2008 Chevrolet Silverado

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 162 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 2 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

118 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles; the median is 66,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags57
9014
Electrical System28
030
Latches/Locks/Linkages14
000
Power Train9
011
Engine9
000
Unknown or Other5
000
Structure › Body4
200
Structure4
000
Seat Belts4
000
Vehicle Speed Control3
100

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Electrical System08V441000
Filed Aug 28, 2008857,735 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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 <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .

Exterior Lighting › Headlights08E050000
Filed Aug 11, 20081,921 vehiclesK2 Motor Corporation

Defect. 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."

Risk. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Mar 8, 2023KY

2008 CHEVROLET 1500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG INFLATION ISSUE AND SEVERE RUSTING TO THE ENTIRE FRAME. THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING THE TRUCK TO BE REPAIRED/REPLACED OR PROVIDING A TRUCK WHERE THIS PROBLEM DOES NOT EXIST.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Aug 29, 2022MO

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while the husband was driving, a warning message indicating the hood was unlatched had been displayed and the front headlights were not operable. Smoke was seen coming from under the hood and after lifting the hood to inspect the engine compartment flames and smoke were present. The husband extinguished the flames with water and the vehicle was pushed to a work sight. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the battery cable and electrical wiring harness were melted. The cause of the failure was not determined. The fire department was not called to the scene. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.

Air Bags1 injured
Filed May 31, 2022240,000 milesLA

Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's and passenger's air bags deployed without warning, causing the front windshield to explode and damage the passenger's side dashboard. There was no impact to the vehicle that could have caused the air bags to deploy. The contact was not injured; however, his fiancée, who was a passenger, had bruises on her knees, legs, and arms, as well as burns and cuts on her legs. No medical attention was received. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V746000 (Air Bags) associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed May 2, 2022108,000 milesMN

The contact owned a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated her son was driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle went off the roadway and hit a tree on the front end on the passenger side. The driver's side airbag deployed, however, the passenger side air bag did not. The contact recently received a recall letter from the manufacturer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V052000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that her son did not remember any warning lights being illuminated. The contact's son sustained back injuries and neck injuries as well as lacerations to his brows and forehead and eyes. The police arrived on the scene and wrote an incident report. The contact's son was driven to seek medical attention. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and declared a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

FirerelatedFire
Filed Dec 27, 2021260,000 milesMI

The contact owned a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, it caught fire from the dashboard. The fire department was able to put out the fire. A fire department report was filed. The vehicle was not towed and remained in the parking space. The insurance company was not made aware of the failure to deem the vehicle totaled. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but the manufacturer disconnected the call. The failure mileage was approximately 260,000.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Oct 5, 2021MN

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an unknown rate, he fell asleep behind the wheel and hit a tree. The passenger-side air bag did not deploy upon impact; the contact stated that was uncertain if any other airbags were deployed in the crash. The police were called and a police report was filed. The contact's son was not injured and did not receive medical attention. The vehicle was towed from the scene by her insurance provider to an independent mechanic. The contact recently received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V052000 (AIRBAGS) which she linked to the failure. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had been destroyed. The failure mileage was unknown.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 2, 2021150 milesMI

2008 CHEVROLET SILVERADO C1500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG SFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME COMPLETING THE RECALL REPAIR.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 21, 202189,000 milesMA

Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V052000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the service air bag light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the service air bag warning light was not related to the recall and the dealer informed the contact that he would need to pay for the air bag repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed May 25, 2021200,000 milesTX

The contact owned a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, when he fell asleep and crashed into a pillar. The contact stated the air bag did not deploy. The contact sustained neck injuries but did not seek medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repairs. A dealer was not contacted. The VIN was associated to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (AIR BAG). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 15, 2016TX

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V324000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Seat Belts
Filed Apr 11, 2016107,581 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD BANGING NOISE. THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS EXTRACTION BUCKLE EXPLODED AND EMITTED SMOKE FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE EXTRACTION BUCKLE. THE CONTACT WAS TRAPPED IN THE SEAT. THE SEAT BELT AND SERVICE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TWO FRONT BUMPER SENSORS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,581.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 8, 201666,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE DOORS UNLOCKED AND LOCKED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FLUCTUATED RAPIDLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURES RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 66,000.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 7, 2016IL

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V324000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS UNAVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 7, 201626,500 milesNJ

TAKATA RECALL..I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S OVER A YEAR AND STILL NO FIX FOR MY TRUCK. ARE YOU REALLY SERIOUS. SOMEONE DIED TONITE ON THE NEWS. WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON WITH YOUR AUTO INDUSTRY. A YEAR, A YEAR LATER AND NOTHING.. HOPE NO ONE IN MY FAMILY IS HURT OR WORSE BEFORE YOU GET OFF YOUR BUTTS AND DEAL WITH THIS. WHAT A DISGRACE TO THIS COUNTRY, AN AMERICAN CAR, YEAH RIGHT. I WANT A FIX AND I WANT TO KNOW WHEN THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAYS THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE NEGLECT ON YOUR PART OF THIS PROBLEM AND SAY THEY'RE SORRY. I WANT AN ANSWER TO WHEN THIS IS GOING TO BE REMEDIED. PLEASE CONTACT ME SOON!!

Air Bags
Filed Mar 31, 2016VA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE DEALER WOULD NOT RELEASE IT UNTIL THE RECALL REPAIR WAS COMPLETED. THE DEALER DID NOT DISCLOSE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN A RECALL PRIOR TO PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE RELEASED. THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED BY THE DEALER THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V324000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 28, 2016IN

"TAKATA RECALL" IT HAS BEEN OVER 8 MONTHS SINCE I RECEIVED A RECALL ON THIS. AS OF TODAY THERE IS STILL NO RESOLUTION FROM GM. THIS IS IRRESPONSIBLE CONSIDERING "IT CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH". THEY SHOULD BE FORCED TO RESOLVE THIS SITUATION IN SOME FASHION SO I AM NOT RISKING THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY WHILE WAITING.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 28, 201648,000 milesSC

I HAVE A 2008 SILVERADO 2500HD WITH 48,000 MILES ON IT AND JUST NOTICED TWO CRACKS HAVE FORMED ABOVE THE PASSENGER AIRBAG. EVEN THOUGH THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED I FEEL THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND SHOULD BE REPLACED BY CHEVROLET AT NO CHARGE. THE VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN STORED SUN PROTECTED EXCEPT WHEN TRAVELING. AT THAT TIME A DASH SCREEN IS USED FOR SUN PROTECTION. I CONTACTED THE CHEVROLET CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER IMMEDIATELY AND THEY HAD ME TAKE MY VEHICLE TO A CHEVROLET DEALER FOR EXAMINATION. I HAD MY VEHICLE EXAMINED AT THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP ON MARCH 21, 2016. THEY EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, TOOK PHOTOS AND TOLD ME THEY WOULD GET BACK TO ME WITH THE DECISION. THEY DID SO LATER THAT DAY BUT THE DECISION WAS TO REPLACE THE DASH WHICH WOULD BE $1000.00 OF WHICH GM WOULD BE WILLING TO PICK UP HALF, SO MY OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE WOULD BE $500.00. I REFUSED THIS OFFER AND TOLD THE DEALER I WOULD BE CONTACTING THE CHEVROLET CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER TO DISPUTE ME HAVING TO PAY $500.00 OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE TO CORRECT A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. I CONTACTED THE CHEVROLET CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER IMMEDIATELY VIA PHONE AND ASKED THAT THE ISSUE BE ELEVATED TO THE APPROPRIATE PERSON. I PROVIDED THE REPRESENTATIVE ALL THE INFORMATION SHE REQUESTED FROM ME AND SHE ASSURED ME THAT SHE WOULD ELEVATE THE ISSUE TO THE SENIOR MANAGER IN MY AREA AND THEY WOULD GET BACK TO ME WITHIN 48 HOURS WITH A DECISION. AS OF THIS WRITING I HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM ANYONE.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 10, 2016CA

WE RECEIVED NOTICE JULY 2015. WE HAVE YET TO GET APPROVAL FOR PARTS TO GET THIS ITEM REPAIRED. WE HAVE CALLED SEVERAL TIMES TO NO AVAIL! WE OUR RETIRED AND TRAVEL ALL OVER THE COUNTRY. THIS DEFECT IS CONSTANTLY ON OUR MIND. WITH THE MILES WE TRAVEL WE STAND A GREATER RISK OF AN ACCIDENT OCCURRING. WHO DO WE TURN TO? THE MEDIA?

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 2, 201665,300 milesAR

THE DASH BOARD IS CRACKED AROUND THE LEFT CORNER OF THE PASSENGERS SIDE AIRBAG.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 2, 2016TX

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V324000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

20 of 162 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1999
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2017125030Routine
20165200Routine
201576720Routine
20141241400Do not drive
201364320Routine
201268240Routine
201175220Routine
201062120Routine
200976031Fatalities reported
2008 — this page162251Fatalities reported
20071834101Fatalities reported
20061821075Fatalities reported
20053161470Above average
200462215103Fatalities reported
200369513112Fatalities reported
20027101551Fatalities reported
20018771553Fatalities reported
20001,30520112Fatalities reported
19991,6601760High concern
1998279052Fatalities reported
1997272060Above average
1996186030Routine
1995263000Above average
1994210041Fatalities reported
199369000Routine
199240030Routine
199117000Routine
199025000Routine

Compare every Silverado year →

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Aug 28, 2008. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.