Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Hummer H3 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The blower on my 2006 Hummer H3 stopped working while driving down the highway and we smelled a burnt plastic smell when the blower stopped. The smell eventually went away, but the blower never worked again. I found that this is a huge issue for not just Hummer owners, but other GM vehicle owners. The resistor and plastic clip were melted together and when disconnected, fire damage was evident. This resistor for the ac blower is located right under the glove compartment and luckily nothing flammable was close to this when is blew while driving down the highway. I also have pictures of the damage and subsequent danger this issue poses. Other posts of people seeing this issue. Http://www.hummerforums.com/forum/Hummer-H3-17/air-conditioning-problem-grrr-16020/page2/#post264883.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Hummer H3. The contact stated that the heat and defroster system in the vehicle became inoperable without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the blower motor resistor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was previously repaired for the failure but the failure recurred. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V421000 (visibility), however the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Hummer H3. When the air conditioner was activated, the contact heard an abnormal noise. The contact also noticed hot air and an abnormal odor entering through the vents. The contact stated that the failure had the same symptoms as described in NHTSA campaign number: 15V421000 (visibility). The vehicle was taken to the dealer (southtowne Chevrolet Buick GMC, 695 bullsboro dr., newnan, ga 30265) where it was diagnosed that the air conditioner unit needed freon, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Hummer H3. The contact stated that the blower motor failed to function. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V421000 (visibility) and stated that the part needed for the repair was not available. 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 85,365. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Hummer H3. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the blower motor failed and the contact noticed a burning odor. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics where the technicians stated that the wiring harness was melted and the heater blower motor resistor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.
Blower motor for HVAC stopped working. A/C compressor kicks on, but no air flow or fan noise. Found resistor and wiring harness behind glove box burned out and melted. Part numbers affected: 12059296 and 10397098 resistor. This is a fire hazard!! Come on, GM!!
Last week I was driving locally home when my H3 cab filled with smoke blocking my vision and the A/C blower stopped...I nearly drove into a tree...if I had been on the highway at speed, I would be dead. I took the car to a local shop, as close as I could get...anyway my dealer was shut down as GM went into bankruptcy. The mechanic found that a wiring harness connector burned out, creating the smoke and cutting the blower off (see photos). I reported this to GM, asking them for refund of costs and to investigate this serious safety matter. They refused because I am out of warranty! I believe they are covering up a serious manufacturing flaw...when the mechanic phoned GM for the wiring harness section involved, they had it in stock ready to go...evidently, GM knows of this flaw. If this problem is not taken seriously, someone will be killed by it! Updated 08/20/09.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Hummer H3. 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that when the air conditioner was activated, hot air blew out without warning. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Hummer H3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the dashboard caught on fire from the passenger's side of the heater. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the harness, resister fan motor, replay, heater hoses and baffle fan needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Hummer H3. While driving various speeds, the air conditioning shut off without warning. The dealer advised the contact to bring the vehicle in to be repaired under warranty. She stated that there were two other consumers at the dealer with the same issue and the same vehicle. The failure and current mileages were 48,000.
Related recalls
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.
AC & Heater complaints in other H3 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are ac & heater problems on the 2006 Hummer H3?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the a/c & heater of the 2006 Hummer H3, 6% of the model year's 362 complaints. The component named most often is defroster/defogger/hvac system (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Hummer H3 ac & heater problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 15V-421 (fan/motor, Jul 1, 2015). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2006 Hummer H3 ac & heater problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to a/c & heater problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.