VehicleVerdict

2004 Hummer H2 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 74 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.0 times the median H2 year — the 2004 model ranks #3 of 8 H2 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (16), visibility & wipers (14), and brakes (14), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

74

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

2

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other H2 years?

H2 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted186 complaints2002: 3 complaints2003: 186 complaints2004: 74 complaints2005: 103 complaints2006: 35 complaints2007: 15 complaints2008: 10 complaints2009: 3 complaints
H2 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all H2 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Hummer H2 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1622%
Brakes1419%
Visibility & Wipers1419%
Steering68%
Airbags34%
Engine34%
Body & Structure34%
Suspension34%
Other23%
Transmission23%
Tires & Wheels23%
Latches & Locks11%
Lighting11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%
Seat Belts11%
Seats11%
Speed Control11%

Does the 2004 Hummer H2 have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E010000SteeringFebruary 1, 2006 · 1,360 units

Defect

CERTAIN FABTECH AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARMS, P/NOS. FTS71000 AND FTS71001, INSTALLED FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2001-2006 GM C/K 2500 PICK UP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE PIN LOCATED INSIDE THE PITMAN ARM CAN SHEAR OFF DUE TO A REVERSE BENDING FATIGUE CONDITION, RESULTING IN A TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.

Consequence

LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH WITH POTENTIAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

FABTECH WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PITMAN AND IDLER ARMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FABTECH AT 909-597-7800.

05V163000Seat BeltsApril 22, 2005 · 1,359,824 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE 2ND ROW CENTER OCCUPANT SEAT BELT ROUTING MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO POSITION THE LAP PORTION OF THE SAFETY BELT LOW AROUND THE HIPS OF OCCUPANTS, ESPECIALLY SMALLER OCCUPANTS, SEATED IN THIS POSITION. APPROPRIATE USE OF A CHILD SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT, AS RECOMMENDED FOR SMALL CHILDREN, DOES IMPROVE THE FIT CONDITION FOR THIS USER GROUP. IN ADDITION TO INSTRUCTIONS ON PROPER INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD RESTRAINT (WITH CHILD SEATS OR BOOSTERS), SPECIAL VERBIAGE FOR RESTRAINING OLDER CHILD IS INCLUDED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. ALSO, THE SUGGESTED SEAT BELT FIT/ROUTING FOR ADULTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF SEATING POSITION, IS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL TEXT.

Consequence

A LAP PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT ROUTING THAT IS NOT LOW AND SNUG ON THE HIPS CAN ALLOW THE LAP BELT TO RIDE UP ON AN OCCUPANT'S ABDOMEN INSTEAD OF FITTING LOW AROUND THEIR HIPBONES, AND THEREFORE, CAN EXPOSE THEM TO MORE RISK OF ABDOMINAL AND INTERNAL ORGAN INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL CUT OPEN THE GUIDE LOOP, REMOVE A PORTION OF THE LOOP, AND THEN THE REMAINING TWO SIDES SHOULD BE FOLDED OVER AND SECURED WITH A RETAINER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 21, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.

05V043000BrakesFebruary 8, 2005 · 77,411 units

Defect

CERTAIN TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH BOSCH HYDRO-BOOST BRAKE ASSEMBLIES, THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR MAY CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY DURING NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS.

Consequence

IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED AND THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE WERE OPEN, FRAGMENTS FROM THE ACCUMULATOR COULD CAUSE INJURY TO PEOPLE IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA. THE PRESENCE OF THIS CRACK OR FRACTURED SURFACE COULD ALLOW THE HYDRAULIC FLUID TO LEAK FROM THE ACCUMULATOR CIRCUIT OF THE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY. THE LOSS OF FLUID WOULD CAUSE INCREASED STEERING AND BRAKING EFFORT AND A CRASH MAY OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL TEST THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FOR FUNCTIONAL OPERATION OF THE TWO-FUNCTION VALVE. IF THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FAILS THE TEST, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 23, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.

04V045000BrakesFebruary 4, 2004 · 68,875 units

Defect

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, ?PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.? SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION BRAKE HYDRO-BOOST HOUSING RELIEF VALVE BORE.

Consequence

CONSEQUENTLY, THE VALVE O-RING SEAL MAY FRACTURE. STEERING EFFORTS MAY BE SLIGHTLY INCREASED WHILE BRAKING OR PARKING. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, A FRACTURED SEAL MAY REQUIRE A SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE APPLIED BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT TO ACHIEVE THE SAME VEHICLE DECELERATION RATE AS PRIOR TO THE SEAT FRACTURE.

Remedy

DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE HYDRO-BOOST RELIEF VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

AS I WAS DRIVING ON I 5 IN OREGON I EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND BRAKE SYSTEMS. THE VEHICLE WAS ON CRUISE CONTROL AND WHEN I DISENGAGED IT ALL OF THE SAFETY WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. I PRESSED ON THE BRAKES AND THEY WERE A COMPLETE FAILURE ALSO. AT THIS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 11, 2017 · fire

EXTREMELY EXCESSIVE RUST ON UNDERBODY OF MY 2004 HUMMER H2. BRAKE LINES, CALIPERS, ROTORS, FRAME, SUSPENSION, ETC HAVE HOLES. MY BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED ON THE HIGHWAY AND I CRASHED INTO A TRUCK AND A SUV. LUCKILY USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO EVENTUALLY STOP IT. DEALER SAYS ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 27, 2010 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HUMMER H2. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WIPER MOTOR FOR THE FRONT WINDSHIELD BECAME INOPERABLE WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOSS CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASH INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · November 1, 2011 · crash

(1) DRIVING IN PARKING LOT APPROX 10 MPH, A VEHICLE CUT IN FRONT OF ME, I CUT SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT. (2) MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND BACK TO THE LEFT RESULTING IN COLLISION WITH A CONCRETE POLE CAUSING $9000.00 DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. LATER INSPECTION BY MYSELF, LOCAL GARAGE, INSURANCE ESTIMATOR AND…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 27, 2007 · crash

THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING A CAR ACCIDENT. THERE WERE NO EVENTS LEADING UP TO THIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN A PREVIOUS ACCIDENT, NOR WAS THE AIR BAG INDICATOR SHOWING THAT THERE WERE ANY ISSUES WITH THE AIR BAG. *TR

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 10, 2008 · crash

2004 Hummer H2 — common questions

Is the 2004 Hummer H2 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 74 complaints put the 2004 model at #3 of 8 H2 years. It is one of the H2 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 H2 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (16 complaints), visibility & wipers (14 complaints), brakes (14 complaints).

Does the 2004 Hummer H2 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Hummer H2. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 Hummer H2 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Hummer H2 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the H2 years to avoid are 2003, 2005, 2004. The cleanest record among H2 years belongs to 2009.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.