Paint Cracking 2007 H3

Eddie 70 · August 30, 2011

I know this is not a hummer forum but I know you guys are pretty well informed about GM vehicles which the H3 is. I have a problem with my wifes H3. We bought it new, still had the plastic protectors on the paint when she picked it out. I do not obsess about keeping this truck spotless but do wash and dry it about once a month or so to keep it looking nice. Lately I have been noticing the paint is cracking on the hood and roof. This has me worried. Has anyone else with a GM vehicle had this kind of experience with the paint on their GM vehicle.

Any thoughts or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

pm26 · August 30, 2011

What color is the vehicle? Can you tell if it is the clear coat on top, or the base coat underneath that is cracking? Are the cracks isolated or continuous? Seems like a paint defect that will probably require refinishing the affected parts. I would take it to a GM dealer and get their opinion on it. Your basic warranty is probably expired, but they may be willing to do something for you.

I would get some polishing compound or scratch remover wax and hand buff the cracked paint just to see if I could buff out the cracks. If they are all the way through the clear coat, then repainting is necessary.

Eddie 70 · August 30, 2011

She still loves her truck and I am so glad she does even with todays gas prices and the MPG it gets. She only drives 5 miles or so to work so its not so big of a detriment to her, yet.

I am pretty sure it is in the clear that is cracking. Its killing me. I want the truck to be as good as it can be. I will take a few pics of it tomorrow and post them up for us to diagnose.

Thanks for the input already.

pm26 · August 30, 2011

I almost bought one of those vehicles myself about 3 years ago when they were selling out the last remaining models. This one was a new left over with a 5 speed manual transmission, it was in California, and listed on eBay at a super low price. With my GM card rebate I could have bought it for $ 19k and change (there was buy-it-now option). Somebody beat me to it though. And I was somewhat concerned about bad fuel economy too and frankly I did not really need a full time 4WD vehicle.

I am surprised about the paint issues. I have two GM vehicles (2006 and 2009) and no paint problems with either. Maybe it is only certain colors that they have issues with.

BlackZ71Silverado · August 31, 2011

She still loves her truck and I am so glad she does even with todays gas prices and the MPG it gets. She only drives 5 miles or so to work so its not so big of a detriment to her, yet.

I am pretty sure it is in the clear that is cracking. Its killing me. I want the truck to be as good as it can be. I will take a few pics of it tomorrow and post them up for us to diagnose.

Thanks for the input already.

That's a good looking H3 she's got there. If I did not need a truck, I would have went with an H3. Great little suv's IMO.