This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Chevrolet HHR engine problems
severe Owners of the 2010 Chevrolet HHR have filed 11 NHTSA complaints about the engine at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 HHR | 39 |
| 2007 HHR | 17 |
| 2008 HHR | 13 |
| 2009 HHR | 9 |
| 2010 HHR (this page) | 11 |
| 2011 HHR | 14 |
1crash
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 11 engine complaints filed for the 2010 Chevrolet HHR, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 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
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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.
The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
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 engine complaints center on three primary failure patterns: electrical-ignition system problems, power delivery and starting issues, and fuel system deterioration.
Multiple owners report an ignition switch that gets stuck in the ON position, leaving the key unable to turn off and all electrical systems drawing power. Owners resort to pulling ECM fuses or disconnecting the battery to shut the vehicle down. This occurred as early as 3 months of ownership.
A separate group describes limp-mode activation triggered by cold weather, where the engine rumbles, the check engine light comes on, and a "Reduce Power" warning restricts the vehicle to 40 mph. Dealership throttle body cleaning provided only temporary relief—the problem returned within weeks. Eventually the vehicle won't start at all on some occasions.
Owners also report spontaneous deceleration without warning and engine stalling during traffic stops, though these appear less frequent than the other issues. One owner experienced fuel line deterioration and breakage near the rear wheel, requiring a fuel line replacement. Starting problems requiring multiple jump starts and battery replacement round out the electrical gremlins. An early-life smog test failure led one owner to a $5,000 engine replacement quote.
The common thread: electrical and fuel system reliability problems appearing at very low mileage, compounded by dealership difficulty in reproducing or fixing the issues.
Same Chevrolet HHR engine reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Throttle body/Reduced power limp mode
Engine rumbles and enters reduced power/limp mode with 'Reduce Power' and 'Service Traction' messages on display, often triggered by cold temperatures. Dealership cleaning of throttle body provides temporary relief but issue recurs within weeks. Eventually vehicle won't start or stay running.
When: Recurrent: initial occurrence around 3 weeks after cleaning; cold weather conditions reported
Symptoms owners cite: Engine rumble/stumble; Check engine light illumination; 'Reduce Power' warning message; 'Service Traction' warning message; Inability to exceed 40 MPH; Vehicle won't start or shuts down during driving
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership throttle body cleaning performed; repairs lasted approximately 3 weeks before recurrence
Unexplained deceleration
Vehicle spontaneously decelerates from highway speed (70 mph) down to 40 mph without driver input. Dealership unable to reproduce or diagnose the problem despite two service visits. Issue occurred at approximately 18,000 miles.
When: 18,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden unintended deceleration from 70 mph to 40 mph; No warning lights or messages reported
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; technician unable to duplicate problem at dealership
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of defect
Ignition switch stuck in ON position
Key will not turn back to OFF position after parking. All electrical systems remain energized, requiring owners to pull ECM fuses, disconnect battery, or allow vehicle to drain before shutdown. Issue represents safety hazard and potential for battery drain and electrical damage.
When: Occurring at low mileage (3 months ownership, 1,300 miles on one vehicle)
Symptoms owners cite: Key cannot be turned to OFF position; Key turns as if to start but won't shut off; All electrical systems remain energized; Gear shifter functions but ignition stuck ON; Vehicle will not power down
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report having to pull ECM fuses or disconnect battery to shut vehicle down; dealership tow and repair required
Engine stalling during idle/traffic stop
Engine stumbles and dies when vehicle comes to stop during traffic or construction delays, with complete engine shutdown after approximately one minute. Engine restarts successfully after brief rest period.
When: After several hours of driving
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stumble at idle; Complete engine stall after 1 minute; Occurs at traffic stops or road construction delays
Fuel line deterioration/leakage
Fuel line near rear wheel wears through and breaks, causing rapid gasoline leak from underneath vehicle near rear wheel area. Owner noted strong gasoline odor and visible puddle dripping near rear wheel.
When: Occurring before 70,000 miles (vehicle age unspecified in this narrative)
Symptoms owners cite: Strong gasoline odor; Visible fuel leaks and puddles near rear wheel; Rapid fuel loss
Repairs/costs cited: Service shop confirmed fuel line worn and broken; direct fit converter replacement mentioned as cost ($600+) but may relate to separate exhaust issue
Starting failure/battery drain
Vehicle fails to start for extended periods, requiring multiple jump starts before finally restarting. Related to broader electrical issues including engine switch replacement. Owner reports multiple towing incidents and battery replacement.
When: Approximately 70,000 miles (at time of complaint; vehicle had 7 miles at purchase)
Symptoms owners cite: Failure to start for days at a time; Requires multiple jump starts
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple jump starts, AAA towing twice, battery replacement, engine switch replacement already performed
Cabin noise at highway speeds
Very high interior cabin noise level when driving 45 mph and above. Early in vehicle life (1,300 miles). Manufacturer advised this was by design.
When: 1,300 miles (very early in vehicle life)
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive interior cabin noise at 45 mph and above
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer advised vehicle was designed to exhibit this noise
Engine failure requiring replacement
Engine failed smog inspection after 5 years of ownership at approximately 5,000 miles. Service shop advised engine replacement at $5,000 cost.
When: 5 years ownership, approximately 5,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Failed smog inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Service shop advised new motor needed; cost estimate $5,000
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
WATER PUMP
I got my car in 2011 took my car into shop because smog is not passing now I was told need new motor after 5yrs at 5000.00
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2010 Chevrolet HHR?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 11 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 69,794 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.