The Lemon Index

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2003 Hummer H2, 1st generation, illustration2003
2004 Hummer H2, 1st generation, illustration
2005 Hummer H2, 1st generation, illustration2005

2004 Hummer H2 problems.

1st generation

Not enough data. Only 15 complaints in its first 3 years: too few to score.

Better years to buy

This generation200383

All 7 yearsCompare

15 owner complaints, first 3 years — combined, EPA

Similar cars, same year

2004 Nissan Armada 3902004 Chevrolet Tracker2004 Oldsmobile Bravada

Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.

When problems show up

Only 12 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.

Questions to ask the seller

  1. Were recalls 06E010000 (steering), 05V163000 (seat belts) and 05V043000 (brakes) done? It has 4 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
  2. Any steering noise, wander or power-steering warning? Has the steering rack or pump been replaced?
  3. Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
  4. Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
  5. Hummer sent dealers 748 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Low voltage display on ip gauge, lights dim at stop lights, battery discharged, no start, slow…”?

From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Hummer's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.

How serious. Out of all 15 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:

3crashesaverage car: 1
1injuriesaverage car: 1
0firesaverage car: 0
0towsaverage car: 1

“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.

What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.

steering33%
brakes20%
electrical13%
visibility13%
body structure13%

Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.

Check engine light on? Look up any code →

When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.

half by 40K
0K50K100K150K200K

Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 10K to 59K miles (16K to 95K km) on the car (12 of all 15 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.

In owners' words

While driving 35 mph the steering knuckle fractured without warning. As a result the front driver side wheel separated from the vehicle. The vehicle had to be towed to the nearest dealer. Please provide additional information.

2004 Hummer H2 owner · NHTSA complaint 10105033

Fixes owners look up most.

From 200 YouTube videos · 20.4M views · 2003–2009 Hummer H2

Most-watched topics

  1. Heat, A/C & blend door127K views
    2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 hummer resistor repair. Fan not blowing on hummer h2 both Ac and heat fan2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 hummer resistor repair. Fan not blowing on hummer h2 both Ac and heat fanVito Mirra · 62K views · 3 videos
  2. Infotainment, battery & electrical101K views
    How to program A Hummer H2 remote key fob 2003 - 2007How to program A Hummer H2 remote key fob 2003 - 2007PYR Automotive · 91K views · 2 videos
  3. Steering & suspension78K views
    Wheel bearing hub assembly replacement Hummer H2 2005 GMC Cheverolet 2001-2007Wheel bearing hub assembly replacement Hummer H2 2005 GMC Cheverolet 2001-2007Fixing cars and stuff · 52K views · 2 videos
  4. Driveshaft, axles & 4x435K views
    How to use 2007 Hummer H2 4x4 and rear lockHow to use 2007 Hummer H2 4x4 and rear lock4x4 Rides · 35K views
Show 4 more
  1. Timing chain & engine35K views
    2003 HUMMER H2 6.0L - ENGINE MISFIRE DIAGNOSIS2003 HUMMER H2 6.0L - ENGINE MISFIRE DIAGNOSISSuper Mario Diagnostics · 24K views · 2 videos
  2. Oil changes & service29K views
    How to Change Engine Oil & Filter on HUMMER H2 | 2006 H2 HUMMERHow to Change Engine Oil & Filter on HUMMER H2 | 2006 H2 HUMMEREasy Steps · 29K views
  3. Windows, doors & mirrors28K views
    Hummer H2 Rear Window Regulator Replacement & Repair. 2003-2009 Hummer H2 2003-2009 RearHummer H2 Rear Window Regulator Replacement & Repair. 2003-2009 Hummer H2 2003-2009 RearPower Up Auto · 21K views · 2 videos
  4. Fuel pump, filter & tank17K views
    2003 Hummer H2 Gas Tank Removal Fuel Pump/Sending Unit Replacement Part 12003 Hummer H2 Gas Tank Removal Fuel Pump/Sending Unit Replacement Part 1Patrick Murphy · 17K views

Before you buy, watch

Views show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them. The 2004 is the same generation.

Costs are the middle (median) of the dollar amounts people say out loud in these videos, so one wild number can't swing it. They aren't verified bills or sales; real prices depend on year, miles, condition and where you live. Tap Hear it to jump to the moment.

Problems Hummer told dealers about

Hummer sent dealers 748 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:

  • Low voltage display on ip gauge, lights dim at stop lights, battery discharged, no start, slow…
  • Clunking noise under hood and can be felt in the steering wheel

Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.

Recalls 4

  • Steering · recall issued 2006

    CERTAIN FABTECH AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARMS, P/NOS.

  • Seat belts · recall issued 2005

    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, ESPECIALL…

  • Brakes · recall issued 2005

    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 OPERA…

Show all 4 recalls
  • Brakes · recall issued 2004

    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…

Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.

Check a VIN for open recalls

Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada

Every Hummer H2 recall, all years · All Hummer recalls

Government investigations

  • ClosedHummer h2 steering knuckle failures2005–2007
  • ClosedSteering knuckle fracture2004–2005

NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.

Every Hummer H2 year. 2004 is highlighted. Lower is better.

2009–#22008–#12007–#52006–#32005–#42004–#6200383#7

Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score. #1, #2… = that year's YouTube rank among the 7 Hummer H2 years with enough videos (#1 = the year owners and reviewers talk about most positively). It is not a reliability rank.

Quick answers

Is the 2004 Hummer H2 reliable?

There isn't enough data to score it: owners filed only 15 complaints in its first 3 years.

What are the most common 2004 Hummer H2 problems?

In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are steering (33%), brakes (20%) and electrical (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.

How many recalls does the 2004 Hummer H2 have?

4 safety recalls (latest: steering). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Does the 2004 Hummer H2 have transmission problems?

Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.

What Hummer H2 year is better than the 2004?

Nearby, the 2003 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (somewhat fewer complaints than the average car).

The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works

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Updated · Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com). Get the data

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