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2008 GMC Envoy problems

The most common problem on the 2008 GMC Envoy is electrical system, typically around 84,265 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Envoy model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
92/100
Owner complaints
77
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
939
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
16-17mpg

The worst 2008 GMC Envoy problems

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

Problems by type

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

Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 GMC Envoy

Headlights 16Check engine light 6

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Defect investigations

Loss of HeadlightsOpened April 24, 2017, closed March 29, 2021

The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV. The original scope of this investigation was expanded to include all vehicles equipped with the subject Headlight Driver Module (HDM). The focus of the investigation was to determine whether actions performed by General Motors adequately addressed any unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in the subject vehicles concerning the headlights and the HDM that controls them.Under normal electrical load and environmental conditions, the HDM can overheat inside the Underhood Electrical Center (UEC). This can cause the module to fail and result in a simultaneous loss of both low beam headlights and both daytime running lights (DRLs), often with no warning or prior detectability to the driver. This failure can be intermittent or permanent. No other exterior lights are affected. High beams, turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights are still operational.General Motors addressed this issue with 2 recalls (14V755 & 15V519) and a special coverage program (N172091910). In view of the recalls and special coverage program implemented by GM and the vehicle high beams continuing to operate, ODI has tentatively concluded that the actions taken by GM mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by HDM failure in the subject vehicles.Accordingly, the investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at under the identification numbers in the attached document.

RQ17002

Technical service bulletins for the 2008 GMC Envoy 939

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

See all 939 bulletins for the 2008 GMC Envoy

2008 GMC Envoy fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
5.3L 8‑cylRWD142017
4.2L 6‑cylRWD142016
4.2L 6‑cyl4WD142016
5.3L 8‑cyl4WD131916

What 2008 GMC Envoy owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 2, 2026 · Seat belts · 138,735 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2008 GMC Envoy. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on several occasions with the driver's side seat belt latched, while attempting to release the seat belt, the seat belt remained locked in the buckle. The contact depressed the release button and wiggled the seat belt several times before the seat belt released. On one occasion while the passenger’s seat was occupied, the seat belt failed to release while depressing the seat belt release button. The contact exited the driver's seat and attempted to assist the passenger to release the seat belt; however, the seat belt tightened around the abdomen. The contact stated that a bystander attempted to assist, but the seat belt failed to release and became tighter around passenger’s abdomen. The contact used a pair of scissors to cut the seat belt webbing to release the passenger. The contact was unable to remove the seat belt even after cutting the webbing. The passenger was not injured and did not receive medical attention. The vehicle was taken to the residence where the contact's spouse inspected the vehicle and attempted to release the seat belt. The vehicle was not repaired or diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,735.

Filed Dec 18, 2025 · Electrical · OH · fire

I was living in my car and the windows and door lock cluster caught on fire I had to tear my door panel off to get to the source and unplug it I believe there is a major electrical issue with this vehicle I shouldn't be driving it also my heater fan stopped working on 4 and 5 works on 1 2 and 3 but not 4 or 5 please help me get this recalled so I can finally get this vehicle fixed right this is so dangerous I could have burnt up in my car 7

Filed Dec 12, 2019 · Seat belts · 120,393 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 gmc envoy. When the contact parked the vehicle and attempted to exit, the seat belt would not release. The contact had to physically climb her way out of the vehicle. The red button to release the seat belt was jammed in the down position. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 120,393.

Filed Jun 25, 2019 · Lights · MO

I have owned this vehicle for a year and it's had constant issue with low beam lightning. We replaced the relay thinking it was the problem but mechanic said it was an issue with this model. This car was mfg 1/08 and I honestly think it was assembled with the 2017 parts that were recalled.

Filed Mar 12, 2019 · Lights · CA

My hedlights is not working.at night time while I am driving.

Filed Jan 1, 2019 · Electrical · 211,000 miles · FL · fire

Air condition blower motor caught fire in dash and burnt the vehicle

Filed Oct 29, 2018 · Airbags · 165,000 miles · OK · crash

On 10/24/2018 while driving my 2008 gmc envoy slt, I was involved in a head-on collision which resulted in my car being totaled. None of my air bags deployed.

Filed Aug 21, 2018 · 113,000 miles · TX · fire · 2 injuries

Fire under the hood started, entire car burned in driveway, damaging house and a second car

Filed Aug 2, 2018 · Electrical, Steering · AL

My vehicle just suddenly stopped dead, in the road after leaving my residence and all control was lost. Unable to put transmission in neutral to push vehicle off road. I had it repaired by a trained mechanic and was told it was a faulty ignition. I had the faulty ignition replaced and the vehicle was operational again along with the worry of this happening again.

Filed Jul 28, 2018 · Suspension · AL

Have replaced right side front hub assembly twice, and have to replace it a third time, in 4 year's. Getting best part from o'reilly's auto parts. Vehicle is moving, feels like the front wheel is going to fly off, shaking, wobbly, just totally unsafe

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Questions about the 2008 GMC Envoy

Is the 2008 GMC Envoy reliable?

Owners have filed 77 complaints about the 2008 GMC Envoy, fewer than a typical Envoy model year.

What is the 2008 GMC Envoy year score?

The 2008 GMC Envoy scores 92 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the GMC Envoy: 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 GMC Envoy?

Electrical system, with 18 complaints, typically around 84,265 miles. Next is lights (17).

How many recalls does the 2008 GMC Envoy have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 2008 GMC Envoy get?

Official estimates for the 2008 GMC Envoy range from 16 to 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (5.3L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 14 city and 20 highway.

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