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2008 Chevrolet Express 1500 problems

The most common problem on the 2008 Chevrolet Express 1500 is brakes. It has 1.8 times the complaints of a typical Express 1500 model year.

Typical year1.8x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
9
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
190
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
14mpg

The worst 2008 Chevrolet Express 1500 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Brakes
    4
  • Body
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Seat belts
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Brakes
    4
  • Body
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Tires
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Chevrolet Express 1500 190

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 190 bulletins for the 2008 Chevrolet Express 1500

2008 Chevrolet Express 1500 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
5.3L 8‑cylRWD121614
5.3L 8‑cyl4WD121614

What 2008 Chevrolet Express 1500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 4, 2023 · Brakes · WA

The brake system completely failed. the peddle goes to the floor. there is still fluid in the reservoir to proper level but all brakes failed at the same time no stopping ability. had to use parking break to slow and down shift to first gear. This flaw could have killed or injured every passenger/occupant (s) as well as harmed other drivers on roadway/motorway. There should be some type of safety measure to aid in stopping even if a partial failure. But this is a whole system failure. Please advise

Filed Nov 25, 2018 · Brakes · 111,000 miles · FL

We've complained numerous times about the brakes. After having a complete brake rehab on july 7th, 2017, I experienced a complete brake failure on feb. 2nd, 2018 losing all brakes instantly as I approached a 6 lane intersection. I contacted the owner of the dealership both by phone and email and did not receive any response. I was told that a hose or tubing was rubbing against the brake lines causing an abrupt loss of fluid? Why this was not noticed during the earlier brake work seems questionable. Moreover, I am out hundreds of dollars following the earlier brake work that totaled about one thousand dollars just 7 months previous. To this day the brakes feel "mushy" and I have no confidence in the work done to solve the problem.

Filed Jul 6, 2017 · Seat belts · 125,000 miles · VA

Purchased this vehicle in order to travel with passengers but on my first attempt this holiday discovered the seat belts will not extend enough to accommodate most passengers. I can not afford to replace them nor do I want to be legally charged with unlawful equipment (or responsible for harm to anyone in my vehicle). This is my first time dealing with such a dilemma and would appreciate any input that the company may advise. Is this an oversite on the manufacturer to build a vehicle that will not meet regulations?

Filed Mar 18, 2016 · Airbags · NJ

Vehicle had an electronically failed frontal crash sensor.I purchased a new part from gm.the part was installed and the connector would not fit in.I checked the alighnment of slots and the configuration matched the old one. Upon further investigation I noticed the mold of the plastic was distorted.checking the origin of this part (made in singapore).my thoughts are that if there not testing the fit,how can we be sure that in the event of a crash it would even send the signal to deploy the air bag.even though the sdm unit checks the resistance value and ok's the part as being good.also I am an ase certified master tech with 34 years experience.I just am upset that the profit margin should play a role in vehicle passenger safety.

Filed May 5, 2015 · Body · 122,000 miles · SC

The white factory paint is chipping off on several parts of the vehicle, exposing the primed sheet metal. There was no repaint done on this vehicle before. The vehicle has been serviced and taken care of regularly as recommended by gm. The defect is a 100% factory problem in the paint shop. It appears that the paint does not adhere to the primer.

Filed Mar 5, 2014 · Body · 80,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet express 1500. The contact stated that both rear doors were extremely hard to open and close. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer, who stated that the doors were manufactured to operate as they were. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was notified about the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Jun 15, 2012 · Brakes · 18,956 miles · CA

I am a fleet mechanic for a community college. During a routine safety inspection on a chevrolet express 1500 8 passenger van for the community college. I noticed that the brake master cylinder was leaking. I took it to the dealer and the verified my complaint, of course the warranty expired on it around 1 year ago. The total cost parts and labor was around $900.00 to fix it on a van with around 19,000 miles on it. This leak can lead to brake failure and cause a crash. It can also leak on plastic and other components and cause them to fail as well.

Filed Jul 23, 2011 · Tires · 53,098 miles · NY

Checking tire pressure valve stem on TPMS broke filed by jiffy lube.

Filed May 26, 2010 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 18,349 miles · NY

Purchased a new 2008 chevy express 1500 within 9 mos had ABS and stability traction light on. Tech replaced wheel sensor. Happened again 6 mos later, 4/7/09 and 5/15/10. On my last visit they said they found a short, but the lights are on again 2 weeks later. The safety issue is when the ABS and stability traction light is on (and only when traveling below 30 MPH) when applying brakes, the ABS automatically will allow the brake pedal to go down almost to the floor. This in turn allows the vehicle to travel additional distance when trying to stop. This happens on perfectly level, smooth and dry circumstances. One of the mechanics at the dealer's service department stated to me that this problem exists in many chevy vans up to and including 2010. Obviously they have no clue as to what is causing this malfunction. Some other mechanics have said they feel it might be a computer glitch. It is only of matter of time, and probably has already happened, when trying to stop - rear ending a vehicle or striking a pedestrian who has stepped out in front. Please advise as to what course of action should be taken with gm.

Compare the 2008 Chevrolet Express 1500

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Questions about the 2008 Chevrolet Express 1500

Is the 2008 Chevrolet Express 1500 reliable?

Owners have filed 9 complaints about the 2008 Chevrolet Express 1500, 1.8 times a typical Express 1500 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Chevrolet Express 1500?

Brakes, with 4 complaints. Next is body (2).

How many recalls does the 2008 Chevrolet Express 1500 have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 2008 Chevrolet Express 1500 get?

Official estimates for the 2008 Chevrolet Express 1500 range from 14 mpg combined. The most efficient version (5.3L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 12 city and 16 highway.

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