FaultScore

2010 Chevrolet HHR fuel system problems

53 of the 682 complaints about the 2010 Chevrolet HHR are about the fuel system — 8% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 106,000 miles.

A

53

Complaints

0

Crashes

1

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Fuel/Propulsion System 46 86.8%
Fuel System, Gasoline 3 5.7%
Hoses, Lines/Piping, AND Fittings 3 5.7%
Hoses, Lines/Piping, AND Fittings 1 1.9%

Fuel & Propulsion across every Chevrolet HHR year

2006 51 13.6%
2007 51 13.6%
2008 86 22.9%
2009 87 23.2%
2010 53 14.1%
2011 47 12.5%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Temple, PA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Car is leaking gas on left rear side. Corrosion and rust due to fuel line.

NHTSA complaint #11628096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cass Lake, MN

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Gas lines rusted out after purchase.

NHTSA complaint #11604907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

White Lake, MI

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Gas line rusted and leaking. Gas everywhere, strong odor, highly flammable. Under inspection at the Chevy dealer in Highland Twp. No warning lights were on.

NHTSA complaint #11562075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mooresville, IN

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the vehicle released gasoline fumes inside and around the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11551536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Arlington, TX

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Loss of power while driving 35mph and service traction light along with airbags light keeps showing at random times

NHTSA complaint #11545986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rochester, MI

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

While operating vehicles , the smell of fresh gasoline was coming into cabin. Made left hand turn to pull over and check gas cap, as I turned the rear of my car spun around like I was on ice. Almost hit pedestrians, my rear tires soaked with gasoline…scary. Gas pouring out from real lines next to Muffler.

NHTSA complaint #11539043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Farmington, MN

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fuel leak coming from rear wheel area on drivers side of the vehicle

NHTSA complaint #11539093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Columbus, OH

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Noticed gasoline dripping under the vehicle just behind the driver side rear door. Upon investigation discovered steel fuel line has corroded between a plastic support bracket and fiber heat shield. This seems to be due to a design that allows moisture and road debris (salt) to accumulate, leading to corrosion. This could lead to total loss of power to the vehicle, and poses a risk of fire while in operation or while parked.

NHTSA complaint #11524184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Toledo, OH

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fuel line leaking, driver side, forward of rear wheel. A very dangerous and common problem, one more of the many similar complaints on HHR-COBALT build platform spanning multiple years. This vehicle has only 60,000 miles.

NHTSA complaint #11515158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bloomington, IL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The Fuel Lines needed to be replaced because gasoline was leaking from the lines. Zaabs Full Service Auto Repair of Bloomington, IL 61701 at 711 E. Lincoln Street replaced the Fuel Lines. We noticed a bad fuel/gasoline smell and finally saw it leaking. No warnings other than the smell. We took the vehicle 2010 Chevrolet HHR LT into Zaabs for diagnosis and replacement. We leave on a busy street and a fire or explosion could have easily happened due to people tossing cigarettes. Problem appeared in January 2023. ZAABS REPAIR INVOICE #5922 DATED 03/06/2023 = PAID IN FULL $337.81. ZAABS PHONE (309) 386-1999.

NHTSA complaint #11511026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Roseville, MI

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Gas is pouring onto the driveway on the left rear side when the vehicle is running

NHTSA complaint #11501653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dunedin, FL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I smelled a strong odor of gas behind the right rear wheel of my 2010 Chevy HHR. Two different mechanics verified that the fuel lines had rusted through and need to replace. The first mechanic said that the car was unsafe to drive, and that he was not qualified to replace the lines. I had the vehicle towed to a Chevy dealership would confirmed that the lines rusted through. Google search states the cost to replace the fuel lines including labor will be around $1,034. The dealership is charging me $1,754! During my Google search, I saw that many other owners of Chevy HHRs have had the same issues. I wish for Chevy to reimburse me the expense to replace the fuel lines.

NHTSA complaint #11501308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Grand Rapids, MI

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Strong smell of gasoline on left side of vehicle in front of rear tire. Gasoline is present when viewed from underneath. Looks like leakage is in area where 4 lines (supply/vent/brake?/brake? ) are mounted together...or certainly in that area. I do see on line that this is not a new issue with owners. Have just started the process of getting quotes on this repair.

NHTSA complaint #11486050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fort Atkinson, WI

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

From drivers side rear, fuel line rusted thru the axlefuel leaking Dealer replaced rusted fuel line from the good line tat firewall to the nylon hosed at the fuel tank. Cost 850.00

NHTSA complaint #11485541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mechanicsburg, PA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fuel line leak at drivers side rear wheel well. Same leak that has been reported by others.

NHTSA complaint #11479938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Maceo, KY

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fuel lines have corroded causing fuel to leak. Located at rear wheel of driver's side near exhaust pipe.

NHTSA complaint #11477597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sandy Hook, KY

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My fuel line is leaking like so many others. Driver side near the rear wheel well in the bracket that holds the lines to the body. I also owned a 2007 Chevy hhr that had the same issue, both started at just over 150,000 miles. While the leak on the 2007 was minor the leak one the 2010 has gotten so bad that the vehicle will no longer idle.

NHTSA complaint #11474364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Irvington, AL Fire

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fuel line leaking right in front of rear driver side tire. Puddles up. Steady leak. And strong odor of gasoline in and outside of the car. Gets me woozy at times. It also gets on my tires and affects steering if I was parked on pavement for a while it puddles back to my rear tire. And makes me worry about a fire. Right in the back seat where a car seat would be. Because I was driving through my yard a while back and my family was burning some limbs and stuff. All at once I get flagged down where it has caught fire to my car. Luckily I put it out before it did any permanent damage. But it is not safe for sure.

NHTSA complaint #11464142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 129,000 miles Ft Wayne, IN

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the underbody and rear wheel well were rusted and corroded adjacent to the exhaust pipe. The contact noticed that fuel was leaking. Eventually, the contact detected an abnormal odor of fuel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the nickel installation shield on the fuel lines had several holes. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified however no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 129,000.

NHTSA complaint #11448025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Webster, NY

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My 2020 HHR (which I utilize while in Florida) developed a fuel leak on the driver side just in front of the rear tire. This fuel leak is right alongside the exhaust system which created a very unsafe scenario that could have easily resulted in an explosion and / or fire while driving this vehicle. I did some research and it appears that vehicles like mine are all experiencing a similar problem. I took my car to the Chevy dealer and it cost me $940 to fix this problem. With so many owners of similar vehicles having the exact same problem I believe this should have been covered under a General Motors recall and those who had to pay to get this fixed should be reimbursed. I have attached a copy of the receipt for the work done by the Chevy dealer for your informtion. I did notice that an investigation has been underway to determine if GM should recall vehicles for this problem. Had I been driving on the highway and not realized there was a gasoline leak right by the exhauset pipe it could have been a very tragic situation for me and my family. Thank you for looking into this and please let me feel free to contact me if you have any questions, etc.

NHTSA complaint #11447402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 112,000 miles Warren, MI

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked outside, the odor of fuel was present inside the home. Upon inspection, it was discovered that fuel had leaked from the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel line had failed to cause fuel leakage. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 112,000.

NHTSA complaint #11439664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Troy, MI

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Near 110,000 miles on my 2010 HHR SS I began noticing a gasoline smell and leaks under the car, and the engine was sputtering and nearly conking out under acceleration. The repair shop diagnosed it as a rusted and leaking fuel line under left rear seat, and a failed high pressure fuel pump probably due to the fuel leak. Fuel lines were replaced. Cost was too high to replace the HP fuel pump at this time.

NHTSA complaint #11437714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 49,850 miles Saginaw, MI

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated after parking the vehicle, he noticed a fuel leak on the rear driver’s side. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,850.

NHTSA complaint #11436882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 133,000 miles NEW York, NY

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the odor of fuel was present outside of the vehicle. Upon inspection, fuel was discovered leaking from the corroded and rusted fuel lines located near the rear driver’s side of the vehicle. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 133,000.

NHTSA complaint #11424771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Monroe, MI

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Leaking fuel tank and lines. Very hazardous smell and liquid performance of vehicle won't start.

NHTSA complaint #11419350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kingwood, TX

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The fuel lines are corroded and leaking from several areas. The cost to replace all the fuel lines is $1000.00 . I cant sell it, trade it in, or drive it in this condition as even a minor fender bender could ignite the fuel and cause the car to explode with me inside. Cliffords car care center is a AAA recommended service center has inspected and confirmed the defective fuel lines. Parts are in high demand as thousands of HHR and Cobalt owners are having the same problem with corroded, leaking fuel lines. I have to wait 3 to 10 days to receive the parts. I have owned many cars and my last car I owned for 21 yrs and none have ever had a problem with leaking and corroded fuel lines. This is a known defect as hundreds of thousands of HHR and Cobalt owners have already reported this issue and an investigation is currently underway. A recall is needed and I should be refunded the cost of this repair.

NHTSA complaint #11418546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 151,000 miles PAW PAW, MI

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, HE DETECTED A STRONG FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE FUEL ODOR WAS ALSO DETECTED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO VISIBLE FUEL LEAK ON THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LINE LEAK NEAR THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE THAT HAD RUSTED FUEL LINES CAUSED BY AN ENCLOSED NYLON BLOCK THAT SUPPORTED THE FUEL LINES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,000.

NHTSA complaint #11416546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 151,000 miles PAW PAW, MI

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, HE DETECTED A STRONG FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE FUEL ODOR WAS ALSO DETECTED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO VISIBLE FUEL LEAK ON THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LINE LEAK NEAR THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE THAT HAD RUSTED FUEL LINES CAUSED BY AN ENCLOSED NYLON BLOCK THAT SUPPORTED THE FUEL LINES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,000.

NHTSA complaint #11416546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 99,750 miles Glenview, IL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

NOTICED STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE UPON EXIT OF VEHICLE AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 1 MILE. PUDDLING OF GAS IN FRONT OF LEFT REAR TIRE. FUEL LINE HAD RUSTED OUT. ORIGINAL OWNER, UNDER 100K MILES. VEHICLE WAS NEVER IN AN ACCIDENT.

NHTSA complaint #11407850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 66,000 miles Ronkonkoma, NY

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3/8" STEEL FUEL SUPPLY LINE AT R/R TIRE AREA ROTTED OUT DO TO A COVERING PUT ON BY FACTORY. IT CAUSED WATER MOISTURE TO COLLECT AND ROTTED OUT THE STEEL LINE CAUSING A FUEL LEAK NEAR EXHAUST PIPE. CAN SEE FUEL DIPPING ON GROUND WHEN ENGINE IS RUNNING AND CAR IS PARKED.

NHTSA complaint #11389716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2010 Chevrolet HHR problems

← Full 2010 Chevrolet HHR report