DecodedCars2008 Hummer H3
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 4WD /X, 4dr SUV 4WD Alpha
- Engines
- 3.7L 5-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 15 combined · 14 city / 18 hwy
- Length
- 182.3 in
- Curb weight
- 4,700–4,863 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 15 MPG combined, 14% below the 2008 SUV - average of 17.4 MPG.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 31 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Hummer H3 is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (3.7L 5-cyl and 5.3L 8-cyl) and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 182 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,700 lb (4dr SUV 4WD /X).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 15 MPG combined (14 city / 18 highway), 14% worse than the 2008 SUV - average of 17.4 MPG, for an estimated $4,450 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 70 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2008
- Engine added: 5.3L 8-cyl
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 H3 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 4WD /X | 182.3 in | 74.8 in | 74.4 in | 111.8 in | 65 / 65.7 in | 4,700 lb | 50/50 |
| 4dr SUV 4WD Alpha | 182.3 in | 74.8 in | 74.4 in | 111.8 in | 65 / 65.7 in | 4,863 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H3 4WD | 3.7L 5-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 18 / 15 | -14% | $4,450 | 592 |
| H3 4WD | 3.7L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -14% | $4,450 | 592 |
| H3 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 16 / 14 | -20% | $4,800 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Hummer H3 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Hummer H3 (this car) | 15 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 13 |
| 2008 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Toyota Highlander | 26 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 20 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe | 20 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (2)
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Fan/Motor · Jul 1, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V421000 · 164,993 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- If the blower motor connector module overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace part of the blower motor connector and harness, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2016. Owners may contact Hummer customer service at 1-800-732-5493. GM's number for this recall is 15042.
Structure › Body › Hood · Apr 30, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V179000 · 162,129 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- IF THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVING WHEN THIS OCCURS, IT COULD STRIKE A FOLLOWING VEHICLE AND CAUSE INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL APPLY AN ADHESIVE TO THE HOOD LOUVER TO SECURE IT TO THE HOOD. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HUMMER AT 800-732-5493 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Not every 2008 Hummer H3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Hummer H3 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 22 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 13 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Visibility/Wiper — 10 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 95,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Hummer H3. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other H3 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hummer. How we calculate this →