Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Chevrolet HHR owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Noticed that the cruise control would disengage randomly when activated. I checked the function of the brake lights at night and found that the brake lights would turn themselves on randomly with zero brake input, disengaging the cruise control. In this state, depressing the brake pedal more than around 30-40% would turn the brake lights off, even with the brake pedal fully pressed. Furthermore, with the brake pedal pressed to a moderate level, the cruise control is able to be engaged, even with obvious brake pressure being applied. This defeats the cruise control disengagement feature and the cruise control system will fight against the braking system to maintain speed instead of turning itself off as it seems to rely solely on the brake lights for the automatic disengagement. …
On November 29th, 2017 I was driving south on the highway and I was about 200 feet back when I noticed that the breaks went down to the floor board and I freaked out and didnt know what to do. There was know light that came on for break or ABS light. I hit a car in front at the stop light ahead and ran into to her my car is totaled. I had a tow truck come and get the car and he said as well there were no breaks what so ever. About two weeks ago I was noticing my car was acting up with the electricial system I had a officer at the hospital come out and help me and he said thats what it looks like and he has never seen that before.
In a parking garage on the 4th floor. Backing out of space. While backing up, I hear a loud boom. Nothing behind me. Thought perhaps a tire failure. Put vehicle in drive to pull forward out of traffic lane, and the engine accelerated uncontrollably. Brakes wouldn't respond. By the grace of g-d or reflexes, I turned the wheel to the right to avoid flying through the guardrail and off the 4th story of the parking garage. Vehicle came to a halt when it smashed into a concrete support pillar. Both air bags detonated, passenger-side air bag apparently broke the windshield on that side. Engine shut off. Lights in passenger compartment turned on, hazards started flashing on/off (couldn't turn them off). Waited for tow truck for 5 hours. Tow drivers had to jump battery - couldn't get front hood open, back door electronic lock non-functional due to dead battery. …
On going issue of brake lights intermittently coming on without touching brake pedal. First noticed something wrong because cruise control wouldn't activate. Found problem at night when I could see the glow from my brake lights on the top inside edge of my rear hatch. Replacing brake switch above pedal did not fix problem. Sounds kind of funny, but I got brake lights to go off while setting in driveway and pounding my center console out of frustration. Internet search found other GM vehicles with similar problems and frustrated owners that took vehicles to dealerships that didn't fix their problem. Issue appears to be circuit board related with circuit boards located on passenger side lower center console. A sharp rap with the palm of my hand in that area will always get the brake lights to go off when they shouldn't have been on. …
First my airbag system started coming on saying service airbags and the sensors are all new, second the service ESC comes on intermittently causing vehicle to shift extremely hard from 1st gear (automatic tranny) braking system was working fine and all of a sudden the brake pedal goes to the floor no brakes and the fluid is full and the system was working just fine after making GM aware of this their response to it all is the vehicle is out of warranty and there is nothing they can do but this was an issue from date of mfg and GM refuses to fix or correct the ongoing issues all of these things have happened on city streets and highways if NHTSA cant help with this issue then I have no where left to turn except either to a morgue or a scrap yard
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 the failure. The contact was made aware of NHTSA campaign number: 14V153000 (steering), but the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet HHR. While driving 10 MPH, the brake pedal failed to respond and the electronic stability control warning indicator illuminated. As a result, the vehicle crashed into a trailer. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the ignition cylinder needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 35,243.
I was turning left at a duel left turn lanes, I was on the out side, as I turned and accelerated to 35 the big red truck on the inside lane came into my lane of travel. As I saw this big red truck going across my hood I tried to stop and down shift when the left front tire skidded and the car jerked to the left and the car and truck met.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet HHR. While driving 40 MPH, the traction and ESC warning indicators illuminated. When the vehicle came to a complete stop, the brakes jolted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
I was approaching a red light on aldi dr. And route 48.when I applied my brakes the pedal went to the floor resulting in running thru the light stopping in the middle of intersection of route 48 after using emergency brake to get stopped.it was a miracle that I didnt cause an accident.I do have a pa. Certified inspection mechanics license.I got out of car and seen brake fluid running out of right front wheel with 4 ways on I backed car off of route 48 into home depot parking lot and checked out what the problem was.I seen the caliber brake hose hanging down towards the ground with fluid running out.I called for a tow truck to take me home.when getting auto home I jacked right front of car up and placed jack stand under car.then removed r-front wheel and seen the that the metal clamp holding the brake hose to the car rusted away ,it was paper thin resulting in the hose blowing off.with …
Brake complaints in other HHR years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2010 Chevrolet HHR?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the brakes of the 2010 Chevrolet HHR, 5% of the model year's 515 complaints. The component named most often is pedals and linkages (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Chevrolet HHR brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2010 Chevrolet HHR, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2010 Chevrolet HHR brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.