Read If Your H3 Radiator Has Cracked or Leaked
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 501
I want to thank egroegart for his breakdown of the steps to follow in order to address the radiator issue. Discovered my leak on Sunday, spoke with GM on Monday and repair has been completed at no charge today. I have been using the same dealer and mechanic since purchasing my 2007 H3X. Not sure if it was the dealership or GM but they took care of the issue.
Thank You Egroegart
Doc, you are absolutely right. Nobody is paying one bit of attention to what to do. Everyone keeps saying they are so thankful for this thread that it has helped so much, and then they say they went out and bought a brand new radiator with their own money for 5 to $700 bucks, or they went out and bought a cheap japanese radiator for $150 that's going to last 6 months. I have just been sitting back lmao.
If you are so thankful for this thread then you wouldn't have went out and bought a new rad, cheap or expensive.
Smithcameron1988, Here are the steps to take. Call G.M and open a case number. Tell them what the problem is and that you are aware of thousands of cases the same as yours with the crack in the radiator at the top where it rubs and bangs against the frame. Tell them you are aware that G.M. has redesigned the radiator, and the new radiator has more clearance so that it does not rub against the frame. Tell them the name of the certified G.M. dealership that you will be going to. They will tell you that the estimate to diagnose is going to be $100 or something. Just ignore that. When you go into the dealership, tell the person helping you exactly the situation and that you are aware of this problem and that it is a manufacturers' defect. and that the cause of the crack is obvious. and that you are aware that G.M. pays 100% of the diagnosis and labor and radiator for this problem. Here is the important part. Next tell them you want this estimate to be left "OPEN" WHen you say that you are not charged the diagnosis fee. The diagnosis literally takes 30 seconds. ask if you can show the mechanic the problem also. The frame rubs and hits against the top of the radiator, and over time every single one of them WILL crack at some point. Some crack with only 30,000 miles and some like ours didn't crack until 120,000 miles. It doesn't matter when it cracked. G.M. will try to tell you that it is our of warranty. Warranty is thrown out the window in this case of manufacturers' defect. If you stand your ground and do not back down they will pay for it 100% They will come back to you with offers to pay 10% or 20 or whatever. keep denying and do not accept anything less than them paying 100% of the bill.
Now doc, this is the second time I've posted this and others have posted the same thing. WOnder how many will read and "RETAIN" the information before their very eyes here?
It may be a frustrating process and take weeks or even months, but just keep it repaired with a good plastic weld. (we had a long crack and it held ours for months until all was said and done) But just stick with it. CHeck the crack everyday for leakage and don't settle for less than them paying the bill.
If you go out and buy a new radiator on your own, you have no recourse then. It's too late.
If you are so thankful for this thread then you wouldn't have went out and bought a new rad, cheap or expensive.
Smithcameron1988, Here are the steps to take. Call G.M and open a case number. Tell them what the problem is and that you are aware of thousands of cases the same as yours with the crack in the radiator at the top where it rubs and bangs against the frame. Tell them you are aware that G.M. has redesigned the radiator, and the new radiator has more clearance so that it does not rub against the frame. Tell them the name of the certified G.M. dealership that you will be going to. They will tell you that the estimate to diagnose is going to be $100 or something. Just ignore that. When you go into the dealership, tell the person helping you exactly the situation and that you are aware of this problem and that it is a manufacturers' defect. and that the cause of the crack is obvious. and that you are aware that G.M. pays 100% of the diagnosis and labor and radiator for this problem. Here is the important part. Next tell them you want this estimate to be left "OPEN" WHen you say that you are not charged the diagnosis fee. The diagnosis literally takes 30 seconds. ask if you can show the mechanic the problem also. The frame rubs and hits against the top of the radiator, and over time every single one of them WILL crack at some point. Some crack with only 30,000 miles and some like ours didn't crack until 120,000 miles. It doesn't matter when it cracked. G.M. will try to tell you that it is our of warranty. Warranty is thrown out the window in this case of manufacturers' defect. If you stand your ground and do not back down they will pay for it 100% They will come back to you with offers to pay 10% or 20 or whatever. keep denying and do not accept anything less than them paying 100% of the bill.
Now doc, this is the second time I've posted this and others have posted the same thing. WOnder how many will read and "RETAIN" the information before their very eyes here?
It may be a frustrating process and take weeks or even months, but just keep it repaired with a good plastic weld. (we had a long crack and it held ours for months until all was said and done) But just stick with it. CHeck the crack everyday for leakage and don't settle for less than them paying the bill.
If you go out and buy a new radiator on your own, you have no recourse then. It's too late.
I will be calling my local GM this afternoon and making a diagnostic appointment (they are all in a meeting right now).
Just wanted to thank you for your step by step info. I started a thread asking about radiator issues then found this thread afterwards.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 378
.... The problem with the H3 radiator is two-fold:
1) The orginal composite tank material is weak and may have thin spots which are known to crack even without any pressure from the support.
2) Due to a faulty design, the lip of the radiator support often makes contact with the OEM tank and may either cut through the plastic tank over time near the neck, or put stress on the tank causing it to crack.
To eliminate the problem: 1)Get either a new radiator with the redesigned top tank or aftermarket all-alluminum radiator, and 2) trim back the offending lip from the radiator support so there is adequate clearance.
1) The orginal composite tank material is weak and may have thin spots which are known to crack even without any pressure from the support.
2) Due to a faulty design, the lip of the radiator support often makes contact with the OEM tank and may either cut through the plastic tank over time near the neck, or put stress on the tank causing it to crack.
To eliminate the problem: 1)Get either a new radiator with the redesigned top tank or aftermarket all-alluminum radiator, and 2) trim back the offending lip from the radiator support so there is adequate clearance.
Do not take no for an answer. The warantee is thrown out the window in this situation because of it being a design flaw. This problem will happen to every H3 with that original radiator and frame design, whether it is at 30,000 miles or 130,000 miles.
Let them know that you are very well aware that this is a design flaw, and that GM is well aware of it also because they redesigned the radiator to accomodate for the clearance that it needs to stay clear of the frame so it doesn't hit against it. Tell them you are well aware of many others with the same exact problem and GM has paid for them.
If you would like I will post my case number as soon as they ok mine which should be tomorrow. I think everyone on here that has had the problem and GM has paid for it should post their case number also. When I told them I was going to give other case numbers that had the same problem they told me that this is a case by case basis and those cases have nothing to do with mine. I fought that and said it absolutely has everything to do with mine because it is the same exact problem in all of those H3's. They did back down on that one.
They will try anything to get out of paying, but stick to your guns and don't take anything less than them paying the entire bill. With other people they have offered to pay 10% or 20%, and they may end up doing that with me tomorrow, but I am sticking to my guns and will not accept anything less than full payment. They are calling me back tomorrow between 3 and 5 p.m. again so I hopefully will have this resolved by tomorrow. If they say no, then I am telling them that I am joining the class action lawsuit that is being brought about by other H3 owners. In court GM would lose in a heartbeat because it is a design flaw issue. And by redisigning the radiator they have admitted fault. Cut and dry case.
Let them know that you are very well aware that this is a design flaw, and that GM is well aware of it also because they redesigned the radiator to accomodate for the clearance that it needs to stay clear of the frame so it doesn't hit against it. Tell them you are well aware of many others with the same exact problem and GM has paid for them.
If you would like I will post my case number as soon as they ok mine which should be tomorrow. I think everyone on here that has had the problem and GM has paid for it should post their case number also. When I told them I was going to give other case numbers that had the same problem they told me that this is a case by case basis and those cases have nothing to do with mine. I fought that and said it absolutely has everything to do with mine because it is the same exact problem in all of those H3's. They did back down on that one.
They will try anything to get out of paying, but stick to your guns and don't take anything less than them paying the entire bill. With other people they have offered to pay 10% or 20%, and they may end up doing that with me tomorrow, but I am sticking to my guns and will not accept anything less than full payment. They are calling me back tomorrow between 3 and 5 p.m. again so I hopefully will have this resolved by tomorrow. If they say no, then I am telling them that I am joining the class action lawsuit that is being brought about by other H3 owners. In court GM would lose in a heartbeat because it is a design flaw issue. And by redisigning the radiator they have admitted fault. Cut and dry case.
1. I called the GM number at 1-800-222-1020 and I explained that indeed I knew of the manufacturers defect on H3 radiators and that mine has cracked and is leaking. They gave me a Case Number and told me to call my local GM dealer.
2. I called my local GM dealer and went straight to the Service Manager. I advised him that I had a Case Number, told him that I want GM to pay for this 100% because it is a well known manufacturers defect and that GM had changed the radiator design in later year models because they knew it was rubbing against the frame which causes it to crack. I further advised him that I can not afford to pay what they would charge to change the radiator out so I really need for GM to pay for it. (I told him that because I felt that perhaps they would look at it a little harder if they knew they would get no money from me so if they wanted the business, they'd have to get GM to pay for it).
I further advised him that I needed to keep the Case Number OPEN so that I can see if I can get GM to pay for it and I asked the Service Manager if he was familiar with leaving the Case Number OPEN whereby I would not be paying for the diagnostic UNLESS GM would not pay for it. He said he understood that.
3. I had my appointment for the diagnostic this morning. I explained everything to the person who signs you in, etc. He also got with the Service Manager I had talked to on the phone and said they would work up the figures for GM, etc.
4. Then I am called into the Service Managers office who said that HE had determined that my vehicle was NOT eligible for service due to it being so far out of warranty. I told him that this was a well known manufacturers defect and had nothing to do with being in or out of warranty. He said that GM had called him BEFORE he called me back to talk to him and he had told GM that he would not recommend getting it repaired and paid for by GM. (Needless to say this PEED me off). So, I go to the cashier to pick up my truck and am told I need to pay for the Diagnostic. I had the cashier call the Service Manager to come up there and reminded him that we had discussed my not paying the Diagnostic charge until we find out if GM will pay for it.
5. He then says that if I get GM to pay for it, then he will take off the amount I am paying for the Diagnostic. I told him I need to put that in writing as I've been screwed over by other GM dealers. He put it in writing and further said that HE cannot close the Case Number, only GM can do that and that my Case Number is still open. He further said that if I did not pay the Diagnostic fee that I would not be able to take my truck, so obviously I had no choice. Thankfully it was only $54.00 and change.
6. GM told me last Thursday they would call me Monday (today) afternoon and talk to me after my diagnostic appointment. I feel that I am going to be denied because the Service Manager telling them he would not want it fixed by GM because too far out of warranty.
I have a 2006 Hummer H3 with 116,000 miles on it.
Any advice to tips when I talk to GM today about this?
Sorry it was so long a post, but lots to say.
Thanks for any advice.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 501
When you have an open case you do not pay for any services until the case is closed. They did not follow the proper procedures for that. So yes, so far you got screwed out of $54.
I doubt they will call you back with a decision today. It usually takes weeks for them to review your case, but it is possible they will make a decision today.
My only advice and the advice I was given by one of the members here when I was going through it was hold your ground. Keep repeating that it is a manufacturers defect and that they redesigned the radiator, and that right there admits fault in the manufacturing. Repeat that you are aware of thousands of other h3 owners with the same problem and that you are aware that G.M. has paid 100% of many of those cases even when out of warrantee, even with over 100,000 miles. That mileage has nothing to do with it because it may crack at 20,000 miles or 120,000 miles, but they all will crack eventually.
Good luck and let me know
I doubt they will call you back with a decision today. It usually takes weeks for them to review your case, but it is possible they will make a decision today.
My only advice and the advice I was given by one of the members here when I was going through it was hold your ground. Keep repeating that it is a manufacturers defect and that they redesigned the radiator, and that right there admits fault in the manufacturing. Repeat that you are aware of thousands of other h3 owners with the same problem and that you are aware that G.M. has paid 100% of many of those cases even when out of warrantee, even with over 100,000 miles. That mileage has nothing to do with it because it may crack at 20,000 miles or 120,000 miles, but they all will crack eventually.
Good luck and let me know
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 501
I will tell you, it is usually a pretty lengthy process and they usually will drag it out a month or two before giving you a decision, and then that decision may still be no. But you can still keep fighting it, and at that point I threatened to join a class action lawsuit, which is still in the process of being formed. I don't know where it stands because I've been out of it for awhile now, but that is what I threatened lastly that worked.
Some people do not have that kind of time to wait to get their vehicle fixed. That's understandable, and G.M. knows that and that is why they will drag it out for such a long time. They know people are just going to get fed up with waiting and just go out and buy one out of their own pocket. If the class action suit started a long time ago, they would be replacing everyone's now. We had the time to wait and I kept the radiator patched with plastic weld, which holds up excellent if done right. We drove for months with the plastic weld and it never leaked. And we had a good 8 inch crack in our radiator.
Some people do not have that kind of time to wait to get their vehicle fixed. That's understandable, and G.M. knows that and that is why they will drag it out for such a long time. They know people are just going to get fed up with waiting and just go out and buy one out of their own pocket. If the class action suit started a long time ago, they would be replacing everyone's now. We had the time to wait and I kept the radiator patched with plastic weld, which holds up excellent if done right. We drove for months with the plastic weld and it never leaked. And we had a good 8 inch crack in our radiator.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 12
Mine Cracked Also
So many keep going on about the radiator leaking where it hits the frame. Well, that's not the only place it leaks due to GM fault.
On the right front of just about every Hummer radiator I have seen, about 1/2 way between the center and side has a "wrinkle" in the plastic top. This is where many also leak, including mine. I had insurance to cover it, and I told them the diagnostic fee didn't apply and to see the .jpg attached to the radiator.
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o...mmer_crack.jpg
Hope you can see the picture.
On the right front of just about every Hummer radiator I have seen, about 1/2 way between the center and side has a "wrinkle" in the plastic top. This is where many also leak, including mine. I had insurance to cover it, and I told them the diagnostic fee didn't apply and to see the .jpg attached to the radiator.
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o...mmer_crack.jpg
Hope you can see the picture.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 3
I went the distance and they still said no. I said that they obviously were not the right person and I wanted it elevated. They said they were closing the case, against my request for it to stay open. I argued and argued to no avail.
I had to pay full price and they would not budge. I have over 103,000 miles now on my H3.
GM has lost a customer with me. I still have my truck because I invested too much in it to let it go, but I just bought a Hyundai, so GM just lost $24k to a $1000 problem, they refused to acknowledge.
They stated the only way they would pay is if it were listed as a recall and then I could file for a reimbursement.
If you are over 100k like me, they will deny, deny, deny - all the way up.
No luck for me, and I followed every step here suggested.
I had to pay full price and they would not budge. I have over 103,000 miles now on my H3.
GM has lost a customer with me. I still have my truck because I invested too much in it to let it go, but I just bought a Hyundai, so GM just lost $24k to a $1000 problem, they refused to acknowledge.
They stated the only way they would pay is if it were listed as a recall and then I could file for a reimbursement.
If you are over 100k like me, they will deny, deny, deny - all the way up.
No luck for me, and I followed every step here suggested.
Government Motors SUCKS!!!
I will tell you, it is usually a pretty lengthy process and they usually will drag it out a month or two before giving you a decision, and then that decision may still be no. But you can still keep fighting it, and at that point I threatened to join a class action lawsuit, which is still in the process of being formed. I don't know where it stands because I've been out of it for awhile now, but that is what I threatened lastly that worked.
Some people do not have that kind of time to wait to get their vehicle fixed. That's understandable, and G.M. knows that and that is why they will drag it out for such a long time. They know people are just going to get fed up with waiting and just go out and buy one out of their own pocket. If the class action suit started a long time ago, they would be replacing everyone's now. We had the time to wait and I kept the radiator patched with plastic weld, which holds up excellent if done right. We drove for months with the plastic weld and it never leaked. And we had a good 8 inch crack in our radiator.
Some people do not have that kind of time to wait to get their vehicle fixed. That's understandable, and G.M. knows that and that is why they will drag it out for such a long time. They know people are just going to get fed up with waiting and just go out and buy one out of their own pocket. If the class action suit started a long time ago, they would be replacing everyone's now. We had the time to wait and I kept the radiator patched with plastic weld, which holds up excellent if done right. We drove for months with the plastic weld and it never leaked. And we had a good 8 inch crack in our radiator.
I went to my diagnostic appointment and they told me I had a CRACK, no crap Sherlock! Anyway, GM called him back today and the service manager told them it should not be covered as it was NOT a manufacturers defect and that it was out of warranty.
Trust me when I tell you, I asked for the reps supervisor, which I finally got after the rep tells me that the supervisor will tell me the same thing.
I asked the rep and the supervisor what were the factors in determining that MY H3 is not going to be covered for this and the BRILLIANT woman told me that it's because my H3 had too many miles and was out of warranty. So, Supervisor OBVIOUS, I told her again like I told the rep, that this is a WELL KNOWN issue, that it is a manufacturers defect, that I KNOW it was never issued a recall for. I told the supervisor I wanted this elevated and I wanted to speak to HER supervisor.
The supervisors supervisor, guess what, he does not have a phone at his desk! I said that was a lie, that he would most certainly have a phone, then she tells me that I cannot talk to him, that it ends with HER, no higher up person to elevate it to. I called BS on that, but she said it many times.
She did give me this phoneless Supervisors first name, Aaron. Like that helps!
Anyway, I followed all the steps and told them both numerous times, that I do NOT accept that resolution. I said that I want my $54.00 back for the diagnostic that THEY made me get, not to mention wasted time, etc. They will not give it to me.
So, yeah, I'm a LITTLE peed off right now. I'm about to call this ignorant dealer and talk to the General Manager (who did not call me back as he promised yesterday).
Does honesty and integrity even exist anywhere any more???
I'm going to file a formal complaint about it.
How do I get in on this class action suit? Anyone have the info?
Also, has anyone else gone higher than these idiots at the call center? If so, what phone numbers do you have?
Thanks!!