2008 Hummer H3

Routine

Owners filed 113 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 2 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
77,079 milesMedian miles at failure

87 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,00090,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System24
120
Engine13
000
Air Bags13
104
Visibility/Wiper10
000
Structure › Body6
000
Visibility4
000
Air Bags › Side/Window4
001
Unknown or Other3
000
Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner3
020
Engine and Engine Cooling3
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Fan/Motor15V421000
Filed Jul 1, 2015164,993 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Hummer H3 vehicles manufactured February 5, 2005, to May 24, 2010, and 2009-2010 Hummer H3T vehicles manufactured May 21, 2008, to May 24, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the connector module that controls the blower motor speed for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system may overheat.

Risk. If the blower motor connector module overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace part of the blower motor connector and harness, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2016. Owners may contact Hummer customer service at 1-800-732-5493. GM's number for this recall is 15042.

Structure › Body › Hood10V179000
Filed Apr 30, 2010162,129 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2010 HUMMER H3 VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE INTEGRAL CLIP-TABS ON THE LOUVER ON THE HOOD MAY FRACTURE, CAUSING THE HOOD LOUVER RATTLE AGAINST THE HOOD AND BECOME LOOSE. IF THIS INDICATOR IS UNNOTICED, ADDITIONAL CLIPS COULD FRACTURE AND THE HOOD LOUVER COULD DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE.

Risk. IF THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVING WHEN THIS OCCURS, IT COULD STRIKE A FOLLOWING VEHICLE AND CAUSE INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL APPLY AN ADHESIVE TO THE HOOD LOUVER TO SECURE IT TO THE HOOD. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HUMMER AT 800-732-5493 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Suspension › Front › Springs › Leaf Spring Assembly
Filed Apr 16, 202667,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2008 Hummer H3. The contact stated that while his son was driving 35 MPH, there was a loud metal rattling sound while attempting to turn left or right. The driver also heard the sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the leaf springs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 67,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 30, 2026NE

The fuel level sensor stopped working now it say I’m on E These go out on these cars And are on the recall list, but not on my vehicle yet

Electrical System
Filed Jul 13, 2025IN

The pass lock in this vehicle is faulty. On numerous occasions, it has left me unable to start the vehicle, but if you wait 10 minutes each time, it will start again, but it happens all the time. I've seen numerous complaints online and GM needs to do something about it.

Visibility
Filed May 19, 2025178,000 milesKY

The contact owns a 2008 Hummer H3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V421000 (Visibility); however, the dealer refused to perform the recall repair due to the age of the vehicle. The contact stated that the dealer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the blower motor had become inoperable. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Electrical System
Filed May 29, 2024TX

The last dealership I went to they advised to come th the dealership but when I got there nobody wasn’t trying to work there instead the said that it was going to be hard to work on it cause nobody work on those cars anymore and then they said they were going to order the part but never call me back for it. Call them but gave me the runaround basically.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 4, 2024IL

Engine was replaced at 163,000 miles now at 168,000 miles the frame is rusted beyond repair and is about to give at any moment nothing really left near rear axels. This could have definitely caused a horrible accident to myself or others having a big car just give way and collapse. Took it to mechanic who warned me first then next day took it to body shop that said nothing could be done. Basically both said get rid of it for parts as fast as you can and don’t look back. After the body shop guy actually showed me the rusted out areas i was scared to even drive it like the 10miles back to my house. It sucks after spending all that money on an engine and now having this issue and now having to buy a new car.

Engine
Filed Jan 17, 2024FL

Exhaust leaking in cab of the car .Exhaust bolts broke or manifold cracked problem i heard about on line .on a long trip could make you passout with the fumes .please check it out .on most inline 5 cyclinder engines GM makes .Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Electrical System
Filed Feb 22, 20231,000 milesCO

The contact owns a 2008 Hummer H3. The contact stated that the vehicle intermittently failed to start up without warning. The contact stated that after waiting ten minutes the vehicle started. The contact stated that recently the failure had become more frequent. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.

Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control Module
Filed Feb 8, 2023101,421 milesNC

The contact owns a 2008 Hummer H3. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The anti-theft system warning light illuminated. The contact waited 10 minutes for the vehicle to reset, per the vehicle Owner’s Manual instruction. The contact was able to drive the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred increasingly several times per day. Additionally, the vehicle had taken 45 to 90 minutes to reset and restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic on two occasions; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure as the vehicle would restart as needed while at the dealer. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 101,421.

Engine
Filed Oct 24, 2022MO

The contact owns a 2008 Hummer H3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal knocking sound was coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure worsened while driving at highway speeds. The contact called the dealer and the manufacturer and notified them about the failure. The contact was informed by both that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Oct 7, 2022132,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2008 Hummer H3. The contact stated that upon shifting into drive (D) or reverse (R) the doors of the vehicle would unlock automatically. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that upon pressing the power master door lock switch to lock the vehicle, all four doors were unlocked. Additionally, the contact stated after refilling the gas tank at the gas station, the vehicle failed to restart and made an abnormal clicking sound. The contact stated that upon inspecting the hood of the vehicle, he saw flames on the positive side of the battery and the flames extended to the oil stick. The contact was able to extinguish the fire by taping it with a towel. The vehicle failed to start and remained at the gas station. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 2, 2022FL

I saw a vehicle on sale in Indiana, via AutoTrader. I got a loan from a Federal Credit Union in Huntsville, Al. I can't get brakes repaired because frame is highly unreliable to be lifted. I need your assistance, please and Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Suspension
Filed Jul 10, 2021WI

I was not involved in an incident. The rear frame of this vehicle has rusted 90% away. if it were driven any further the rear axel will fall off. I was towing a boat and it and the axel and rear bumper could have flown off the vehicle. I had no idea the extent of damage. I've owned the vehicle for 11 years. I've read that other Hummer h3 owners have had the axel fall off. Please let other Hummer h3 owners know how severe this can be. Every northern tier state vehicle 2008 and older with 146,400 miles can not have this dangerous of a situation. I've attached a 2011 Buick lacrosse recall of a friend. This truly is a hazard. I had no idea how bad it is.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 1, 2021GA

Vehicle will not crank. After 10-12 minute wait vehicle cranks. According to symbol this is an anti-theft lockdown. But it happens repeatedly for no reason. Has happened 5 times in 6 days. My concern is this could happen during an emergency or in a dangerous place for a woman alone (dark deserted parking lot for instance). For this reason I am very conscious of where I park, but the 1st time it happened, with no warning, was terrifying. From what I have read even replacing the ignition does not solve the issue permanently, the same thing begins to happen again.

Engine
Filed May 9, 2021100,000 milesCO

THE ANTILOCK SAFETY IS PREVENTING ME FROM STARTING MY VEHICLE. WHEN IT DOES START, AND I GO TO AN INTERSECTION TO TURN THE TRUCK WILL THEN STALL OUT. IT CAN CAUSE A WRECK. IT IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE, TIME CONSUMING, AND MONEY CONSUMING WHEN I HAVE TO WAIT 10 MINUTES TO TRY TO START MY TRUCK, OR IT DOESN'T START, I HAVE TO REPLACE IT FOR $450+ WHICH I DON'T HAVE TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH AND IT'S DANGEROUS BECAUSE IF IT DOES LET IT START I HAVE TO BE CAREFUL BECAUSE IT WILL STALL OUT ON ANY GIVEN SECOND CAUSING A CATASTROPHE!!! THERE ARE MULTIPLE PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUES ON THEIR VEHICLES. GM SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE TO DO A RECALL AND FIX THIS PROBLEM.

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Dec 2, 2020125,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HUMMER H3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RAIN ENTERED THE VEHICLE FROM THE SUN ROOF. UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE, WATER WAS DISCOVERED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR BOARD AS WELL AS ON THE REAR DRIVER' SIDE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER ENTERED THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED AS A CLOGGED DRAIN TUBING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CLEARED THE CLOGGED DRAIN TUBING HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA FOR ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.*DT *TR

Engine
Filed Nov 12, 202024,400 milesCA

RADIATOR HAS A 8 INCH HORIZONTAL HAIR LINE CRACK THAT LETS THE COOLANT LEAK. THE CRACK IS ON TOP RIGHT CORNER( DRIVERS SIDE). THE RADIATOR TOP IS MADE FROM PLASTIC THAT IS PRONE TO CRACKING DUE TO FRAMEWORK BUMPING INTO IT CAUSING STRAIN ON RADIATOR TOP WHICH AFTER TIME CAUSES THE TOP RIGHT CORNER TO ESTABLISH A HAIRLINE CRACK AND CAUSE THE COOLANT TO LEAK. MANY HUMMER H3 VEHICLES OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ISSUE OF HAVING HAIRLINE CRACKS IN TOP RIGHT CORNER. HUMMER HAS REPLACED SEVERAL HUMMER OWNERS RADIATORS AT NO COST, DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW THAT THE TOP RIGHT RADIATOR BUMPS INTO THE FRAMEWORK CAUSING STRESS ON IT AND CRACKING. GM HAS UPDATED THE RADIATOR TO ACCOMMODATE FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT HAS NOT SHOWED INTEREST IN SAYING THAT THIS IS A BIG ISSUE. WHY WOULD THEY ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN TO THOUSANDS OF HUMMER H3 OWNERS IF THEY KNOW THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW WHICH THEY ARE AWARE OF. MY HUMMER H3 ONLY HAS 24,400 MILES IN IT AND STREET DRIVEN ONLY HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN TO SOON.I HAD IT CHECKED BY MY LOCAL GM DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT YOU'RE NOT THE ONLY ONE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS AND TO CONTACT GM REGARDING THIS ISSUE.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 10, 2020124,000 milesTN

SECURITY SYSTEM STOPS IT FROM CRANKING AND I HAVE TO STAND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE WITH IT LOCKED FOR 15 MINUTES SO IT WILL RESET. WIRING BURNT UP AND I HAD IT REPLACED AND THE RADIO, A/C, AND TEMP GAUGE STILL DOESN'T WORK

Electrical System
Filed Aug 3, 2020109,000 milesMN

WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT LOCKS ME OUT FOR 10 MIN, I HAD IT HAPPEN TWO TIMES IN A ROW WHERE I COULDN'T START IT FOR 20 MINUTES AND WAS LATE FOR WORK. I HAVE BEEN SUCK IN -20 DEGREE WEATHER WITH MY CHILD. THIS IS AN ON GOING ISSUE, AND THERE ISN'T AN ERROR CODE THAT POPS UP WHEN I HAD IT CHECKED. THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED!! THERE IS NO WAY TO TELL WHEN IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN, THEREFORE IT HAS MADE IT VERY UNRELIABLE AND HAS PUT ME AND MY FAMILY AT RISK.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 9, 2020150,940 milesPA

WHILE DRIVING ON FAMILY PROPERTY (OPEN FIELD) STABLE GROUND NO INCLINES, HILLS, OR PITCHES AND GOING ABOUT 5MPH ALL OF MY SIDE IMPACT AIRBAGS RANDOMLY DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO HIT, NO IMPACT, NO BOUNCES HIT, NO NOTHING. JUST ALL AT RANDOM. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETE STABLE AND UPRIGHT WHEN THIS OCCURRED. *TR

20 of 113 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20107210Routine
200969250Routine
2008 — this page113260Routine
20072372180Above average
20063614271Fatalities reported
20032000Routine

Compare every H3 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jul 1, 2015. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.