Problems · NHTSA complaints
2006 Hummer H3 problems
Owners filed 362 complaints about the 2006 Hummer H3 with NHTSA between Sep 2005 and Jul 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (96).
Complaints
362
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
10
Reported by owners
Fires
27
Reported by owners
Injuries
8
People reported injured
Deaths
1
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Electrical system96
- Engine52
- Structure36
- Engine and engine cooling35
- Visibility32
- Suspension29
- Visibility/wiper29
- Power train20
- Air bags20
- Service brakes, hydraulic16
- Latches/locks/linkages11
- Steering11
- Fuel/propulsion system8
- Vehicle speed control7
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
2
22
16
11
10
33
28
27
22
30
40
47
21
12
13
6
6
2
5
4
3
2
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2006 | 22 |
| 2007 | 16 |
| 2008 | 11 |
| 2009 | 10 |
| 2010 | 33 |
| 2011 | 28 |
| 2012 | 27 |
| 2013 | 22 |
| 2014 | 30 |
| 2015 | 40 |
| 2016 | 47 |
| 2017 | 21 |
| 2018 | 12 |
| 2019 | 13 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Electrical system
96 reports19 fires
“Theses templates dosent recognize the key and kicks on the security system which stops the motor from turning on. So you are stuck for 10 minutes then you can try again all so sometimes the motor tries to turn on by just sticking the key in the ignition before you even turn it. By looking at youtube alot of the H3s and the Colorados do this”
Engine
52 reports1 fire
“On the electrical, I refer to my air conditioning and heater. When I have my air selection to coldest and I drop 1 click for it to be less cool, my heater turns on and at times it smells like something burning. I have to turn it off . On the engine, after I hit 90,000 miles, I have to fill up my engine oil every 2-3 weeks because my vehicle is burning it quick or something. It doesn't leak oil at all. The oil just seems like it's burning somewhere and I ha e to be waisting money to buy oil $30 to $60 a month. Please help. Thank you!”
Structure
36 reports1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2006 Hummer H3. The contact stated that the frame was rusted on the driver's side. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact looked underneath the vehicle and was able to see through the subframe. The contact also noticed cracks in sub frame. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined there was an issue with the temperature sensor. While receiving an oil change, it was determined that the subframe was rusted. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall coverage for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.”
Engine and engine cooling
35 reports
“2006 HUMMER H3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REPAIRS TO VEHICLE RADIATOR OVERHEATING PROBLEMS AND SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT FOR RECALL NOTICE 15042. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE RADIATOR, THERMOSTAT AND WATER PUMP, WERE REPLACED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. *JB”
Visibility
32 reports5 fires1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2006 Hummer H3. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the hood louver detached from the vehicle and cracked the front windshield. The contact stated that the crack obstructed his vision while driving. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V179000 (Structure). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 193,000.”
Suspension
29 reports
“Was driving this vehicle about 45 mph and began to shake violently. Was able to get it slowed down and back under control. Happened two more times on my drive home and took it to an auto repair shop today and found the frame is broken on both sides in front of rear leaf springs.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.