2008 GMC Sierra 1500

Above average

Owners filed 381 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 2 times.

Not among the GMC Sierra 1500 years to avoid. Which GMC Sierra 1500 years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
75,000 milesMedian miles at failure

195 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.

Most common 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 problems

240 of the 381 complaints (63%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags238
708
Unknown or Other28
000
Electrical System20
030
Latches/Locks/Linkages · door locks and latches13
010
Engine13
000
Structure › Body · body and frame12
000
Seat Belts10
003
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes7
100
Structure · body and frame5
000
Tires3
000

2008 GMC Sierra 1500 airbags problems

63% of all complaints

240 of the 381 complaints are about the airbags. This is what owners describe:

  • shows an airbag warning light8% · 18
  • sets off warning lights on the dash7% · 16
  • did not deploy its airbags in a crash3% · 8

Share of the 240 airbags complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
86,000 mi
median of 81 reports
Peak year of filing
2017
76 airbags complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
9 · 0 · 10
in these complaints
Recalls on the airbags
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 gmc sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving, the front passenger air bag warning light illuminated and made an abnormal sound. The contact was concerned for her safety that the air bag could inadvertently deploy. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were made aware of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 16v383000 (air bags).”
Owner complaint, filed Feb 1, 2021 at 195,000 miles
“Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 gmc sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v381000 (air bag) 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.”
Owner complaint, filed Nov 24, 2020 at 125,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2008: 12 complaints, 0 about the airbags'082009: 6 complaints, 2 about the airbags2010: 7 complaints, 0 about the airbags'102011: 11 complaints, 1 about the airbags2012: 6 complaints, 0 about the airbags'122013: 10 complaints, 2 about the airbags2014: 14 complaints, 3 about the airbags'142015: 9 complaints, 3 about the airbags2016: 53 complaints, 33 about the airbags'162017: 90 complaints, 76 about the airbags2018: 60 complaints, 50 about the airbags'182019: 31 complaints, 25 about the airbags2020: 31 complaints, 27 about the airbags'202021: 17 complaints, 11 about the airbags2022: 3 complaints, 0 about the airbags'222023: 6 complaints, 2 about the airbags2024: 4 complaints, 0 about the airbags'242025: 7 complaints, 5 about the airbags2026: 4 complaints, 0 about the airbags'26Recall 21V052000 (airbags)Recall 21V050000 (airbags)NHTSA investigation EA08010NHTSA investigation PE08010
All complaintsAbout the airbagsRecall (red: the airbags)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2008 Sierra 1500 peaked in 2017, with 90 filed that year. Owners had filed 225 complaints about the airbags before the first recall that covers it, 21V052000 in February 2021; 15 more have come in since. In 2026 owners filed 4 so far.

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
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.

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.

All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 3 name the 2008 Sierra 1500.

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureEngineering analysis EA21002Open
Opened Sep 17, 2021airbags

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 …

NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESEngineering analysis EA08010Closed
Opened Jun 12, 2008Closed Sep 8, 2008Led to recall 08V441000electrical system

In a letter dated august 27, 2008, general motors corp. (GM) notified NHTSA that it will conduct a safety recall (NHTSA 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 …

NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESPreliminary evaluation PE08010Closed
Opened Feb 4, 2008Closed Jun 12, 2008electrical system

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 …

Technical service bulletins

646 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2008 Sierra 1500. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 148electrical system 108engine 99transmission 39suspension 26body and frame 24visibility 23fuel system 21
General CommunicationService campaignAug 26, 2024electrical system

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to …

09184CService campaignDec 9, 2015equipment

"09184C - CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM (REVISED SERVICE PROCEDURE). THIS BULLETIN HAS BEEN REVISED TO CLARIFY STEP 5 OF THE SERVICE PROCEDURE. CERTAIN 2007-2009 MODEL YEAR CHEVROLET SILVERADO AND GMC SIERRA VEHICLES CURRENTLY OR PREVIOUSLY REGISTERED IN ALASKA, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, …

18-NA-094Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 5, 2024airbags

This service bulletin provides information on Takata Air Bag Courtesy Transportation Reimbursement Program - Applicable to GM Recalls listed in bulletin.

18-NA-094Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 26, 2024airbags

This service bulletin provides information on Takata Air Bag Completion Rate Improvement Program - Applicable to GM Recalls 14491, 14735,15040, 15041, 15043,15044, 15045, 15046, 15406,15438, 15442, 15815, 15816,15817, 15818, 15826, 17009, 17476, 17477, 28810, 28811,17478, 18015, N192273760, N192278940, N212328760, N212328770, N212328780, N212328790, …

PIT5821CService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 9, 2022airbags

This Preliminary information communicates information on a parts restrictions for the passenger air bag.

PIT5821BService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 25, 2022airbags

This Preliminary information communicates information on a parts restrictions for the passenger air bag.

PIT5821AService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 26, 2021airbags

This Preliminary information communicates information on a parts restrictions for the passenger air bag.

PIT5821Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 29, 2021airbags

This Preliminary information communicates information on a parts restrictions for the passenger air bag.

Showing the newest 6 of 10 bulletins about the airbags, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Traction Control System
Filed Aug 27, 2026157,000 milesIL

The contact owns a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH and towing a camper, the vehicle began to bounce while navigating curves. The traction control warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine variable displacement lifter pins had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Seat Belts3 injured
Filed Aug 17, 2026208,809 milesTX

The contact owns a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH with her husband and grandson inside the vehicle and entering the driveway at the residence, there was an abnormally loud explosion coming from inside the vehicle and the driver’s side seat belt tightened unexpectedly. The contact was able to park the vehicle. The contact sustained bruising to the chest. The contact looked at her husband and became aware that the passenger’s side seat belt had tightened and there was blood dripping on the left side of the face, and her grandson had a bruise on the inner thigh. The contact took her husband to the Emergency Room for several fractured ribs. The contact’s grandson smelled an abnormal burning odor and became aware that the front passenger’s side seat belt was smoking. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to a dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with a seat belt pre-tensioner failure. The contact was informed that the seat belt pre-tensioner needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 208,809.

Seat Belts
Filed Mar 23, 2026KS

I was driving down the highway at 70 mph, when there was a loud bang followed by a gun powder smell. My seatbelts went tight...hazard lights automatically came on...radio went dead...and the Airbag light came on. The pretensioners in both driver and passenger seats had deployed. I pulled over and shut the truck off, to get out and inspect it. There was no warning, and luckily I was composed enough to not wreck into anyone or anything. I see there have been a few similar incidents, so I'm glad this isn't just a solitary incident.

Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Mar 16, 2026163,000 milesTN

The contact owns a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, diesel fuel started leaking onto the garage floor. The contact recently purchased the vehicle, inspected the source of the leak, and discovered that the fuel lines were completely rusted. Additionally, the contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the fuel level lowered to half a tank the following day, creating a hazard. The vehicle was towed to a dealer but had not yet been diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 163,000.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 7, 2025FL

The contact owns a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags). The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact about the disclaimer about the dashboard possibly being damaged. The dealer informed the contact that there were no loaner vehicles, but then called back and offered a loaner. The manufacturer was contacted and filed a clai,m and referred the contact to another local dealer. The contact called the other local dealer, Ferman Chevrolet of Tarpon Springs (43520 US Hwy 19 N, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689), who confirmed there was a disclaimer related to the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 27, 2025IA

The contact owns a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Aug 25, 2025250,205 milesOK

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 126,498. It was later discovered that the mileage on the title was approximately 250,205.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 21, 2025PA

I have contacted Blaise Alexander in muncy pa 17756 in 2020 or 2021 and they told me that the part was on back order they would contact me when the part has come in 5 years later they still have not contacted me I have reached out by phone through email and Facebook messenger to set up a time to fix my 2008 gmc sierra and haven’t heard anything well last week my service air bag soon light came on and I am very nervous about that so I will not drive the truck I would like to file a formal complaint and have this taken care of please

Air Bags
Filed Jun 13, 2025LA

Driving down the road on way home from work airbags blew out. The one in the steering wheel and the one on the passenger side. It busted windshield on passenger side. Shards of stuff all over dash on passenger side. That airbag popped 2 times.

Air BagsCrash
Filed May 31, 2025OR

Air bags did not deploy when another vehicle hit truck on front passenger side at 35-40 mph

Seat Belts
Filed Jan 2, 2025NJ

I was driving in a parking structure at low speed when a loud bang went off inside the cab. The hazard lights went off, there was an acrid electrical smell, and fine dust was coming from the steering wheel area. I stopped the truck and got out to look for a collision, but there was none. When I restarted the truck, the air bag light came on and I noticed that the seatbelts were retracted and no longer functional. I was not injured, but I believe that if this had happened in traffic or on the highway, I and my passenger could have been seriously hurt. The vehicle was towed to the GMC dealership, where they identified an error with the module that sends a signal to the airbags and seatbelts to deploy. Prior to this occurrence, I had no indication that the airbag/seatbelt system was faulty or in need of service.

Wheels
Filed Oct 25, 2024MN

No accident happened as the wheel was never installed due to not meeting the load weight capacity rating of the vehicle. The wheel is marked max load 1150kg (2230 per axle) and the vehicle weight loading label shows the rear axle capacity at 2706kg. The wheel is also marked as SAE J2530 compliant but does not meet J2530 section 3.5 due to the low load capacity. These wheels are widely available in the aftermarket and list most of the 2000-2010 GM 2500HD/3500 pickups as the application but do not meet load capacity on any of them. Please note that the VIN is for a typical 2008 Sierra 2500HD pickup in a scrap yard. I do not own that vehicle. It is a weight label photo from Hollander parts finder on that pickup.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor
Filed Sep 17, 2024151,071 milesNJ

The contact owns a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that after the dealer repaired the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags) and GM's Emission Recall: N140581 (Carbon Monoxide Emissions), the vehicle nearly caught on fire. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact turned on the A/C, and the vehicle started shaking abnormally. Additionally, the vehicle made abnormal sounds, jerked, and stalled while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and there was smoke coming from under the hood. Upon inspection, the dealer discovered that the catalytic convertor was extremely hot and glowing red. The dealer determined that the exhaust system and catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 151,071.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 22, 2024NC

Multiple cracks in dash

Structure
Filed Mar 22, 2024197,000 milesMA

The contact owns a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the spare tire detached from underneath. After a visual inspection of the underneath of the vehicle, he observed that the spare tire hoist and frame were severely corroded, potentially compromising the structural integrity of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 197,000.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 28, 202338,000 milesKY

The contact owns a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off at the residence, the front windshield cracked. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the front driver's and passenger's side air bags had deployed without impact. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that a short circuit was caused by water damage in the air bag modules underneath the front driver's and passenger's side seats. The vehicle was then towed to a body shop for the air bags to be replaced; however, the replacement parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

Service Brakes
Filed May 3, 2023116,000 milesIN

The contact owns a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 mph when another vehicle suddenly got in front of their vehicle causing them to depress the brake pedal. The brake pedal failed to press downward. The contact had to continue to press the brakes a total of 8 times. The trailer brakes would cause the vehicle to decelerate but it would continue to accelerate and increase in speed. By the 8th attempt and with the trailer brakes activated the vehicle eventually decelerated and came to a stop. The tire pressure warning had been illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Mar 9, 2023AL

Tire sizes: 245/70r17. Three tires went bad between November 2022 and March 9th 2023. First tire, the front right, replaced because its outside tread was going bad really quickly. I could see the metal sticking out of it. Two tires need replacing because they are bulging. The back left tire bulged so bad my car was shaking up and down until I took it off. Thought everything was fine but the back right began to shake the car two days later.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 28, 2023CA

Where the passenger airbag is at, there is some cracking around it

Structure
Filed Jan 26, 2023PA

Left side frame is defective, I have welded 4 patches on frame.from the bend by wheel well and fuel tank to front wheel well all by were frame has bracket welded and bottom of inside of frame . if hit on left side can cause frame to crumble and fuel tank to explode. it needs to be looked at for recall. i have spoken to many oweners of 2007 to 2009 gm trucks. and all have same problem. my truck only has around 112 thousand on it this is 3rd year i had to repair.

Seat Belts
Filed Jan 25, 2023AL

Cranked my truck yesterday and put it in drive. Slowly drove about 300 feet and the pretensioner’s discharged in my seatbelts. I fortunately did not have it on yet, but the seatbelts are now unusable.

Seat Belts
Filed Dec 20, 2022MN

UNKNOWN. Front side passenger safety belt won't buckle, the latch appears to be blocking the buckle when in the open, unlatched position.

Tires › Sidewall
Filed May 16, 2022OH

Tire size: 265 75 R16. All four tires inside wall has failed about two inches all the way around the rim. The tires were purchased sometime in 2018 and are a little above the 50.000 mile warranty. They were inspected by NTB technicians in Lancaster and also in Canal Winchester Ohio. They will only replace one tire for free but l think and believe l can’t be the only one with 4 of these tires failing in the same vehicle. All four tires have failed. No inspection by police or insurance has been performed. No warning signs at all other l got under the vehicle to inspect a small oil leak and that is when l saw the problem. I want to reiterate, what are the odds am the only one with all four tires failure?

Seat Belts › Pretensioner
Filed Jan 27, 2022AL

I started my 2008 GMC Sierra, crew cab and began to pull my drivers side seat belt across my body to latch it. I was about 1/2 way when I heard a loud bang that sounded like a gun going off to my right, the seat belt that I had in my hand pulled back tight pulling my hand with it. There was smoke and the smell of gun powder coming from the bottom of the passenger seat by the seat belt. With my heart pounding in my chest I got out of my truck as quickly as I could (my driver's side door was still open). Both the driver's side and passenger side seat belts were pulled tight and I was unable to get either to release. The truck is now sitting, unable to be driven safely with the seat belt on. The dealership said it would be just under $1,000 to fix plus towing and has no idea how or why it happened. This truck has never been in an accident and currently has about 140,000 mostly highway miles on it and I am the original owner. Searching online I found that there are other people on blogs who have had similar problems with exploding seat belt modules with a range of 40,000 miles to over 150,000 miles.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 9, 2021TX

Dashboard is completely broken and it moves everywhere. It’s not even attached to the screws cause it’s broken. I’ve put 10,000 miles on the in the last 5 years and the dash is basically falling apart on its own

Air Bags
Filed Sep 17, 2021138,000 milesMN

The contact owns a 2009 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel air bag and driver seat belt air bag were inadvertently deployed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated she veered to the side of the road and cut the air bags. The contact also stated she could no longer use the driver's seat belt as it was locked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised the contact that they could not determine the cause of the failure. However, the manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not share the diagnostic of the vehicle because it was confidential. The manufacturer also offered to buy back the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 26, 2021TX

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The part was not available for repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 10, 2021TX

Dashboard is completely broken. It started by the airbag area in 2010 and now completely broken in all areas.

Air Bags
Filed May 21, 2021TX

I'm frustrated with the dash being cracked. the big issue is that i believe it is a safety issue. the dash is cracked around the airbag area. if this airbag should deploy someone could be hurt or killed. I would like to get this corrected because I'm afraid to operate the vehicle. Thank you for your attention in this matter. Regards, [xxx] PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *cc

Air Bags
Filed May 17, 2021WI

THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 GMC SIERRA 1500. 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 THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 15, 2021169,393 milesTX

I WAS DRIVING FROM LUFKIN TO HEMPHILL AT 70 MPH. SOMETHING BLEW UP, I THOUGHT SOMETHING HIT ME. ENGINE DIED, BRAKES STARTED, EMERGENCY LIGHTS CAME ON, AND SEATBELT LOCKED DOWN, TRUCK STOPPED, I GOT OUT TO SEE WHAT HIT ME. NOTHING! WHEN I GOT BACK IN THE TRUCK A WHITE POWDER (NOT SMOKE) WAS COMING OUT OF THE SEAT BELT ON DRIVERS SIDE. WHEN SEAT BELT LOCKED DOWN I HAD TO BACK SEAT UP TO GET OUT OF THE BELT. I WAS LUCKY THAT I DID NOT HIT SOMEONE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 30, 202129,840 milesTX

THE DOOR ACTUATORS ON BOTH BACK SEAT DOORS OF MY CREW CAB HAVE FAILED AND PASSENGERS CANNOT EXIT THE VEHICLE NOR CAN THE DOORS BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE. THIS FAILURE IS INTERMITTENT AND AND UNSAFE FOR PASSENGERS TO EXIT THE VEHICLE IN AN EMERGENCY. THE TRUCK IS AT THE GM DEALER BEING REPAIRED FOR $670.00 PLUS TAX AND SHOP CHARGES.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 27, 202195,000 milesAL

THE DASH IS CRACKING IN MULTIPLE PLACES

Air Bags
Filed Mar 26, 202185,735 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V050000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL TWO YEARS PRIOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KING BUICK GMC (1700 W EVANS ST, FLORENCE, SC 29501) AND A CASE WAS OPENED WITH THE MANUFACTURER HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT GMC WAS UNABLE TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR DAMAGES AND TO RESOLVE MATTERS THROUGH THE INSURANCE PROVIDER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER WHEN SHE RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE STICKING BY THE RESULTS FROM THE INVESTIGATION IN 2019, THAT PRODUCED NO MERIT FOR THE ALLEGATIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,735. ## VIN PASSED ## GMC 2008 SIERRA ##

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 27, 2021100,000 milesMI

IN THE CITY STOPPED AT A LEFT TURN LANE WAITING FOR THE GREEN. LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I STATED TO TURN LEFT AND WAS HIT ON RIGHT FRONT HARD ENOUGH TO SEND ME TWO LANES OVER, ONTO THE SIDEWALK AND INTO A BRICK WALL CAUSE MAJOR DAMAGE TO BRICK BUILDING. I DO NOT REMEMBER BEING HIT OR HITTING THE BRICK WALL. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I WENT TO THE HOSPITAL AND DIAGNOSED WITH A CONCUSSION.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 22, 2021145,000 milesTX

THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 21V050 HAS BEEN IN LIMBO FOR YEARS. THIS HAS BEEN THE RECALL STATUS FOR YEARS WITH NO UPDATES: RECALL STATUS: RECALL INCOMPLETE. REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE

Engine
Filed Feb 8, 2021195,000 milesMO

I HAVE THE 5.3L ENGINE AND IT IS CONSUMING 3-5 QUA OF OIL ABOUT 3 TIMES BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. I HAVE A SMALL LEAK BUT DOESN'T WARRANT THE OIL BEING LOST A

Air Bags
Filed Feb 3, 202136,000 milesNE

CONCERNING : TAKATA AIRBAG GM RECALL #: 2049152, NHTSA # 16V383. STILL NO ACTION TAKEN BY GM, 4 YEARS NOW.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 1, 2021195,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND MADE AN ABNORMAL SOUND. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED FOR HER SAFETY THAT THE AIR BAG COULD INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V383000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 195,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 19, 2021NC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V383000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED MOORE BUICK GMC (2445 N MARINE BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, NC 28546, (910) 455-1414)) 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 NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jan 19, 2021131,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE HAD BEEN A BURNING ODOR EMITTING FROM WITHIN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THEN SUDDENLY THE HEATING SYSTEM FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE HEATER WIRES THAT HAD A CONNECTOR THAT HAD BURNED THE WIRES ON BOTH ENDS OF THE CONNECTOR. THE RELAY OR THE BOIL MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE DEALER (MOORE BUICK GMC 2445 N MARINE BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, NC 28546, (910) 455-1414) WHO REPAIRED THE VEHICLE BY REPLACING THE TWO WIRES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Dec 23, 202081,723 milesLA

VEHICLE'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON COLLISION WITH TWO CONCRETE WALLS, CAUSING A LIFE THREATENING TBI AND ALSO SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE LEFT ARM WHICH RESULTED IN IT'S INABILITY TO CONTROL/USE BELOW THE ELBOW, AND ESPECIALLY THE HAND. THIS WAS DUE TO THE BRACHIAL PLEXUS INJURY THAT WAS CAUSED WHEN THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AS THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO. I HAVE ATTACHED THE REPORT FROM POLICE AND INSURANCE COMPANY (WITH PHOTOS).

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 30, 202072,000 milesFL

THE DASHBOARD HAS CRACKED AND THERE ARE SHARP PIECES FROM THE BROKEN PARTS.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 25, 2020CA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FREMONT CADILLAC (5939 AUTO MALL PKWY, FREMONT (510) 686-8969) INFORMED HIM THAT REMEDY PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 24, 2020125,000 milesGA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAG) 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. THE DEALER NALLEY CHEVROLET (4200 JONESBORO RD, UNION CITY, GA 30291, (770) 969-1001) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 125,000. ## VIN PASSED ## GMC 2008 ##

Air Bags
Filed Nov 24, 2020TX

CONTACTED LOCAL MCKINNEY BUICK GM DEALERSHIP PER GMC WEBSITE DIRECTIONS TO REPAIR THE GM RECALL NO. 2049151 AND WAS INFORMED THAT GM HAS NOT AUTHORIZED THE DEALERSHIP TO CONDUCT THE AIR BAG REPAIRS.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 24, 2020AL

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR THE LOCAL DEALER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 23, 2020170,000 milesCO

SERVICE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND ICON ARE SHOWING ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THE WARNING COMES ON EVERY TIME I START THE VEHICLE.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 23, 2020LA

GMC HAS FAILED TO COME UP WITH A SOLUTION FOR MY STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG IN A TIMELY MANNER. I BOUGHT THIS USED TRUCK BACK IN FEB 2020 AND HAVE BEEN CHECKING MONTHLY FOR A RESOLUTION ON THE AIRBAG SITUATION.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 3, 202016,000 milesTX

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT START-UP AND ON OCCASION WHILE DRIVING, THE SERVICE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED NOR MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.*DT *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 381, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2014
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2026147200Do not drive
2025125110Routine
2024379100Above average
2023506320Above average
2022602650Above average
2021599760Above average
20204841250Above average
20196581030Above average
2018305710Above average
2017355640Above average
20163438130Do not drive
2015720990Above average
2014743971Fatalities reported
2013116310Routine
2012107300Routine
2011284530Above average
2010168420Routine
2009234440Above average
2008 — this page381250Above average
2007263320Above average
2006145251Fatalities reported
2005177390Routine
2004212510Above average
2003180440Routine
2002166400Routine
2001140500Routine
2000181300Routine
1999158400Routine
199859420Routine
199783500Routine
19965010Routine
19953010Routine
199413000Routine

Compare every Sierra 1500 year →

2008 GMC Sierra 1500: questions buyers ask

Is the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 a good car?

It is not among the Sierra 1500 years to avoid. Owners filed 381 complaints, against about 249 for a typical Sierra 1500 year. The most common complaint is about the airbags (63%).

What is the most common problem with the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500?

The airbags: 240 of the 381 complaints (63%) are about it. Owners most often say it shows an airbag warning light (8%), sets off warning lights on the dash (7%) and did not deploy its airbags in a crash (3%). The typical report comes at 86,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 have?

2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Feb 5, 2021. The largest, 21V050000, covered 2,641,272 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 75,000 miles. For the airbags the midpoint is 86,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500?

Yes, 3 times. The latest, EA21002 ("Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture"), was opened Sep 17, 2021 and is still open.

Are there service bulletins for the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500?

The manufacturer filed 646 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the electrical system (108), the engine (99) and the transmission (39). They include a service campaign, General Communication, filed Aug 26, 2024. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

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.