Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2009 Hummer H3 Reliability ReportKeepScore 68/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid

68/ 100

KeepScore

MODERATE RISK

Grade: C+

A niche, highly capable off-roader that requires diligent maintenance and a tolerance for some common mechanical eccentricities.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Quick Facts · 2009 Hummer H3

  • Scores 4 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2007 Hummer H3 earns a 72.
  • The system most likely to surface first: engine cylinder head (3.7l i5) (major severity).
  • Has 2 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:fan/motor.

2009 Hummer H3: Buy or Avoid?

The 2009 Hummer H3 is an undeniably charismatic off-road machine, but it comes with a significant caveat: its known powertrain and electrical issues demand a proactive owner and a healthy repair budget. Don't expect Toyota-level serenity; instead, embrace its rugged character, but only after a thorough pre-purchase inspection and a clear understanding of its potential pitfalls.

Biggest Strengths

  • Exceptional off-road capability (especially with Adventure package)
  • Rugged body-on-frame construction
  • Unique, commanding road presence

2009 Hummer H3 — Known Trouble Spots

The systems that break first on the 2009 Hummer H3. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

1
Engine Cylinder Head (3.7L I5)major
2
Electrical Systemmoderate
3
Automatic Transmission (4L60E)major
Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

Safety Recalls on the 2009 Hummer H3

2 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.

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 the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system may overheat.

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 COULD FRACTURE AND THE HOOD LOUVER COULD DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE.

What breaks on the 2009 Hummer H3?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

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Hummer H3 — Year-by-Year Comparison

Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Hummer H3. Click any year for its full report.

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Relevant Products for Your 2009 Hummer H3

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Frequently Asked Questions

Full Report

2009 Hummer H3

7-system breakdown, mileage danger zones, repair cost projections, buyer checklist, and expert verdict.

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