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2010 Chevrolet HHR

2010 Chevrolet HHR

The 2010 Chevrolet HHR is a compact hatchback that offers a retro design with modern amenities. It is available with a variety of engine and transmission options, including:

  • 2.2L Ecotec I4 engine (149 horsepower, 152 lb-ft of torque) with a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic transmission
  • 2.4L Ecotec I4 engine (172 horsepower, 169 lb-ft of torque) with a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic transmission
  • 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec I4 engine (260 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque) with a 6-speed manual transmission

The HHR is praised for its spacious interior, retro styling, and affordable price. However, it has also received criticism for its poor fuel economy, outdated technology, and stiff ride.

Engine

2.2L Ecotec I4

  • Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil leaks. Symptoms include coolant loss, overheating, and oil in the coolant. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500+
  • Timing chain tensioner failure: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to skip and potentially damaging the engine. Symptoms include engine noise, performance loss, and check engine light. The solution is to replace the timing chain tensioner. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Head gasket failure: The head gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil leaks. Symptoms include coolant loss, overheating, and oil in the coolant. The solution is to replace the head gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $1000 - $1500+

2.4L Ecotec I4

  • Intake manifold gasket failure: Similar to the 2.2L engine, the intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil leaks. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500+
  • Timing chain tensioner failure: Similar to the 2.2L engine, the timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to skip and potentially damaging the engine. The solution is to replace the timing chain tensioner. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Water pump failure: The water pump can fail, causing coolant leaks and overheating. Symptoms include coolant loss, overheating, and engine noise. The solution is to replace the water pump. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+

2.0L Turbocharged Ecotec I4

  • Turbocharger failure: The turbocharger can fail, causing performance loss and engine damage. Symptoms include reduced power, excessive smoke, and turbo noises. The solution is to replace the turbocharger. Estimated cost to fix: $1500 - $2500+
  • High-pressure fuel pump failure: The high-pressure fuel pump can fail, causing engine stalling and performance loss. Symptoms include hard starts, engine hesitation, and loss of power. The solution is to replace the high-pressure fuel pump. Estimated cost to fix: $600 - $1000+

Transmission

5-Speed Manual Transmission

  • Clutch problems: The clutch can wear out or fail, causing difficulty shifting gears or slipping. The solution is to replace the clutch. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Shift linkage issues: The shift linkage can become loose or worn, causing difficulty shifting gears. The solution is to adjust or replace the shift linkage. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

  • Transmission fluid leaks: The transmission can develop leaks, causing loss of fluid and transmission problems. Symptoms include slipping gears, delayed shifts, and transmission overheating. The solution is to repair the leak and replace the transmission fluid. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $600+
  • Valve body failure: The valve body can fail, causing transmission shifting problems and gear slippage. Symptoms include harsh shifts, delayed shifts, and loss of power. The solution is to replace the valve body. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1000+

6-Speed Manual Transmission

  • Shift fork failure: The shift fork can fail, causing difficulty shifting gears or getting stuck in gear. The solution is to replace the shift fork. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500+

Suspension

  • Strut failure: The struts can fail, causing a rough ride and poor handling. Symptoms include excessive bouncing, noise from the suspension, and uneven tire wear. The solution is to replace the struts. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $800+ per axle
  • Ball joint failure: The ball joints can fail, causing the suspension to become loose and unstable. Symptoms include clunking noises, vibration, and unstable handling. The solution is to replace the ball joints. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+ per side
  • Tie rod end failure: The tie rod ends can fail, causing the steering to become loose and imprecise. Symptoms include excessive play in the steering wheel, vibration, and unstable handling. The solution is to replace the tie rod ends. Estimated cost to fix: $150 - $300+ per side

Electrical

  • Battery drain: The battery can drain prematurely, causing difficulty starting the vehicle. Symptoms include a weak or dead battery, slow cranking, and dimmed headlights. The solution is to diagnose and repair the electrical problem causing the drain. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $500+
  • Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to not charge properly. Symptoms include a weak or dead battery, slow cranking, and dimmed headlights. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $600+
  • Starter failure: The starter can fail, preventing the engine from starting. Symptoms include no crank, clicking noises, and grinding noises. The solution is to replace the starter. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $500+

Exterior

  • Door handle failure: The door handles can fail, making it difficult to open the doors. The solution is to replace the door handles. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+ per door
  • Window regulator failure: The window regulators can fail, causing the windows to become stuck or inoperable. The solution is to replace the window regulators. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+ per window
  • Damaged paint: The paint can be damaged due to various factors such as scratches, chips, or fading. The solution is to repair or repaint the damaged areas. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the extent of damage

Interior

  • Seat adjuster failure: The seat adjusters can fail, making it difficult to adjust the seat position. The solution is to replace the seat adjusters. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $300+ per seat
  • Dashboard lights failure: The dashboard lights can fail, making it difficult to see the instrument panel. The solution is to replace the burnt-out bulbs or repair the electrical connection. Estimated cost to fix: $50 - $200+
  • Radio failure: The radio can fail, causing loss of audio and entertainment. The solution is to repair or replace the radio. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $500+

Summary

The 2010 Chevrolet HHR has a number of potential issues, particularly with the engine, transmission, and suspension. Some of these issues can be costly to repair, so it is important to consider the potential maintenance costs when purchasing this vehicle. However, it is worth noting that many of these issues are common to other vehicles in this segment and are not unique to the HHR.

This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.