HUMMER H3 · model year

2006 HUMMER H3

470 NHTSA complaints, 11 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2006HUMMERH3 carries 470 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 11 crashes, 34 fires, 10 injuries, and 1 fatality. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2006 H3 is electrical system with 90 filings, followed by engine (52) and visibility/wiper (29). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 2006 H3. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

470
Complaints
11
Crashes
34
Fires
10
Injuries
1
Deaths

Total Complaints

470 filings

Crashes Reported

11 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM90
ENGINE52
VISIBILITY/WIPER29
UNKNOWN OR OTHER28
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING26
SUSPENSION25
STRUCTURE:BODY14
STRUCTURE11
AIR BAGS11
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC10
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM10
STEERING9
POWER TRAIN9
VISIBILITY9
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM8

Recalls (4)

06V41700031/10/2006

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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 SYST

10V17900030/04/2010

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. IF THIS INDICATOR IS UNNOTICED, ADDITIONAL CLIPS

05V55200007/12/2005

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

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.

15V42100001/07/2015

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. In the affected vehicles, the connector module that controls the blower motor speed for

Recent Complaints

20260114STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

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.

Mileage: 130,000

20260114ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PRESSURE/TEMPERATURE SENSOR

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.

Mileage: 130,000

20251111ENGINE

The blower resistor and harness needs replaced it looks like it caught fire or default

20251111UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The blower resistor and harness needs replaced it looks like it caught fire or default

20250809UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I was trying to get away from a stranger that was following me that was threatening and scary and when I got in the my Hummer h3 it wouldn't start its the ANTI THEFT that's thinking the car is being stolen this is happened several times of the car not starting i went to Google and YouTube and there's hundreds of videos complaining and giving instructions on waiting 10 min before trying to start the car , this is very dangerous especially for woman and it needs to be recalled and fixed before someone really gets hurt or killed , I was on scared

20250102ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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!

20250102ENGINE

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!

20241228SUSPENSION

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.

20240827ENGINE

Was heading home from work and the 2006 Hummer H3 shut off while traveling in the middle of traffic was able to cruise in Nuetral until I could stop to start car again started car and yet again I receive a cylinder misfire code which has been repaired on multiple attempts still no success. I am going to end up either crashing or an emergency vehichle will be trying to get by and I can't move because the motor shut down.

20240823UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Sunroof leaking creating water to leak into the driver seat, passenger seat, speakers on the door. Water trickling down from the Onstar system while parked and in motion this is a safety hazard. The only resolution that is given from GM is to blow out the hose to the sunroof, that’s not helping this issue is creating mole into the vehicle and once again it’s hazardous when driving As the water raining inside as well as outside of the vehicle. please help not seeing any recalls for this Manufacturing defect.

20240822ENGINE

Engine has very bad rough idle after multiple attempts to repair will get a misfire code often that goes on and comes off engine has rough idle to the point where truck shuts off completely while waiting at traffic light. My safety is at risk as this could happen during driving causing a wreck or during a light change when the emergency vehicles need me to move over and my truck don't run. Vehicle was inspected by multiple mechanic and still has issues. Check engine light comes on at time of motor failure or when rough idle.

20231122SERVICE BRAKES

Frame Rust Entire frame needs replaced

20231122POWER TRAIN

Frame Rust Entire frame needs replaced

20231122WHEELS

Frame Rust Entire frame needs replaced

20230907VISIBILITY

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.

Mileage: 193,000

20230907STRUCTURE

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.

Mileage: 193,000

20230702SUSPENSION

Complete rust through of frame of my 2006 HUMMER H3.

20230623POWER TRAIN

I was driving the vehicle at a normal rate of speed and stopped at a traffic light getting ready to change. I applied the brakes and when doing so, I heard some horrible noises and felt certain that parts had fallen out of the car. I knew something was immediately seriously wrong. I put the car in park (but it was effort and a grinding noise to put it in park) and stepped out to look under the car. No parts were on the ground, but something was leaking out of the bottom of the car. I got back in and put the car in drive to move it from the roadway knowing I was going to need assistance to tow it somewhere. It grinded trying to put it in any gear and only "revved" the engine when I tried to apply gas to drive it. There was absolutely no warning. The tow driver immediately noticed the drive shaft was disconnected and that was the leaking and thus going nowhere. My mechanic said that both leaf springs snapped off and that caused the drive shaft to sever, hitting the gas tank (or strap) an

20230623SUSPENSION

I was driving the vehicle at a normal rate of speed and stopped at a traffic light getting ready to change. I applied the brakes and when doing so, I heard some horrible noises and felt certain that parts had fallen out of the car. I knew something was immediately seriously wrong. I put the car in park (but it was effort and a grinding noise to put it in park) and stepped out to look under the car. No parts were on the ground, but something was leaking out of the bottom of the car. I got back in and put the car in drive to move it from the roadway knowing I was going to need assistance to tow it somewhere. It grinded trying to put it in any gear and only "revved" the engine when I tried to apply gas to drive it. There was absolutely no warning. The tow driver immediately noticed the drive shaft was disconnected and that was the leaking and thus going nowhere. My mechanic said that both leaf springs snapped off and that caused the drive shaft to sever, hitting the gas tank (or strap) an

20230623FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I was driving the vehicle at a normal rate of speed and stopped at a traffic light getting ready to change. I applied the brakes and when doing so, I heard some horrible noises and felt certain that parts had fallen out of the car. I knew something was immediately seriously wrong. I put the car in park (but it was effort and a grinding noise to put it in park) and stepped out to look under the car. No parts were on the ground, but something was leaking out of the bottom of the car. I got back in and put the car in drive to move it from the roadway knowing I was going to need assistance to tow it somewhere. It grinded trying to put it in any gear and only "revved" the engine when I tried to apply gas to drive it. There was absolutely no warning. The tow driver immediately noticed the drive shaft was disconnected and that was the leaking and thus going nowhere. My mechanic said that both leaf springs snapped off and that caused the drive shaft to sever, hitting the gas tank (or strap) an

Compare 2006HUMMERH3 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2006 HUMMER H3 have?
The 2006 HUMMER H3 has 470 NHTSA complaints, 11 crashes, 34 fires, 10 injuries, and 1 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2006 HUMMER H3?
Yes, the 2006 HUMMER H3 has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 HUMMER H3?
The most-complained component for the 2006 HUMMER H3 is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 90 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and VISIBILITY/WIPER.
Is the 2006 HUMMER H3 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.