2008 Hummer H3: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 113 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (22% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2015
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 113 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2008 Hummer H3. The contact stated that while his son was driving 35 MPH, there was a loud metal rattling sound while attempting to turn left or right. The driver also heard the sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the leaf springs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 67,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2026
“The fuel level sensor stopped working now it say I'm on E These go out on these cars And are on the recall list, but not on my vehicle yet”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 2026
“The pass lock in this vehicle is faulty. On numerous occasions, it has left me unable to start the vehicle, but if you wait 10 minutes each time, it will start again, but it happens all the time. I've seen numerous complaints online and GM needs to do something about it.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“The contact owns a 2008 Hummer H3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V421000 (Visibility); however, the dealer refused to perform the recall repair due to the age of the vehicle. The contact stated that the dealer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the blower motor had become inoperable. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Visibility · Apr 2025
“The last dealership I went to they advised to come th the dealership but when I got there nobody wasn't trying to work there instead the said that it was going to be hard to work on it cause nobody work on those cars anymore and then they said they were going to order the part but never call me back for it. Call them but gave me the runaround basically.”Owner report · Engine · May 2024
“exhaust leaking in cab of the car .Exhaust bolts broke or manifold cracked problem i heard about on line .on a long trip could make you passout with the fumes .please check it out .on most inline 5 cyclinder engines GM makes .Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2023
“The contact owns a 2008 Hummer H3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal knocking sound was coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure worsened while driving at highway speeds. The contact called the dealer and the manufacturer and notified them about the failure. The contact was informed by both that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2022
“I saw a vehicle on sale in Indiana, via AutoTrader. I got a loan from a Federal Credit Union in Huntsville, Al. I can't get brakes repaired because frame is highly unreliable to be lifted. I need your assistance, please and Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2022
“I was not involved in an incident. The rear frame of this vehicle has rusted 90% away. if it were driven any further the rear axel will fall off. I was towing a boat and it and the axel and rear bumper could have flown off the vehicle. I had no idea the extent of damage. I've owned the vehicle for 11 years. I've read that other Hummer h3 owners have had the axel fall off. Please let other Hummer h3 owners know how severe this can be. Every northern tier state vehicle 2008 and older with 146,400 miles can not have this dangerous of a situation. I've attached a 2011 Buick lacrosse recall of a friend. This truly is a hazard. I had no idea how bad it is.”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2021
“Vehicle will not crank. After 10-12 minute wait vehicle cranks. According to symbol this is an anti-theft lockdown. But it happens repeatedly for no reason. Has happened 5 times in 6 days. My concern is this could happen during an emergency or in a dangerous place for a woman alone (dark deserted parking lot for instance). For this reason I am very conscious of where I park, but the 1st time it happened, with no warning, was terrifying. From what I have read even replacing the ignition does not solve the issue permanently, the same thing begins to happen again.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2021
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact H3 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Hummer H3 reliable?
NHTSA has 113 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 Hummer H3. The most complained-about area is electrical system (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2008 Hummer H3 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 78,000 miles or less.
Does the 2008 Hummer H3 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:fan/motor. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.