This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Chevrolet HHR steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2010 Chevrolet HHR have filed 231 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 63,000 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
231
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 HHR | 458 |
| 2007 HHR | 424 |
| 2008 HHR | 297 |
| 2009 HHR | 127 |
| 2010 HHR (this page) | 231 |
| 2011 HHR | 25 |
8crashes
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 231 steering complaints filed for the 2010 Chevrolet HHR, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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
Steering accounts for 45% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 231 steering 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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering 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 service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
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's electric power steering system cuts out without warning—a chime sounds, a dashboard light flashes, and steering effort skyrockets. Owners describe the wheel suddenly becoming stiff as a board, happening at 5 mph in parking lots or 70 mph on highways. Turning off the engine and restarting restores power steering temporarily, but the failure recurs within minutes or hours. This happens on dry pavement, wet roads, hot days, cold days—no pattern. It's dangerous: one owner nearly hit another vehicle while mid-turn, another crossed the center line in rain on a curve.
GM issued recall 14V153000 in March 2014 for "some" 2010 HHR models, but the catch is VIN-specific exclusions. Many owners with identical failure modes report their vehicles aren't covered. Dealers confirm they see the same problem repeatedly but tell owners the repair—usually a $250–$365 power steering motor swap or $1,500+ steering column replacement—is out-of-pocket. One independent shop couldn't even fix it without GM proprietary software.
A smaller group also reports spurious Electronic Stability Control activations on dry, flat pavement at 15–30 mph: the ESC fires, brakes engage without input, and steering briefly fails. Shops have replaced wheel speed sensors, hubs, and realigned the vehicle multiple times without stopping the issue. Owners also report steering column rattle and worn suspension components causing premature tire wear and blowouts. One owner found worn control arms at 70,000 miles.
The overlap with ignition switch recalls (key stuck in ignition, steering wheel won't unlock) adds to the headache.
Same Chevrolet HHR steering reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2009 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Intermittent electric power steering loss with warning light and chime
The electric power steering system cuts out intermittently during driving, reverting the vehicle to manual steering. A warning light illuminates on the dashboard and a chime sounds. Restarting the engine temporarily restores power steering, but it fails again within minutes to hours. The failure occurs at various speeds (5 mph to 75 mph), in various conditions (wet, dry, hot, cold), and during turns, corners, or straightaways. Owners report the steering wheel becomes extremely hard to turn, requiring significant force.
When: Failures reported from 2012 onward; occurs at any mileage from 10,000 to 155,000+ miles; no clear correlation with age or mileage pattern
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering light illuminates on dashboard; Audible chime or ding warning sound; Steering wheel becomes stiff and requires excessive force to turn; Complete loss of power steering assist; vehicle reverts to manual steering; Failure occurs at speeds ranging from 5 mph to 75 mph; Intermittent nature; may recur within minutes, hours, or days; Turning off and restarting engine temporarily restores function; Vehicle difficult to maneuver, especially in turns or traffic
Codes mentioned: Power steering control circuit malfunction, EPS (electronic power steering) motor failure, EPS sensor failure, Power steering torque sensor failure
Repairs/costs cited: Electric power steering motor replacement reported at $250–$365; complete steering column replacement estimated at $1,500 or more. Some owners report the steering column assembly or EPS motor controller unit required replacement. One independent shop required GM software to perform repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V153000 (issued March 2014) covers 'some' 2010 HHR models but excludes many vehicles with identical symptoms. Many affected vehicles report their VINs are not covered under the recall despite presenting the same failure mode. GM has issued extended warranties on some vehicles but denies coverage on others. Some dealers claim no parts are available or GM lacks a complete solution for the problem.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) activation with brief steering loss and involuntary braking
While driving straight on dry pavement at speeds between 15 and 30 mph, the ESC activates unexpectedly. A chime sounds and a message appears on the display. The vehicle briefly loses steering assist and pulls to the right while the brakes engage involuntarily. After turning off and restarting the engine, the vehicle operates normally. The problem recurs intermittently and has been resistant to repeated repairs.
When: Reported across multiple years; one owner mentioned seeing the issue return within weeks of multiple repair attempts
Symptoms owners cite: ESC or 'Service ESC' warning light illuminates; Chime or ding sound alerts driver; Sudden brief loss of steering assist; Vehicle pulls to the right involuntarily; Brakes engage without driver input; Occurs on straight, dry pavement; Speed range typically 15–30 mph but can occur at other speeds; Temporary resolution after engine restart; recurrence is common
Codes mentioned: ABS speed sensor fault, Steering position sensor calibration error, Electronic stability control system malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple attempted repairs include ABS speed sensor replacement (both sides), wheel hub replacement (both front), alignment correction, steering position sensor recalibration, and tire replacement (full sets, sometimes multiple times). Dealer diagnostic could not consistently duplicate the issue. Problem persists despite repeated service visits and repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for this specific ESC-related steering loss. Dealers have attributed the issue to various components (tires, hubs, sensors, alignment) but lack a permanent solution. One dealer acknowledged seeing the problem repeatedly in multiple vehicles.
Steering wheel lock-up and hard steering after ignition switch repair
After the vehicle is parked, the ignition switch is turned off, and the key is removed, the steering wheel locks in the normal position (as designed). However, when the owner inserts the key to restart the vehicle, the steering wheel remains locked and does not respond to ignition engagement. The key turns to the 'on' position but does not start the engine. The steering wheel must be wiggled or forced until it suddenly unlocks and the ignition engages. This issue developed or worsened after the ignition switch recall repair was performed.
When: Reported after ignition switch recall repair (2014 era); owners note progressive worsening after recall service
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locked when attempting to start the vehicle; Key turns to 'on' position but ignition does not engage; Steering wheel requires wiggling or forcing to unlock and allow start; Steering responsiveness feels diminished compared to pre-recall condition; Difficult to maintain lane control; Progressive worsening over time
Repairs/costs cited: Related to ignition switch replacement; some owners report the dealer replaced the ignition cylinder housing. One owner reported additional costs ($1,275 total) for ECM (engine control module) replacement due to programming failure after ignition service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V047000 (ignition switch/electrical system) covered some repairs, but housing replacement and ECM failure repairs were not covered under warranty for some owners; owners charged out-of-pocket.
Key stuck in ignition; inability to turn off vehicle or remove key
After turning off the ignition and parking the vehicle, the owner is unable to turn the key to the off position or remove it from the ignition cylinder. The vehicle may continue running or may require external intervention to shut it down. The problem has occurred multiple times for some owners.
When: Reported in 2014 and 2015; some owners experienced this issue before or alongside power steering problems
Symptoms owners cite: Key will not turn in the ignition cylinder; Key cannot be removed from ignition; Vehicle may continue running; Manual disconnect of battery required to shut down vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported the dealership replaced the entire ignition cylinder. Another reported the vehicle had to be towed and the battery disconnected overnight to shut it down; the vehicle remained vulnerable to theft.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V047000 covers transmission shifter electrical signal failure (which can lock the key in place). Recall also covers ignition switch issues. However, some owners report delayed parts availability or disputes over warranty coverage for related components like the ignition housing.
Worn or faulty front suspension control arms causing tire wear and instability
The front suspension control arms wear prematurely or are manufactured with defects. This causes excessive and uneven tire wear, making the front tires blow out or fail prematurely. The worn arms also cause steering instability and traction control activation, especially in slippery conditions. One owner experienced a tire blowout at highway speed after the arms were identified as faulty.
When: Owner purchased vehicle used in 2014 with 45,000 miles; traction issues appeared within months in December 2014; arm failure identified June 2016 at approximately 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Traction control light illuminates; Vehicle slides or loses stability in wet/snowy conditions; Front tires wear excessively and unevenly beyond normal expectation; Front tire blowout at highway speed; Steering instability
Repairs/costs cited: New control arms were replaced at a tire shop in 2014 ($1,800 including four new tires). By June 2016, replacement arms had also worn loose and faulty. Subsequent tire replacement performed within warranty at the tire shop.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall identified by the complainant. Tire shop mechanic believed a manufacturer recall was possible and refused to warranty the repair, citing defective parts as a potential recall item. Complainant filed small claims litigation.
Steering column rattle and worn nylon bushing
A rattle or clicking sound emanates from the steering column during low-speed sharp turns, on bumpy roads, or during hard braking at high speed. The owner suspects a worn nylon bushing in the electric steering column assembly. Related issue noted in parent's 2007 HHR with overheating power steering and column backlash.
When: Reported after 36,000 miles; owner could not get initial diagnosis at dealer
Symptoms owners cite: Rattle or clicking noise from steering column; Occurs during sharp turns at low speed; Occurs on bumpy roads; Occurs during hard braking at high speed; Resembles worn nylon bushing or electric steering box noise
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reports the issue was not initially diagnosed as a steering problem and was not covered under warranty after 36,000 miles. No repair performed; issue not resolved.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Dealer indicated the issue is not covered under warranty (mileage exceeded 36,000) and is not recognized as a recalled defect.
Synthesized from 231 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
My power steering is going out randomly making it unsafe to drive, I see there's a recall for 2010 chevy hhr power steering which is exactly what's happening with my vehicle. When I turn it off and turn it back on it will work for a minute then click and go back out, yet when my vin was ran the recall doesn't show up for my car even though the recall states 2010 chevy hhr.. mine clearly has the…
Slow speed made u turn power steering light came on hard to steer,took to a repair shop near by they came back and told me electric motor needs replaced, vehicle only has 45500 miles on it.. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet hhr. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the power steering failed. When the brakes were applied, the pedal pulsated and the electric power steering warning indicator illuminated. The contact was able to operate the vehicle with the power steering after switching to a different key. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of…
Driving on interstate and the steering warning light came on, the steering became almost impossible to manage. Pulled off at next exit thinking I would check the fluid level. Couldn't locate the fluid reservoir and read the manual to find out that the power steering is electrically controlled. Came close to losing control of the vehicle at high speeds. *tr
Electronic power steering assist went out twice over the past weekend. The first time in a parking structure while trying to turn into a tight spot. Later will driving at approximately 35 miles per hour. Power steering returned to normal function each time after turning off the ignition. Nobody was hurt in either event, but with snow coming to the midwest I fear what might have happened on a…
2010 Chevrolet hhr. The engine died while driving. *mw the dealer informed the consumer, the steering column and steering box needed to be replaced. *jb
Had steering 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 steering problem on the 2010 Chevrolet HHR?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 231 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 195 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 49,500 and 82,368 miles, with the median around 63,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 49,500; a quarter make it past 82,368. 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 $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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.