Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
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 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.
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. While driving 60 MPH, the louver in the center of the hood shattered into pieces, striking the windshield and the top of the vehicle. The contact was able to maneuver to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (hoffpauir Ford, 902 n key ave, lampasas, tx 76550, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the louver needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer (honolulu Buick GMC Cadillac, 2945 n nimitz hwy, honolulu, hi 96819, [phone]), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 169,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Hummer H3. The contact stated that once the anti-theft was activated, it was unable to be deactivated using the key fob or manually. As a result, the engine locked, and the contact was unable to start the vehicle. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact also stated that during rainy weather, water entered the vehicle from the drain holes on top of the vehicle. As a result, the interior of the vehicle and the air bag were wet. The failure recurred during the rainy weather conditions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. Updated 09/18/15 updated 09/22/15
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Hummer H3. The contact stated that the vehicle did not blow hot or cold air. In addition, the black hood louver detached from the vehicle. The failures occurred without warning. Prior to the hood louver failure, the vehicle was remedied under NHTSA campaign number: 10V179000(structure). 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 issue. The failure mileage was approximately 184,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Hummer H3. The contact stated that the hood was not properly staying up and the contact had to manually hold the hood upon closing it. The contact also indicated that smoke entered the vehicle upon starting. The failure progressed without warning. The contact was unsure if there was an electrical short that was internally occurring and could cause a fire. The vehicle was included in two recalls, but the contact did not receive notification for NHTSA campaign numbers: 10V179000 (structure) and 15V421000 (visibility). The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Hummer H3. The contact stated that the dirt from the air was getting clogged into the sun roof, which affected the performance of the sun roof. When the sun roof got clogged with dirt, it caused water to leak into the vehicle whenever it rained. The water that leaked into the vehicle would affect the main vehicle computer that would affect the performance of the vehicle. The contact stated that the sun roof and vehicle computer failures had been recurring issues since owning the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 196,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Hummer H3. While parked, the drain holes in the top of the vehicle allowed rain water to enter the interior of the vehicle on the passenger side. The contact stated that the water entering the vehicle caused the control panel to malfunction. The contact also stated that the key became stuck in the ignition. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,013.
My sunroof has been leaking, on the passenger side it chimes out behind & below the glove box. On the driver's side it leaks directly from the sunroof onto the driver's seat, and behind the emergency brake. Both sides soak the floorboards front & back. It leaks whether stationary or in motion, however when it has been sitting during a rain storm, when you move it, sheets of water pour down from the sunroof.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Hummer H3. While driving unknown speeds, the hood detached and crashed into the windshield. The windshield was shattered. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 87,000.
Related recalls
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.
Body complaints in other H3 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2006 Hummer H3?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the body & structure of the 2006 Hummer H3, 10% of the model year's 362 complaints. The component named most often is body (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Hummer H3 body problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 10V-179 (hood, Apr 30, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2006 Hummer H3 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 105,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to body & structure 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.