2004 Hummer H2 Problems
- Complaints
- 59filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 68,000miles, 50 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2004 Hummer H2 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe brake problems, especially brake fluid leaks and a pedal that sinks or goes to the floor, frequently traced to corroded brake lines. Windshield wiper faults and erratic or dead instrument cluster gauges are also common, and complaints often note that a 2003-model wiper recall did not cover this year. Reports are spread across high and low mileage, with many filed in later years on vehicles kept for a long time.
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Windshield wipers run on their own or quit working
- 11 complaints (19%)
- median 84,650 mi at 7.1 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2009–2016
Complaints describe wipers that start on their own, will not shut off, stop mid-windshield, or fail when needed; some also mention the washer pump running until the tank empties or smoke from the wiper motor. Owners frequently note moisture in the wiper motor module and say a recall covering the 2003 model did not apply to their 2004 vehicle. Several had to pull the wiper fuse to drive. Reported from about 46,000 to 162,000 miles, often triggered by rain or wet conditions, with some occurring at low mileage.
What to check: Test the wipers in every setting, including intermittent and wash, and look for signs of moisture or previous repair at the wiper motor module. Ask whether the module has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a 2004 H2 my front windshield wipers will not shut off. I had to remove the wiper fuse in order to drive my truck on a sunny day. The switch is in the off position but they continue to stay on. I need help fast to continue to drive my truck in safe conditions.”
NHTSA complaint #10510636, filed 2013-05, 55,961 miles“I own a 2004 hummer2 and the wiper motor module started to smoke. At first my wipers would run without me even turning them on then they wouldn t work at all. Then on feb. 19th,2004 as I was driving down the road , the wiper motor started to smoke. I had to stop in the middle of a main street to stop and pull the fuse. After talking to a Hummer dealership I found out that they have a recall on this part, but only in the 2003 model. …”
NHTSA complaint #10260062, filed 2009-02, 84,300 miles - Brakes
Brake pedal sinks / brake lines rusted through
- 9 complaints (15%)
- median 77,007 mi at 12.5 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2005–2019
Owners describe pressing the pedal and having it travel to the floor, sometimes after noticing fluid dripping near a wheel or under the subframe. Several complaints trace the loss to a brake line rusted through, and one describes a brake hose rubbing on a wheel. Repair typically involved replacing brake lines, the master cylinder, or the hydro-boost unit; some dealers found nothing wrong on inspection. Reported from roughly 11,000 to 160,000 miles, often on older vehicles after years of use, and some owners say the vehicle was not driven in snowy or coastal areas.
Recall 05V043000Recall 04V0450005 related service bulletins
What to check: Have the brake hard lines and hoses inspected for corrosion or rubbing, and check the fluid reservoir level. Ask whether the hydro-boost assembly has been replaced or inspected.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was traveling on nj turnpike when my brakes didn't feel right. Almost no brakes stepping to floor. Then brake failure light came on. This is a garage kept vehicle with approx 14000 original miles. Appears brake lines are corroded. One owner. How could this happen. Is there a recall how can I obtain details for full recovery or reimbursement?”
NHTSA complaint #10560687, filed 2014-01, 14,000 miles“I was pulling out of my driveway in my Hummer H2 when the brake pedal went to the floor. I got out of my H2 and noticed a large amount of brake fluid running out from under the rear end near the left rear wheel. I looked under the vehicle and noticed a brake line was rusted in two. I checked under the hood and saw that the brake fluid reservoir was completely empty.”
NHTSA complaint #10649650, filed 2014-10, 83,014 miles - Electrical system
Speedometer and instrument cluster errors
- 8 complaints (14%)
- median 50,000 mi at 7.0 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2006–2019
Owners report speedometers reading high or pegged while parked, gauges that stop working or read erratically, and whole clusters that malfunction. In some complaints the cluster stayed lit after the key was removed or the vehicle failed to start. Repairs mentioned include replacing a failed speedometer motor or the cluster itself, and dealers often could not duplicate the problem. Mostly reported between about 40,000 and 120,000 miles, appearing gradually and intermittently.
What to check: Check that all gauges read sensibly with the ignition on and after a short drive, and confirm the odometer reading against service records.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I own a 2004 Hummer H2. It currently has 50k miles on it and has been garage kept and well maintained since I purchased it. Recently, while driving I noted that my speedometer seemed to be inaccurate. I was on a major highway, yet cars were flying around me and cutting me off. I looked at my speedometer again and it read 65 so I continued about my business while other motorists were still passing me by and cutting me off. When I got home and pulled the H2 into the garage, I realized the speedometer was still reading 65 and I was parked. …”
NHTSA complaint #10299968, filed 2010-01, 50,000 miles“I have a 2004 silverado and a 2004 H2 Hummer which both have faulty speedometers. They are sometimes correct, sometimes jumpy and much of the time pegged. I understand that there could be a recall? It's quite dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #10189604, filed 2007-05 - Steering
Steering loss from broken front-end parts
Mentioned in 5 of 58 sampled complaints
Complaints describe sudden loss of steering, with owners reporting a fractured steering knuckle or a broken tie rod that left the wheel unresponsive. A few link the event to hard braking or turning, and one notes the hydraulic brake assist felt stiff at the same time. Vehicles were towed and inspected, with steering and brake parts identified as the failure point. Reported from about 10,000 to 61,000 miles, sometimes during low-speed maneuvering.
What to check: Have a shop inspect the tie rods, steering knuckles and steering linkage for play, cracks or looseness, and check the power steering fluid level and for leaks.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“(1) driving in parking lot approx 10 MPH, a vehicle cut in front of me, I cut sharply to the right. (2) my vehicle would not respond back to the left resulting in collision with a concrete pole causing $9000.00 damage to my vehicle. Later inspection by myself, local garage, insurance estimator and body shop revealed the right hand tie rod had broken which is believe caused loss of steering and accident. (3) vehicle is in body shop for repairs. Old parts are available.”
NHTSA complaint #10182715, filed 2007-02, 43,600 miles“Dt: power steering leaks; no warning notice ( no lights came one in the vehicle on indicating that the fluid was low. The people who towed the vehicle said if she had lost control she would not had been able to control the vehicle because the ps would have gone out on the vehcile. Had it in 8 or 9 times for the air conditioning not working correctly.”
NHTSA complaint #10120290, filed 2005-05, 10,000 miles
Buying note. Look closely at brake line condition and wiper and gauge function on any example, since these account for most of the complaints here. Service records showing brake line, hydro-boost and wiper module work are worth asking about.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 58 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 59 consumer complaints for the 2004 Hummer H2. 50 of the complaints include a mileage, and 34% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 68,000 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 538 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes14 24%
- Electrical system14 24%
- Steering6 10%
- Air bags3 5.1%
- Body and structure3 5.1%
- Suspension3 5.1%
- Engine2 3.4%
- Other or unknown2 3.4%
Also reported: Transmission and drivetrain (2), Engine cooling (1), Equipment (1), Exterior lighting (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seat belts (1), Seats (1), Tires (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “My 2004 H2 has a serious rusting issue with the brake lines. On 2 separate occasions I have been driving along at approximately 30 mpg and hit the brakes only to have them go all the way to the floor. Luckily I did not an accident. In both occasions the line burst due to rust. My veh. Has 103,000.00 lightly driven. Gm needs to come out and admit they have a problem with rusting brake liens before someone gets killed”
NHTSA complaint #11013344, filed 2017-08, 103,000 milesElectrical system: “I am having a problem with my Hummer 2004. The lock light comes on and my Hummer will not start. This is so horrible the problem started about 3 months ago. Everytime that light comes on I have to waite 15to 25 minutes for it to start again.”
NHTSA complaint #11139109, filed 2018-10, 165,975 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “I was driving down a busy road & all of a sudden the front & back windshield wipers started going off, as well as the wiper washer had to pull over & pull the fuse. It almost caused an accident. Googled the problem seen that alot of other people had the same problem & that there was a recall on the windshield wiper module getting water in it & causing it to short out. Contacted Hummer they said that the recall was only for 03 & since mine was an 04 it wasn't eligible for the recall. Which I thought was bull. …”
NHTSA complaint #10301924, filed 2010-01, 162,000 milesSteering: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #10105033, filed 2004-12, 7,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
34% of the 50 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 41,400 and 103,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
- 05V163000Apr 22, 2005Seat belts › Rear/otherCovers: Hummer H2 2004–2005, Chevrolet Silverado 2003–2005, GMC Yukon 2003–2005 +5 more
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…
- 05V043000Feb 8, 2005Service brakes, hydraulicCovers: Hummer H2 2004–2005, Chevrolet Silverado 2004–2005, GMC Savana 2004–2005 +7 more
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.
- 04V045000Feb 4, 2004Service brakes, hydraulicCovers: Hummer H2 2003–2004, Chevrolet Silverado 2003–2004, GMC Yukon 2003–2004 +10 more
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…
Recall details for the 2004 Hummer H2 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA05017Hummer h2 steering knuckle failuresClosed · Oct 28, 2005
- PE04080Steering knuckle fractureClosed · Dec 2, 2004
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 538 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11012907Dec 18, 2024Engine. This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 11010544Oct 7, 2024Engine. This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11007744Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007743Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007208Sep 6, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Electrical system. Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need…
- 11004557Jun 17, 2024Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
Other model years of the Hummer H2
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 7 | 91,000 | 3 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2007 | 11 | 81,000 | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2006 | 22 | 57,500 | 4 | — | — | — | Rising |
| 2005 | 79 | 70,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 59 | 68,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 141 | 65,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Hummer H2 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Hummer H2?
Owners of this model year most often describe brake problems, especially brake fluid leaks and a pedal that sinks or goes to the floor, frequently traced to corroded brake lines. The issues reported most often: Windshield wipers run on their own or quit working; Brake pedal sinks / brake lines rusted through; Speedometer and instrument cluster errors.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004 Hummer H2 have?
NHTSA recorded 59 consumer complaints for the 2004 Hummer H2 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2004 Hummer H2 is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 14 complaints (24% of the total), followed by electrical system with 14.
Has the 2004 Hummer H2 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2004 Hummer H2 reported?
Among the 50 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 68,000 miles and the middle half falls between 41,400 and 103,000 miles; 34% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.