Most common 2009 Hummer H3 problems
Share of the 69 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 →
2009 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 2009 Hummer H3 owners say
Electrical system all 34 →
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.
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: [redacted] ). 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. …
Engine & cooling
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.
P2135 throttle/pedal position sensor/switch a/b voltage correlation that puts the vehicle into ?stabilitrak disabled", "traction control disabled", and "reduced engine power". While there is a TSB#11-06-04-007b regarding this issue and warranty coverage; unfortunately it does not apply to my engine. However, since this is a widely know issue, and this vehicle is experiencing the same conditions, one would think that my vehicle would be serviced under this TSB extended warranty coverage. 12/04/2014: first service attempt: clear code everything tests fine, let?s see if it happens again. 12/10/2014: second service attempt: both throttle body and acc pedal position sensor tested "good". Weak battery - replace battery. 12/22/2014: third service attempt: tech replaced accelerator pedal. Relearned throttle/idle. 12/26/2014: forth service attempt: relearned throttle/idle procedure. …
Windows, wipers & sunroof
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Hummer H3. The contact stated that the defroster did not blow cold air. The failure occurred without warning. City Cadillac (90-10, 43rd st, long island city, ny) was contacted and confirmed that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 15V421000 (visibility), but refused to repair the vehicle for free because it was previously remedied. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 33,500. Updated 10/9/18
The vehicle has been brought to the dealer @ city Cadillac more than a 12 times & they still have not fixed the 1st (#15042) or 2nd recall (#14582). The truck has visibility, electrical, steering, leaking & motor mount issues just to say the least plus I am a disabled us marine veteran who was shot in desert storm and I really need my vehicle to get around especially since I have handicap license plates for my special needs. Can you please help???????
2009 Hummer H3 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7L 5-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 18 / 16 |
| 3.7L 5-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 18 / 16 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 16 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Hummer H3 a good car?
Based on 69 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 H3 rates better than average: 57% 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 2009 Hummer H3?
The electrical system — 34 complaints, 49% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition › switch. Next are the engine & cooling (10) and windows, wipers & sunroof (9).
How many recalls does the 2009 Hummer H3 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2009 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 2009 Hummer H3 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 75,000 miles; 28% 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.