2008 Chevrolet Silverado

162 federal complaints (221 component records) · 1 recall campaigns on file · 248 service bulletins · 9 Canadian recalls
See all 34 model years of the Chevrolet Silverado →
Engine
4.3L 6-cyl
Fuel
Gasoline Or E85, Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
15 city / 20 hwy
Federal complaints
162
Recall campaigns
1
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Air bags
62
Electrical system
48
Latches & locks
18
Engine & cooling
15
Body & structure
14
Power train
12
Brakes
10
Other
8
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 2 complaints01 years old: 10 complaints2 years old: 13 complaints3 years old: 13 complaints4 years old: 15 complaints5 years old: 14 complaints56 years old: 23 complaints7 years old: 52 complaints8 years old: 9 complaints9 years old: 0 complaints10 years old: 0 complaints1011 years old: 0 complaints12 years old: 2 complaints13 years old: 4 complaints14 years old: 2 complaints15 years old: 1 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 160 of 162 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 11 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 14 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 24 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 23 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 12 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 13 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 8 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 5 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 2 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 0 complaints200,000+ miles: 3 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 115 of 162 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Air bags

62 complaint records10 crash reports
"TURNED KEY TO ON POSITION STARTED TRUCK AND AIR BAG WARNING WOULD NOT GO OFF. FRONT SENSOR WAS CRACKED. REPLACED IT ON MY OWN!!!!!!! *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Electrical system

48 complaint records3 fire reports
"MY GAUGES ARE GOING HAYWIRE...WHILE I'M RIDING ON THE ROAD...MY TRUCK DONT START SOMETIMES AND ALSO MY ALARM DONT WORK......"- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Latches & locks

18 complaint records
"DOOR LOCK BROKE AND DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME AND HAS OCCURRED ON ALL FOUR DOORS AT DIFFERENT INTERVALS. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse latches & locks parts in the directory →

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
08V441000Electrical SystemGM IS RECALLING 857,735 MY 2006-2008 BUICK LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MY 2007-2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON...Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2021026
2021-02-05
Airbag101,593Issue: Long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag.
2020591
2020-12-02
Airbag9,660Issue: Long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag.
2016307
2016-06-15
Airbag7,809This Safety Improvement Program was replaced by Transport Canada Recall No. 2020-591. General Motors Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Program involving passenger airbag inflators in vehicles that were originally sold or...
2015235
2015-05-28
Airbag39,630On certain 2500HD and 3500HD series pickup trucks, the passenger frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment.
2014510
2014-11-07
Airbag106,843On certain vehicles, the Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) may corrode due to a significant quantity of snow and/or water containing road salt or other contaminants entering the vehicle and saturating the acoustical padding beneath the...
Show 4 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2014277
2014-07-03
Electrical1,843On certain vehicles equipped with an optional dual batteries, the owner's manual does not specify a maximum amperage rating for the auxiliary battery to the trailer wiring harness.
2010189
2010-06-07
Accessories99,000On certain vehicles equipped with a Heated Washer Fluid System (HWFS), a short circuit on the printed circuit board for the washer fluid heater may overheat the control-circuit ground wire.
2009291
2009-10-14
Airbag94,975On certain vehicles located in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador, the Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) may corrode due to a significant quantity of snow and/or water...
2008313
2008-08-29
Other54,431On certain vehicles equipped with a heated washer fluid system, a short circuit on the printed circuit board for the washer fluid heater may overheat the control-circuit ground wire.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
06-03-09-004H
Jul 2017
SuspensionThis technical bulletin provides a procedure to lube the rear leaf springs on vehicles with the condition of a squeak noise originating from the rear of the vehicle.
PIT5161E
Feb 2017
Fuel SystemThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a bump feel or clunk noise at a stop or on launch. Dealer should communicate to the customer this condition is a normal operating characteristic of their vehicle.
PIT3665E
Jan 2017
Service BrakesThis Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
PIP5276F
Mar 2016
EngineThis Preliminary Information communication provides steps the technician will uses to diagnose and repair vehicles that have low oil pressure after an oil change with the engine Regular Production Option Code L20, L77, L94, L96, L99, L9H, LC8, LC9, LH9, LMF, LMG, LY6, or LZ1.
PIT4989B
Mar 2016
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides the technician with a list of modules to check for communication with the scan tool, if the navigation radio does not display the current Hybrid mode.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
03-08-46-004R
Jan 2016
EquipmentThis informational bulletin provides information on Part Restriction and Ordering Process Information for OnStar Vehicle Communication Interface Modules (VCIM) (GMNA Only)
PI0639C
Jan 2016
SteeringThis preliminary informational bulletin provides a procedure to apply dielectric grease and a piece of adhesive shim stock to the steering angle sensor connector to correct a condition of service stabilitak message displayed in DIC and DTC C0455 or C0710
13-02-32-001D
Jan 2016
SteeringThis technical bulletin provides a procedure to flush and bleed the power steering system to correct a condition of power steering noise or fluid leak from power steering pump, gear or high pressure hose during extreme low temperature conditions.
06-06-01-010C
Jan 2016
EngineThis informational bulletin provides information on close coupled converters and there affect on newly installed engines or engines during there break in period.
05-08-51-001H
Jan 2016
StructureThis informational bulletin provides information on removing paint stains on the under side of protective shipping film
15-00-89-005
Aug 2015
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis warranty administration bulletin provides dealership personnel with policy and procedure requirements for essential tools that include consumable parts (U.S. Only).
10-08-110-001D
Aug 2015
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis informational bulletin provides information on the proper use of GM floor mats.
00-06-01-026G
Aug 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingThis informational bulletin provides information to technicians regarding intake manifold inspection/replacement after severe internal engine damage.
09-09-40-001C
Aug 2015
Seat BeltsThis informational bulletin provides information to advise dealers about seat belt buckles not operating and/or seat belt warning light illumination, as well as difficulty latching and unlatching the buckle or the buckle release button sticking.
07-00-89-037H
Aug 2015
EquipmentThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
PIP-5276-E
Aug 2015
EngineCADILLAC/CHEVROLET/GMC: ON SOME VEHICLES AND/OR TRUCKS, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WILL ILLUMINATE, AFTER AN OIL CHANGE, INDICATING LOW OIL PRESSURE AND/OR SES LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE.
07-06-04-019E
Jun 2015
Electrical SystemThis technical bulletin provides repair information for repairing the IP to body harness connector to correct a customer concern for intermittent Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated with Reduced Engine Power displayed and DTC P2138 set.
02-00-89-002O
Jun 2015
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on when and how to submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. Dealers Only).
99-00-89-019M
Jun 2015
EquipmentThis informational bulletin provides dealership personnel with Global Warranty Management (GWM), Warranty Parts Center (WPC), and Parts Return Program information.
15-08-44-001C
Jun 2015
EquipmentThis informational bulletin provides information on a GM of Canada OnStar® cellular communication upgrade.
02-07-30-052J
May 2015
Power TrainThis informational bulletin provides technicians with information regarding automatic transmission oil cooler flow test essential tool J-45096 TransFlow®.
05-06-04-035E
May 2015
Fuel SystemThis informational bulletin provides dealership personnel with information on flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) and the usage of E85 fuel in GM vehicles.
15-00-89-004A
May 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingThis informational bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered seepage.
00-06-01-026F
May 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingThis informational bulletin provides information to technicians regarding intake manifold inspection/replacement after severe internal engine damage.
15-08-44-001B
May 2015
EquipmentThis informational bulletin provides information on a GM of Canada OnStar® cellular communication upgrade.
15-08-44-001A
May 2015
EquipmentThis informational bulletin provides information on a GM of Canada OnStar® cellular communication upgrade.
PER-14581
May 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingGMC/CHEVROLET: TSB CONTAINS A NOTIFICATION OF AN OWNER'S LETTER. SELECT DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON BELOW. ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, VOLUNTARY EMISSION RECALL IS BEING CONDUCTED DUE TO FUEL CONTROL SYSTEM DESIGN, WAS NOT ADEQUATELY CONTROLLING, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, CARBON MONOXIDE...
PIC4310L
Apr 2015
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that may have an OnStar system that has progression tones when pressing the blue or red button.
05-08-46-009D
Mar 2015
EquipmentThis informational bulletin adds the 2014 and 2015 model years to information of a language change for OnStar System (U.S. and Canada only).
13-08-116-001B
Mar 2015
EquipmentThe intent of this technical bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
12-07-30-001E
Mar 2015
EquipmentThis informational bulletin provides information on the Product Quality Center (PQC) assembly replacement process for Service Agents not required to contact PQC prior to assembly replacement.
00-05-22-002O
Mar 2015
Service BrakesThis informational bulletin provides technicians with a brake lathe calibration procedure.
PI1440
Mar 2015
EquipmentThis preliminary informational bulletin provides technicians with diagnostic tips for a customer concern of odor emanating from HVAC system.
09-00-89-016D
Mar 2015
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis warranty administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies and the warranty claims submission procedures that support Labor Operation 0600014 - Suspected Tampering or Vehicle Modifications.
04-00-89-015J
Mar 2015
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis warranty administration bulletin communicates GM required operating procedures (U.S. only) for service operations.
12-06-01-008B
Mar 2015
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis informational bulletin provides dealership personnel information on unscheduled supplemental services (including flushing services and additives) and proper use of GM simplified maintenance schedules (Canada only).
15-00-90-001
Mar 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingThis informational bulletin provides technicians with diagnostic tips for preventing oil leaks after changing oil and filter.
02-07-30-029X
Mar 2015
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis informational bulletin provides information on the PQC assembly replacement process - for dealers required to contact PQC prior to replacing an assembly (U.S. and Canada only).
15-08-44-001
Mar 2015
EquipmentThis informational bulletin provides information on a GM of Canada OnStar® cellular communication upgrade.
15-08-73-001
Mar 2015
EquipmentThis informational bulletin provides information on communication with OnStar® module after Canadian cellular upgrade.
14308A
Mar 2015
Power TrainGENERAL MOTORS 2008 CHEVROLET SILVERADO HD DIESEL: TSB CONTAINS AN OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER. SELECT DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON BELOW. GMC SIERRA HD DIESEL: EQUIPPED WITH ALLISON 6 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE FLUID LEAK. *LJ
04-06-04-051D
Feb 2015
Fuel SystemThis informational bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors.
09-03-09-001C
Feb 2015
SuspensionThis technical bulletin provides repair information for the re-torque of leaf spring bolts to correct a customer concern for a clunking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle.
PIT5264C
Feb 2015
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that are travelling from Canada to the United States. While in the United States they are unable to receive Turn-by-Turn directions.
09-03-09-001B
Feb 2015
SuspensionThis technical bulletin provides repair information for the re-torque of leaf spring bolts to correct a customer concern for a clunking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle.
05-00-89-055E
Feb 2015
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis warranty administration bulletin provides information to clarify proper transaction administration of GM Dealer Empowerment Program and Goodwill Cases.
PI1018A
Feb 2015
EquipmentThis preliminary informational bulletin adds the 2015 model year to repair information on correcting a customer concern of poor, limited, reduced Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) or Remote Vehicle Start (RVS) range.
PIP4568R
Jan 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that some vehicles may have a Service Engine Soon lamp, engine misfire on cylinder 1, 4, 6, or 7 and/or tick noise. Technician will follow service information diagnosis first.
PIT3271G
Jan 2015
TiresThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles.
PIC4310K
Jan 2015
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that may have an OnStar system that has progression tones when pressing the blue or red button.
PIC3278F
Jan 2015
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have unwanted or phantom phone calls. Technician will need to determine what type of call the customer is having that is unwanted.
14308
Jan 2015
Power TrainGENERAL MOTORS: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNERS LETTER. 2008 CHEVROLET SILVERADO, GMC SIERRA HD, SOME 2008 MODELS WITH 6 SPEED AUTOMATIC HAVE A TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK CONDITION. WHICH MAY OCCUR NEAR THE TRANSMISSION COOLER NEAR RUBBER HOSE. *LJ
SB-09184-A
Nov 2014
Electrical SystemGMC CHEVROLET SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. MATERIAL OVER SENSING & DIAGNOSTIC MODULE RETAINING MOISTURE.
PIT-4322-D
Nov 2014
Electronic Stability ControlGM: THERE IS UNWANTED STABILITY ACTION OR STABILITY LIGHT ON. THIS CAN BE CAUSED BY THE SUSPENSION BEING MODIFIED. *RM UPDATED 6/18/12. *PE MODELS 2007-13 ALL ESCALADE; AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; SIERRA, SIERRA DENALI, ALL YUKONS. UPDATED 11/28/12.
10-08-42-001C
Nov 2014
Exterior LightingGM: LOW BEAM HEADLAMP BULB DIAGNOSIS/ REPLACEMENT (INSPECT BULB AND CONNECTOR). DO NOT REPLACE THE ENTIRE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY FOR THIS CONDITION. REPLACE THE BULB AND INSPECT THE CONNECTOR. *JS UPDATED 4/7/15. *PE
14-00-89-003A
Oct 2014
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis information for Warranty administration - Changes the Service Policy and Procedures Section 1.6.2.11 and now is refered to Article 3.2.9 of the 1st addition manual for details of Technician Identification and Accounting of Labor Time
06-08-43-003E
Oct 2014
VisibilityThis informational bulletin explains how to care for wiper blades.
07-08-49-020I
Oct 2014
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis informational bulletin provides a quick guide to updating which model vehicle after replacing the IPC.
04-00-89-015H
Oct 2014
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis warranty administration bulletin provide policy information of the JOB CARD, for a repair on vehicles and what is acceptable - customer authorization; Service manager approvals and transaction authorization; Details of concern, cause and correction; Labor Time; Technician...
08-08-44-015E
Oct 2014
EquipmentThis informational bulletin provides information on Inappropriate Warranty Claims Submitted for Damaged Radios and IPCs

Showing 60 of 248 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  2. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  3. Close every door, hood, and tailgate gently, once.A door that needs a slam or springs back is the latch complaint on this vehicle. It is the kind of fault a seller has learned to hide by slamming.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Chevrolet Silverado →