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2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems

The most common problem on the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 is airbags. Its complaint count is close to a typical Silverado 3500 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
71/100
Owner complaints
31
Recalls
4
Service bulletins
524
Worst area
Airbags

The worst 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems

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

  • Airbags
    14
  • Electrical
    6
  • Engine
    4
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Body
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Airbags
    14
  • Electrical
    6
  • Engine
    4
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Brakes
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Visibility
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Recalls 4

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 10, 2020 · 699 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or GMC customer service at 1‑866‑522‑9559. GM's number for this recall is N192290990.

Recall number 20V011000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported May 28, 2015 · 330,198 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD trucks manufactured November 28, 2006, to August 29, 2008, and 2007-2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD trucks manufactured November 27, 2006, to August 29, 2008. The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's numbers for this recall are 15438 and 15817.

Recall number 15V324000 · Recall details

Electrical systemReported July 2, 2014 · 9,371 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500/3500 trucks manufactured January 18, 2007, to June 22, 2011, and GMC Sierra HD 2500/3500 trucks manufactured January 22, 2007, to June 21, 2011, and equipped with an auxiliary battery. Owners may unknowingly draw too much current through the vehicle's trailer harness resulting in the melting of fusible link for the auxiliary battery.
Risk
If the fusible link melts it may come into contact with adjacent components, damage the electrical center cover, the nearby wiring harness conduit and other vehicle components, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
GM will notify owners and dealers will replace the jumper harness with one that includes a 40 amp inline fuse, and provide the owner with supplemental Owner Manual information, free of charge. The recall began on August 29, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 14260.

Recall number 14V407000 · Recall details

Electrical systemReported June 4, 2010 · 1,365,070 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Gm is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 buick, lucerne; cadillac dts; hummer h2; model year 2008-2009 buick enclave; cadillac cts; model year 2007-2009 cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; chevrolet avalanche, silverado, suburban, tahoe; gmc acadia, sierra, yukon, yukon xl; saturn outlook; and model year 2009 chevrolet traverse vehicles equipped with a heated washer fluid system (hwfs). A recall was implemented in 2008 to add a fuse to the control circuit harness to address the potential consequences of a printed circuit board (pcb) electrical short. However, there have been new reports of thermal incidents on hwfs modules after this improvement was installed. These incidents resulted from a new failure mode attributed to the device's thermal protection feature. The significance varies from minor distortion to considerable melting of the plastic around the hwfs fluid chamber.
Risk
It is possible for the heated washer module to ignite and a fire may occur.
Remedy
Dealers will permanently disable and remove the heated washer fluid module. An updated page for the owner manual will be provided and inserted in the owner manual to document that the feature has been permanently disabled and removed from the vehicle. The safety recall began on june 11, 2010. Owners may contact buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080, cadillac at 1‑866‑982‑2339, chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, saturn at 1‑800‑972‑8876, gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463 and hummer at 1‑800‑732‑5493 or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.

Recall number 10V240000 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Defect investigations

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpened September 17, 2021, still open

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

EA21002

Non-crash engine compartment firesOpened June 12, 2008, closed September 8, 2008

In a letter dated august 27, 2008, general motors corp. (gm) notified the federal safety agency that it will conduct a safety recall (the federal safety agency recall number 08v‑441) to address a safety relateddefect that can result in engine compartment fire in approximately 850,000 vehicles equipped with a heated windshield washer fluid option.the subject vehicles of this investigation comprise over three-quarters of the recall population. According to gm, a short circuit on the printed circuit board for the windshield washer fluid heater module may overheat the control-circuit ground wire. This may cause other electrical features to malfunction, create an odor or cause smoke and in rare cases it may cause a fire.as a remedy, gm dealers will install a wire harness with an in-line fuse. In addition to the subject vehicles, several other gm models with the heated windshield washer fluid option are included in recall 08v‑441: my 2006-2008 buick lucerne (manufactured august 2005 through november 2007); my 2008 buick enclave (manufactured february 2007 through april 2007); my 2006-2008 cadillac dts (manufactured may 2007 through november 2007); my 2007-2008 saturn outlook (manufactured august 2006 through april 2007); and my 2007-2008 gmc acadia (manufactured august 2006 through april 2007) vehicles.gm is instructing owners to take their vehicle to a dealer for service if they experience symptoms of windshield washer heater module short circuits. Gm's recall resolves the safety defect concerns pursued by this investigation.this engineering analysis is closed.

EA08010

Non-crash engine compartment firesOpened February 4, 2008, closed June 12, 2008

In response to an information request letter sent by the office of defects investigation(odi) during preliminary evaluation pe08-010, gm provided odi with 41 allegations of non-crash engine compartment fires including 16 allegations of fires originating with the ignition in the off position.one of the fires was determined to be caused by an arson event.odi has also received 5 reports, 4 of which are of duplicative of reports provided by gm, alleging non-crash engine compartment fires in the subject vehicles.in total, odi is aware of 41 non-crashengine compartment fires in the subject vehicles that are unrelated to arson.eight of the 41 fire allegations also allege property damage as a result of the fires.this preliminary evaluation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea08-010) to further assess the scope, frequency, origin and cause of the alleged non-crash related engine compartment fires in the subject vehicles.

PE08010

Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 524

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

See all 524 bulletins for the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

What 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 15, 2026 · Electrical · 270,000 miles · TX

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 162,000. It was later discovered upon checking a Carfax report that the mileage was 270,000.

Filed Sep 12, 2023 · Airbags · WA · 2 injuries

Airbag and steering wheel problems. Neither driver's nor passenger's airbag deployed in a major crash. Our truck was hit by a fully loaded dump truck, speed unknown. Our driver had "mustang sign," bruising to chest. Passenger had seatbelt bruising. No warning lights or other indication was present to indicate that there was any problem with the airbags. We are the original owners and there was no previous use of, nor work done on the airbags. Steering wheel collapsed onto driver's legs, which we were told is common for adjustable steering wheels. Vehicle was totaled and is at junk yard. We have requested the collision report and can provide upon request.

Filed Aug 23, 2019 · Engine · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle shuddered upon starting. The failure also occurred while driving various speeds. The contact drove to team chevrolet buick gmc cadillac (404 jake alexander blvd s, salisbury, nc 28147, 704‑212‑2019) where it was diagnosed that the engine cylinder was faulty. The dealer stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. *bf

Filed Dec 3, 2018 · Airbags · AL

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 chevrolet silverado 3500. While reversing, the vehicle stalled and completely shut off and the service air bags and pass lock sensor illuminated. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v381000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Terry thompson chevrolet (1402 us-98, daphne, al 36526, (251) 626-0631) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Oct 1, 2018 · Visibility · WA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated that the windshield wipers malfunctioned. The motor for the wipers was replaced three times and the circuit board underneath the hood was replaced once. The vehicle was taken to blade chevrolet & rvs (1100 freeway dr, mt vernon, wa 98273, (360) 424-3231) where they initially replaced the motor and then replaced the circuit board for the wipers. The additional repairs were made by the contact. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls for the wiper failure. The failure mileage was unknown. *tt updated 11/28/18

Filed Mar 2, 2018 · Airbags · FL

Cox chevrolet in bradenton florida is refusing to fix the recalled item on my truck

Filed Aug 17, 2017 · 206,000 miles · TX

Dash has crack near passenger air bag and behind instrument panel

Filed Jul 24, 2017 · Airbags · 66,558 miles · VA

Dash has severely cracked. If air bag was to deploy, the hard plastic of the cracked dash could very likely injure occupants within the vehicle. While driving down smooth roadway, we started hearing cracking noises and found the dash cracking.

Filed Jun 9, 2017 · Electrical · 230,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet silverado 3500. Upon starting the vehicle, the service trailer brake system warning indicator illuminated and remained illuminated while driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and found a recall for the chassis electronic module. The contact called hardy chevrolet at (770) 532-4389 and was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v614000 (electrical system). The manufacturer confirmed the VIN's exclusion and referred the contact to the federal safety agency. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000..updated 07/31/17 *bf . Updated 10/20/2017

Filed Jun 8, 2017 · Electrical · 248,000 miles · WI · fire

Started vehicle, drove 100 yards, check charging system popped up on display, smoke immediately started pouring in vents as it burst into flames under the hood. Got kids out and called fire department. Vehicle burned from the motor to the box while waiting for fire department.

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Questions about the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Is the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 reliable?

Owners have filed 31 complaints about the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, close to a typical Silverado 3500 model year.

What is the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 year score?

The 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 scores 71 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Silverado 3500: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500?

Airbags, with 14 complaints. Next is electrical (6).

How many recalls does the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have?

4 recalls, covering air bags and electrical system.

Was there a recall on the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 airbags?

Yes, 2 recalls: 20V011000, 15V324000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have bad airbags?

The Chevrolet Silverado 3500 model years with the most airbags complaints are 2008 (14 complaints), 2007 (12 complaints) and 2011 (10 complaints).

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