general problems of the 2010 Chevrolet HHR - part 1

Rear door locking system failure. Door opened suddenly and without warning while driving endangering occupants. The door locking mechanism will not allow the door to remain secure and closed when shut. Online search revealed many similar incidents occurring for other drivers.

About 3 weeeks ago I went to exit my 2010 Chevrolet Hhr LS and the drivers door handle broke off in my hand. This caused me to climb over to the passenger side to exit. After wards I realized that I could use the power windows to roll the window down to open door from outside. If in the case of a crash the power windows would not work thus trapping me and all of my occupants in the vehicle. I checked on the Hhr owners web site and many owners complain it is a constant problem . Some carry extra in vehicle to combat the problem.

On April 25,2018, while driving on the freeway rt passenger back door opened, no indicator light came on dash board to show rt back door ajared. . . On April 19,2018 while driving on city street rt front passenger door opened, no indicator light appeared on dash. Both rt front and back passenger doors opened with in five days apart while driving. I was informed by dealership that the vehicle was old. Cause: faulty latch spring loader a15 body & electrical, 10470c lock, replaced rt front passenger door latch assembly. I purchased it in 2011and the present mileage is 17,000mi. I feel if the hatch door opens while on the freeway and my wheel chair rolls out a fatal accident would occur. I feel the material used in the latch spring loader and door latch assembly is unsafe. Parts should be recalled and replaced by the manufacturer, as well as notifying owner. Thank u for your help.

I parked my car in a parking space, turned it off and removed the key. I opened the driver door, stepped out with my left foot and the car started rolling backward, knocking me back into the driver seat. I slammed on the brake, checked the gear and noticed the car was not in park. Recently within the past 24 hours, I have had inconsistent power steering performance. I was driving at 45 mph then slowed down to make a right turn into the parking lot. As I entered the turn, my dash warning sounded and displayed "power steering. " from that point, I have had intermittent power steering interruption. I bought power steering fluid only to discover (after checking online for the location of my power steering resevoir) that I have an electrical power steering system. This discovery led me to the 4 recalls since the manufacture of my vehicle. . . Ignition fails and power steering fails. I checked my VIN but it comes up as no recalls although my car meets the criteria (2010 chevy Hhr non-turbo). This vehicle is not safe for me to drive especially to transport my child/family. However I am forced to drive it in order to make my living. I will take a photo of the warning message and upload it when I get another. . . As I am positive I will get another fault warning on my way to work in the morning. My vehicle was purchased used in 2016. . . Currently there is no lienholder.

Two of the inside door handles have snapped off and had to be replaced. This is a safety hazard. A minor fender bender could jam the doors and the handles be too weak to open the door mechanisms. If a fire, occupants would perish. Recall in order for all vehicles with plastic inside door handles.

Esc is what it said on the dash. It sounded as if something had crawled and was keeping the vehicle from moving properly I looked up what the meaning of the message on the dash and it said traction control warning which I had no clue but when I pulled over walking around the car nothing seemed to be wrong the entire car was shaking it was a scary experience and the cars had to go around me. When I re-started the car the message went off and the car moved as if nothing happened.

The plastic, interior door handles are prone to breaking. I replaced front, driver's-side interior door handle approximately 2 years ago. The front, passenger-side door handle is now broken. This is more than an inconvenience; it is a safety issue. To exit the vehicle, it is necessary to either roll down window and open door by pulling exterior door handle, or another occupant of the vehicle must exit the vehicle to open the door from outside. In the event of an emergency, this could result in further injury or death to occupant(s) being unable to quickly exit the vehicle. I don't know how many times this has been reported to the NHTSA, but there are many such cases that can be found by searching the internet. In fact, it is such a common occurance that dorman manufacturing sells a replacement door handle repair kit for the Chevrolet Hhr because the original interior door handle is riveted to the interior door panel, and Chevrolet/gm would otherwise require entire interior door panel to be replaced at a cost of approximately $400, excluding labor. I paid approximately $45 (shipping included) through amazon for dorman's kit. My vehicle was stationary when interior door handles broke. Normally one would not open doors while vehicle is in motion.

My car had got hit on the right side of the car when I crunk my car back up my horn was out it never worked again and its making a loud clicking noise when I drive the vehicle.

Car only has 54,168 miles. Check engine light appeared 4 months ago. I have taken it to a number of mechanics as well a dealer but no one can seem to figure out what the cause of it is. Grossinger chevy kept it for 1 day claims to not find anything but light still on. Tremendously concerning.

The interior door handles beak off - there have been tons of complaints online about this safety issue. You cannot exit the car from the door the handle has snapped off without either going to a different door or rolling down window and using the outside handle. 2 handles have broke now in the last year.

This vehicles safety chimes can shut off causing owner to be locked out of the vehicle with keys still in ignition. This occurs when parked and turned off or when parked and engine running. Small occupants as infants children and pets could be trapped in a freezing or hot car. This vehicle has no interior hatchback door opener and can essentially pin occupants in a accident into the vehicle if forward doors are damaged during accident. The only escape comes from removing plastic housing and using a screwdriver to a hidden latch inside the door housing.

Door handles break easily and have been replaced once each and drivers has been replaced twice. Also opening rear doors from outside of the car, the passenger rear door does not lock any longer and you can not get out the door without fighting with the lock on rear passenger side. The rear drivers side you have to jerk the door forward and sometimes it will open from the outside. You cannot open it from inside.

I was driving down I 2o in georgia and I thought my tire blew out. I got out of the car and the tire is fine, the rim is bent up like someone beat it with a hammer. I have never seen anything like this, but it was vibrating and humming about 2 days before this happened. Scared me half to death and could have been a bad accident if traffic was heavier.

Both front door handles on inside broke off and I asked the dealer to fix it they said they would have to charge me its a dangerous thing and I have to roll down the windows to get out of the car.

I have to replace the break pads every 6months and the tires wear uneven. The front right axle is loose, after they did the recall and fixed the steering column the vehicle stared messing up from loud noise to vibration in the pedals and steering wheel. If I want it fixed I have to pay for it. Only had vehicle not even 2 years from dealership and it has numerous issues. I wish I never got this vehicle and don't recommend it to anyone. This vehicle is not safe to drive when it rains because it looses traction and slides constantly.

Driving from work car started rumble ring then engine light came on. Panel said reduce power and service traction. Coast the car to side of highway sat about 15 mins and restarted car. It started engine light still on but was able to drive fine had about 40 miles to get home and it did it again. I repeated the steps again and drove home. On the next dat took it to the dealership and had it serviced and they said the throttle body just needed cleaning. Drove it for about 3 weeks and again it happen. Now on February 2, 2015 again it has happened and the car won't even turn stay to allow me to get it serviced I will probably have to tow it. The temperature has been so cold so I have been commuted on trains and buses to get to work for almost a month.

Rydell Chevrolet in northridge California postponed my recall service because the replacement parts they received were defective. Yes I said defective. I don't want my defective parts replaced with more defective parts. These cars are lemons and gm knows it. I should call the news.

Plastic inside door handles breaks off in hand and leave disabled and veteran stranded in drivers seat. . Read more...

I am getting the runaround from rydell Chevrolet in northridge, CA with regard to this recall. Called shortly after receiving first recall notice to order parts, told no parts available yet. Went in for service in August, ordered the parts for the recall. Called in September because I hadn't heard anything over 3 weeks and was told I didn't need to order parts, they had them and no problem, come in and get repaired. I couldn't come until this month, I called for an appointment to replace the recall parts, appointment tomorrow morning. Received a call today, no parts available for the recall repair will have to order them. Really??? I have 2 pieces of mail I received Friday, 11/21/14 that say "your ignition switch recall parts are now available" with the info for rydell northridge, CA inviting me to make an appointment now! this is ridiculous!. Gm may want to fix these problems but the dealerships sure do not.

Inside drivers door handle defective ,,will not let driver out of car in a time of a crash.

Tl-the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Hhr. The contact stated the front driver and passenger door handles are fractured. The contact stated to exit the vehicle she would rolled the windows in a down position , extended her arms to unlock the door from the outside. The vehicle was taken to dealer and they recommended the replacement of the door handles contact would have to pay out of pocket not covered under a safety recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000. Lb.

Having received several letters from gm regarding the recall of this vehicle, I contacted the local gm dealer only to be shown that the letter stated that I would be contacted again when the part(s) were available. The dealer told me to go away and wait for a follow-up letter in spite of the danger of driving the car in its current condition.

The inside door handle broke off for the 2nd time in less than a year, I think this is the maker fault and the customer shouldn't be held responsible for this.

On my lunch break for work my powersteering once again has given out on me I have contacted Chevrolet numerous time trying to get them to understand how unsafe it is to keep driving the car when there is already a known issue with powersteering of my car but Chevrolet has refused to provide a rental car to me due to me not feeling safe to drive the car they are not able to give me a time when the parts should be in.

My vehicle is currently under 3 safety recalls with gm. When I contacted gm to inquire about a possible loaner vehicle until it can be repaired, I was told the dealerships were authorized to provide loaner vehicles. When I called the dealership they stated that they were only providing loaner vehicles for those whose cars were inoperable. When I contacted gm for clarification on this, they stated that loaner vehicles are available for those cars under safety recalls, of which my car is included, and sent me back to the dealership. The dealership still refuses to provide a loaner vehicle and gm is not assisting, just sending me back to the dealership. This car is under recalls in which there were serious accidents and deaths involved. There is no way I am driving this car. Can you help with this situation?.

I have contacted gm to get the recall done for the ignition switch on my 2010 chevy Hhr. I have been told that the parts will not be available and have to be ordered. Time to make the repairs will be 4 to 6 weeks. Thought you should know.

Car would not start for days. Had it jumped several times. Finally started running again, than it appeared to have an exhaust leak. Nope. . . Direct fit converter. . . Over 600$ plus being towed 2xs. Another battery, aaa towing and jumping, already had egin switch replaced, now my kids and I have to worry about power steering! thought I loved this vech, but its cost us an arm and a leg just to fix problems, not to mention im still paying for it! chevy 2010 had 7miles on it when purchased, has approx 70 now, could of had more, if not for fixing and buying parts! never again.

David stanely Chevrolet oklahoma city was notified in may that we need to take care of the recall notices on the power steering and ignition. They said it would take 6-8 weeks to get the parts. As of the 4th of August they have made no attempt to fix these recalls and we are now being told we have an appointment to have it inspected for parts on Sep 18th. Is this how gm is handling all these recalls?.

While driving down the interstate at 70 mph,I had a warning light and the display read svc esc. Shortly after, the power steering display came on in the vehicle. I then immediately lost control of vehicle. It took great force to steer the vehicle off of the highway to a safe location. I then used the onstar service, they ran a quick diagnostic - result came back that they were unable to connect to the power steering system - the power steering system had lost electrical connection or had failed completely - they were unable to let me know without having it diagnosed further at a local chevy dealership. The vehicle was then towed to the local chevy dealer. They ran a diagnostic and found that my entire steering column needed to be replaced. They also explained that other models of the Hhr were recalled for the same issue that I experienced, however my model was considered "safe".

Greetings NHTSA, I am writing to document some things about our 2010 Chevrolet Hhr. Yes, it was part of the recall, but I need for you to be inform of some things, that I pray can help someone else: 1. Power issues: the power would act so crazy that we never knew when it was going to shut off. Exp. This past winter, the blower motor would blow cold air, while it was freezing outside! or it would not work at all, then, the blower heater would come on, just by turning the ignition on. . And it would blow hot air. And it would not turn off, unless the key was out of the ignition. The dash would get very hot, showing a potential for a fire. Apparently, each time a fuse had blown out. We would replace it and in three weeks it would go out again. Something electrical must of been going on. There was also, power steering concerns. 2. We took it in to serra Chevrolet in southfield, michigan to have the ignition switch replace. We were given a rental, and it took over three weeks for the part to arrive. We were hoping that the ignition switch was causing the problem and that it would go away, once replaced. 3. On June 4th, 2014-the parts came in. . 4. On Thursday, June 5th, 2014, the new ignition switch was replaced. The next day, June 6th, 2014, the blower motor went crazy again, and the airbag warning light came on. ( with all of the issues with the car, the airbag light never came on until the new ignition switch was installed. 5. Afraid of an airbag disaster today, June 9th, 2014, my husband took the car back to serra Chevrolet in southfield, michigan. They are so backed up, with cars. They cannot even look at it until tomorrow. My husband was dropped off, no rental no loaner! and now we are without a car, thank you. And "be blessed" pastor deborah satterwhite c/o edwin satterwhite-consumers-2010 Chevrolet Hhr owner.

Intermittent "service air bags". Service light goes on and off sometimes it will change multiple times in just a 20 mile commute. Sometimes the service light will not turn on/off for a month. No common factor found. My VIN is not yet covered on the Hhr recall list. Intermittent "power steering" loss - service light turns on and off. It can be hot, cold, dry, raining, driving 30 miles per hour or driving 50 miles per hour. Very difficult to control vehicle. My VIN is not yet covered on the Hhr recall list. A couple of times my car key got stuck in the ignition. Once it took five minutes to turn the Hhr off. This is covered on the current Hhr recall list. There currently is no fix for the problem. It could be two months before it can be repaired.

Power steering unit went out when driving without warning. Pulled Hhr over to the curb to get the car off the road and damaged tire on curb. Car very hard to steer and could not control when pulling vehicle off road. This is a serious safety hazard especially for my wife who does not have the upper arm strength to control the vehicle. Same power steering unit in the chevy cruze and pontiac g6 has been recalled. Do not understand why the Hhr has not been included in the recall. Same problem reported on the internet by many other owners.

Ignition stuck, car wont shut off , can't remove key.

The power steering (electrical) warning light came on and my power steering failed as I was pulling out of a gas station making a left hand turn. I was able to put the car in reverse and back into the parking lot. I turned the car off and restarted it. The same warning flashed and the power steering failed again. My wife, eight-year old daughter, and I were getting ready to get onto the expressway before this occurred. After doing research, I have uncovered the fact that gm has had this type of problem with the cobalt and other models (including many Hhr owners) but have yet to recall the Hhr for this problem even though there are many online complaints about the same exact problem occurring around the 45,000-60,000 mile mark. The fact that gm knows that certain components are failing and have not yet recalled the vehicle is troubling. If this malfunction were to happen at high speed (with no previous warning light of a potential problem until actual power steering failure), or in the middle of a turn in a busy intersection, the results will be catastrophic. I would like to hope that gm would be more proactive in protecting the lives of its customers and families. I really hope that it won't take a tragic "loss of life" event to get gm and the federal government to take the appropriate precautions to protect americans who drive this vehicle.

The Hhr inside door handle broke off while opening door. Had this happened under other conditions it could have resulted in a tragedy. Looking this up on the internet breaking inside door handles appears to be a common problem for the Hhr . Handles are made of light plastic.