Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Hummer H3 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
As in the other reports, my vehicle had same electrical short and fire under passenger glove box area. Here is the technician repair notes which completely verify there is an engineering problem with A/C and heater blower motor electrical configuration: verified customer concern, opened and removed glove box, removed blower motor resister (2fastners) from HVAC box,inspected resistor, attempted to unplug resistor, connectors stuck together, forced connectors apart, found they were melted together due to short in HVAC system. Installed new harness: 25949869 installed new resistor: 10397098 blower motor HVAC system now operable; unknown reason for short.
Driver was driving and started to smell something burning as she was driving the car. Shortly after she begin to see smoke emitting from under the glove box. Then sparks begin to drop onto the front passenger side floor. She proceeded to exit the vehicle as the smoke and sparks were intensifying. Eventually the entire cabin was engulfed in flames. The fire department was called.
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. …
Needed recall for Hummer H3. "reduced power/service stab system/traction" notification that appears without warning, and immediately drops the engine to almost no ability to accelerate. This began happening in local traffic, then on the interstate at high rates of speed. GM has been notified of this issue, even after numerous attempts to repair this very dangerous malfunction without success, they are unwilling to address it with a recall. The most dangerous of the numerous times this happened was on 4/27/17. I had just left moses GM of charleston, wv after they had repaired the vehicle for this issue. I drove approximately 5 miles on interstate 64 before losing power, and almost being struck by a vehicle on the south charleston bridge. The dealership towed me back to the service center where the vehicle was once again unsuccessfully repaired. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Hummer H3. While attempting to start the vehicle, it failed to start initially. The vehicle felt as if it had a delayed start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery failed and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken back to the dealer on several occasions where it was repeatedly diagnosed that the battery was the reason for the failure. The contact stated that the battery was changed a total of three times in four years, but the failure continued. The dealer mentioned a manufacturer's recall for the wiring for the contact's year, make, and model, but insisted that there were no other recalls. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The NHTSA campaign number was unknown. The failure mileage was 2,000.
Every so often the passlock security system malfunctions and my Hummer won't start. I have to wait 10 minutes before I can start the vehicle again. It fails without warning. Its been happening more and more often. There was only 55,000 miles on the vehicle when I noticed it starting to act up. I sliced my fingers open on a job and had to drive myself to the emergency room but my Hummer wouldn't start because of the ignition security failure. I lost a lot of blood in my hand sitting waiting the 10 minutes. The doctor said I might lose the tips of my fingers because it took so long to get there. I'm sure other people had worse situations, but I seen hundreds of people with the same vehicle having the same issue. It a dangerous issue and should be recalled before a life is lost if it hasn't already.
My 2009 Hummer H3 on occasion will not start. It can happen any time, any where, under any weather conditions. When this happens the car radio, interior lights, etc. Are however still working. I then have to wait approx. 10 to 15 minutes, and the vehicle starts up like nothing happened.. From doing some on-line research I found out that many, many, Hummer H3 owners from years 2002 to 2009 have this same disturbing issue. I had this problem from day one when I bought this vehicle. However now it is becoming more frequent.. This occurred three times in the last week. Some attribute this to a faulty security pass lock system. I feel this is widespread dangerous issue and there should be an immediate recall on all Hummer H3's that have this problem.
Recently my 2009 Hummer H3, has been acting strange. While driving down the road, warning lights will flash, will beep, (traction control, ABS, service 4wd, change oil, service tpm), all the while all things electrical stops working such as headlights, brake lights, blower fan, heated seat, turn signals, and all this while driving down the road at normal speed. It started doing this as the weather got colder but this H3 is well maintained and is garage kept and I only use it to drive to and from work. It is now a safety hazard and with these issues will not be able to trade it in. I have no idea where to start in order to fix it. After finally driving for 30 min or so sometimes it will finally quit messing up and act normal.
Electrical complaints in other H3 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2009 Hummer H3?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the electrical system of the 2009 Hummer H3, 49% of the model year's 69 complaints. The component named most often is ignition › switch (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Hummer H3 electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2009 Hummer H3, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2009 Hummer H3 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles, and 16% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 4 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.