Most common 2006 Hummer H3 problems
Share of the 362 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Hummer H3 complaints by model year
Best H3 years: 2010, 2009, 2008. Years to avoid: 2006, 2007. Compare all years →
2006 Hummer H3 recalls (4)
Visibility › Defroster/defogger/HVAC system › Fan/motor
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.
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.
Structure › Body › Hood
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.
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.
Air bags › Frontal
Certain vehicles originally built with cloth seats that were equipped with an automatic air bag passenger sensing system and later reupholstered with aftermarket leather seat cover kits are involved. Testing has indicated that the aftermarket leather seat covers can cause the passenger sensing system to malfunction.
Remedy: Because a replacement leather seat cover that is compatible with the passenger sensing system is not available, general motors (GM) will repurchase these vehicles in accordance with the terms stated in GM's letter to…
Equipment › Other › Labels
Certain trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were shipped with tire and loading information labels listing an inacccurate vehicle capacity weight.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with corrected labels and installation instructions. At the customer's option, a dealer can install the label for them. The recall began on March 31, 2006.
What 2006 Hummer H3 owners say
Electrical system all 96 →
On the electrical, I refer to my air conditioning and heater. When I have my air selection to coldest and I drop 1 click for it to be less cool, my heater turns on and at times it smells like something burning. I have to turn it off . On the engine, after I hit 90,000 miles, I have to fill up my engine oil every 2-3 weeks because my vehicle is burning it quick or something. It doesn't leak oil at all. The oil just seems like it's burning somewhere and I ha e to be waisting money to buy oil $30 to $60 a month. Please help. Thank you!
Theses templates dosent recognize the key and kicks on the security system which stops the motor from turning on. So you are stuck for 10 minutes then you can try again all so sometimes the motor tries to turn on by just sticking the key in the ignition before you even turn it. By looking at youtube alot of the H3s and the Colorados do this
Engine & cooling all 87 →
The contact owns a 2006 Hummer H3. The contact stated that the frame was rusted on the driver's side. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact looked underneath the vehicle and was able to see through the subframe. The contact also noticed cracks in sub frame. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined there was an issue with the temperature sensor. While receiving an oil change, it was determined that the subframe was rusted. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall coverage for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
On the electrical, I refer to my air conditioning and heater. When I have my air selection to coldest and I drop 1 click for it to be less cool, my heater turns on and at times it smells like something burning. I have to turn it off . On the engine, after I hit 90,000 miles, I have to fill up my engine oil every 2-3 weeks because my vehicle is burning it quick or something. It doesn't leak oil at all. The oil just seems like it's burning somewhere and I ha e to be waisting money to buy oil $30 to $60 a month. Please help. Thank you!
Windows, wipers & sunroof all 45 →
The contact owns a 2006 Hummer H3. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the hood louver detached from the vehicle and cracked the front windshield. The contact stated that the crack obstructed his vision while driving. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V179000 (Structure). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 193,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Hummer H3. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, there was visible smoke inside the vehicle that came from behind the dashboard. The contact drove the vehicle to the residence where it was discovered that the fan relay was burned. The contact disconnected the relay. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V421000 (visibility), however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000. The VIN was unavailable. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2006 Hummer H3 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 5-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 18 / 16 |
| 3.5L 5-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 18 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Hummer H3 a good car?
Based on 362 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 H3 rates avoid: 3.1× as many complaints as a typical year of the H3 at the same age. It is one of the H3 years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2006 Hummer H3?
The electrical system — 96 complaints, 27% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition › switch. Next are the engine & cooling (87) and windows, wipers & sunroof (45).
How many recalls does the 2006 Hummer H3 have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2006 Hummer H3, the most recent from July 1, 2015 (fan/motor). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Hummer H3?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010, 2009 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2006 and 2007. See the full Hummer H3 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2006 Hummer H3 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 75,000 miles; 27% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.