2003 Hummer H2: common problems and reliability

One of the worst H2 years.

One of the Hummer H2 years to avoid. All H2 years

146 owner complaints, most about visibility. 5 recalls.

Should I buy a 2003 H2?

The 2003 Hummer H2 has 146 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are visibility and electrical system.

Safety record for the 2003 model year

146
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
13
Crash reports
4
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2003 Hummer H2 vehicles (US, public record).

The Year Score compares this year with other H2 years only. How we score it

Is 2003 a good year for the H2?

Across the 8 H2 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 2 (2002) to 182 (2005). With 146 complaints, the 2003 H2 sits above the model's median of 25.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

visibility
49
electrical system
24
service brakes
18
steering
17
structure
13

Recalls affecting the 2003 H2

visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor

Campaign 08V456000

GM IS RECALLING 13,358 MY 2003 HUMMER H2 VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH WATER CAN ENTER THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MODULE. IF A SUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF WATER ENTERS THE MODULE, OVER TIME, THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS MAY WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR THEY MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE.

steering

Campaign 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.

service brakes, hydraulic

Campaign 04V045000

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, ?PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.? SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION BRAKE HYDRO-BOOST HOUSING RELIEF VALVE BORE.

visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor

Campaign 02V283000

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR COULD FAIL DURING USE BECAUSE OF IMPROPER MANUFACTURE.

Show 1 more recall

power train:automatic transmission

Campaign 03V075000

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A MECHANICAL OVERRIDE THAT COULD ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED WITH THE SHIFT LEVER IN A POSITION OTHER THAN PARK. IN ADDITION, THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN OVERRIDE THAT CAN ALLOW THE TRANSMISSION TO BE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK WITH THE IGNITION IN THE OFF POSITION.

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is deeply polarized, split between strong affection for the vehicle's character and significant frustration with its ownership costs and reliability.

Owner insights cover all generations of the H2. See the full H2 owner picture and every model year.

Other H2 model years

Compare every H2 year side by side to see how 2003 ranks against the rest.

Compare the H2 against its rivals

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