2008 Hummer H2 problems
The Hummer H2 is an full-size off-road sport utility vehicle (SUV) that was marketed by Hummer and built in the AM General facility under contract from General Motors from 2002 until 2009. It is based on a modified GMT820 GM three-quarter-ton pickup truck in the front and a half-ton 1500 frame in the rear. A four-door pickup truck version with a midgate that opens the vehicle's interior to the external cargo bed was introduced for the 2005 model year as the H2 SUT (sport utility truck).
Background
In 2001 and 2002, GM allowed journalists to examine early versions of the Hummer H2, which were still under development at the time.
The H2 was built by AM General under contract with General Motors at AM General Commercial Assembly Plant in Mishawaka, Indiana.
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Common 2008 Hummer H2 problems
The Hummer H2, a large SUV known for its excellent off-road capability, superb engine performance, and distinct design, can develop several issues as it ages. These problems can affect the vehicle's performance, reliability, and overall driving experience. Here are some of the most common issues reported by Hummer H2 owners:
- Mode door actuator failure: This issue is prevalent in 2003-2009 Hummer H2 models. The mode door actuator controls the HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) temperature and air delivery. If left unresolved, it can cause improper HVAC temperature and air delivery. The average cost of diagnosis is around $50 to $70, and replacing the actuator can solve the problem.
- Gas cap issues: A loose or worn gas cap is a common complaint for 2003-2009 Hummer H2s. The check engine light usually illuminates to mark this issue. While a gas cap problem is not the only issue that can activate the check engine light, it is a common underlying cause. If you encounter this symptom, it's best to take your vehicle to a mechanic for proper diagnosis.
- Low oil pressure: Problems with oil pressure were among the top complaints for the 2006 model year. Repairs for this type of problem can reach up to $7,000. Many 2006 Hummer H2 owners reported loud knocking sounds along with coolant loss. Most of them replaced their oil pump to solve the issue, but, in most cases, the problem persisted. Some drivers unfortunately had to get their engine replaced in order to fix the issue.
- Engine stalling and low idle speed: Some 2003-2006 Hummer H2 owners have complained that their SUV is prone to engine stalling and low idle speed. Servicing the throttle body usually corrected the issue. Throttle body cleaning usually costs anywhere between $230 to $290. If you encounter this problem with your Hummer, note that many underlying issues can cause your H2 to stall. So it’s best to take your vehicle to an auto repair shop for proper diagnosis.
- Worn valve seats: This is a significant issue that affects Hummer models, particularly the 2006, 2007, and 2008 model years, including the popular Hummer H3. Worn valve seats can cause engine misfires, and fixing the problem usually necessitates replacing the cylinder head. The diagnosis and testing for this issue can cost between $80 and $150.
- HVAC and air delivery failure: This problem involves improper HVAC temperature and air delivery problems that typically start around a mileage of 118,227. The issue is particularly prevalent in Hummer H2s from the 2003-2009 model years. Consumer comments call out effects such as 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 $100, with the total repair cost tending closer to $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 surfaced at an average mileage of 90,530. This could be the most quick-to-diagnose problem, with a loose or worn gas cap causing the check engine light to illuminate. While it isn’t an expensive part to replace, it can cause considerable stress for drivers, especially if the problem persists after replacing the gas cap.
To minimize risk and maximize the service life of a Hummer H2, it's essential to replace bad parts immediately and carefully inspect the vehicle before purchasing. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these issues and ensure the vehicle's longevity.
Is the 2008 Hummer H2 a good car?
Edmunds says. The 2008 updates have made GM's king of the mountain the best it's ever been. Poor practicality and fuel economy, however, still limit the Hummer H2's appeal.
Is a Hummer H2 engine reliable?
Though there's no denying that the Hummer H2 is a reliable off-road SUV, it can develop issues as it racks up mileage. Problems like gas cap issues and stalling engines aren't unheard of, meaning you'll need to get parts repaired or replaced every now and then.
How long will a 2008 Hummer H2 last?
Depending on how you use them, hummers can last for a long period of time. That is because they are designed to withstand rough terrains and really bad weather. Many people get a lifetime of 300,000 to 500,000 miles from a Hummer.
Is it expensive to fix a Hummer H2?
The annual maintenance cost of a Hummer H2 is $745. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.
2008 Hummer H2 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Hummer H2 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Visibility problems
- Air bags problems
- Power train problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2008 Hummer H2 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2008 Hummer H2 complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Hummer H2.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-03
- VIN: 5grgn23898h
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Hummer H2. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel at start up. The next day, the vehicle failed to start up after multiple attempts and the air bag warning light remained illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact was eventually able to start the vehicle and took the vehicle to the dealer. The failure continued while in the possession of the dealer and the contact was informed that the failure was caused by moisture leaking from the windshield into the air bag module. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-11-18
- VIN: 5GRGN23818H
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: EARLY FAILURE OF 6L80 TRANSMISSION AT 110K MIKES CAR IS WELL MAINTAINED AND SERVICED PER MANUAL. VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING AS EXPECTED. 4 PERSONS IN THE VEHICLE WITH NOTHING IN TOW AND NO EXTRA CARGO. IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION AFTER STARTING OFF, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER TO THE WHEELS. DRIFTED TO SIDE OF ROAD, BUT ALMOST GOT HIT BY A TRUCK AND WOULD HAVE IF THE FAILURE OCCURRED 1 SECOND EARLIER. GM HAS REDESIGNED THE FAILURE POINTS OF PUMP, TEHCM AND VALVES, FAILURE OCCURS WITH NO WARNING.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-04-19
- VIN: 5GRGN23878H
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: ON JANUARY 2015 GENERAL MOTORS PUBLISHED A BULLETIN NO:14515B PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL ABOUT FUEL PUMP FLOW CONTROL MODULE. MY VEHICLE STARTED GIVING ME TROUBLE WITH THIS PART ON APRIL 19, 2016 AND I CALLED GM AND THEY SAID MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT COVERED UNDER THIS RECALL. I BELIEVED IS UNFAIR THAT THEY ARE NOT COVERING MY VEHICLE UNDER THIS RECALL AND I REQUEST AN INVESTIGATION ABOUT THIS ISSUE. PLEASE CONTACT ME AT [XXX] OR EMAIL [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-08-03
- VIN: 5GTEN13E588
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HUMMER H2. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE HEATER/VENT/AIR CONDITIONER WAS TURNED ON AND FAILED TO BLOW HOT AIR. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V421000 (VISIBILITY); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,492. UPDATED 2/4/16 UPDATED 4/23/18*JB *CN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-07-04
- VIN: 5GRGN23808H
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
- Summary: TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HUMMER H2. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE AND THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE POWER WINDOWS FAILED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW, THE GLASS FELL INTO THE DOOR PANEL. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE DOOR GLASS FELL INTO THE DOOR PANEL SEVERAL DAYS AFTER THE INITIAL FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-02-05
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: EVERY COUPLE OF MONTHS ON AVERAGE, WHILE DRIVING VERY SLOW...USUALLY 2-3 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR WILL SURGE THE RPMS UP ABOUT 1,500. THIS REQUIRES YOU TO IMMEDIATELY HIT THE BRAKE AGGRESSIVELY. THIS USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN PULLING INTO A PARKING SLOT. *TR
2008 Hummer H2 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2008 Hummer H2.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MODEL YEAR 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM (HWFS). A RECALL WAS IMPLEMENTED IN 2008 TO ADD A FUSE TO THE CONTROL CIRCUIT HARNESS TO ADDRESS THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF A PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD (PCB) ELECTRICAL SHORT. HOWEVER, THERE HAVE BEEN NEW REPORTS OF THERMAL INCIDENTS ON HWFS MODULES AFTER THIS IMPROVEMENT WAS INSTALLED. THESE INCIDENTS RESULTED FROM A NEW FAILURE MODE ATTRIBUTED TO THE DEVICE'S THERMAL PROTECTION FEATURE. THE SIGNIFICANCE VARIES FROM MINOR DISTORTION TO CONSIDERABLE MELTING OF THE PLASTIC AROUND THE HWFS FLUID CHAMBER.
- Consequence: IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY DISABLE AND REMOVE THE HEATED WASHER FLUID MODULE. AN UPDATED PAGE FOR THE OWNER MANUAL WILL BE PROVIDED AND INSERTED IN THE OWNER MANUAL TO DOCUMENT THAT THE FEATURE HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY DISABLED AND REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: GM IS RECALLING 857,735 MY 2006-2008 BUICK LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MY 2007-2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL, SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MY 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WIPER WASHER FLUID SYSTEM. A SHORT CIRCUIT ON THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE WASHER FLUID HEATER MAY OVERHEAT THE CONTROL-CIRCUIT GROUND WIRE.
- Consequence: THIS MAY CAUSE OTHER ELECTRICAL FEATURES TO MALFUNCTION, CREATE AN ODOR, OR CAUSE SMOKE INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A WIRE HARNESS WITH AN IN-LINE FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CADILLAC AT 1-800-982-2339 OR HTTP://WWW.CADILLAC.COM; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR HTTP://WWW.SATURN.COM, GMC AT 1-866-996-9436; OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493; OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM .
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
- Summary: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE WIRES IN THE ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR FRONT OR REAR HARNESS MAY BE REVERSED.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL CORRECT THE ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WIRING AND, IF NECESSARY, REPROGRAM THE BRAKE CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HUMMER AT 800-732-5493.
Negative 2008 Hummer H2 car reviews
Positive 2008 Hummer H2 car reviews
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I was searching for a new farm truck for my organic mountain farm, and I decided to attend the SF car show in 2005. After carefully examining every 4x4 at the show, I came across the H2 SUT. After conducting extensive research, I made the decision to purchase it. I must say, what an amazing truck!! I no longer have to worry about rolling over in steep terrain, and I can easily haul over 3/4 ton, carry large pipes on the roof, and lumber. My neighbors are impressed that I can travel the rough mountain roads at speeds that they say would break the suspensions of their trucks, and in comfort! On paved roads, I can often outcorner sports cars driven by 'regular' drivers. The cornering is truly impressive! Additionally, it gets the same MPG as my old pick up. If I switch to ethanol, I would be 100% happy!
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One of the best SUVs I have ever bought.
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You've owned many different cars and SUV's from BMW 7 series, Range Rover 4.6 HSE and driven a Ford Excursion. However, you believe that the Hummer beats them all hands down. You have no worries about the gas mileage, as the Excursion got worse than the Hummer. You averaged 11mpg and if you're paying $60K for a vehicle what's another $20 per month in gas. You've had no problems at all after 1st year of ownership.
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I love this H2! I've only had it for about 5 weeks, but everything is great. Although mine had an aftermarket alarm system that I accidentally set off one morning, I've since learned how to control it. The 0-60 speed doesn't matter to me, that's not why I wanted it. One of the reasons I bought it was because of the 5th seat and the spare on the outside. It feels like sitting in a nice leather chair. I'm disabled and some people may look and laugh, but the H2 is a great help for me. I can't wait for football season and the mountains. My grandsons play for App State, so I'm having it fixed with football graphics for each one. I even got an App State spare cover from my son. Go App State football!
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I love the H2! I'm only 16 years old and I absolutely adore it. I can take it off-roading whenever I want, or I can have a luxurious ride around town. It always turns heads. It's definitely the best vehicle I've ever had.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2008 Hummer H2 problems:
Before You Buy A Hummer H2?! Facts And A Full List Of Common ...
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Other years of Hummer H2
Are you having problems with your 2008 Hummer H2?
Jamel Quigley 2024-09-04
I owned my H2 for 7 months after previously owning a Mercedes E350. Unfortunately, I found that the H2 did not compare well to my previous car. The acceleration was lacking and parking in garages was nearly impossible, especially when wearing high heel shoes. Additionally, the gas mileage and interior were disappointing. While the H2 did attract attention, the feedback was mixed, particularly after Hurricane Wilma when there was a gas shortage in town. I am now much happier with my BMW 650, which is a more suitable SUV for my needs.
Emmanuel Mosciski 2024-08-09
I appreciate the product, but I am a bit let down by the quality. Unfortunately, after only 3000 miles, the paint on the nerf bar brackets came off and the chrome is pitted, despite not having taken it off-road. Additionally, there is some rust leaking out around the screw heads on the exterior chrome luxury package upgrades. The driver seat is quite plush, but some may find it lacking in padding. If you weigh 200 pounds or more, you may find yourself sitting on the actual outer seat frame. Taller individuals may need to lower the seat all the way to avoid hitting their head.
Rigoberto Heaney 2024-01-28
I regret purchasing my Hummer two months ago due to its poor mileage and performance. Additionally, it has spent more time in the shop than with me.