Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2010 Chevrolet HHR
The 2010 Chevrolet HHR has a significant number of owner complaints, particularly concerning steering, electrical, and airbag issues. The vehicle is subject to several recalls, mainly involving ignition switch problems and electric power steering failures. While some issues are common, potential buyers should inspect for specific problems due to limited reliable complaint data outside of these areas.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2010 Chevrolet HHR has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 516 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #14E021000 Aftermarket Replacement Ignition Switches NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V171000 Key Can Be Removed when Ignition is not Off NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V153000 Sudden Loss of Electric Power Steering NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V047000 Ignition Switch may Turn Off NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 232 complaints
- Electrical System 120 complaints
- Air Bags 49 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 46 complaints
- Structure 44 complaints
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 32 complaints
Of the 516 complaints on file, 19 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 516 complaints, owners report 13 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Loss of power steering assist
How to check: Test steering assist at various speeds and conditions.
Ignition switch issues
How to check: Check if key can be removed in positions other than "Off."
Airbag system malfunction
How to check: Verify airbag warning light does not illuminate during driving.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Ensure no warning lights remain on after starting.
Red flag: Persisting warning lights
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Feel for vibrations or rough idling.
Red flag: Excessive vibration
- 03
Initial acceleration
What to check: Steering should maintain power assist.
Red flag: Loss of steering power assist
- 04
Low-speed maneuver
What to check: Steering should feel responsive and easy to turn.
Red flag: Heavy or jerky steering
- 05
Stop at signal
What to check: Ensure stability control warning does not activate.
Red flag: Stability control warnings
- 06
Highway speed
What to check: Vehicle should accelerate smoothly and steadily.
Red flag: Acceleration issues or power loss
- 07
Parking
What to check: Ignition should turn off and key should not remove in other positions.
Red flag: Key removes in wrong position
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the ignition switch recall been performed?
- Have you experienced any steering issues?
- Have there been any airbag deployments?
- Is there a history of electrical repairs?
- Are there any known recurring issues?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Proof of recall repairs
- Service and maintenance records
- Vehicle history report
- Title and registration documents
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2010 Chevrolet HHR at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2010 Chevrolet HHR? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.