2008 Chevrolet Suburban

Above average

Owners filed 213 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 4 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
85,000 milesMedian miles at failure

113 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000150,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags95
202
Unknown or Other26
100
Engine21
000
Structure › Body13
000
Electrical System13
000
Latches/Locks/Linkages11
000
Structure › Body › Door6
007
Structure5
002
Fuel/Propulsion System3
000
Electronic Stability Control (esc)3
000

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module21V050000
Filed Feb 5, 20212,641,272 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and Sierra 3500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. 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 driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 1, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328760.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module21V052000
Filed Feb 5, 2021557,023 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. 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 driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 23, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 20, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328780.

Electrical System10V240000
Filed Jun 4, 20101,365,070 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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.

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> .

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 3, 2025154,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 30 MPH, she started to choke and was unable to breathe, which resulted in the driver fully colliding into a cement wall. The driver sustained injuries, and medical attention was provided, and the contact child was taken to the local trauma facility. The contact stated that all of the air bags located in the vehicle were deployed during the incident. A police officer was driving behind during the incident and assisted immediately after the crash. The contact was concerned that the air bags deployed violently, causing a fracture to the driver's neck, which resulted in an emergency trigonometry on the scene, who cut the trachea. The driver suffered injuries and underwent multiple operations due to the incident. The driver sustained lung and trachea injuries from the incident. A police report was filed, but the report number was not provided to the contact. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. After the incident occurred, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 24, 2024CA

The contact owned a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact received recall notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list because she no longer owns the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 19, 2023CA

Took my SUV for an airbag recall and when it was completed my truck AirBag light was left on. My truck did not have that light on when I arrived at the location. Dealer mentioned not knowing what to do about it. I made a complaint and nothing was done by the dealer.

Suspension
Filed Aug 4, 2023SC

The dash board in the vehicle is cracked and none is able to fix problems. The engine misfire and to figure out the problem cost lost of money. The lifters goes bad on vehicle. Suspension works always need.

Steering
Filed May 12, 2023PA

I have a 2008 Suburban. Beginning in August, there was an accident on the highway and traffic was backed up. I was idling, waiting for the traffic to move, like every other car on the hightway and the suburban just shut off and said "Stablitrak off." It happened numerous times after this, just when idling. I took to the dealership I bought it at. They charged a ton to fix something but it didn't' take care of the problem. It's gotten so much worse. I took back a few months ago and they fixed it again, but didn't charge us this time. Now it's so much worse. Anytime I'm iding, just picking my daughter up at school or just stopped at a red light, a warning comes across, "service stabilitrak" or "stablitrak off." and the car immediately shuts off. It usually restarts in 5 minutes or so and I can usually make it to my destination as long as I don't idle again. Monday I was picking up my daughter and it stalled in the parking lot at her high school with tons of cars behind me- I waited, restarted it as I have done in the past. But then, going down this steep high school hill, the car shut off, lost steering and brakes wouldn't even work. I had teen drivers ahead of me that I nearly crashed into, teens in my car. This is not ok. We took it back to the dealership and now they say it's an electrical problem. I've read a ton online forums that this is something that happens with a lot of other people. I'm afraid to drive my car. I'm also not sure what to get fixed because these other p

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 13, 2023TX

Severe crackin of dashboard in multiple places. Poses a risk to passengers in the event of a collision.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 23, 2022NY

Dashboard cracked By itself

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 4, 2022CA

TPS throttle position system. I’ve had issues since 2013 to present time. The car accelerates and decelerates on its own. I have replaced more than once car is not safe to drive. Need help asap

Air Bags
Filed Feb 28, 2022TX

I was told the air bag was defective

Engine
Filed Oct 7, 2021169,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would shut off without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the failure. The contact has had multiple repairs performed on the engine; however, the failure persisted. The dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 169,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 10, 2021CT

Multiple cracks in dashboard

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 15, 2021FL

2008 Chevy Suburban 1500 LT - the dashboard has cracked for no reason. This vehiclas has NOT been in any accident that could have caused this to happen. The cracks have speard now throughout the top of dashboard.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 24, 2021MI

Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V052000(AIRBAGS); however, upon contacting the dealer, she was informed that the remedy may cause her dashboard to crack and she would be responsible for the repair. The manufacturer was then notified of the matter and confirmed that the dealer would not be held responsible for any cracks or damages to the dashboard. The contact stated that the manufacturer should cover the cost of the dashboard due to the recall. The vehicle had yet to be repaired for the recall. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 26, 2021CA

Dash is cracked in multiple places. I am concerned that this would cause a safety issue of plastic projectiles in case of crash and airbag deployment

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 31, 2021140,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED. AS A RESULT, THE BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE SUPPRESSED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BROKEN WRIST AND NECK SORENESS. THE CONTACT DID NOT SEEK ANY MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND WAS TOWED TO HER HOME ADDRESS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 22, 2021VT

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN: 21V052000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MIDDLEBURY CHEVROLET (510 US-7, MIDDLEBURY, VT 05753, (802)382-2200) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Engine
Filed Mar 8, 2021130,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 6, 2021208,000 milesTN

WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE SUBURBAN IN TOWN AND ON THE INTERSTATE, THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND SAID SOMETHING ABOUT OIL PRESSURE AND TURN ENGINE OFF.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 19, 2020PA

IT'S BEEN OVER 4 YEARS SINCE RECEIVING THIS RECALL FOR AIRBAGS THAT CAN KILL ME INSTEAD OF PROTECT ME IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS MORE THAN ENOUGH TIME TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE BUT IT'S BEING IGNORED UNTIL EVERYONE EITHER FORGETS OR MORE PEOPLE DIE. I CAN'T GET THE DEALERS TO DISABLE OR REMOVE THE AIRBAG SO WHY EVEN GIVE ME RECALL NOTICE? I NEED THIS FIXED SO I CAN DRIVE SAFELY OR SELL MY VEHICLE WITHOUT CONCERN OF OTHERS.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 30, 2020TX

I HAVE THREE GM VEHICLES WITH THIS SAME RECALL NOTICE (#49151) FROM JULY OF 2016. TO THIS DAY I KEEP BEING TOLD THE REMEDY IS NOT YET AVAILABLE. WHAT SHOULD BE MY EXPECTATION FOR RESOLUTION? FORTUNATELY THERE HAS NOT BEEN A PROBLEM.

20 of 213 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1994
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202442110Routine
2023125300Routine
2022119410Routine
20211941210Routine
202044410Do not drive
201977310Do not drive
201881400Do not drive
2017141530Do not drive
2016219610Do not drive
20154281182Do not drive
201459310Routine
2013118400Routine
2012101420Routine
2011148300Routine
2010117310Routine
2009106500Routine
2008 — this page213400Above average
2007292460Above average
200623110Routine
2005129710Routine
2004204660Above average
2003301741Fatalities reported
2002286450Above average
2001440850Above average
20002821171Fatalities reported
19996342120High concern
1998201330Above average
19974143130Above average
199636041210Fatalities reported
1995457781Fatalities reported
19948586102Fatalities reported
1993499220High concern
1992189570Routine
199152460Routine
199054470Routine

Compare every Suburban year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

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: Feb 5, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.