This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Chevrolet HHR powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2010 Chevrolet HHR have filed 18 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 65,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 HHR | 65 |
| 2007 HHR | 24 |
| 2008 HHR | 14 |
| 2009 HHR | 13 |
| 2010 HHR (this page) | 18 |
| 2011 HHR | 9 |
2crashes
1injury
What stands out
Among the 6 model years of Chevrolet HHR in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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 bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2010 HHR are describing a powertrain system prone to sudden, dangerous failures. The most alarming pattern involves uncontrolled acceleration: multiple owners report the engine revving to 70–87 mph without driver input, with steering locked and brakes unresponsive. One incident occurred in a parking garage at low speed, resulting in a totaled vehicle; another on a highway onramp nearly sent the car into traffic.
Power steering electrical failures are widespread, typically between 45,000 and 60,000 miles. The warning light illuminates and steering control disappears mid-turn with no recovery option short of restart. Multiple owners note GM knows of this pattern on Cobalts but has not recalled the HHR.
Transmission problems cluster around slipping gears, jumping during shifts, abnormal noises, and two critical failures: one owner lost all forward gears on the highway (only Reverse worked); another's transmission fluid leaked from a fractured coolant hose, causing immediate stall. A separate subset of owners cannot shift out of Park without holding the brake, turning the key forward, and pressing the shifter button repeatedly—a workaround that fails to permanently resolve the issue.
Stalling occurs without warning at both low and high speeds. One family had to be rescued from the middle of a highway by state police after complete loss of power. Engine control appears unreliable at altitude and under load. Dealers consistently fail to reproduce these problems and find no diagnostic codes, leaving repairs incomplete and owners stranded.
Same Chevrolet HHR powertrain reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Key stuck in ignition
Key becomes stuck in the ignition switch, typically when the vehicle is in Park, preventing the driver from turning the key or removing it. Loss of electrical power occurs; power steering, lights, and other systems lose function. Dealer troubleshooting often fails to reproduce the problem.
When: Varies; one report at 17,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Key will not turn or come out of ignition; Complete loss of electrical power; No power steering, lights, or accessory function; Battery drains while stuck
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to duplicate; battery replacement performed in one case; manual procedure referenced in owner manual was unavailable on vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued warning letter stating they would fix the problem free if it occurred; dealer stated it was a known problem but provided no solution in one case; no recall issued despite multiple complaints
Stalling and loss of power at high altitude and speed
Engine stalls and stumbles while driving, particularly at high altitude or during demanding acceleration. Vehicle loses power; restart and stumbling continues for extended periods. Dealer blames fuel quality despite similar issues on multiple vehicles passing same location without incident.
When: High altitude operation; second occurrence within 2–3 day period
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls and stumbles; Loss of power during acceleration; Repeated stalling after restart; Sputtering engine on restart
Repairs/costs cited: None; owner suspects engine control module programming issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer claimed poor fuel quality; no manufacturer response recorded
Uncontrolled acceleration and steering lockup
Engine accelerates uncontrollably; brakes do not respond; steering becomes locked or uncontrollable. Occurs suddenly during low-speed maneuvers. Vehicle crashes into fixed object; airbags deploy. After tow jump-start, engine races again and vehicle accelerates uncontrollably during movement.
When: At parking garage, low speed backing maneuver
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden uncontrollable acceleration; Brakes unresponsive; Steering locked or not responding; Loud boom sound preceding acceleration; Engine racing after jump-start; Hazard lights flashing uncontrollably after crash
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle totaled; owner speculates stuck idle solenoid or drivetrain problem
Power steering electrical failure
Power steering system fails without warning or fails repeatedly after restart. Electrical power steering warning light illuminates. Occurs at moderate speeds during turns, creating dangerous loss of control. Multiple owners report failures around 45,000–60,000 miles. Known issue on Cobalt and other GM models but no HHR recall issued despite complaints.
When: Around 45,000–60,000 miles typical; one reported during expressway merge
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering warning light illuminates; Power steering function lost immediately; Loss of steering control during turns; Requires full manual steering effort
Repairs/costs cited: None recorded; issue known across Cobalt and other GM models
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite multiple HHR complaints and known Cobalt issue pattern
Sudden uncontrolled acceleration on ramps and highways
Engine accelerates to high speed (70–87 mph) without driver input while vehicle is at low speed (40 mph). Steering becomes locked or uncontrollable. Throttle and brakes do not respond as expected. Engine revs but vehicle speed does not match engine sound. Owner must shift to Neutral to regain control.
When: While entering toll booth and highway ramp; one instance at 40 mph on ramp
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden acceleration to high speed without driver input; Steering locked or uncontrollable; Brake and accelerator pedals unresponsive; Engine revving while vehicle does not accelerate; Engine sound does not match vehicle speed
Repairs/costs cited: Shifting to Neutral allowed regaining control
Transmission slipping and jerking with gauge fluctuation
Transmission slips or jumps gears during normal driving. Instrument cluster gauges fluctuate abnormally. Transmission warning light may illuminate. Symptoms sporadic and difficult to reproduce. Dealer performed multiple repair attempts including body control module service, connector lubrication, and power steering control module replacement with no resolution.
When: At 277 miles (early in vehicle life); current mileage 12,345
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips or jumps gears; Gauges on instrument cluster fluctuate; Jerking or bucking during gear shifts; Transmission warning light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: Body control module serviced and lubricated; power steering control module replaced; high-speed lane modular connectors lubricated
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer advised dealer to stop repairs due to inability to duplicate failure; no further assistance provided
Stuck or difficult gear shifting from Park
Transmission will not shift out of Park or shifts only after extended delay (5–10 minutes). Requires pressing brake firmly, turning key forward, and pressing shifter button multiple times before transmission engages. Issue recurs repeatedly; owners must repeat procedure each time vehicle is parked.
When: Began occurring suddenly; one report at 2007 model (not 2010)
Symptoms owners cite: Cannot shift from Park to Drive or Reverse; 10-minute delay before gear engages; Shifter button must be pressed repeatedly; Requires specific sequence: key forward, brake pressed, button pushed; Issue recurs on every use
Repairs/costs cited: Workaround found: manual shifter button press with specific key and brake positioning
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or solution from manufacturer despite multiple owners reporting same issue
Complete loss of forward gears while driving
Vehicle loses all forward gears without warning during highway driving. Only Reverse gear functions. Engine runs but produces no forward power. No diagnostic trouble codes present. Family stranded in middle of highway traffic with semi-trucks traveling at 65 mph on both sides. Required rescue by state highway patrol.
When: After slowing down in traffic on highway
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of forward gear power; Reverse gear only functions; Engine running but no forward power delivery; No warning before failure; No diagnostic trouble codes present
Repairs/costs cited: Suspected catastrophic transmission failure; OnStar found no codes; mechanic scanner found no diagnostic codes
Transmission fluid leak from fractured coolant hose
Transmission fluid leaks from a fractured transmission coolant hose while driving. Vehicle loses power and stalls. Fluid loss reduces transmission function immediately.
When: At 106,774 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to accelerate; Vehicle stalls suddenly at low speed (25 mph); Transmission fluid visible leaking
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed fractured transmission coolant hose; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but no response recorded
Engine deceleration and stalling without warning
Engine decelerates suddenly without driver input and stalls while driving at moderate speeds. Vehicle becomes disabled in traffic lane. One incident resulted in rear-end collision by another vehicle.
When: At 20–25 mph; around 55,999 miles in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden deceleration without driver input; Engine stalls; Vehicle completely immobilized; No warning before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified in one case
Abnormal transmission noise during gear shifts
Transmission makes abnormal grinding or clunking noise when shifting into gear. Noise recurs multiple times but vehicle remains drivable. No formal diagnosis performed.
When: At 114,000 miles; multiple occurrences
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal noise during gear shifts; Grinding or clunking sound; Recurrent issue
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified
Service traction warning and jerking during acceleration
Vehicle jerks or bucksand fails to accelerate normally. Service traction warning indicator illuminates. Vehicle becomes sluggish or unresponsive.
When: At 89,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle jerks or bucks during driving; Failure to accelerate normally; Service traction warning light illuminates; Vehicle does not respond smoothly to throttle
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified
CV driveshaft failure
CV driveshaft on front passenger side fails suddenly while driving. Loud noise occurs; vehicle decelerates rapidly. Shaft failure renders vehicle undriveable.
When: At approximately 110,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise from front passenger side; Sudden deceleration; Vehicle cannot continue driving after failure
Repairs/costs cited: CV driveshaft failure; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Driveshaft manufacturer notified; no response recorded
Intermittent starting failure with transmission warning light
Vehicle fails to start intermittently. When it does start, transmission slips with illumination of transmission warning light. Dealer recognizes failure but cannot diagnose root cause.
When: Starting at 10,998 miles; current mileage 17,572
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent starting failure; Transmission slips; Transmission warning light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to diagnose exact cause; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified
Multiple undiagnosed electrical and drivetrain issues
Owner reports gears getting stuck, defective sensors, lights turning on and off, false tire pressure warnings, and transmission problems. After recall service for ignition switch and power steering, dealer refused to address transmission and other issues, claiming they were not part of recall.
When: Accident occurred January 2014; new issues ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: Gears get stuck; Noise during driving; Sensors defective; Dashboard lights turn on and off; False low tire pressure warning; Transmission problems
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition switch and power steering fixed under recall; transmission and other issues not addressed by dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall service provided only for ignition switch and power steering; dealer refused to address other issues
Airbag warning light that will not reset
Airbag warning light remains illuminated even after ignition switch replacement during recall service. Light persists and does not clear. Known recall item but remains unresolved.
When: After ignition switch recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light will not turn off; Light persists even after driving; Issue known to occur after recall repair
Repairs/costs cited: Light appeared after ignition switch replacement during recall service; persists despite vehicle restart attempts
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer aware of issue but provided no resolution despite being recall-related item
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2010 Chevrolet HHR?
It's a meaningful issue. 18 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 16 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 51,600 and 106,774 miles, with the median around 65,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 51,600; a quarter make it past 106,774. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.