It's 2020, how is your H3 holding up?
My 2006 H3, VIN falls within the head issue (105500 miles now) with adventure package has been pretty solid. Zero issues until around 2014, P305 cyclinder 5 misfire. Replaced spark plugs and coil packs. I had a hairline crack in my radiator, replaced that around 2013. Passlock issues began around 2015. Replaced the ?ignition cylinder? sensor and it has been fine ever since. Encountered p0442 small evap leak, replaced a evap canister, code still comes and goes. I clean my moon roof drains yearly. Replaced battery terminals a long time ago.
Overall it has been pretty good.
Overall it has been pretty good.
2007 H3 Adventure. Production date: 08/2006. Current mileage: 90911
Maintenance:
Engine oil/filters changes, transmission fluid changes(2 filter change), transfer case fluid changes, differentials fluid changes, coolant changes, brake fluid change, ps fluid change, shocks replacement, spark plugs replacement, brakes replacements, tires replacements, wheel alignments, battery replacements, air filters replacement, light bulbs, wiper blades replacement, electronic contact cleanings, maf cleanings, tb cleanings, fuel system cleanings, and induction cleanings.
Non-maintenance:
1-set of battery terminals
1- radiator
1- thermostat
1- ect
1- evap vent valve
1- fuel pump module
1- upper steering shaft
1- lower steering shaft
1- set of exhaust manifold studs and gasket to replace oe bolts(3 broken)
1- vvt solenoid
1- blower motor resistor
Other parts replaced yet not needed(Preventive Maintenance):
Upper&lower radiator hose (backup if ever needed)
Serpentine belt (backup if ever needed)
Belt tensioner assembly (backup if ever needed)
Idler pulley (backup if ever needed)
Ignition switch(backup if ever needed)
Ignition coils (backup if ever needed)
Anything not listed above is still original.
Right now I'm just above $200. per month AVERAGE, for purchase/maintenance/repairs.
I've abused my H3, overloaded many times, driven it like I stole it, driving slide-ways in the snow, jumping curbs off road etc, yet still starts, runs, and drives like new.
Maintenance:
Engine oil/filters changes, transmission fluid changes(2 filter change), transfer case fluid changes, differentials fluid changes, coolant changes, brake fluid change, ps fluid change, shocks replacement, spark plugs replacement, brakes replacements, tires replacements, wheel alignments, battery replacements, air filters replacement, light bulbs, wiper blades replacement, electronic contact cleanings, maf cleanings, tb cleanings, fuel system cleanings, and induction cleanings.
Non-maintenance:
1-set of battery terminals
1- radiator
1- thermostat
1- ect
1- evap vent valve
1- fuel pump module
1- upper steering shaft
1- lower steering shaft
1- set of exhaust manifold studs and gasket to replace oe bolts(3 broken)
1- vvt solenoid
1- blower motor resistor
Other parts replaced yet not needed(Preventive Maintenance):
Upper&lower radiator hose (backup if ever needed)
Serpentine belt (backup if ever needed)
Belt tensioner assembly (backup if ever needed)
Idler pulley (backup if ever needed)
Ignition switch(backup if ever needed)
Ignition coils (backup if ever needed)
Anything not listed above is still original.
Right now I'm just above $200. per month AVERAGE, for purchase/maintenance/repairs.
I've abused my H3, overloaded many times, driven it like I stole it, driving slide-ways in the snow, jumping curbs off road etc, yet still starts, runs, and drives like new.

Last edited by hummerz; Mar 2, 2020 at 10:05 AM.
i have an 2006 with just over 94K miles, runs strong, i did the usual deferred maintenance items, on it, tie rods, ball joints, cv axles, maf, throttle body cleaned, vvt solenoid, battery, afew other items, replaced a bunch of light bulbs in the dash etc. she runs good getting upwards of 18.6 mpg running colorado mountains at over 9000 ft. everything works, no squeaks, with the adventure package she is very nice to go ofroad with.
Bought mine last year (H3 Base, 145k mileage), have loved every wrench turning minute of it, currently looking for the rare and elusive well cared for Alpha to maybe upgrade.
Granted i knew going into it that i had to do the CV axles due to age and performance and a much needed expert inspection before i dove into this project
So far in the last year of ownership i've done:
Air Doc Intake
2 Front Wheel Hubs
2 Front Cv axles
Thermostat
Battery Terminals
Underbody coating
KYB Shocks front and rear
this month i plan to do:
Tie rods and etc
spark plugs and etc
level out front end.
i've put probably close to $1200 in 8 months, with another $200 this month, then its onto the exhaust and getting the much sought after roof rack setup.
I drive this every day with the Serv 4wd error on the dash after long drives. i have no idea how to make it go away haha.
Granted i knew going into it that i had to do the CV axles due to age and performance and a much needed expert inspection before i dove into this project
So far in the last year of ownership i've done:
Air Doc Intake
2 Front Wheel Hubs
2 Front Cv axles
Thermostat
Battery Terminals
Underbody coating
KYB Shocks front and rear
this month i plan to do:
Tie rods and etc
spark plugs and etc
level out front end.
i've put probably close to $1200 in 8 months, with another $200 this month, then its onto the exhaust and getting the much sought after roof rack setup.
I drive this every day with the Serv 4wd error on the dash after long drives. i have no idea how to make it go away haha.
Besides typical Tire pressure code flash, my 08 H3 is well maintained at 115,000. Interior is well kept and small issues are easily solved because of the robust online support community. I would recommend the H3 for someone looking for a nice 4x4. Turning and parking Lot is a treat, fits anywhere 😁💘. Usually you can find nicely kept specimens in the wild because the initial investment was rather steep so the thing is not trashed generally. I think I may buy another.
My 2009 Alpha(105k miles) has come with a collection of little issues. I bought it about 10k miles ago with a salvaged title from a fixable front in collision. The "totaling" part of the accident was a bend in the front of the frame, which was straightened out and now its flawless. Got it for a steal so I don't mind a few little issues.
- Corroded Fuel pump relays (easy fix)
- Bad fuel rail sensor(took for ever to find, but after the fix she runs like new.)
- leaky sunroof from clogged drains
- Possible PassLock issue. Occasionally it will fail to start, but in 5-10 minutes it'll start up.
My I5 (>180K miles) has been quite robust. A number of sensors, etc have gone bad that I've had to diagnose and fix. For me, the biggest issue has been the transmission. I'm on my second rebuild, and at about $3K each time, I'd prefer not to do it again. A little over a year left on the warranty from the latest rebuild, so we'll see...


