2009 Hummer H3 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2009 Hummer H3, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical3337.9%
- Visibility1112.6%
- Engine1011.5%
- Airbags89.2%
- Body & structure89.2%
- Driver assistance44.6%
- Brakes33.4%
- Interior & seats22.3%
- Powertrain (other)22.3%
- Suspension22.3%
- Fuel system22.3%
- Seat belts11.1%
- Steering11.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
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.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO THE DEALER @ CITY CADILLAC MORE THAN A 12 TIMES & THEY STILL HAVE NOT FIXED THE 1ST (#15042) OR 2ND RECALL (#14582). THE TRUCK HAS VISIBILITY, ELECTRICAL, STEERING, LEAKING & MOTOR MOUNT ISSUES JUST TO SAY THE LEAST PLUS I AM A DISABLED US MARINE VETERAN WHO WAS SHOT IN DESERT STORM AND I REALLY NEED MY VEHICLE TO GET AROUND ESPECIALLY SINCE I HAVE HANDICAP LICENSE PLATES FOR MY SPECIAL NEEDS. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP???????
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HUMMER H3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEFROSTER DID NOT BLOW COLD AIR. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. CITY CADILLAC (90-10, 43RD ST, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V421000 (VISIBILITY), BUT REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE FOR FREE BECAUSE IT WAS PREVIOUSLY REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 33,500. *TT *DT UPDATED 10/9/18*JB
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
PERIODICALLY 2-3 TIMES A YEAR FOR PAST 6 YEARS WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE HIGH CAR WILL DIE, WHEN PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, CAR WILL NOT RESTART, MAY RESTART AFTER 10 MINUTES OR AFTER TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP,TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND SEVERAL TIMES TO HIGH END INDEPENDENT AUTO SHOPS, NO ERROR CODE EVER FOUND. READ ON HUMMER FORUMS ISSUE WITH IGNITION SWITCH, REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH AND FAULT HAS NOT RECURRED. *TR
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HUMMER H3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V179000 (STRUCTURE) BY RALPH SELLERS CHEVROLET (15015 FLORIDA BLVD, BATON ROUGE, LA 70819, (225) 238-1264), BUT THE REPAIR WAS INSUFFICIENT. THE DEALER APPLIED AN ADHESIVE TO THE HOOD LOUVER TO SECURE IT TO THE HOOD, WHICH FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND A PLASTIC PIECE FRACTURED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE HOOD LOUVER PLASTIC CLIP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BUT REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
NEEDED RECALL FOR HUMMER H3. "REDUCED POWER/SERVICE STAB SYSTEM/TRACTION" NOTIFICATION THAT APPEARS WITHOUT WARNING, AND IMMEDIATELY DROPS THE ENGINE TO ALMOST NO ABILITY TO ACCELERATE. THIS BEGAN HAPPENING IN LOCAL TRAFFIC, THEN ON THE INTERSTATE AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED. GM HAS BEEN NOTIFIED OF THIS ISSUE, EVEN AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR THIS VERY DANGEROUS MALFUNCTION WITHOUT SUCCESS, THEY ARE UNWILLING TO ADDRESS IT WITH A RECALL. THE MOST DANGEROUS OF THE NUMEROUS TIMES THIS HAPPENED WAS ON 4/27/17. I HAD JUST LEFT MOSES GM OF CHARLESTON, WV AFTER THEY HAD REPAIRED THE VEHICLE FOR THIS ISSUE. I DROVE APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES ON INTERSTATE 64 BEFORE LOSING POWER, AND ALMOST BEING STRUCK BY A VEHICLE ON THE SOUTH CHARLESTON BRIDGE. THE DEALERSHIP TOWED ME BACK TO THE SERVICE CENTER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS ONCE AGAIN UNSUCCESSFULLY REPAIRED. IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH GM VEHICLES AROUND THE SAME TIME PERIOD, AND NOT JUST THE HUMMER LINE. ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.
THE SECURITY SYSTEM IS ACTIVATED AND THE TRUCK WILL NOT START THE ENGINE! I MUST WAIT 10 MINUTES TO START THE VEHICLE!
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
2009 HUMMER H3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERAL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND OTHER VEHICLE ISSUES. CONSUMER HAS PREVIOUS COMPLAINT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE LISTED IN ARTEMIS. *SMD *CN
WHEN BRAKING AT STOP SIGN, HEARD GROAN NOISE FROM THE BACK BRAKES. TOOK TO DEALER 3 TIMES FOR SAME CONCERN, FIRST TIME ANSWER WAS "IT'S NORMAL, SECOND TIME, REFACE REAR DISCS, NO MORE NOISE. AFTER 3 MONTH , SAME PROBLEM, ANSWER WAS "NEED TO DRIVE MORE YOUR TRUCK.".RETURN AFTER FEW WEEKS , NOISE NOW IT'S WORSE, THEY AGAIN REFACE REAR DISCS, MY TRUCK HAVE 11000 MILES, NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THAT. NO ACCIDENTS SO FAR, BUT AT EVERY STOP OR LIGHT MY TRUCK "TURNS HEADS" OF OTHERS DRIVERS BUT NOT FOR THE LOOK, IT"S THE NOISE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HUMMER H3. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN SHE ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS FILLED WITH WATER AND THE ELECTRICAL SENSORS WERE ALL AFFECTED. SEVERAL DAYS LATER WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS DRY, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (FLOW BUICK GMC - GREENSBORO1205 BRIDFORD PKWY, GREENSBORO, NC 27407) FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIRS .THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THE VEHICLES INTERNAL DRAINING HOSE WAS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
WHILE DRIVING THE PLASTIC CASE ON THE SIDE OF THE DRIVER SEAT BREAKS AWAY AND AUTOMATICALLY STARTS THE ELECTRIC SEAT TO MOVE DOWN AND BACK, CAUSING RISK OF ACCIDENT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE GOES INTO REDUCED POWER MODES AT ANY HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE CODES INVOLVE A THROTTLE BODY, CRANKSHAFT SENSOR AND PEDAL. THIS IS EXTREMELY DAMGEROUS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS SINCE VEHICLE IS IMMOBILE.
P2135 THROTTLE/PEDAL POSITION SENSOR/SWITCH A/B VOLTAGE CORRELATION THAT PUTS THE VEHICLE INTO ?STABILITRAK DISABLED", "TRACTION CONTROL DISABLED", AND "REDUCED ENGINE POWER". WHILE THERE IS A TSB#11-06-04-007B REGARDING THIS ISSUE AND WARRANTY COVERAGE; UNFORTUNATELY IT DOES NOT APPLY TO MY ENGINE. HOWEVER, SINCE THIS IS A WIDELY KNOW ISSUE, AND THIS VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME CONDITIONS, ONE WOULD THINK THAT MY VEHICLE WOULD BE SERVICED UNDER THIS TSB EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE. 12/04/2014: FIRST SERVICE ATTEMPT: CLEAR CODE EVERYTHING TESTS FINE, LET?S SEE IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN. 12/10/2014: SECOND SERVICE ATTEMPT: BOTH THROTTLE BODY AND ACC PEDAL POSITION SENSOR TESTED "GOOD". WEAK BATTERY - REPLACE BATTERY. 12/22/2014: THIRD SERVICE ATTEMPT: TECH REPLACED ACCELERATOR PEDAL. RELEARNED THROTTLE/IDLE. 12/26/2014: FORTH SERVICE ATTEMPT: RELEARNED THROTTLE/IDLE PROCEDURE. 01/13/2015: FIFTH SERVICE ATTEMPT: REPROGRAM AND APPLY 6 UPDATES TO ECM. 01/14/2015: CODE THROWN AGAIN: DEALERSHIP ADVISING TO REPLACE THROTTLE BODY (BUT UNCERTAIN THAT THIS WILL FIX THE PROBLEM)? *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HUMMER H3T. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE LEAF SPRING FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HUMMER H3 ALPHA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS ABNORMALLY TURNED TO THE LEFT. MORE EFFORT WAS NEEDED WHILE DRIVING DUE TO THE VEHICLE VEERING TO THE LEFT. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE LEAF SPRING FRACTURED AND BOTH LEAF SPRINGS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,463. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. UPDATED 01/05/2017*CT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
PERIODICALLY 2-3 TIMES A YEAR FOR PAST 6 YEARS WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE HIGH CAR WILL DIE, WHEN PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, CAR WILL NOT RESTART, MAY RESTART AFTER 10 MINUTES OR AFTER TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP,TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND SEVERAL TIMES TO HIGH END INDEPENDENT AUTO SHOPS, NO ERROR CODE EVER FOUND. READ ON HUMMER FORUMS ISSUE WITH IGNITION SWITCH, REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH AND FAULT HAS NOT RECURRED. *TR
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND THE REDUCED POWER ALARM CAME ON THE CAR WAS JUST DRIVING LIKE IT WAS GOING TO SHUT DOWN.., *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON 4/24/14, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2009 HUMMER H3 DOWN OUR DRIVEWAY WITH OUR 2 YOUNGER BOYS INSIDE. BEFORE THE END OF THE DRIVEWAY, BOTH THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. SHE WAS GOING BETWEEN 5MPH AND 10MPH AND DID NOT HIT ANYTHING. THE AIRBAG MISSED OUR 7 YEAR OLD AND GRAZED OUR 9 YEAR OLDS HEAD. THANK GOD THEY WERE TOO SHORT. HOWEVER, THE AIRBAG DID HIT MY WIFE HARD IN THE SIDE OF THE HEAD, NECK AND SHOULDER AND KNOCKED HER OVER TO THE CENTER CONSOLE. SHE WAS BRUISED, DAZED, SWOLLEN, HAD BURN MARKS ON HER NECK AND COULD NOT HEAR OUT OF HER LEFT EAR. NOW THE HEADLINER IS DESTROYED, THE SEATBELTS ARE LOCKED UP AND USELESS AND THE SUNROOF LEAKS. I FILED A CLAIM WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND THEY SAID THAT THEY WILL NOT COVER IT BUT WILL LOOK AT IT BEFORE MAKING A FINAL DECISION BECAUSE THE ISSUE WAS "MECHANICAL". I ALSO HAVE A CLAIM OPEN WITH GM CUSTOMER CARE AND ARE WAITING FOR THE RESULTS, BUT IT DOES NOT SOUND GOOD. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET, I HAVE FOUND SEVERAL INSTANCES WHERE OTHER HUMMER OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING AND SUGGESTED FILING A COMPLAINT HERE. PLEASE HELP AS WE NOW ARE PAYING FOR A VEHICLE AND INSURANCE THAT IS NOT ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THANK YOU. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO THE DEALER @ CITY CADILLAC MORE THAN A 12 TIMES & THEY STILL HAVE NOT FIXED THE 1ST (#15042) OR 2ND RECALL (#14582). THE TRUCK HAS VISIBILITY, ELECTRICAL, STEERING, LEAKING & MOTOR MOUNT ISSUES JUST TO SAY THE LEAST PLUS I AM A DISABLED US MARINE VETERAN WHO WAS SHOT IN DESERT STORM AND I REALLY NEED MY VEHICLE TO GET AROUND ESPECIALLY SINCE I HAVE HANDICAP LICENSE PLATES FOR MY SPECIAL NEEDS. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP???????
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .