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2009 Hummer H3

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2009 Hummer H3 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 91.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

50 reports with mileage · 19 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 9 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports5 fire reports3 injury reports

What owners actually said

69 reports
Mileage unknown · Feb 24, 2026
Electrical System

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…

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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 ODI #11720259

Mileage unknown · Nov 18, 2025
Unknown Or Other

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 i…

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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 ODI #11700189

97,000 miles · Aug 26, 2025
Electrical System

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 m…

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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 ODI #11683099

Mileage unknown · Jan 6, 2025
Engine

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 befo…

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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 ODI #11634368

Mileage unknown · Jun 16, 2023
Structure

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 ODI #11527382

121,706 miles · Dec 6, 2022
Air Bags

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 …

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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 ODI #11496178

198,666 miles · Jan 11, 2021
Electrical System

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 DRIVI…

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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 ODI #11387490

147,000 miles · Sep 1, 2020
Air BagsUnknown Or Other

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. …

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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 ODI #11352672

91,350 miles · May 12, 2020
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

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 …

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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

NHTSA ODI #11324231

141,000 miles · Mar 7, 2020
Air Bags

I WAS TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED ALMOST CAUSING ME CRASH. THEY DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON AND NO AIRBAG LIGHT OR WARNING WAS GIVEN. NOT UNDERSTANDING HOW THEY WOULD DEPLOY WITHOUT A CRASH OR SOME TYPE OF VEHICLE DAMAGE HAD OCCURRED. MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. NOW WHAT TO DO? NO RECAL…

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I WAS TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED ALMOST CAUSING ME CRASH. THEY DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON AND NO AIRBAG LIGHT OR WARNING WAS GIVEN. NOT UNDERSTANDING HOW THEY WOULD DEPLOY WITHOUT A CRASH OR SOME TYPE OF VEHICLE DAMAGE HAD OCCURRED. MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. NOW WHAT TO DO? NO RECALL? IVE SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS HAPPENING IN THE 2009 HUMMER H3.

NHTSA ODI #11316736

Official recalls

2

15V421000 · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:fan/motor

Jul 1, 2015

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 & remedy

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.

10V179000 · Structure:body:hood

Apr 30, 2010

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 & remedy

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.