VehicleVerdict

2009 Hummer H3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2009 Hummer H3 sits mid-pack among H3 years: 95 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 125, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 40% of all reports (38 of 95), far ahead of visibility & wipers at 12.

95

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other H3 years?

H3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted470 complaints2003: 4 complaints2006: 470 complaints2007: 331 complaints2008: 154 complaints2009: 95 complaints2010: 8 complaints
H3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all H3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Hummer H3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System3840%
Visibility & Wipers1213%
Engine1011%
Airbags88%
Body & Structure88%
Other77%
Brakes33%
Suspension22%
Transmission22%
Fuel System22%
Seats11%
Steering11%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 2009 Hummer H3 have recalls?

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

15V421000Visibility & WipersJuly 1, 2015 · 164,993 units

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.

Consequence

If the blower motor connector module overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.

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.

10V179000Body & StructureApril 30, 2010 · 162,129 units

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.

Consequence

IF THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVING WHEN THIS OCCURS, IT COULD STRIKE A FOLLOWING VEHICLE AND CAUSE INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“DRIVER WAS DRIVING AND STARTED TO SMELL SOMETHING BURNING AS SHE WAS DRIVING THE CAR. SHORTLY AFTER SHE BEGIN TO SEE SMOKE EMITTING FROM UNDER THE GLOVE BOX. THEN SPARKS BEGIN TO DROP ONTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR. SHE PROCEEDED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AS THE SMOKE AND SPARKS WERE INTENSIFYING.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 20, 2015 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HUMMER H3. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONNECTOR MODULE THAT CONTROLS THE BLOWER MOTOR SPEED NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · September 10, 2015 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 10, 2020

“LETTER FROM SENATOR DURBIN ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE GM 2009 FAULTY HUMMER H3 WINDSHIELD. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WATER STARTED LEAKING INSIDE THE VEHICLE. WATER ENTERED THE COMPUTER SYSTEM AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START FOR 20 MINUTES AND ALL OF THE LIGHTS STARTED BLINKING ON THE DASHBOARD.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · October 1, 2014

“DRIVING TO WORK ONE MORNING IT WAS A WINTER COLD DAY I WAS GOING NORTHBOUND AND A VECHICLE GOING SOUTHBOUND PULLED OUT TO PASS A TRANSPORT TRUCK AND KEPT GOING I SLOWED DOWN WENT TO RIGHT A WEE BIT AND CAR HIT ME HEAD ON !! I WAS WOKEN BY ONSTAR AND FINALLY GOT OUT EXITING THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 4, 2015 · crash

2009 Hummer H3 — common questions

Is the 2009 Hummer H3 reliable?

It is close to typical for the H3: 95 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2009 H3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (38 complaints), visibility & wipers (12 complaints), engine (10 complaints).

Does the 2009 Hummer H3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 Hummer H3. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Hummer H3 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the H3 years to avoid are 2006, 2007. The cleanest record among H3 years belongs to 2003.

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.