2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 engine problems

Filed Jun 28, 2025 · Engine · CA

While driving uphill in my 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, I experienced a sudden and dangerous loss of power, accompanied by a flashing check engine light, ticking noise, and loss of oil pressure. The engine began to shake violently and I nearly rolled backward into another vehicle before I was able to shut it off. After restarting the truck, it began jerking and misfiring, making it completely undriveable. The issue occurred without warning and required a tow. Symptoms Observed: •Low oil pressure warning •Ticking/knocking noise from engine •Engine shaking and loss of power •Jerking and severe misfire when restarted •Flashing check engine light •Diagnosed failed/stuck AFM lifter in cylinder 6 •Engine misfire isolated to cylinder 6 (confirmed by unplugging ignition coil with no change) •Oil consumption and burning smell over prior months •Possible camshaft damage due to lifter failure Shops Involved: 1.Pep Boys (North Clairemont, San Diego) – Charged $400 and claimed to fix the issue, but symptoms returned immediately. 2.Rosecrans Automotive (San Diego) – Confirmed the issue is likely due to AFM system failure (collapsed lifter/cam damage). Estimated repair cost: $4,500+. Additional Impact: •Required towing after complete loss of drivability •Rental car for over a week (ongoing) •Potential lost income due to inability to commute to work •Total cost between diagnostics, failed repair, and upcoming repairs is significant Safety Concerns: •Sudden power loss occurred while climbing a steep hill—nearly caused a rear-end collision •Jerking, misfire, and engine instability made it unsafe to control •No prior warning; failure happened instantly Why I am reporting: This is clearly a systemic issue with GM’s Active Fuel Management system, especially in 5.3L V8 engines like mine. It poses not only a major safety risk to drivers and other vehicles, but also an enormous financial burden on consumers. Based on online forums an

Filed May 1, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 70,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed white smoke coming from the exhaust with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that the following day, while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. Additionally, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact used a diagnostic machine and retrieved several codes indicating electrical failures. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stated that the engine had been replaced twice. The contact stated the last engine was replaced in 2021. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Filed Nov 1, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · IL

T ruck left my wife totally stranded in the middle of a busy intersection. It was running but would not accelerate. I ran the codes and 2 codes that has never popped up before was P1682 and P2138. One said it could be the ignition and the other said it could be accelerator position sensor on gas peddle. My mechanic said this is a communication problem where the wires go into the ECM. Bad connection or moisture getting in. I have had a few wonky codes pop up that we believe to be bad connections. GM NEEDS TO GET THIS RECALLED AND RESOLVED. Trucks just stopping in the middle of the highway and in traffic is super dangerous. After i pushed on connection going into ecm, it started and I have not been able to duplicate code. We will see once it rains if it comes back. Way too many computers running these cars. A computer should never be involved with the running of engine, acceleration, braking or steering. KEEP THE COMPUTERS FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS!

Filed May 23, 2022 · Engine · 210,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated the vehicle was unable to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the manufacturer nor dealer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 210,000.

Filed Oct 19, 2021 · Airbags, Electrical · IA

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the check engine and service airbag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jul 17, 2021 · Airbags, Body · MI

Air bag light is in and I had a lifter failure on my motor. Bed and rockers are rotting out

Filed Apr 5, 2021 · Engine, Transmission · 102,000 miles · NV

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet silverado 1500. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure reoccurred. The manufacture was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.

Filed Apr 1, 2021 · Engine · 173,585 miles · OK

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet silverado 1500. The contact stated that the engine was shaking which caused the vehicle to shake. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 173,585.

Filed Dec 22, 2020 · Body, Electrical · 122,000 miles · MI · fire · 1 injury

2008 chevy silverado 1500 fire on 11/20/20 I was driving 3 miles to my friends house and as soon as I pulled up, I smelt fire. I got out to find out that my passenger headlight and everything under the hood was on fire!! As I started to run for help, I tripped over a large size curb and landed on my face. My neck, shoulders and back have been difficult to move since this happened. I tried to lift the hood but that was too hot to do so, I ran into my friends house screaming for a fire extinguisher!! As I was running back to remove as much as I could out of the truck her husband came out with the fire extinguisher and she came with the hose. I now I can barely move my neck, my back is in severe pain, and my ribs hurt immensely. As I survived this life threatening ordeal, I started doing background checks on this type of vehicle and 124 deaths have occurred because of this gm problem. How is this not a class action law suit?!!

Filed Nov 26, 2020 · Body, Electrical · 200,002 miles · MI · fire · 1 injury

2008 chevy silverado 1500 fire on 11/20/20 I was driving 3 miles to my friends house and as soon as I pulled up, I smelt fire. I got out to find out that my passenger headlight and everything under the hood was on fire!! I tried to lift the hood but that was too hot to do so, and I ran into my girlfriends house screaming for a fire extinguisher!! As I was running back to remove as much as I could out of the truck her husband came out with the fire extinguisher and she came with the hose. I had my briefcase, purse, portable boom box and started running as fast as I could because I thought it was going to blow up, and tripped over the curb and landed face first in the dirt. Now I can barely move my neck, my back is in severe pain, and my ribs hurt immensely. As I survived this life threatening ordeal, I started doing background checks on this type of vehicle and 124 deaths have occurred because of this gm problem. How is this not a class action law suit?!!