MY RADIATOR CRACKED AND I WAS TOLD AND HAVE READ THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE H3 HUMMERS AND CHEVY COLORADO . *TR
2008 Hummer H3 engine problems
moderate 13 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$3,100
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
WITHOUT ANY WARNING, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO MISFIRE AND STALL OUT AFTER STARTING FROM A GREEN LIGHT. IT ONLY LASTED ABOUT 10 SECONDS. AFTER THIS, THE ENGINE QUIT MISFIRING AND BEGAN TO HAVE AN AUDIBLE WHINE COME FROM UNDER THE GEAR SHIFTER. THIS WAS SUBSEQUENTLY DIAGNOSED BY ELECTRONIC MEANS AS AN INTERMITTENT MISFIRE AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION SENSOR. AFTER EXAMINATION BY A MECHANIC, IN TH…
RADIATOR HAS A 8 INCH HORIZONTAL HAIR LINE CRACK THAT LETS THE COOLANT LEAK. THE CRACK IS ON TOP RIGHT CORNER( DRIVERS SIDE). THE RADIATOR TOP IS MADE FROM PLASTIC THAT IS PRONE TO CRACKING DUE TO FRAMEWORK BUMPING INTO IT CAUSING STRAIN ON RADIATOR TOP WHICH AFTER TIME CAUSES THE TOP RIGHT CORNER TO ESTABLISH A HAIRLINE CRACK AND CAUSE THE COOLANT TO LEAK. MANY HUMMER H3 VEHICLES OWNERS HAVE COMP…
The contact owns a 2008 Hummer H3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal knocking sound was coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure worsened while driving at highway speeds. The contact called the dealer and the manufacturer and notified them about the failure. The contact was informed by both that t…
CRACK IN THE RADIATOR, HAD IT REPLACED AT A INDEPENDENT SHOP NOT KNOWING THAT THIS IS AN ON GOING PROBLEM WITH THIS MODAL HUMMER. DEFINATLY A FLAW SOMEWHERE ON GMS PART. *TR
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2008 Hummer H3?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 13 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
Some links on this page are affiliate links.