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Every generation
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (158 km/h)
Fuel, maker's test (18.1 L/100 km)
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is deeply polarized, split between strong affection for the vehicle's character and significant frustration with its ownership costs and reliability.
7 problems reported (3 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentElectrical system failures
Encompassing parasitic battery drain, malfunctioning body control modules (BCM), door control modules, window regulators, dome lights, dash clusters, and stereo systems. Problems often manifest as multiple simultaneous failures.
- Very frequentExcessive fuel consumption
Consistently reported at 10 mpg or less in real-world use.
- Very frequentCostly and frequent repairs
Owners report constant visits to the dealership costing at least $1,000 per incident, with major repairs like transmission failure cited at $8,000.
+ 4 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentFour-wheel drive system malfunctions
Issues with the transfer case and encoder motor, causing the vehicle to be stuck in 4HI or preventing proper engagement of AWD "highway" mode, leading to binding and tire barking during turns.
- RecurrentPoor interior material quality
Cheap plastics that self-destruct, a common issue noted for GM vehicles of the era.
- IsolatedSunroof leaks
Leading to water accumulation in interior compartments.
- IsolatedOil consumption
Noted as a problem in some model years.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to designate a specific model year or trim as "best." Discussions reference 2003-2007 models without clear preference. The unique SUT (pickup) variant is mentioned but not comparatively evaluated.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Land Cruiser, Range Rover, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Xterra and Toyota FJ Cruiser.
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Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Sentiment is deeply polarized, split between strong affection for the vehicle's character and significant frustration with its ownership costs and reliability. Long-term owners express a passionate, almost irrational love for the H2's imposing presence, comfortable ride, generously appointed interior, and its capability as an "absolute unit." This is consistently tempered by very frequent reports of exorbitant operating expenses, particularly fuel consumption in the range of 10 mpg or less, and recurrent, costly electrical and mechanical failures. The vehicle is widely recognized as a competent and uniquely capable off-roader with serious hardware, but the consensus is that it was predominantly used as a suburban status symbol. Ownership is described as a commitment best undertaken by those who can financially absorb constant and unpredictable repair bills.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a more extreme, off-road capable alternative to full-size luxury SUVs like the Tahoe, Yukon, and Escalade, with which it shares its GMT800 platform DNA. Owner discussions strongly refute the common perception that it is merely a rebadged Tahoe, highlighting numerous unique or upgraded components that provide superior off-road geometry, protection, and durability. It is considered a credible, factory-built rival to the Land Cruiser and Range Rover in terms of capability, but with the potential benefit of greater parts commonality with mainstream GM trucks. However, it is consistently noted as being less reliable than a Land Cruiser and less refined than a Range Rover, while being far more expensive to run than any of its GM platform-mates.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available on recommended configurations such as specific powertrains, options, or packages. All-wheel drive is standard.
General recommendations
Only recommended for enthusiasts with deep financial reserves who are prepared for high and variable maintenance costs. Not suitable as a primary vehicle for those on a budget. Strongly advised to have a dedicated budget for repairs beyond purchase price. Prospective buyers should prioritize a vehicle with extensive service records. Ownership requires patience, mechanical aptitude, or a trusted specialist mechanic. Due to its massive size and weight, it is not recommended for small roads or tight urban environments.
Remarks
The Hummer H2 is built on a unique hybrid frame and shares its core powertrain and many components with the highly regarded and durable GMT800 truck platform (Silverado/Sierra, Tahoe/Yukon, Escalade). This provides a significant advantage in parts availability and general mechanical robustness compared to the H1. However, the H2's unique electrical architecture, additional features, and extreme weight appear to be the source of its most common and frustrating problems. The vehicle's cultural status as an icon of 2000s excess is a recurring theme in discussions, often overshadowing its genuine mechanical merits. Analysis based on approximately 15 substantive owner discussions and numerous comparative technical references.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2003. Years to avoid: 2005, 2004, 2003Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Hummer H2 years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 4 | 1 | suspension |
| 2008 | 14 | 3 | power train |
| 2007 | 22 | 2 | unknown or other |
| 2006 | 25 | 5 | electrical system |
| 2005 | 182 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2004 | 59 | 4 | electrical system |
| 2003 | 146 | 5 | visibility |
| 2002 | 2 | 0 | visibility |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices23 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2009 · electrical systemcampaign 10V240000
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MODEL YEAR 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM (HWFS). A RECALL WAS IMPLEMENTED IN 2008 TO ADD A FUSE TO THE CONTROL CIRCUIT HARNESS TO ADDRESS THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF A PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD (PCB) ELECTRICAL SHORT. HOWEVER, THERE HAVE BEEN NEW REPORTS OF THERMAL INCIDENTS ON HWFS MODULES AFTER THIS IMPROVEMENT WAS INSTALLED. THESE INCIDENTS RESULTED FROM A NEW FAILURE MODE ATTRIBUTED TO THE DEVICE'S THERMAL PROTECTION FEATURE. THE SIGNIFICANCE VARIES FROM MINOR DISTORTION TO CONSIDERABLE MELTING OF THE PLASTIC AROUND THE HWFS FLUID CHAMBER.
2008 · electrical systemcampaign 08V441000
GM IS RECALLING 857,735 MY 2006-2008 BUICK LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MY 2007-2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL, SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MY 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WIPER WASHER FLUID SYSTEM. A SHORT CIRCUIT ON THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE WASHER FLUID HEATER MAY OVERHEAT THE CONTROL-CIRCUIT GROUND WIRE.
2008 · electrical systemcampaign 10V240000
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MODEL YEAR 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM (HWFS). A RECALL WAS IMPLEMENTED IN 2008 TO ADD A FUSE TO THE CONTROL CIRCUIT HARNESS TO ADDRESS THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF A PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD (PCB) ELECTRICAL SHORT. HOWEVER, THERE HAVE BEEN NEW REPORTS OF THERMAL INCIDENTS ON HWFS MODULES AFTER THIS IMPROVEMENT WAS INSTALLED. THESE INCIDENTS RESULTED FROM A NEW FAILURE MODE ATTRIBUTED TO THE DEVICE'S THERMAL PROTECTION FEATURE. THE SIGNIFICANCE VARIES FROM MINOR DISTORTION TO CONSIDERABLE MELTING OF THE PLASTIC AROUND THE HWFS FLUID CHAMBER.
2008 · service brakes, air:antilock:wheel speed sensorcampaign 07V373000
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE WIRES IN THE ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR FRONT OR REAR HARNESS MAY BE REVERSED.
2007 · electrical systemcampaign 08V441000
GM IS RECALLING 857,735 MY 2006-2008 BUICK LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MY 2007-2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL, SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MY 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WIPER WASHER FLUID SYSTEM. A SHORT CIRCUIT ON THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE WASHER FLUID HEATER MAY OVERHEAT THE CONTROL-CIRCUIT GROUND WIRE.
2007 · electrical systemcampaign 10V240000
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MODEL YEAR 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM (HWFS). A RECALL WAS IMPLEMENTED IN 2008 TO ADD A FUSE TO THE CONTROL CIRCUIT HARNESS TO ADDRESS THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF A PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD (PCB) ELECTRICAL SHORT. HOWEVER, THERE HAVE BEEN NEW REPORTS OF THERMAL INCIDENTS ON HWFS MODULES AFTER THIS IMPROVEMENT WAS INSTALLED. THESE INCIDENTS RESULTED FROM A NEW FAILURE MODE ATTRIBUTED TO THE DEVICE'S THERMAL PROTECTION FEATURE. THE SIGNIFICANCE VARIES FROM MINOR DISTORTION TO CONSIDERABLE MELTING OF THE PLASTIC AROUND THE HWFS FLUID CHAMBER.
2006 · electrical systemcampaign 08V441000
GM IS RECALLING 857,735 MY 2006-2008 BUICK LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MY 2007-2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL, SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MY 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WIPER WASHER FLUID SYSTEM. A SHORT CIRCUIT ON THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE WASHER FLUID HEATER MAY OVERHEAT THE CONTROL-CIRCUIT GROUND WIRE.
2006 · electrical systemcampaign 10V240000
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MODEL YEAR 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM (HWFS). A RECALL WAS IMPLEMENTED IN 2008 TO ADD A FUSE TO THE CONTROL CIRCUIT HARNESS TO ADDRESS THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF A PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD (PCB) ELECTRICAL SHORT. HOWEVER, THERE HAVE BEEN NEW REPORTS OF THERMAL INCIDENTS ON HWFS MODULES AFTER THIS IMPROVEMENT WAS INSTALLED. THESE INCIDENTS RESULTED FROM A NEW FAILURE MODE ATTRIBUTED TO THE DEVICE'S THERMAL PROTECTION FEATURE. THE SIGNIFICANCE VARIES FROM MINOR DISTORTION TO CONSIDERABLE MELTING OF THE PLASTIC AROUND THE HWFS FLUID CHAMBER.
2006 · steeringcampaign 06E010000
CERTAIN FABTECH AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARMS, P/NOS. FTS71000 AND FTS71001, INSTALLED FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2001-2006 GM C/K 2500 PICK UP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE PIN LOCATED INSIDE THE PITMAN ARM CAN SHEAR OFF DUE TO A REVERSE BENDING FATIGUE CONDITION, RESULTING IN A TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
2006 · steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connectionscampaign 05V455000
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A POWER STEERING HOSE THAT IS NOT TO SPECIFICATION. UNDER EXTREME STEERING MANEUVERS, SUCH AS TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL FULLY TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE BRAKING, THE HOSE MAY FRACTURE AND LEAK FLUID.
2006 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 05V552000
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.
2005 · service brakes, hydrauliccampaign 05V043000
CERTAIN TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH BOSCH HYDRO-BOOST BRAKE ASSEMBLIES, THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR MAY CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY DURING NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS.
2005 · seat belts:rear/othercampaign 05V163000
ON CERTAIN CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE 2ND ROW CENTER OCCUPANT SEAT BELT ROUTING MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO POSITION THE LAP PORTION OF THE SAFETY BELT LOW AROUND THE HIPS OF OCCUPANTS, ESPECIALLY SMALLER OCCUPANTS, SEATED IN THIS POSITION. APPROPRIATE USE OF A CHILD SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT, AS RECOMMENDED FOR SMALL CHILDREN, DOES IMPROVE THE FIT CONDITION FOR THIS USER GROUP. IN ADDITION TO INSTRUCTIONS ON PROPER INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD RESTRAINT (WITH CHILD SEATS OR BOOSTERS), SPECIAL VERBIAGE FOR RESTRAINING OLDER CHILD IS INCLUDED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. ALSO, THE SUGGESTED SEAT BELT FIT/ROUTING FOR ADULTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF SEATING POSITION, IS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL TEXT.
2005 · steeringcampaign 06E010000
CERTAIN FABTECH AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARMS, P/NOS. FTS71000 AND FTS71001, INSTALLED FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2001-2006 GM C/K 2500 PICK UP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE PIN LOCATED INSIDE THE PITMAN ARM CAN SHEAR OFF DUE TO A REVERSE BENDING FATIGUE CONDITION, RESULTING IN A TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
2004 · service brakes, hydrauliccampaign 05V043000
CERTAIN TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH BOSCH HYDRO-BOOST BRAKE ASSEMBLIES, THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR MAY CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY DURING NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS.
8 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
6.2i V8
6.2L 8-cylinder · 398 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2007–2009