repaired · 2017 Q2
Defroster/defogger/hvac system: fan/motor
Risk. If the blower motor connector module overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
2009 Hummer H3Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 68 owner complaints about the 2009 Hummer H3, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 15V-421 the manufacturer reports only 45% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 18, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: OSX, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2009 Hummer H3 has problems
68 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
33Electrical system4 crash/fire/injury
9Engine
8Structure
8Air bags3 crash/fire/injury
7Visibility1 crash/fire/injury
5Visibility/wiper
4Electronic stability control (ESC)
2Power train
2Service brakes, hydraulic
98 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 33 | 4 |
| Engine | 9 | 0 |
| Structure | 8 | 0 |
| Air bags | 8 | 3 |
| Visibility | 7 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 5 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 4 | 0 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 2 | 1 |
| 8 other systems | 9 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2009 Hummer H3 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Body: hood
Risk. IF THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVING WHEN THIS OCCURS, IT COULD STRIKE A FOLLOWING VEHICLE AND CAUSE INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Hummer.
Mileage at failure
When do electrical system problems start?
74kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 25 electrical system complaints. 80% were reported before 100,000 miles.
4under 30k miles20under 100k miles5100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2009 vs. every other H3 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the H3 median. How we score
'06'07'08'09'10
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2009 Hummer H3 safety ratings
2009 Hummer H3 4-DR w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 3 stars (24.6% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What H3 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
PERIODICALLY 2-3 TIMES A YEAR FOR PAST 6 YEARS WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE HIGH CAR WILL DIE, WHEN PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, CAR WILL NOT RESTART, MAY RESTART AFTER 10 MINUTES OR AFTER TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP,TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND SEVERAL TIMES TO HIGH END INDEPENDENT AUTO SHOPS, NO…
Own a 2009 H3?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.