RoadVitals

2009 Hummer H3

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
69
Latest Feb 24, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Jul 1, 2015
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
7
4 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 69 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 Hummer H3, most frequently naming the electrical, visibility and engine categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 951 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
15V421000

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR

Jul 1, 2015
164,993 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: If the blower motor connector module overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
The 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.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number 15042View on NHTSA.gov
10V179000

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD

Apr 30, 2010
162,129 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: IF THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVING WHEN THIS OCCURS, IT COULD STRIKE A FOLLOWING VEHICLE AND CAUSE INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
The 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.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.Manufacturer number N100088View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 69
Electrical
Filed Feb 24, 2026

Category: Recall Reimbursement Problem NHTSA Complaint Description I am filing a complaint regarding General Motors’ refusal to reimburse an out-of-pocket repair related to Safety Recall N150042 on my 2009 Hummer H3 (VIN: [XXX] ). On December 31, 2025, I paid $946.06 out-of-pocket to correct the defect covered by Recall N150042 (blower motor connector module). The repair was performed at Coleman Buick GMC Cadillac in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. A complete reimbursement package was submitted to GM. GM has denied reimbursement, claiming that this recall was previously repaired in 2016. However: • No documentation has been provided to support that claim.
• No repair order number has been provided.
• No servicing dealer or repair location has been identified.
• No proof of recall closure documentation has been produced.
• No warranty claim record has been provided. Despite repeated requests, GM has refused to provide any evidence that Recall N150042 was completed in 2016. The defect was present in 2025 and was corrected by a GM-authorized dealership. If the recall had truly been completed in 2016, documentation should exist and be readily producible. GM is refusing reimbursement of $946.06 without providing supporting documentation of prior recall completion. This appears to involve either improper recall recordkeeping, improper VIN recall closure, or failure to comply with federal recall reimbursement requirements under 49 U.S.C. § 30120. I respectfully request NHTSA review of GM’s recall documentation and reimbursement practices related to Recall N150042. After submission, download or screenshot your confirmation number for your escalation packet. If you would like, I can now prepare: * A shortened version (if the online form has character limits) * A legally intensified version * Or a version framed specifically to trigger recordkeeping review rather than just reimbursement review INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11720259
Incident
Feb 24, 2026
Filed Nov 18, 2025

Was doing a frame inspection on my hummer h3. Turns out the rear left frame rail is completely rusted through. And there are parts hanging on by a thread. I have found many complaints online about rust in this exact spot( rear left frame). I believe this issue should be dealt with immediately. Someone could be killed. The car is not that old and no other car of this age and mileage has this amount of rust penetration through the frame. GM needs to be held accountable. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT.

NHTSA ID
11700189
Incident
Nov 17, 2025
Electrical
Filed Aug 26, 2025

The contact owns a 2009 Hummer H3. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to immediately start, and the security warning light illuminated. After several attempts, the vehicle was started. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had become more frequent. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 97,000.

NHTSA ID
11683099
Incident
Aug 26, 2024
Mileage
97,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jan 6, 2025

The contact owns a 2009 Hummer H3. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact waited for a while before the vehicle started. The contact stated that the vehicle was slow to start. The contact stated that while her husband was at the store, he waited for 15 minutes before the vehicle started. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the battery and starter, but the failure recurred. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11634368
Incident
Jan 1, 2021
Body & structure
Filed Jun 16, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID
11527382
Incident
Jun 16, 2023
Airbags
Filed Dec 6, 2022

Traveling at approximately 35mph on inner city road in my 2009 Hummer H3T, both driver and passenger side curtain airbags deployed without any warning, no collision or accident, system went into crash mode and fired seat belt tensioners. Pictures taken of the exterior conditions and terrain/road conditions. Luckily just driver was in vehicle no other passengers. Vehicle taken to GMC dealer and inspected by service tech and insurance company. Multiple other Hummer H3(T) owners have experienced similar incidents. Lack of parts OEM or after market make repairs unlikely will be contacting GM.

NHTSA ID
11496178
Incident
Nov 1, 2022
Mileage
121,706 mi
Electrical
Filed Jan 11, 2021

RECENTLY MY 2009 HUMMER H3, HAS BEEN ACTING STRANGE. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, WARNING LIGHTS WILL FLASH, WILL BEEP, (TRACTION CONTROL, ABS, SERVICE 4WD, CHANGE OIL, SERVICE TPM), ALL THE WHILE ALL THINGS ELECTRICAL STOPS WORKING SUCH AS HEADLIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS, BLOWER FAN, HEATED SEAT, TURN SIGNALS, AND ALL THIS WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT NORMAL SPEED. IT STARTED DOING THIS AS THE WEATHER GOT COLDER BUT THIS H3 IS WELL MAINTAINED AND IS GARAGE KEPT AND I ONLY USE IT TO DRIVE TO AND FROM WORK. IT IS NOW A SAFETY HAZARD AND WITH THESE ISSUES WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TRADE IT IN. I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE TO START IN ORDER TO FIX IT. AFTER FINALLY DRIVING FOR 30 MIN OR SO SOMETIMES IT WILL FINALLY QUIT MESSING UP AND ACT NORMAL.

NHTSA ID
11387490
Incident
Jan 11, 2021
Mileage
198,666 mi
Airbags
Filed Sep 1, 2020

AIR BAG MODULE NOT RESPONDING AND IS DANGEROUS DUE TO THE FACT IT COULD DEPLOY AT A RANDOM TIME WHILE DRIVING. THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON AFTER THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION CAUSING A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS INCIDENT. ALSO HAIRLINE CRACKING IN THE RADIATOR DUE TO THE PLASTIC TOP OF THE RADIATOR TANK RUBBING ON THE VEHICLES FRAME.

NHTSA ID
11352672
Incident
Aug 24, 2020
Mileage
147,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

13598

New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH

PIC5650M

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, B3935, C0750, C0755, C0760, C0765, and/or C0775.

PIP5601C

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

PIT5074R

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

PIT5074R

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

PIT5074R

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Hummer H3 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2010720—
2009Viewing692056.6
20081132051.6
20072372051.5
20063614053.1
2005000—
2004000—
2003200—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.