Hummer H1 problems

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The Hummer H1 is a full-size four-wheel-drive utility vehicle based on the M998 Humvee, which was developed by AM General when it was a subsidiary of American Motors Corporation (AMC). Originally designed strictly for military use, the off-road vehicle was released to the civilian market.

The civilian version was produced from 1992 through 2006 and was the first of what became the Hummer line. AM General built both the H1 and the Humvee in its Mishawaka, Indiana, facility. GM stopped marketing the H1 in the 2006 model year, but AM General continued production of the military Humvee versions through 2018.

History

In 1983, AM General Corporation was awarded a production contract for 55,000 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV). Nicknamed the Humvee, the vehicles were used by the U.S. military and featured in photographs from the Persian Gulf War during the early 1990s. The vehicle was also promoted by actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was so interested in the Humvee design that he specifically advocated for AM General to produce a civilian version of the vehicle. After the Gulf War was over, AM General modified the M998 Humvee military version for the civilian marketplace powered by 6.2 L GM Diesel V8 engine. The civilian version of the Humvee, marketed as the Hummer, went on sale in 1992. The interior was largely influenced by semi-trucks.

Under a 1999 deal, General Motors bought marketing rights to the Hummer name, began marketing Hummer-branded vehicles designed by GM, and rebadged the original version built by AM General as the Hummer H1. At the time, GM began marketing the Hummer H2 that was also assembled by AM General on a modified GMC Sierra 2500HD chassis.

General Motors announced that 2006 would be the last model year for the Hummer H1, with civilian market production winding down in June 2006 due to new emission regulations for diesel-engined vehicles that were to take effect in 2007. The final 2006 models had the most powerful engine and also improved fuel efficiency—about 10 mpg‑US (24 L/100 km; 12 mpg‑imp).

AM General continued the production of military Humvee versions until 2018.

photo of Hummer H1 car production

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Hummer H1 model years

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H1 2003
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hummer h1 2002 photo
H1 2002
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hummer h1 1999 photo
H1 1999
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Common Hummer H1 problems

The Hummer H1 is a powerful and capable vehicle, but like any car, it can experience a range of problems. Here are some common issues that Hummer H1 owners have reported:

  1. Engine Problems: Hummer H1 owners have reported a range of engine problems, including low oil pressure, overheating, and fuel system issues. Low oil pressure can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn engine parts or a faulty oil pump. Overheating can be caused by a range of issues, including a faulty thermostat or a malfunctioning cooling system. Fuel system issues can be caused by a range of factors, including a faulty fuel pump or a clogged fuel filter.
  2. Transmission Problems: Transmission problems are another common issue for Hummer H1 owners. These can include gear shifting issues, transmission fluid leaks, and slipping gears. Gear shifting issues can be caused by a range of factors, including worn transmission parts, low transmission fluid levels, or a faulty transmission control module. Transmission fluid leaks can be caused by a range of issues, including a faulty transmission pan gasket or a damaged transmission line. Slipping gears can be caused by a range of factors, including worn transmission parts or low transmission fluid levels.
  3. Suspension and Steering Issues: Suspension and steering issues are also common for Hummer H1 owners. These can include worn out bushings and ball joints, steering play, and stiff suspension. Worn out bushings and ball joints can be caused by a range of factors, including wear and tear or a lack of maintenance. Steering play can be caused by a range of issues, including a loose steering rack or a damaged steering gearbox. Stiff suspension can be caused by a range of factors, including worn out suspension components or a lack of maintenance.
  4. Model-Specific Issues: There are also a range of model-specific issues that Hummer H1 owners have reported. For example, Hummer H1 Alpha Wagon owners have reported issues with roof leaks, electrical problems, and brake problems. Hummer H1 Alpha Open Top owners have reported issues with soft top tears and leaks, interior water damage, and windshield frame corrosion.
  5. Generation-Specific Issues: There are also a range of generation-specific issues that Hummer H1 owners have reported. For example, early generation Hummer H1 owners have reported issues with engine oil cooler failure, transfer case issues, and corroded electrical connections. Late generation Hummer H1 owners have reported issues with improved engine performance, upgraded HVAC systems, and more comfortable interiors.
  6. Engine-Specific Issues: There are also a range of engine-specific issues that Hummer H1 owners have reported. For example, 6.5L Turbo-Diesel engine owners have reported issues with cracked cylinder heads, fuel injector failure, and overheating. 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine owners have reported issues with glow plug failure, turbocharger failure, and fuel system contamination.

In conclusion, the Hummer H1 is a powerful and capable vehicle, but like any car, it can experience a range of problems. Common issues reported by Hummer H1 owners include engine problems, transmission problems, suspension and steering issues, model-specific issues, generation-specific issues, and engine-specific issues. Regular maintenance and service can help prevent many of these issues, and it's important to address any problems as soon as they arise to prevent further damage.

Hummer H1

How reliable are Hummer H1s?

The H1, for example, can last around 200,000 miles with the 6.5 Detroit Diesel engine, and even longer with the 6.6 Duramax engine. The H2 is the most durable Hummer model, with numerous examples clocking almost 300,000 miles, and some even reaching close to 500,000 miles.

What is the best engine for the Hummer H1?

The Duramax. If you want the pinnacle of off-road capability and performance, a Hummer H1 converted by Predator Inc. to use the Duramax engine is your best bet. With this update, your Hummer becomes a formidable machine, sporting a powerful Duramax diesel engine capable of approx. 465HP and 1100ft lbs of torque.

Do Hummers have problems?

Are Hummer Cars Reliable? Hummers are among the safest vehicles, with excellent safety ratings. The 2010 Hummer H3, for example, passed many damage tolerance tests, such as frontal and side impacts. According to some car complaints, the 2006 H3 was the worst version year in Hummer's 12-year professional life.

How many miles per gallon does a Hummer H1 get?

The final 2006 models had the most powerful engine and also improved fuel efficiency—about 10 mpg‑US (24 L/100 km; 12 mpg‑imp). AM General continued the production of military Humvee versions until 2018.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Hummer H1 years

We have researched Hummer problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Hummer H1 cars and compiled the top 3 most problematic Hummer H1 model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Hummer H1 model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Hummer H1 years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Hummer H1 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Hummer H1 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Vehicle speed control problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Tires problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Hummer H1 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by H1 model years

A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Hummer H1 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Hummer H1 vehicles.

List of Hummer H1 complaints

Hummer H1 2003
  • Date Of Incident: 2010-01-24
  • Date Complaint: 2010-04-14
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: I HAD TAKEN MY 2003 H2 HUMMER TO HAVE THE FRONT END ALIGNED AND 2 NEW TIRES PLACED ON THE FRONT . I COMPLAINED TO THE TIRE DEALERSHIP THE MOMENT I HAD DRIVEN MY VEHICLE MAYBE 10 MILES OF IT NOT DRIVING RIGHT . I TOOK MY VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES WITH COMPLAINTS OF IT NOT DRIVING RIGHT. THINKING MAYBE THEY DID NOT TIGHTENED SOMETHING BACK UP WHEN THEY DID THE ALIGNMENT . I HAD ONLY DRIVEN MY VEHICLE APPROX. 5 TIMES (4 TIMES TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH COMPLAINTS)AND THE 5TH TIME I DROVE IT . I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT IN WHEN THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT I LOST ALL CONTROL AND MY VEHICLE WAS TOTALED . IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT NITTO GRAPPER HAS RECALLED TIRES AND THIS WAS THE BRAND OF TIRES THAT WAS PUT ON MY VEHICLE . THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS FLAT AFTER THE CRASH AN THIS IS ONE OF THE REASON THE TIRES ARE BEING RECALLED . I BELIEVE IT WAS EITHER THE TIRES OR THE ALIGNMENT NOT PROPERLY BEING DONE THAT CAUSED MY CRASH . *TR
Hummer H1 2002
  • Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
  • Date Complaint: 2009-12-18
  • VIN: 137FA84352E
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: 2002 HUMMER H1 HAS A DEFECT/FAILURE PROBLEM WITH THE AC DELCO ACCELERATOR PEDAL. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE IS ON HIS THIRD PEDAL REPLACEMENT WITHIN 2 1/2 YEARS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE ISSUE WAS RAPID ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVING OR TRYING TO STOP.
Hummer H1 1999
  • Date Of Incident: 2005-01-28
  • Date Complaint: 2005-07-13
  • VIN: 137ZA84336X
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: CONSUMER INQUIRED AS TO WHY THERE WAS NOT A RECALL ON THE DEFECTIVE #8 CYLINDER OF THE 1999 HI HUMMER.*MR THE #8 CYLINDER CRACKED RESULTING IN TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE AT 14000 MILES. *NM
Hummer H1 2003
  • Date Of Incident: 2004-07-19
  • Date Complaint: 2004-08-04
  • VIN: 137FA90343E
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: ABS BRAKE FAULT LIGHT REPEATEDLY COMES ON. VEHICLE RETURNED TO DEALER (CERRITOS HUMMER) SEVEN (7) TIMES FOR REPAIR AND FAULT CONTINUES. *AK
Hummer H1 2003
  • Date Of Incident: 2003-12-17
  • Date Complaint: 2003-12-17
  • VIN: 137ZA8435YE
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR ANALYSIS, BUT MECHANIC COULD NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Hummer H1 2003
  • Date Of Incident: 2003-11-04
  • Date Complaint: 2003-11-05
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
  • Summary: THE BRIGHTNESS OF HEAD LAMPS ON BOTH SPORTS UTILITY VEHICLES AND MANY FOREIGN AUTOS IS A CONTINUOUS HAZARD. EVEN WHEN I'VE MOVED THE REAR VIEW MIRROR TO NIGHT SHADE, THE OUTSIDE MIRRORS BLIND ME. LARGE VEHICLES AWASH THE INTERIOR OF MY CAR AS IF I WERE SITTING IN FRONT OF A LANDING AIRPLANE. I REALIZE BY THE TIME ANYTHING IS DONE ABOUT THIS, I'LL BE DEAD BUT THOUGHT I THROW MY COMPLAINT IN HERE, ESPECIALLY ABOUT HUMMERS. *LA

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