2008 GMC Sierra
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › GMC › Sierra › 2008
These records cover every 2008 GMC Sierra. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2008 GMC Sierra. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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> .
Owner complaints
68 complaints4 involved a crash3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
2008 GMC sierra. Consumer writes in regards to takata airbag safety recall.
- Air bags
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…
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 have it diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,398.
- Air bags
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 aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Structure › Body
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.
- Electrical system
Purchased my 2008 GMC sierra truck in november 2015 after having for only 5 months driver side door lock will only lock or unlock sometime, making it unsafe if you needed to exit quickly due to accident or fire. Seen many other post about same problem. Should be a recall on this.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2008 GMC sierra. The contact stated that the recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 15v324000 (air bags) was received in june of 2015. After contacting the dealer and the manufacturer on multiple occasions, the contact was informed that the parts needed to repair the…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 GMC sierra. The contact stated that the recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 15v324000 (air bags) was received in june of 2015. After contacting the dealer and the manufacturer on multiple occasions, the contact was informed that the parts needed to repair the vehicle were still not available and no estimated time for receiving the parts could be given. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Electrical system
Door locks don't work.
- Air bags
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 not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2008 GMC sierra. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v324000 (air bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Structure › Body
The dashboard IS cracking above the instrument panel to the right of the airbag assembly. the truck IS rarely driven, and has just passed 30,000 miles. the crack appeared while the truck sat in a stationary position in an enclosed garage.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2008 GMC sierra. The contact received a 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags · Structure › Body
My sierra has the same problem that many other gm vehicles have. The dash IS cracking, creating loose pieces. It IS cracked at the airbag. This sharp edges could impair the proper function of the airbag. In the event of an accident, I am afraid the loose dash pieces could post a danger to the vehicles occupants.
- Unknown or other
Crack dashboard there are so many of us facing the same problem dealers saying I have to pay which one cost to me around $800.00 when same problem with hundreds or thousands have the same problem
- Air bags
Takata inflators- pulled truck into garage and put into park. drivers side airbag blew out then a few seconds later passenger airbag blew out. Had been driving prior to this with no issues or warning.
- Air bags
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 aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Unknown or other
Dashboard IS cracking, part of this IS around the airbag and I think it could be dangerous if the already defective air deploys it could send shards of broken dashboard into my or a passengers face, this IS common in 2007-present trucks made by gm, they are aware of the problem but do not do anything about it even admitting a bad design
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 GMC sierra. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v324000 (air bags) and stated that the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 GMC sierra. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v324000 (air bags) and stated that the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer 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 part not available. updated 02/26/2016*lj *cn
- Unknown or other
Dash IS cracked in five places. The edge on the cracks are so sharp that you could cut your hand if it's moved across it. Also have tests been done to make sure the crack if airbag IS deployed does not become projectiles
- Air bags
TL* 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 not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2008 GMC sierra 1500. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the air bag sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 39,180. updated 11/18/15*lj the consumer stated the sensor failed prematurely. updated 2/10/2016*js, updated 03/23/18*jb
- Air bags
I start my truck one nice summer day and my "service air bag" light came on, strange I thought, since my 2008 sierra 1500 only has 57,xxx miles on it. . No accident, no prior issues, not even inclement weather when the light came on. Took it to the dealer to have it diagnosed. The diagnostic cost…
I start my truck one nice summer day and my "service air bag" light came on, strange I thought, since my 2008 sierra 1500 only has 57,xxx miles on it. . No accident, no prior issues, not even inclement weather when the light came on. Took it to the dealer to have it diagnosed. The diagnostic cost was $132.93, and that was to just for plugging in the tech 2 scan tool and running the sir air bag diagnostic test. I was not thrilled about it. problem turned out to be a failure of the front left air bag sensor. The dealer said "oh we have one in stock at out other location, we can get it shipped over, and it would cost $550 but we could have the truck back to you later this evening." how does one of these just fail? If its due to corrosion shouldn't gm pick up the tab on that? This safety component IS what senses impact then causes the airbag to actually deploy and this part just randomly fails? How IS that acceptable for any manufacturer, if there IS a corrosion issue, find a means to prevent further failures and cover the cost of replacement for those that do fail. For a GMC truck that uses the phrase "we are professional grade" as the backbone for their products, why would they use parts that fail so easily? Since some of their trucks used to be be assembled in wisconsin, and their head quarters IS in detroit, michigan, it's very hard to overlook the fact that these places are not kind to vehicles. So why IS it that a very important safety system, the supplemental restraint system, a key component can fail so easily, and there IS nothing being done to correct it?
- Air bags
My vehicle air bag sensors have been diagnosed as faulty. the dealership indicated that both front air bag sensors are part of a known problem where the factory tightened the bolts too far making the sensors prone to crack and collect moisture. this moisture then freezes and the sensors need to…
My vehicle air bag sensors have been diagnosed as faulty. the dealership indicated that both front air bag sensors are part of a known problem where the factory tightened the bolts too far making the sensors prone to crack and collect moisture. this moisture then freezes and the sensors need to be replaced. this repair IS very costly at over $200 per sensor and both sensors need replaced. this doesn't include labor. this IS definitely a safety issue and I don't know if the air bags will function properly if an accident were to happen. this seems to be an item that should be recalled. *tr
- Air bags · Structure
The dashboard IS cracking due to a design flaw around the passenger airbag which can cause the airbag to tear and or fail to deploy properly in a accident. In researching this subject on the internet I came to find out that this IS a common issue in all GMC and chevrolet light duty trucks from 2007-2012. *tr
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine · Power train
While driving check engine light, service stabilitrac and service traction control on information center, followed by a reduced power notification. This clears and occurs without warning rendering the mv near useless. *tr
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2008 GMC sierra. While driving at approximately 30 mph, the contact heard a ticking noise and the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the brakes failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired.…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 GMC sierra. While driving at approximately 30 mph, the contact heard a ticking noise and the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the brakes failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was made aware of nhtsa campaign number: 14v459000 (service brakes, air) however, the parts needed to do the repair were not available. The failure recurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Non-crash engine compartment fires
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…
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 features to malfunction, create an odor or cause smoke and in rare cases it may cause a fire.as a remedy, gm dealers will install a wire harness with an in-line fuse. In addition to the subject vehicles, several other gm models with the heated windshield washer fluid option are included in recall 08v-441: my 2006-2008 buick lucerne (manufactured august 2005 through november 2007); my 2008 buick enclave (manufactured february 2007 through april 2007); my 2006-2008 cadillac DTS (manufactured may 2007 through november 2007); my 2007-2008 saturn outlook (manufactured august 2006 through april 2007); and my 2007-2008 GMC acadia (manufactured august 2006 through april 2007) vehicles.gm IS instructing owners to take their vehicle to a dealer for service if they experience symptoms of windshield washer heater module short circuits. Gm's recall resolves the safety defect concerns pursued by this investigation.this engineering analysis IS closed.
- Non-crash engine compartment fires
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…
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 that are unrelated to arson.eight of the 41 fire allegations also allege property damage as a result of the fires.this preliminary evaluation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea08-010) to further assess the scope, frequency, origin and cause of the alleged non-crash related engine compartment fires in the subject vehicles.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10114470This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that may have an OnStar system that has progression tones when pressing the blue or red button. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center with the scan tool data from the OnStar system.
- 10114431This 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 insure the phone contacts to not have any Emojis loaded to any contact.
- 10114408This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that are travelling from Canada to the United States. While in the United States they are unable to receive Turn-by-Turn directions. Due to the existing cellular provider not having roaming agreements in areas outside of Canada to support transmitting of the packet data required for Turn-By-Turn feature to operate. The customer has 3 options while traveling through the United Sates. First if the vehicle is equipped with a navigation radio they can request a "Destination Download" to the vehicle. Second if the customer uses the OnStar RemoteLink app they can send the directions to the vehicle. The third option would be to have the vehicle loaded with a "500 phone number" The customer will no longer be able to use their Hands Free Calling minutes when the new 500 phone number is loaded. If a customer chooses to restore Hands Free Calling in the future a new phone number will be assigned to the vehicle; previous phone numbers are not available.
- 10114354This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that some vehicles may have a Service Engine Soon lamp, engine misfire on cylinder 1, 4, 6, or 7 and/or tick noise. Technician will follow service information diagnosis first. If service information diagnosis does not isolate the cause of this concern perform a cylinder deactivation active fuel management system compression test in service information. If the running compression of the misfiring cylinder stays below 25 Pounds per Square Inch regardless of the active fuel management solenoid being commanded on or off, an active fuel management lifter is mechanically collapsed/stuck or unlocking as soon as the engine is started. Replace all active fuel management lifters, and all plastic lifter guides. Also perform the cylinder deactivation active fuel management Valve Lifter Oil Manifold Diagnosis and Testing in Service Information. If it isolates a concern with the Valve Lifter Oil Manifold, replace it and reevaluate the concern. The active fuel management lifters can also be monitored for proper operation by carefully inspecting the cylinder 1, 4, 6, and 7 rockers and valves while cranking or briefly and safely running the engine with the valve covers removed. If the valve or valves of an active fuel management cylinder stop moving while doing this test, the active fuel management lifter is causing the concern. For 2008-2009 Full Size Truck/SUV or a 2007-2009 Chevrolet Tahoe with the Police Package reprogram the Engine Control Module. On the 2008-2009 Pontiac G8, 2010-2011 Camaro, and 2007-2010 Full Size Trucks with active fuel management, also determine if the active fuel management pressure relief valve shield that is listed in the latest version of 10-06-01-008 has ever been installed. On passenger cars with the LS4 engine, determine if the updated oil pan gasket that is listed in the latest version of 11-06-01-007 has been installed.
- 10114352This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 10114343This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have unwanted or phantom phone calls. Technician will need to determine what type of call the customer is having that is unwanted. The vehicle may receive an incoming call just like any other phone. Typically the customer will hear the phone ringing in the vehicle. This scenario also includes incoming Bluetooth calls. One type of unwanted call can be made if the key pad is faulty the OnStar system will try to make a blue button call for shorted voltage in the circuits. The OnStar module could have an internal fault and produce a "Phone Unavailable" audio message also it may have a Diagnostic Trouble Code U1500 or B1000. Refer to diagnostics for the Diagnostic Trouble Code making sure to follow any applicable Bulletins or Preliminary Information sheets. A "Ready" or "OnStar ready" audio message heard while driving. In some cases it has been found that the customer is inadvertently pressing the ?push to talk? button on the steering wheel controls. On rare occasions, other issues in the steering column or Steering Wheel Control system may induce this concern.
- 10114342This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that may have an OnStar system that has progression tones when pressing the blue or red button. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center with the scan tool data from the OnStar system.
- 10114328This information for Warranty administration - Changes the Service Policy and Procedures Section 1.6.2.11 and now is refered to Article 3.2.9 of the 1st addition manual for details of Technician Identification and Accounting of Labor Time
- 10114309This informational bulletin explains how to care for wiper blades.
- 10114299This informational bulletin provides a quick guide to updating which model vehicle after replacing the IPC.
- 10114296This warranty administration bulletin provide policy information of the JOB CARD, for a repair on vehicles and what is acceptable - customer authorization; Service manager approvals and transaction authorization; Details of concern, cause and correction; Labor Time; Technician ID and acoutablity of labor time; Proper documentation and retension of warranty parts; Accurate sublet charges and receipts; Add on concerns after the Job Card has been written.
- 10114280This informational bulletin provides information on Inappropriate Warranty Claims Submitted for Damaged Radios and IPCs
- 10113889This 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 a scan tool to check communication with Accessory Direct current Power Control Module, Air Condition control module, Drive Motor Generator Power Inverter Module, Engine Control Module, Battery Energy Control Module, and Transfer Case Control Module. Repair the loss of communication with the affected module and the power flow should return to the radio display.
- 10113888This 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, L94, L96, L99, L9H, LC8, LC9, LH9, LMF, LMG, LY6, or LZ1. Vehicle may have Service Engine Soon lamp with Diagnostic Trouble Code P0521 or Low Oil Pressure message on the instrument panel. Dealer will need to determine if bulletin 10-06-01-008 was completed. If the bulletin was performed inspect the left rocker cover. Dealer will insure the left rocker can hold water without leaking. If leaks are found apply room temperature vulcanization silicone to the rocker cover if possible or replace the left rocker cover.
- 10113849This informational bulletin provides information on the proper oils to use on GM vehicles including information regarding the differences of the Dexos oils.
- 10113843This warranty administration bulletin provides information on the Clarification of Use for Dealer Empowerment Labor Operations and Customer Enthusiasm
- 10113837This informational bulletin provides a list off all the issues revolving around new vehicles for a one stop place to find growing concerns around them.
- 10113831This preliminary information bulletin provides a descritption of operation of the echo control and noise cancellation settings for concernc regarding noice drop outs during calls and muffled sound.
- 10113810This warranty administration bulletin provides dealership personnel with policy and procedure requirements for essential tools that include consumable parts (U.S. Only).
- 10113796This informational bulletin provides information on the proper use of GM floor mats.
- 10113792This informational bulletin provides information to technicians regarding intake manifold inspection/replacement after severe internal engine damage.
- 10113788This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 10113785This informational bulletin adds the 2014 and 2015 model years to information of a language change for OnStar System (U.S. and Canada only).
- 10113775This informational bulletin provides information on the Product Quality Center (PQC) assembly replacement process for Service Agents not required to contact PQC prior to assembly replacement.
- 10113773The intent of this technical bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
- 10113770This informational bulletin provides technicians with a brake lathe calibration procedure.
- 10113753This preliminary informational bulletin provides technicians with diagnostic tips for a customer concern of odor emanating from HVAC system.
- 10113745This warranty administration bulletin communicates GM required operating procedures (U.S. only) for service operations.
- 10113741This warranty administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies and the warranty claims submission procedures that support Labor Operation 0600014 - Suspected Tampering or Vehicle Modifications.
- 10113740This informational bulletin provides dealership personnel information on unscheduled supplemental services (including flushing services and additives) and proper use of GM simplified maintenance schedules (Canada only).
- 10113738This informational bulletin provides technicians with diagnostic tips for preventing oil leaks after changing oil and filter.
- 10113731This informational bulletin provides information on the PQC assembly replacement process - for dealers required to contact PQC prior to replacing an assembly (U.S. and Canada only).
- 10113722This informational bulletin provides information on communication with OnStar module after Canadian cellular upgrade.
- 10113720This informational bulletin provides information on a GM of Canada OnStar cellular communication upgrade.
- 10113703This technical bulletin provides repair information for repairing the IP to body harness connector to correct a customer concern for intermittent Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated with Reduced Engine Power displayed and DTC P2138 set.
- 10113701This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on when and how to submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. Dealers Only).
- 10113688This informational bulletin provides dealership personnel with Global Warranty Management (GWM), Warranty Parts Center (WPC), and Parts Return Program information.
- 10113687This informational bulletin provides information on a GM of Canada OnStar cellular communication upgrade.
- 10113664This informational bulletin provides technicians with information regarding automatic transmission oil cooler flow test essential tool J-45096 TransFlow.
- 10113662This informational bulletin provides dealership personnel with information on flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) and the usage of E85 fuel in GM vehicles.
Every GMC Sierra model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.