H3 (1st)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
Every complaint of any kind (brakes, airbags, electrical and the rest) whose VIN names the engine, across all model years. The score above counts only engine, transmission and drivetrain complaints, so its figures for the same engine are smaller. Fire, injury and death figures count complaints that report one.
LLR
3.7L 5-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
L52
3.5L 5-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Hummer H3 Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
LH8
5.3L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
LMM
6.6L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
LH9
5.3L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Hummer H3, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2006-2010 Hummer H3
On a used 2006-2010 Hummer H3, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the electrical system (256), the engine (176) and the body and structure (84). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-08. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 256 owner complaints on the 2006-2010 Hummer H3 about the electrical system.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 176 owner complaints on the 2006-2010 Hummer H3 about the engine, all engines combined.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 84 owner complaints on the 2006-2010 Hummer H3 about the body and structure.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 68 owner complaints on the 2006-2010 Hummer H3 about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 53 owner complaints on the 2006-2010 Hummer H3 about the cooling system, all engines combined.
Recalls (5)
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. In the affected vehicles, the connector module that controls the blower motor speed for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system may overheat.
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. IF THIS INDICATOR IS UNNOTICED, ADDITIONAL CLIPS COULD FRACTURE AND THE HOOD LOUVER COULD DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE.
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 1,738 MY 2009 HUMMER H3T VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE FUEL TANK FRONT SUPPORT STRAP MAY FRACTURE. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FUEL TANK WOULD BE SUPPORTED BY THE REAR SUPPORT STRAP AND STONE SHIELD ONLY. CONTINUED USE OF THE VEHICLE MAY EVENTUALLY FRACTURE THE REAR SUPPORT STRAP AND SHIELD FASTENERS.
CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION.
CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS LISTING AN INACCCURATE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Alternatives in Compact SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2006-2010 Hummer H3 complaints?
Owners have filed 793 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006-2010 Hummer H3. The systems they name most often are the electrical system, the engine and the body and trim.
Is the 2006-2010 Hummer H3 a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 793 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006-2010 Hummer H3. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006-2010 Hummer H3 have?
NHTSA has 793 owner complaints on file for the 2006-2010 Hummer H3 as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2006-2010 Hummer H3?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls covering some 2006-2010 Hummer H3 vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Hummer H3?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the electrical system, the engine and the body and trim, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the H3?
The 2010 Hummer H3 received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 3 stars (24.6% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 793 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-18.