2008 Chevrolet Silverado problems
The Chevrolet Silverado is a range of trucks manufactured by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand. Introduced for the 1999 model year, the Silverado is the successor to the long-running Chevrolet C/K model line. Taking its name from the top trim level from the Chevrolet C/K series, the Silverado is offered as a series of full-size pickup trucks, chassis cab trucks, and medium-duty trucks. The fourth generation of the model line was introduced for the 2019 model year.
The Chevrolet Silverado shares mechanical commonality with the identically related GMC Sierra; GMC ended the use of the C/K nomenclature a model generation prior to Chevrolet. In Mexico, high-trim level versions of the Silverado use the Chevrolet Cheyenne name (not to be confused with the 2003 concept). Competing against the Ford F-Series, Ram Pickup, Toyota Tundra, and Nissan Titan, the Silverado is among the best-selling vehicles in the United States, having sold over 12 million trucks since its introduction in 1998 as a 1999 model year.
History
The Silverado nameplate made its debut for the 1975 model year, becoming the top trim level on all Chevrolet C/K trucks, slotted above Custom Deluxe, Scottsdale, and Cheyenne. For the 1968 model year (seven years before the Silverado), GMC C/K trucks used variations of the Sierra name (Sierra, Sierra Classic, Sierra Grande, and High Sierra). Even after the C/K series officially ended, GM still uses the CK and the CC in their current model codes, to denote a two-wheel drive (CC), and four-wheel drive (CK).
For the 1988 GMT400 model architecture, Chevrolet retained the C/K model nomenclature, with GMC branding its full-size line as Sierras. While sharing the same body and chassis, the model chronology of the Silverado and Sierra are different, with five generations of the Sierra, while four of the Silverado.
In 2018, at the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, Indiana, Chevrolet unveiled the first medium-duty Silverado, expanding the model line to a 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD chassis cab. Largely the successor to the 2003–2009 GMT560 chassis, the medium-duty trucks are exclusive to Chevrolet, with no plans for an equivalent GMC version. Instead, Navistar International (now partnering with GM) would sell the medium-duty trucks as a rebadged counterpart, called the CV. This is in fact a very similar nod to how the Avalanche did not have a GMC Yukon–based equivalent, but instead, Cadillac would take its place as the former's rebadged counterpart, the Escalade EXT.
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Common 2008 Chevrolet Silverado problems
The 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 series has a few common problems that owners have reported, including engine problems, power door lock failures, and transmission cooler line issues.
Engine problems are the most frequently reported issue, with excessive oil consumption being the primary concern. Larger V8 engines typically consume more oil due to their architecture, but excessive oil consumption can be a sign of an internal problem that needs to be addressed. In some cases, this issue may require replacing the pistons, rings, and valve covers, which can cost over $2,700.
Power door lock failures are another common problem, with the best solution being to replace the door lock actuators or lock computer, depending on the source of the issue. Replacements cost around $500, depending on local labor rates.
Transmission cooler lines are also a weak spot on the truck, with aftermarket lines being a better option due to their longer lifespan. Replacing the transmission cooler lines can cost around $400.
There are five recalls for the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 series, including headlamps, heated windshield wipers, threshold warning systems, and air bag inflators. The most serious of these recalls is the air bag inflators, as they can injure passengers in the event of an accident.
In summary, the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 series has a few common problems that owners have reported, including engine problems, power door lock failures, and transmission cooler line issues. While these issues can be costly to repair, they are generally not safety concerns and can be addressed as needed.
Is 2008 a bad year for Silverado?
2008 Chevy Silverado 1500
The 2008 model year competes with the 2014 model year as one of the worst ever produced. Due to its frequent engine problems and overuse of oil, which was repair that cost owners over $2,700 to fix, this problem continued onward from the 2007 into the 2009 model years.
Is the 2008 Chevy Silverado a good truck?
Edmunds says. Powerful, comfortable and offered in a wide array of body styles and configurations, the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a prime choice for a full-size pickup.
How many miles will a 2008 Chevy Silverado 1500 last?
When well maintained, the average mileage life of a Chevy Silverado can be anywhere from 200,000 to 300,000 miles. That's around 10 to 20 years of service depending on how many miles you'd be driving around Galesburg with your Silverado.
What is wrong with 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 work truck?
Owner Reported Trouble Spots
- Paint And Trim. Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust. ...
- Brakes. ...
- Exhaust. ...
- Fuel System/Emissions. ...
- Climate System. ...
- Steering And Suspension. ...
- Noises And Leaks. ...
- Body Hardware.
Is 2008 a bad year for Silverado?
2008 Chevy Silverado 1500
The 2008 model year competes with the 2014 model year as one of the worst ever produced. Due to its frequent engine problems and overuse of oil, which was repair that cost owners over $2,700 to fix, this problem continued onward from the 2007 into the 2009 model years.
What are the most common problems with Chevy Silverado 1500?
Common Issues With Chevy Silverado Pickup Trucks
- Fire Risks. ...
- Defective In-Car Electronics. ...
- Engine Control Module Problems. ...
- Transmission Issues. ...
- Seat Haptic Motor Failure. ...
- Clunking Steering Column. ...
- The “Chevy Shake” ...
- Fuel Pump System Failure.
How long does 2008 Chevy Silverado last?
The average Chevy Silverado will last around 200,000 miles. If you are sure to take care of your Silverado over the years, it can last as long as you'd like it to. A few truck owners have even reached the one million-mile mark on their Chevy Silverado.
Are there any recalls on 2008 Chevy Silverado?
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with non-desiccated, passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata ...
2008 Chevrolet Silverado car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Silverado problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Structure problems
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2008 Chevrolet Silverado vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2008 Chevrolet Silverado
The NHTSA has received 1056 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2008 Chevrolet Silverado vehicles.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-08
- VIN: 1GCEC19C18Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I started by vehicle and as soon as it started, I felt and heard a very loud explosion under the seat, and the seat belts retracted extremely tight. Then I noticed the airbag light on the dashboard. Smoke filled the cab of the truck. Then I realized the airbag module under the seat had exploded.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-01
- VIN: 1GCHK23668F
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Cracked dashboard extending from air bag compartment. Cracked dashboard extending from drivers side windshield up to instrument cluster. This truck spends most of its time in the garage and has less than 100,000 miles. First crack appeared around 40,000 miles and second around 88,000 miles.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-21
- VIN: 1GCEC14X78Z
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that the subframe had sustained severe rusting and cracking underneath the front driver’s side of the cabin. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was contacted regarding the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not contacted or informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 143,000.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-15
- VIN: 2GCEK13M281
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while washing the vehicle, the contact became aware of rusted metal coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the frame was completely rusted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a crack on the sub frame on the driver’s side of the vehicle. The sub frame was welded, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact researched and learned that it was a known failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the issue was a known failure. The dealer confirmed that the vehicle was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,978.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-28
- VIN: 2GCEK19C081
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: Frame rotted through on left side by gas tank back to front of rear spring shackle, rear center tube support broken on both sides allowing rear shock brackets to rub brake lines and wiring harness. The rest of the frame has perforation and excessive rust scaling.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-09
- VIN: 3GCEK13J68G
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Went to my local chevy dealership for them to fix the recall for my passenger air bag, less than a year later the airbag light came back on. i went to have it looked at and they told me it would be $145 to even see if it was the same problem, so now i have service airbag light and the recall was never fixed?
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-14
- VIN: 2GCEC19J181
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The front passenger side air bag inflator ruptured sending particles and other debris throughout the passenger cabin while driving in city traffic, it is available for inspection, I feel like my safety and that of others was put at risk by the manufacturer not notifying me upon purchase, titling, and registration that this vehicle was the subject of a safety recall involving the air bags on this model, it posed a potentially life threatening risk to operate or be a passenger inside this vehicle and nothing has been inspected by anyone yet, it just happened a few hours ago, there was no warnings or messages prior to incident occuring unexpectedly. Something sounded as if it literally blew up inside the truck, thankfully I had no passengers at the time, it scared me badly, as I thought someone had hit me with their vehicle, after the explosion, the OnStar telephone symbol illuminated on the mirror and the radio silenced itself, and the emergency flashers turned on by themselves and there appeared to be smoke pouring from the passenger side of the cabin but turned out to be the air bags powder residue.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-11
- VIN: 1GCEC14X28Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact's husband owns a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was attempting to start the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the air bag control module needed to be replaced; however, while the vehicle was parked at the independent mechanic, the driver's and passenger's side air bags deployed without impact. No injuries were sustained. A mobile mechanic then diagnosed the vehicle and discovered that there was no communication with the air bag module. The mechanic stated that the air bag module was corroded and filled with water, and the third brake light was cracked and leaking water due to inclement weather. The mobile mechanic determined that the air bag module and connectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags) associated with the VIN; however, the contact had not received notification of the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-15
- VIN: 1GCEK19J98Z
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Took truck in for fuel pump module upon dropping the fuel tank the mechanic discovered the frame was rusted thriugh and cracked! After investigating online i see this is a very common problem and they should be held accountable. Rest of truck looks pretty good for the year i purchased with 55000 miles on it and had it oil sprayed every year
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-13
- VIN: 3GCEK13398G
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: UNKNOWN
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-10
- VIN: 2GCEK133881
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: The mid frame is completely rusted out due to possible missing frame corrosion protection, needs replaced
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-18
- VIN: 1GCEK14X88Z
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: Holes in frame it only has 46,263 miles.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-11
- VIN: 2GCEK190681
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The dealership allegedly replaced the Takata airbag on the vehicle. Less than 50 miles later the "Service Airbag" dash light came on. When I took the vehicle back to the dealership they said "Yea, this happens a lot" They schedule an appointment to check it out. Their conclusion was that the two items were not related and that I would need to pay for parts and labor. They said the air bag sensor was bad. That dashboard light was never on before i took it in to the dealership. I spoke to Chevrolet customer service who stated that Dealerships are independent owner operators and since the item was closed in the recall data base that they couldn't do anything. Now I'm reaching out to NHTSA for help to fulfill the recall on the Airbag that you recalled for the safety of the public. It appears to me that they are not taking the recall as serious as you are, but in fact they have found a way to bill people for the repairs of the airbag recall.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-10-15
- VIN: 1GCEC14C88Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH and depressing the brake pedal to make a right turn, the front driver's side and front passenger's side air bags deployed, causing the rear windows to fall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the air bags inflators were corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they would only cover the repair of the passenger's side air bag. The failure mileage was approximately 64,644.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-01
- VIN: 1GCEC14C88Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-14
- VIN: 1GCEC14X38Z
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: chevy silverado 2008 pick up1500- extensive frame rust & deterioration, 115,000 miles needs to be repaired. Orignal owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-01
- VIN: 2GCEK19J981
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: My 2008 Silverado has rusted and cracked frame and doesn’t pass inspection I am [XXX] and on SSI disability and can not afford to pay for repairs, the truck runs great and has 158,000 miles on it I traded in a 1999 Silverado and it had 240,000 miles on it with no rust and no issues whatsoever should of kept that, I am very upset and disappointed with this truck, can you please reach out to me and help me out any way you can. Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-01
- VIN: 1GCJK33678F
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Unknown
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-19
- VIN: 3GCEK13J68G
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: Vehicle is in the shop at 191,000mi for Rear Shocks, Front Struts, an alignment and oil change as of Wednesday (07/19/2023), at approximately 16:14 EDT, the shop contacted me and notified me that the mechanic, when he was installing the new driver-side shocks, went to secure the shock, only for the entire sub-frame assembly that holds the exhaust manifold, fuel tank and shock in place, "shattered" in front of him. I have been informed that I was "One good pothole away" from having a catastrophic failure which could have caused a wreck, and potentially loss of life.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-03-20
- VIN: 2GCEK19J881
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The frame of my vehicle is rusted out almost completely.I am concerned about my safety and the safety of others if I drive it on the highway ,I have taken great care with my truck I only have around 70,000 miles on it and a frame should last a lot longer than this one has, and I have read other peoples complaints about this vehicle also,I would appreciate any help you can offer me.I have no files to upload or any accidents to report I’m just extremely concerned about driving this vehicle with the frame in the condition it’s in.Thank You
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-08
- VIN: 1GCEK14X48Z
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: My truck keeps going into limp mode, it will not accelerate when I press on the gas pedal.This happens sometimes after stopping or slowing down
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-10
- VIN: 2GCEK19J981
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Severe frame rust, body rust
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-28
- VIN: 2GCEK19J281
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Extensive rust on the frame, barely holding together. This caused the drive shaft to shake and break the differential. Even if the differential would not have broken the truck was not road worthy. It could have broke in half at any second. No reputable body shop would even attempt to fix it. No warnings or symptoms until a snow plow was hooked up again last winter and the weight of it bent the fragile frame. Countless accounts of frame and undercarriage rust for Chevy and GMC trucks from 2006-2013.
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-02-28
- VIN: 1GCHK29K28E
- Components: POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
- Summary: The frame has been rusting out bad for many years. My gas tank is about to fall off it is hanging down do to cross member rusting out, and shocks too. Also body is rusting bad do to not putting the right rust inhibitors in the paint and frame.
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-30
- VIN: 2GCEK13C081
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: There is rust on my crossmembers, they said it happens from the stuff they put on the roads? I don't know but I do not have money to buy a new vehicle. They say it's on both sides in the rear that are rotten but they were fine not too long ago.
2008 Chevrolet Silverado recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: GM 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 XL, SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MY 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WIPER WASHER FLUID SYSTEM. A SHORT CIRCUIT ON THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE WASHER FLUID HEATER MAY OVERHEAT THE CONTROL-CIRCUIT GROUND WIRE.
- Consequence: THIS MAY CAUSE OTHER ELECTRICAL FEATURES TO MALFUNCTION, CREATE AN ODOR, OR CAUSE SMOKE INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A WIRE HARNESS WITH AN IN-LINE FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CADILLAC AT 1-800-982-2339 OR HTTP://WWW.CADILLAC.COM; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR HTTP://WWW.SATURN.COM, GMC AT 1-866-996-9436; OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493; OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM .
- Manufacturer: K2 MOTOR CORPORATION
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2008 Chevrolet Silverado problems:
2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Problems and Complaints - 33 Issues
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