2008 GMC Sierra problems & reliability
68 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 GMC Sierra, alongside 2 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
3 complaints report injuries (3 injured).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2008 GMC Sierra vehicles were involved in 147 fatal crashes with 77 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags → | 29 | 43% |
| Electrical System → | 15 | 22% |
| Structure → | 12 | 18% |
| Latches/locks/linkages → | 11 | 16% |
| Unknown OR Other | 3 | 4% |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 2 | 3% |
| Power Train | 2 | 3% |
| Steering | 2 | 3% |
| Engine | 1 | 1% |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 1 | 1% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 66,850 miles (middle 50% between 40,331 and 85,114 miles), based on 50 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2008 GMC Sierra. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V052000 (Air bags) The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the recall was serviced; but, a week later the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic to…”
Air Bags · filed Jun 22, 2021
“Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 gmc sierra. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v324000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made…”
Air Bags · filed Apr 21, 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 gmc sierra. The contact stated that the dashboard cracked on the passenger side of the vehicle and expanded to a gaping hole. It was diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.”
Structure · filed Apr 15, 2016
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
Engineering Analysis EA08010 · opened Jun 12, 2008 · closed Sep 8, 2008 · led to recall 08V441000
- NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
Preliminary Evaluation PE08010 · opened Feb 4, 2008 · closed Jun 12, 2008
Technical service bulletins
320 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2008 GMC Sierra. The 10 most recent:
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to lube the rear leaf springs on vehicles with the condition of a squeak noise originating from the rear of the vehicle.
06-03-09-004H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 17, 2017
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a bump feel or clunk noise at a stop or on launch. Dealer should communicate to the customer this condition…
PIT5161E · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 8, 2017
This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
PIT3665E · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 31, 2017
This Preliminary Information communication provides the technician with a list of modules to check for communication with the scan tool, if the navigation radio does not display the current Hybrid mode. Dealer will use…
PIT4989B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 1, 2016
This Preliminary Information communication provides steps the technician will uses to diagnose and repair vehicles that have low oil pressure after an oil change with the engine Regular Production Option Code L20, L77…
PIP5276F · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 1, 2016
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have an issue when using Bluetooth voice recognition with an iPhone. Technician should work with the customer to…
PIC5953A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 23, 2016
This preliminary information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller rockers to inspect them. Only replace the…
PIP5226A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 11, 2016
This informational bulletin provides information on Part Restriction and Ordering Process Information for OnStar Vehicle Communication Interface Modules (VCIM) (GMNA Only)
03-08-46-004R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 27, 2016
This preliminary informational bulletin provides a procedure to apply dielectric grease and a piece of adhesive shim stock to the steering angle sensor connector to correct a condition of service stabilitak message…
PI0639C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 25, 2016
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to flush and bleed the power steering system to correct a condition of power steering noise or fluid leak from power steering pump, gear or high pressure hose during extreme…
13-02-32-001D · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 19, 2016
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2008 GMC Sierra has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2008 GMC Sierra?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 66,850 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.