch above pedal does not fix the problem. Appears circuit board related, located on passenger side lower center console.
When: Ongoing issue; one owner reports starting a couple years ago and escalating
Symptoms owners cite: Brake lights turn on with zero brake pedal input; Cruise control randomly disengages; Brake lights remain on even after depressing pedal fully; Cruise control can engage with brake pedal depressed, defeating safety disengagement
Repairs/costs cited: Brake switch replacement does not resolve; tapping center console with palm reportedly makes lights go off temporarily; suggests loose or defective circuit board connection
Headlight and Running Light Failures
Low beam and high beam headlights fail intermittently or completely. Parking lights and tail lights go out repeatedly. Right headlight failure is commonly reported. Lights cycle on and off unpredictably.
When: Reports from 2011 onwards; recurring failures within 3–6 months of repair
Symptoms owners cite: Low beam headlights go out while driving; High beams must be used as workaround; Parking lights fail; Tail lights out intermittently; Lights come on then go off randomly
Repairs/costs cited: One repair diagnosed relay problem in headlight circuit; however, failures recur; one owner reports light holder melting on tail light; bulb replacements with OEM-recommended bulbs do not prevent recurrence
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner alleges right headlight failure is a known design defect affecting all GM products 2010 forward and should be recalled; no formal recall found in narratives
Power Window Failures
Passenger and rear windows will not roll down from driver-side door panel; some rear windows operate only with difficulty or by unlocking/locking and applying pressure at an angle. Safety concern if emergency window exit needed.
When: Reported onset a couple years before complaint; escalating
Symptoms owners cite: Front passenger window not working; Rear driver-side window not working; Rear passenger window only lowers with difficulty and pressure; Windows will not roll down using driver-side door panel
Repairs/costs cited: Costs cited as prohibitive; no specific repair costs given in narratives
Airbag Warning Light Illumination / Disabled Airbag
SRS/airbag warning lights illuminate intermittently or persistently. One owner reports airbag warning light came on immediately after ignition switch recall work. One owner unable to get airbag repair honored under warranty; part ordered in 2012 was never installed and later dealer refused to complete repair without payment. Security feature chip replacement suggested as cause in one case.
When: One case reported light coming on one month and clearing; another ongoing issue; airbag repair issue spanning 2012–2014
Symptoms owners cite: SRS or airbag warning light illuminated; Disabled airbag warning light on; Warning light appears intermittently or stays lit
Repairs/costs cited: One owner charged $400 for airbag part not installed; another case required security feature chip replacement; one service connector replacement performed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner's warranty airbag repair request from 2012 was denied in 2014; dealer refused to honor warranty and demanded $400 payment; GM customer service refused to intervene; one owner reports open safety recalls on other models for airbag issues but HHR not included
Blower Motor / HVAC Control Failures
Blower motor operates erratically, blowing cold air when heat is needed or vice versa, or running without driver input. Dashboard heat reported. Frequently accompanied by blown fuses that must be replaced repeatedly.
When: Winter conditions trigger cold air from blower; incidents recur every 3 weeks when fuses blown
Symptoms owners cite: Blower motor blows cold air in freezing weather; Blower motor does not work on demand; Blower motor activates by turning ignition on without input; Blower motor runs continuously and will not turn off without key out; Dashboard gets very hot; Fuses blow repeatedly
Repairs/costs cited: Fuse replacement; one owner notes fuses blow again within 3 weeks, indicating underlying electrical short
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ignition switch recall (14E021000) performed but blower issues persisted after recall work
Engine Stalling / Loss of Power
Engine stalls or dies without warning at various speeds, sometimes multiple times in short driving distance. One case stalled at freeway merge, another at stop sign. Warning lights illuminate before stall in some cases. Vehicle restarts after stall in most cases.
When: Mileage reported 35,000–82,578 miles; one case stalled 7 times in 15 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls at any speed, including highway speeds; No warning lights prior to stall; All instrument panel warning lights illuminate before stall; Vehicle restarts after stall, sometimes after delay; Stalling recurs multiple times in short distance
Repairs/costs cited: One independent mechanic diagnosed security feature chip replacement needed; one case involved ignition switch recall repair (14V171000) but failure continued after repair; one case attributed to ignition cylinder issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner received ignition switch recall repair (14V171000); failure recurred and service rep stated new ignition was not installed despite paperwork indicating replacement
Door Latch / Door Opening While Driving
Passenger-side front and rear doors open while vehicle is driving on freeway or city street. No warning indicator lights appear on dashboard. Faulty latch spring loader and door latch assembly identified as cause in one service.
When: Two incidents reported within 5 days of each other in 2018 on vehicle with 17,000 miles (purchased 2011)
Symptoms owners cite: Right front passenger door opens while driving; Right rear passenger door opens while driving; No door-ajar indicator light on dashboard
Codes mentioned: A15 BODY & ELECTRICAL, 10470C LOCK
Repairs/costs cited: Right front passenger door latch assembly replaced
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated vehicle was old (7 years) despite only 17,000 miles
Door Handle Breakage
Inside and outside door handles break, crumble, or crumble in owner's hands. Creates safety hazard as windows must be rolled down to exit vehicle in event of emergency.
When: Reported when vehicle was barely 3 years old; handles reported as broken on multiple doors
Symptoms owners cite: Door handles crumble or break in hands; Inside door handles inoperable; Cannot open doors normally, must use windows for emergency exit
Repairs/costs cited: Repair costs around $400 per handle; owners cite inability to afford repair
Door Lock / Unlock Malfunction
All doors unlock automatically when vehicle placed in Park. Keyless entry remote fob only unlocks driver door, not others. Creates security vulnerability to vehicle theft, particularly at gas stations.
When: Ongoing issue
Symptoms owners cite: All four doors unlock automatically when placed in Park; Keyless entry remote only unlocks driver door
Tail Light Holder Melting / Repeated Bulb Failures
Right tail light bulb burns out repeatedly within weeks of replacement. After multiple replacements, light holder found to be melting. OEM-recommended bulbs used, suggesting electrical overload in fixture.
When: Onset 1.5 years before complaint; replacements needed every 1–3 months, then every 1 week
Symptoms owners cite: Right tail light bulb burns out repeatedly; Light holder melting; Rapid succession of failures after each replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Bulb replacements multiple times; last replacement not made due to melting holder discovery
Electrical Shorts / Multiple Electrical Failures
Multiple electrical components fail in short timespan, suggesting wiring short or battery/charging system issue. Dashboard lights blink, windows fail, headlights fail, dome light fails within 3 weeks. Pattern suggests ongoing electrical system problem.
When: Multiple failures within 3-week period
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard inside lights randomly blinking; One headlamp goes out; Inside middle dome light goes out; Power windows will not operate; Parking lights and headlights cycle on and off; Pattern of failures suggests short circuit
Safety Chime / Occupant Alert System Failure
Safety chimes shut off, which can lock vehicle owners out with keys still in ignition. Vehicle has no interior hatchback door opener, creating risk of occupant entrapment in accident or emergency situations.
When: Occurs when parked with engine off or running
Symptoms owners cite: Safety chimes disabled; Owner locked out with keys in ignition; Small occupants (infants, children, pets) at risk of entrapment in hot or cold vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: No interior hatchback opener; emergency exit requires removing plastic housing and using screwdriver to access hidden latch
Power Steering Assist Motor Failure
Power steering assist motor failed while driving. One owner reports failure on busy highway during left-hand turn, creating immediate safety hazard.
When: Failure occurred on highway; power steering recall notice received after ignition switch recall
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist motor failure; Loss of power steering assistance while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Motor replacement required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Power steering recall notice (14V171000 or related) issued; parts availability delays reported
Synthesized from 85 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet hhr. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14v047000 (air bags, electrical system) and stated that the part needed was unavailable to perform the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
2010 Chevrolet hhr with 19,060 miles. Ignition was stuck in on position with engine running. Drove to dealership and the ignition assembly was replaced. I was out of the dealership within one hour and the repair was covered under warranty. *tr
On going issue of brake lights intermittently coming on without touching brake pedal. First noticed something wrong because cruise control wouldn't activate. Found problem at night when I could see the glow from my brake lights on the top inside edge of my rear hatch. Replacing brake switch above pedal did not fix problem. Sounds kind of funny, but I got brake lights to go off while setting in…
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet hhr. The contact stated that after shutting the vehicle off, the key would not remove from the ignition. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 47,000. The VIN was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet hhr. While at a stop sign, the vehicle shook violently and stalled. The lights on the instrument panel illuminated. The failure recurred three times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed, but the technician could not find a failure. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure.…
Had electrical 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 electrical problem on the 2010 Chevrolet HHR?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 85 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 69 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 37,000 and 69,000 miles, with the median around 47,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 37,000; a quarter make it past 69,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.