Most common 2008 Hummer H3 problems
Share of the 113 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 →
2008 Hummer H3 recalls (2)
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.
What 2008 Hummer H3 owners say
Electrical system all 34 →
The contact owns a 2008 Hummer H3. The contact stated that upon shifting into drive (D) or reverse (R) the doors of the vehicle would unlock automatically. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that upon pressing the power master door lock switch to lock the vehicle, all four doors were unlocked. Additionally, the contact stated after refilling the gas tank at the gas station, the vehicle failed to restart and made an abnormal clicking sound. The contact stated that upon inspecting the hood of the vehicle, he saw flames on the positive side of the battery and the flames extended to the oil stick. The contact was able to extinguish the fire by taping it with a towel. The vehicle failed to start and remained at the gas station. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …
The contact owns a 2008 Hummer H3. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The anti-theft system warning light illuminated. The contact waited 10 minutes for the vehicle to reset, per the vehicle Owner's Manual instruction. The contact was able to drive the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred increasingly several times per day. Additionally, the vehicle had taken 45 to 90 minutes to reset and restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic on two occasions; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure as the vehicle would restart as needed while at the dealer. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 101,421.
Engine & cooling all 22 →
The contact owns a 2008 Hummer H3. The contact stated that the vehicle intermittently failed to start up without warning. The contact stated that after waiting ten minutes the vehicle started. The contact stated that recently the failure had become more frequent. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.
Engine was replaced at 163,000 miles now at 168,000 miles the frame is rusted beyond repair and is about to give at any moment nothing really left near rear axels. This could have definitely caused a horrible accident to myself or others having a big car just give way and collapse. Took it to mechanic who warned me first then next day took it to body shop that said nothing could be done. Basically both said get rid of it for parts as fast as you can and don't look back. After the body shop guy actually showed me the rusted out areas i was scared to even drive it like the 10miles back to my house. It sucks after spending all that money on an engine and now having this issue and now having to buy a new car.
Windows, wipers & sunroof
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Hummer H3. The contact stated that rain entered the vehicle from the sun roof. Upon entering the vehicle, water was discovered on the driver's side floor board as well as on the rear driver' side. The contact stated that water entered the vehicle while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the failure was diagnosed as a clogged drain tubing. The contact stated that the independent mechanic cleared the clogged drain tubing however, the failure recurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.
2008 Hummer H3 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7L 5-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 18 / 15 |
| 3.7L 5-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 16 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Hummer H3 a good car?
Based on 113 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 H3 rates average: 24% fewer complaints than a typical year of the H3 at the same age. It is one of the best H3 years by this measure. 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 2008 Hummer H3?
The electrical system — 34 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year, most often about horn. Next are the engine & cooling (22) and windows, wipers & sunroof (19).
How many recalls does the 2008 Hummer H3 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2008 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 2008 Hummer H3 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 77,000 miles; 29% 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.