Has anyone else had to have the entire head replaced? I smell recall. [Archive] - Page 2

Dani

06-22-2007, 10:31 PM

wtf? This is terrible. And GM has a repurchase department? What difference should your loan balance make, other than to see that the lien is cleared to they can take ownership. What happens to the saps that don't have a loan balance, like me?

I think it's a load of crap. I'm very attached to my H3 and I want another one really bad but how is it fair that I trade in a fully loaded H3 for another fully loaded H3 and have to pay right around $10k to do it? It makes absolutely no sense. That means that I will have paid $10k on something that I don't even have. Not to mention the "usage" charge on the h3 I currently have. I just don't understand the reasoning behind it. And just for clairification- I know I have it right because I asked the re-purchase rep assigned to my case about 50 times just to make sure I understood and he said you have it correct.

ChevyHighPerformance

06-23-2007, 11:02 PM

Just another update-
just got off the phone with GM's re-purchase department. Seems I'm not going to be buying a new H3 afterall. I was told that GM had agreed to re-purhase my piece of **** as a straight buy back and GM says that they said that they told the dealership it would be a TRADE re-purchase. Now- I wouldn't have a problem with this as I've already picked out the new H3 that I wanted from the dealer. However I'm being told by the repurchase dept. that I only will receive in credit the amount that I still currently owe on my current H3. IE: If I owe $20k then I only get $20k towards a new H3. Bull**** if you ask me. I paid over $37k for my 3 and am getting no where remotely close to that figure. PLUS they expect me to pay them 10 cents per mile for 18k miles. My 3 currently has 32k miles on it. GM figures that it ran good for 18k miles so that's the mileage they're using to figure out how much I should pay them for "using" the vehicle.

How is this even considered fair? I've barely had the damn thing for a year. I expressed my concerns to GM and they said that if I want a straight re-purchase- they're gonna charge me 30 cents per mile for the full 32k miles that's on the vehicle. This is bull****

Usually it is just a repurchase not provide you with a new vehicle. I thought the refund should be your purchase price minus $0.1 per mile until your first service visit (not sure if the service visit was for the main problem of just the first problem). You should also be paid for any non-reversible modification that you have receipts for. Also, any damage to the vehicle will come out of the refund.

There are lawyers that specialize in this and don't charge you (they charge the auto manufacturer). Maybe consult with one of the lawyers. Refunding just what you owe is wrong.

Dani

06-24-2007, 12:55 AM

The thing of it is- I don't want a refund. I just want a vehicle that's exactly like what I'm getting rid of. So to me- there shouldn't have to be any money changing hands. I also don't think it's fair that I should have to pay sales tax again. It's not my fault that GM can't seem to manufacturer a functional vehicle. Hell- if I didn't have so many problems with my H3 I wouldn't be in this situation. So for me to pay sales tax yet again is just bull****. According to the BBB site- GM is supposed to pay me the original purchase price, any finance charges/sales tax/modifications that I paid for to the vehicle, etc... GM says that's not the case. I think I should take them to court. At this point I don't care what the outcome is. I'd do it just to be a B$tch.

Sucks for GM though. My parents, my younger sister and my neighbor down the street were all going to purchase H3's within the next month. Now not a single one of them wants one because of the sh$t I've had to deal with. 2 out of the 3 have decided to go with foreign manufacturers and the 3rd has decided to take a Jeep instead. I'll also tell anyone who asks me about the H3 just what a pice of sh$t my H3 has been- and what a horrible company GM is. I swear they don't know the first thing about customer service.
I can't wait till I see my father in law. He was always giving me a hard time because all I've ever purchased has been foreign vehicles. My FIL has worked for GM for over 30 yrs and practically begged me to buy a GM. This is the last American made vehicle I will ever purchase.

I'll probably end up taking GM's trade re-purchase deal and immediately getting rid of it.

Steve - SanJose

06-24-2007, 01:08 AM

H3 has attracted a lot of buyers that previously owned non-GM foreign and domestic brands, and that's a good thing. But loyalty to GM from this type of buyer is not guaranteed. And horror stories like this one don't help.

H3.007

11-10-2007, 04:07 AM

So what is the story on the extended warranty? Engine only or is it for everything? Just curious as I think I might be seeing early signs of the head problem. I bought mine at Wright's in Wexford, PA. Anyone else dealt with them for this issue? Did you get the warranty? How long did the repair take? And what did they provide for a loaner?

Does anyone know if I can have it towed to the dealership that I purchased it at even though there is another dealership slightly closer?

Also, what is the quickest way to obtain the extended warranty - direct call to GM?

2xtreme

11-10-2007, 02:56 PM

I had a problem with burning excessive oil over 2qts low in 1500mi. They started with changing the head as it was an early production model, to the newer redesigned head. That didn't fix the problem, they did about 4 more things to try and correct the problem and none of them worked finaly they gave me a new engine.:D Problem solved I have almost 21,000 mi on it.

H3.007

11-13-2007, 04:18 AM

So what is different about the replacement head or defective about the old one? I am not sure I have ever seen anyone discuss one or the other....

BTW - Diagnostics start Wednesday on mine but they are pretty sure it is the head problem.

H3.007

11-15-2007, 03:07 AM

Phew - ducked the head issue bullet. Turned out to be the number 5 ignition coil had gone bad. I was able to have a local GM dealer take care of the problem as well. They were pretty sure the head problem would have thrown an indiator light or an LCD code. No long drive to the dealer! Woohoo!:clapping:

AfroCreame

11-27-2007, 07:10 AM

LOL...been meaning to take my H3 in for awhile for various "repairs" so after the check engine light came on, and very rough idle and acceleration I took it in. Props to Ken Batchelor in San Antonio...no bs...here's the keys to a CTS loaner...sweet.

COuple of hours later...I get the call. They're going to replace the head assembly. In addition to that:

Head assembly (as stated)

Turn signal reflector fell off (Yellow cover) REplaced the other side already

Exhaust leak (At the catalytic converter)

Leaking drivers door

And if I have to replace another one of the dammed cheap plastic "chrome
package" door handle pieces I'am going postal!

Overall quality on this thing is pretty crappy in the past two years of owning it and will probably not by another. What sucks even more, we bought a 07 GMC acadia...at 170 miles the transmission went out. It was replaced. Popping sounds when you turn or break. Fixed, but steering was way out of alignment. Fixed. Makes a horrible noise when you turn the wheel. Seems that the last time it was brought it they didn't fill the power steering fluid to the correct specs. To each his own, but I'am done with GM.

H3MTA3

03-05-2008, 07:38 PM

Well it finally happened. I'm having to replace the head on my H3. I have 27,500 miles on her. I was noticing my 3 was idleing a little rough and the engine was shaking after popping the hood. The engine light came on and drove it over to the dealership. The manager said he was told in a meeting, with executives of GM on the Hummer line, that the heads were being damaged by gasoline. The material used to design the heads was too soft and the switch from winter grade to summer grade gas was destroying the heads. The manager said Hummer is rebuliding heads with a stronger material to hold up to the different types of gas. Not sure how true this is, but at the time it sounded good. Don't really care what the cause is, i just want them to fix my H3 and not have to worry about this in the future. Curious if anyone has heard anything like this from their dealership.
H3MTA3

Desert Dan

03-05-2008, 08:15 PM

I thought the head problem was fixed on the 07 models?

They said it was the valve guide material.

H3MTA3

03-05-2008, 08:23 PM

I thought the head problem was fixed on the 07 models?

They said it was the valve guide material.
I thought so too. I guess they used a head from a left over '06. Looking at the repair ticket it was the #5 cylinder that needs replacing. Hopefully this will be the last issue I have with the heads. They also told me that most of the head problems were on H3s with less than 12k mile but lately they have had some come in anywhere between 20-50k. Might be a new issue they were not aware of.
H3MTA3

Bill1065

03-10-2008, 06:59 PM

Lex_Ordo

03-13-2008, 04:12 PM

The latest information I got from my Service Tech isas follows.
Now Ididn't go back and read 11+ pages of posts so if I am repeating something, then so be it.

There is a range of Vin #'s that MAY be affected. The Heads that become affected will show a check engine light and act like they misfired.

The dealer service according to GM Warranty service must reset the PCM, nd drive the vehicle again to reproduce the original code, and problem. Then if it occurs, they will proceed to the next step which is to begin head replacement.

My truck, I'm told falls within this range, built in March 2006. I asked why we can't just replace the head, and the answer was that not every truck will havethe problem. ???
Okay, so I am keeping my fingers crossed. There apparantly is something that wasn't perfect in the machining of the head. Now who knows how many pieces of equipment machine these heads. and maybe it was one machine wit hbad tooling. I don't know but it certainly is unsettling.

richl

03-13-2008, 11:29 PM

I WOULD LOVE A LINK TO THIS PROBLEM./ BULLITIN........

Lex_Ordo

03-14-2008, 11:05 AM

I WOULD LOVE A LINK TO THIS PROBLEM./ BULLITIN........

Agreed, and I've looked and even called Gm and Hummer about it and requested the 100K mile power-train warranty that was offered on 2007 and above.
They said they would make a record of my issue in the system.
I asked them if that meant that I would get the extended coverage should my truck's cylinder head fail past the 4 year 50K mile warranty. They said NO.
I asked them why make a note then? You're not covering it anyway?

Well, from here, I requested a supervisor who told me there was nothing he could do. What the ...!

Clearly a major problem exists that affects the Cylinder head of the truck's motor, and GM is aware of it, but since there has been no official bulletin released on it, they will do nothing.

???

fourfourto

03-14-2008, 11:43 AM

Lex What dealer are you going to ?
How many miles do you have on the truck?
Good luck hope its not the head

I have 40,000 miles and no head problems ....yet

This was posted about the 2005 chevy 3.5 heads
Thats the same head we have with the early builds.

Dani

03-15-2008, 03:15 AM

Seems like $20000 is about the Kelly Bluebook value for the 2006 H3 Dani. Personally I would stick it out with the H3 and keep them rebuilding the heads till they get it right. I would be happy with the increased warranty. The fact that the Lemon law will work if it happens 3 times within a year means what; a free H3? I would definitely stick it out in the trenches. I really think they would prefer you do what you are doing; pursue the trade in buy back process and spend more money. You seem to have the advantage on them and don't even know it. It all boils down to one thing; your patience.

I actually won my lemon law suit and bought an '08 H3. Didn't pay a dime more. So far I've had no issues....and hopefully I won't have any. Love my H3 and would hate to get rid of it. I gotta say though- I may buy a 2 the next time around. Just for a change of pace.

Lex_Ordo

03-15-2008, 10:05 AM

Thanks for the interest Fourfourto.

My truck has about 15,400 miles on it, and so far no issues. I hope none develop. Even though it doesn't have a lot of mileage, it has been driven in all our NY weather for the past two years since it was built, and everything appears OK.

I didn't get one of those letters. Maybe because my truck was built in March 2006?
Hmm?

Well let's just keep our fingers crossed.

fourfourto

03-15-2008, 12:38 PM

[quote=Lex_Ordo]Thanks for the interest Fourfourto.

I didn't get one of those letters. Maybe because my truck was built in March 2006?
Hmm?

quote]

That letter was for the chevy ownwers ,No one with a H3 has got one.

Lex are you going out to smiths point beach summer ?.

Lex_Ordo

03-15-2008, 09:57 PM

You know I haven't thought about it yet, but I did join a Military Vehicle Club that does quite a bit around the area and such so I may be on the trails. We'll see.

FutureBeachBum

04-15-2008, 03:24 AM

Just turned 30,000 miles on my 06. Been home one day after a 2,000 mile run to Florida, when the very rough idling starts ..:crying: .. going in to Lynch tomorrow for a new head!

Might as well ask for a loaner H1 for my troubles :giggling:

wpage

04-15-2008, 10:18 AM

homeboy

04-15-2008, 11:52 AM

mines in the shop right now other than rough idling did anybodys make a clicking sound like a bad valve or lifter?:lame:

FutureBeachBum

04-15-2008, 12:13 PM

Getting any alarms or lights on the dashboard?

Getting the check engine light. It's idling EXTREMELY rough!

H3.007

04-15-2008, 04:10 PM

Did anyone notice a decrease in gas mileage prior to the full onset of this issue? My mileage has been terrible lately. I recently has an ignition coil replaced which smioothed my idling but no change in the mileage. I wonder if this sudden drop in mileage is a sign of bigger things to come...

Captain Steve

04-19-2008, 03:16 AM

12/24/07 head replaced at 20, 400 miles

today, head replaced at 22, 430 miles

Lease is up next month. I think that when they call to tell me its ready, I will tell them to keep it I m off to shop for a Ford Sport Trac!!

HummerJim

04-20-2008, 04:39 PM

My youngest son has my 2006, vin #09X, one of the first 90 ever made. It is currently in Denver and has 59,XXX miles on it with no engine or drivetrain problems whatsoever. Only problems have been the premature cracking of the roof black trim piece we all know about and the cloth seats have shown a little premature wear. He's got his eyes set on the Alpha for motoring in the mountains.

Big Dad

04-20-2008, 05:30 PM

I'm off to shop for a Ford Sport Trac!!

Plan on picking up the ladies eh!

:giggling:

Captain Steve

04-24-2008, 02:16 PM

Found one..turned in the Hummer. It was still running rough. They thought it might now be an exhaust sensor problem.

Sungkyo

04-25-2008, 02:56 AM

"Did anyone notice a decrease in gas mileage prior to the full onset of this issue? My mileage has been terrible lately. I recently has an ignition coil replaced which smioothed my idling but no change in the mileage. I wonder if this sudden drop in mileage is a sign of bigger things to come..."

Took mine to the dealer today because my gas mileage was about 13mpg on average and my engine light came on for a little bit over the weekend. I'm in a rental and they said they are going to replace the head I have about 25,000 miles on it

H3SOCAL

12-25-2008, 01:53 AM

My engine light has come on around 37K took it to dealer and they replaced the head but still can't figure out the problem so they are keeping it longer to try to find the problem say they have to take the whole thing apart, i wont get it back for another week they think.:mad:

i love my H3 but I was really hesitant buying an american car again, and i'm crossing my fingers. but don't think i'll buy an american car again.

H3SOCAL

12-25-2008, 01:56 AM

My 06 H3, engine light has come on around 37K took it to dealer and they replaced the head but still can't figure out the problem so they are keeping it longer to try to find the problem say they have to take the whole thing apart, i wont get it back for another week they think.:mad:

i love my H3 but I was really hesitant buying an american car again, and i'm crossing my fingers. but don't think i'll buy an american car again.

RubHer Yellow Ducky

12-25-2008, 05:45 PM

WOW this thread started in Dec of 05 ..........................................

As you know I have 2 06 H-3's...
1 with less then 11000 miles and the other with around 37000...
purchase both in Jan 06....always serviced by HUMMER...made copies of important postings on this thread (VIN # posting & Colorado Engine letter)

My question is has anyone gotten an Extented Warrenty of ANY KIND without actually having the specified VIN # head replaced ? Its a question mainly effecting my COLLECTORS EDITION YELLOW one which I may break 50000 miles before Jan, 2010...

Also has anyone received any new info about this problem...?

Please let me know........

RYD

crop000

12-31-2008, 08:53 PM

2006 H3 bought in Shreveport Aug 05. Turn over 55000 in Dec 08. I had a check engine light come on ,onstar said emissions, never ran bad. Took it to dealer, they replaced the head, it was out of waranty but they covered all cost plus four day loaner car (09 CTS). They said #2 cyl had leaking valve.
Seems to run alot better, feels like a few more horsepower, noticed this traveling down i-20 going up hills.

fourfourto

01-01-2009, 03:06 PM

Crop ,What did they write up on the warranty ?
I figured if the head goes after 50,000 I will be out of warranty.

Im at 49,800 now warranty is up in about a week ,Runs as good as the day I picked it up.http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/images/icons/icon6.gif

I get a funny feeling at 50,001 my light will pop on:giggling:

RubHer Yellow Ducky

01-01-2009, 06:23 PM

Thats what i'm worried about !!!

crop000

01-02-2009, 12:55 PM

I don't have the paper work in front of me, something like ck engine light on, emissions, cyl. #2 valve leaking, replace head. They c/o head, c/o oil and topped off coolant. The guy in the service dept told me at first I would have to cover the cost of the bolts. I said sure I would. Later he said it was all covered. Like I said before, it never ran bad.