2003 Hummer H3 problems
The Hummer H3 is an off-road vehicle that was produced from 2005 to 2010 by General Motors. The smallest model of the Hummer lineup, it was offered as a 5-door SUV or a 4-door pickup truck known as the H3T. Unlike the larger H1 and H2 models, the H3 was not developed by AM General. It was introduced for the 2006 model year, based on a modified GMT355 that underpinned the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon compact pickup trucks that were also built at GM's Shreveport Operations in Shreveport, Louisiana and the Port Elizabeth plant in South Africa. While mechanically related to the Colorado and Canyon, GM claims they share only 10% of their components, with the chassis modified and reinforced for heavy off-road duties.
Powertrains
The H3 was launched with a 3.5 liter straight-5 cylinder L52 engine that produced 220 hp (160 kW) and 225 lbf⋅ft (305 N⋅m) of torque and was mated to a standard five-speed Aisin AR5 manual transmission or an optional Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission. In 2007 this engine was replaced by the 3.7 liter LLR that produced 242 hp (180 kW) and 242 lbf⋅ft (328 N⋅m) of torque, figures that were revised in 2009 to 239 hp (178 kW) and 241 lbf⋅ft (327 N⋅m). Under revised EPA testing standards when equipped with either transmission this straight-5 engine achieved 14 mpg‑US (17 L/100 km) in the city and 18 mpg‑US (13 L/100 km) on the highway with a combined average of 15 mpg‑US (16 L/100 km).
Available solely with the 4L60-E automatic transmission, a 5.3 liter LH8 V8 engine producing 300 hp (224 kW) and 320 lbf⋅ft (434 N⋅m) of torque was added in 2008 for the Alpha model. The V8 version had lower fuel economy, estimated at 13 mpg‑US (18 L/100 km) in the city, 16 mpg‑US (15 L/100 km) on the highway, with a combined average of 14 mpg‑US (17 L/100 km).
In 2007, a H3X edition was added. It included the luxury package, 18-inch chrome wheels with unique center caps, chrome trim, chrome tube steps, a body-colored grille and a hard tire cover. The H3X also came with exclusive colors of Sonoma Red Metallic or Desert Orange Metallic.
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Common 2003 Hummer H3 problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Hummer H3 2003, several common problems have been reported. Here is a detailed list of these issues:
- HVAC and Air Delivery Failure: Another prevalent problem involves HVAC and air delivery failure. Owners have reported issues with improper HVAC temperature control and air delivery, particularly in Hummer H3s from 2003-2009. Symptoms include a lack of cool air, air only blowing through defrost vents, and hot air instead of cool air. Repairing this problem often involves replacing the door mode activator and can cost around $150-$200 or more.
- Check Engine Light and Gas Cap: Many Hummer H3 owners have faced maintenance issues related to the check engine light and gas cap. This problem, common in models from 2006-2010, is often caused by a loose or worn gas cap, leading to the check engine light illuminating. Despite being a relatively inexpensive part to replace ($30-$50), some owners have experienced recurring issues even after replacing the gas cap.
These common problems with the Hummer H3 2003 can be challenging for owners to address and may require professional diagnosis and repair to ensure the vehicle's optimal performance and safety.
Do Hummer H3 have problems?
Many owners have complained that the valves in their H3's cylinder head started leaking at about 87, 750 miles. Some reported that their engine started to misfire multiple times. Several 2006 Hummer H3 drivers found out that their SUV was burning oil when they brought it to a repair shop.
Do Hummer H3 have transmission problems?
One of the most common Hummer H3 transmission problems is the complete failure of 3rd and/or 4th gear. This happens because one or more of the metal clutch discs inside the 4L60E 3-4 clutch pack can fail prematurely and prevent the transmission from engaging those gears.
How long does a Hummer H3 engine last?
Hummer H3 is nearly as popular and durable as the models before it. And by looking at the ling life of the previous hummers, you can easily say that this one would perform the same. However, H3 is rated for 300,000 miles by the company.
Is a Hummer H3 a safe car?
Safety features that come standard include StabiliTrak electronic stability control, antilock brakes (ABS), traction control, frontal and side-impact airbags (torso protection) for the driver and front-seat passenger, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.
2003 Hummer H3 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Hummer H3 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Hummer H3 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2003 Hummer H3 complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Hummer H3.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-06-04
- VIN: 5GRGN23U03H
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE DASH CLUSTER IS NOT WORKING NO GAUGES OR SPEED ODOMETER
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-11-21
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
- Summary: HEATER RELAY GONE 2 TIMES. *TR
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Hummer H3 problems:
Hummer H3 Problems and Complaints - 9 Issues
Top Hummer H3 Problems · Worn Valve Seats May Cause Engine Misfire · Check Engine Light Due to Gas Cap Issue · Reduced Power and Check Engine Light · Service ...
Hummer H3 Reliability and Common Problems - In The Garage with ...
Aug 3, 2023 ... Hummer H3 Common Problems · Cracked Radiator · A/C or Heater Problems · Fuel Level Sensor Issues · Transmission Problems · Leaking Valves · Rough ...
2006 Hummer H3 reliability issues? : r/Hummer
Mar 23, 2021 ... Thinking of buying a 2006 Hummer H3 with the 3.7 I5 in it, but I read that that year was plagued by motor defects, can anyone confirm if it ...
2009 Hummer H3 Q&A: Common Problems, Transmission, Engine ...
Feb 1, 2020 ... 2009 hummer h3 3.7 I was on the highway yesterday going around 70 miles per hour and it started to feel sluggish.
Is the Hummer H3 a reliable car? - Quora
Aug 24, 2015 ... Armed with that information, go to the NADA vehicle pricing Website to learn average retail prices for that vehicle. Read reliability reviews ( ...
Other years of Hummer H3
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