Hummer problems
Hummer (stylized in all caps) is a brand of pickups and SUVs first marketed in 1992 when AM General began selling a civilian version of the M998 Humvee. Although discontinued in 2010, Hummer returned as a model under GMC in 2020. In 1998, General Motors (GM) purchased the brand name from AM General and marketed three vehicles: the original Hummer H1, based on the military Humvee, as well as the new H2 and H3 models that were based on smaller, civilian-market GM platforms.
By 2008, Hummer's viability in the economic downturn was questioned. Rather than being transferred to the Motors Liquidation Company as part of the GM bankruptcy in 2009, the brand was retained by GM, to investigate its sale. No final deal was made, and in 2010, Hummer dealerships began shutting down.
The nameplate returned to the marketplace for the 2022 model year, not as a separate make brand but as electric pickup truck and SUV models sold under the GMC brand as the "GMC Hummer EV". The pre-production versions of the EV began November 2021 after a $2.2 billion investment to build a variety of all-electric vehicles in GM's Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant.
Social links
Hummer models
Common Hummer problems
Hummer cars, particularly the Hummer H3, are known for several common problems that owners have reported over the years.
- HVAC and air delivery failure: This issue affects more than 100 Hummer drivers, particularly those with H2 models from 2003 to 2009. The problem involves improper HVAC temperature and air delivery, often surfacing around 118,227 miles. Drivers have reported a lack of cool air when the AC is turned on, air blowing out only through defrost vents, and hot air blowing in rather than cool air. Diagnosis and repair of this issue can cost around $150-$200 or more, depending on the repair shop and whether drivers choose to have the problem fixed at a dealership.
- Check engine light and gas cap issues: This problem is prevalent in the Hummer H3 for the 2006-2010 model years. It typically surfaces at an average mileage of 90,530 and is caused by a loose or worn gas cap. While the problem is relatively inexpensive to fix, with owners reporting that they spent about $30-$50 on the repair, it can cause considerable stress, especially when it keeps happening even after purchasing a replacement gas cap. This issue has caused some drivers to lose faith in the manufacturer entirely.
- Engine troubles: The 2006 Hummer H3 vehicle from General Motors was riddled with engine problems. Drivers reported rough running, leaky valves, cylinder heads that failed, low compression, and the engine shutting down. Owners reported that replacing the head gasket and leaking valves in the engine helped resolve the issue. However, resolving these issues requires a skilled auto repair and service mechanic.
- Electrical problems: The Passlock on the 2006 Hummer H3 was designed to prevent thieves from starting the vehicle with a fake key. However, it often caused the Hummer to be unable to start for at least ten minutes. The Passlock would activate at random, causing the engine to stop working. This software was intended to keep owners' Hummers from being stolen, but it often restrained them from getting behind the wheel.
- Paint issues: Water flooding the Hummer interior was a real horror story for some 2006 H3 owners. One owner revealed that the smell in their H3 became so bad that they became physically sick. This issue can be a significant concern for buyers looking at used Hummer H3s with high mileage.
- Mode door actuator failure: This is a common problem in the Hummer H2, causing issues with the mode door actuator. This problem can lead to stalling engines and other issues, requiring replacement parts to fix.
- Low oil pressure: Low oil pressure is another common problem in the Hummer H2, which can lead to engine failure if not addressed promptly.
- Transmission issues: Transmission problems are also common in the Hummer H2, with issues such as slipping, jerking, and difficulty shifting. These problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out clutches, low transmission fluid, or a faulty transmission control module.
In summary, Hummer cars, particularly the Hummer H3 and H2, are known for several common problems, including worn valve seats, HVAC and air delivery failure, check engine light and gas cap issues, engine troubles, electrical problems, paint issues, mode door actuator failure, low oil pressure, and transmission issues. Buyers looking at used Hummer H3s or H2s with high mileage should be aware of these common issues and inspect the vehicles carefully before making a purchase. Regular maintenance and service from a trusted auto repair shop can help prevent these issues and keep the vehicles in working condition.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Hummer models
We have analysed all the complaints filed against Hummer cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Hummer models:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Hummer brand.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Hummer models
We have also compiled a table for you with the number of complaints about specific models of Hummer cars:
Distribution of Hummer car problems by type
Based on an anlyse of all Hummer related complaints and concluded that the most common problems with Hummer cars are the following:
- Electrical system problems
- Visibility problems
- Engine problems
- Air bags problems
- Service brakes problems
Below is a graph with statistics on all Hummer vehicle components and the number of complaints about them.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Hummer models
A total of 56 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Hummer models
There were a total of 65 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Hummer models
There were a total of 58 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Hummer models
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
The NHTSA has received 1216 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Hummer Hummer. Below are 15 recent complaints about various Hummer models. In order to research complaints about a particular brand you need to select it from the list of available models above.
List of the last 15 complaints about Hummer models
Hummer H3 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-27
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5GTDN136968
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Was heading home from work and the 2006 Hummer H3 shut off while traveling in the middle of traffic was able to cruise in Nuetral until I could stop to start car again started car and yet again I receive a cylinder misfire code which has been repaired on multiple attempts still no success. I am going to end up either crashing or an emergency vehichle will be trying to get by and I can't move because the motor shut down.
Hummer H3 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-23
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5GTDN136968
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Sunroof leaking creating water to leak into the driver seat, passenger seat, speakers on the door. Water trickling down from the Onstar system while parked and in motion this is a safety hazard. The only resolution that is given from GM is to blow out the hose to the sunroof, that’s not helping this issue is creating mole into the vehicle and once again it’s hazardous when driving As the water raining inside as well as outside of the vehicle. please help not seeing any recalls for this Manufacturing defect.
Hummer H3 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-22
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5GTDN136968
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Engine has very bad rough idle after multiple attempts to repair will get a misfire code often that goes on and comes off engine has rough idle to the point where truck shuts off completely while waiting at traffic light. My safety is at risk as this could happen during driving causing a wreck or during a light change when the emergency vehicles need me to move over and my truck don't run. Vehicle was inspected by multiple mechanic and still has issues. Check engine light comes on at time of motor failure or when rough idle.
Hummer H3 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-29
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-29
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5GTEN13E288
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: 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.
Hummer H2 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-21
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5GRGN23U86H
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2006 Hummer H2. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds with the A/C activated, the contact became aware of an abnormal burning electrical odor. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the blower motor resistor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 196,000.
Hummer H3 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-02
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5GTMNLEPXA8
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: My transfer case established a large fluid leak so I inspected it, the findings was a large hole in the main housing on the transfer case fluid was leaking out. The transfer case was removed and disassembled, and found that the 2 screws that hold the chain guide to the housing had backed out or fell out and let the chain guide fall down in to the gear mechanism and ground it up and broke the main case. In result was the quarter size hole in the housing of the transfer case allowing liquid to escape and damage the housing. Leaving me without a vehicle.
Hummer H3 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-29
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-04
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5GTEN13E888
- Components: STRUCTURE,WHEELS,ENGINE
- Summary: 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.
Hummer H3 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-01-31
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5GTDN13E978
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: The problem was unknown to me and probably would be to any vehicle owner that is not a mechanic. I was driving a death trap and didn't know how easily it could have been a serious problem. The driver side leaf spring bracket had completely broke apart from the frame on the upper drive side corner in an area that without getting underneath the vehicle with a flashlight and specifically looking for would be impossible to see. The only reason I know about it now is because I took it for an inspection and it failed due to this structural defect which the technician informed me was a very common issue with the 2007 H3 vehicles. He said that if I had been on a highway at 65/70 mph and this thing broke completely free the axle would swing out behind the vehicle on the drive side and cause an uncontrollable crash that could lead to severe injury and possibly death
Hummer H3 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-01-17
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5GTEN43E988
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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)
Hummer H3 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-22
- Date Complaint: 2023-11-22
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5GTDN136468
- Components: POWER TRAIN,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Frame Rust Entire frame needs replaced
Hummer H3 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-05
- Date Complaint: 2023-09-07
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5GTDN136668
- Components: VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2006 Hummer H3. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the hood louver detached from the vehicle and cracked the front windshield. The contact stated that the crack obstructed his vision while driving. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V179000 (Structure). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 193,000.
Hummer H3 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-10
- Date Complaint: 2023-07-02
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5GTDN136568
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: Complete rust through of frame of my 2006 HUMMER H3.
Hummer H3 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-20
- Date Complaint: 2023-06-23
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5GTDN136368
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I was driving the vehicle at a normal rate of speed and stopped at a traffic light getting ready to change. I applied the brakes and when doing so, I heard some horrible noises and felt certain that parts had fallen out of the car. I knew something was immediately seriously wrong. I put the car in park (but it was effort and a grinding noise to put it in park) and stepped out to look under the car. No parts were on the ground, but something was leaking out of the bottom of the car. I got back in and put the car in drive to move it from the roadway knowing I was going to need assistance to tow it somewhere. It grinded trying to put it in any gear and only "revved" the engine when I tried to apply gas to drive it. There was absolutely no warning. The tow driver immediately noticed the drive shaft was disconnected and that was the leaking and thus going nowhere. My mechanic said that both leaf springs snapped off and that caused the drive shaft to sever, hitting the gas tank (or strap) and some other things. My concern is that there is a recall on leaf springs for every year Hummer H3 except mine as well as 1995-2015 Chevrolet, GMC, and Hummer leaf springs. I'm having a very difficult time with how both of mine snapped with no warning tearing all of these components out and it is not involved in the recall. It is the same parts on all of these. Also, my vehicle has spent the majority of its life garaged, never driven in the snow or rain, as I have babied this car. I have a car wash membership too and constantly keep this car meticulous. Hummer said that enough people need to complain, but I would not even have thought to complain had BOTH not snapped off simultaneously finding the recall for all other years while researching the cost. Had only 1 broke, I wouldn't have given it any thought. And Hummer said that they wouldn't even talk to me unless my car was at a GM dealership. This should be included in the recall. This is not pure coincidence. They need to fix it.
Hummer H3 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-22
- Date Complaint: 2023-06-22
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5GTDN13E178
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Louver hood vent cover flew off on the highway as I was driving.
Hummer H3 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-16
- Date Complaint: 2023-06-16
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5GNEN13L898
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I was having the truck inspected per state yearly requirements and when the shop lifted the truck, the bed bent backward. The frame was rusted out on both sides.
Latest 5 Hummer recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 36 recalls involving various Hummer models.You can learn more about the model you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Hummer H3 2009
- Report Received Date: 2015-07-01
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Model: Hummer H3 2006
- Report Received Date: 2015-07-01
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Model: Hummer H3 2008
- Report Received Date: 2015-07-01
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Model: Hummer H3 2007
- Report Received Date: 2015-07-01
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Model: Hummer H3 2010
- Report Received Date: 2015-07-01
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
Are you having problems with your Hummer?