2008 GMC Sierra 3500 recalls and problems

The 2008 GMC Sierra 3500 has 3 safety recalls and 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
25
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 GMC Sierra 3500 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 GMC Sierra 3500 recalls

Recall 20V-011: Air Bags

Reported Jan 10, 2020 · 699 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with non-desiccated, passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. 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 front passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-866-522-9559. GM's number for this recall is N192290990.

Recall 15V-324: Air Bags

Reported May 28, 2015 · 330,198 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD trucks manufactured November 28, 2006, to August 29, 2008, and 2007-2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD trucks manufactured November 27, 2006, to August 29, 2008. The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's numbers for this recall are 15438 and 15817.

Recall 14V-407: Electrical System

Reported Jul 2, 2014 · 9,371 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500/3500 trucks manufactured January 18, 2007, to June 22, 2011, and GMC Sierra HD 2500/3500 trucks manufactured January 22, 2007, to June 21, 2011, and equipped with an auxiliary battery. Owners may unknowingly draw too much current through the vehicle's trailer harness resulting in the melting of fusible link for the auxiliary battery.

Risk: If the fusible link melts it may come into contact with adjacent components, damage the electrical center cover, the nearby wiring harness conduit and other vehicle components, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: GM will notify owners and dealers will replace the jumper harness with one that includes a 40 amp inline fuse, and provide the owner with supplemental Owner Manual information, free of charge. The recall began on August 29, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 14260.

2008 GMC Sierra 3500 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags17
Tires2
Fuel System, Diesel1
Electrical System1
Power Train1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
Structure1
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Engine1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Unknown or Other1

Most reported parts

  • Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 2
  • Power Train › Driveline — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 68,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 GMC Sierra 3500 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · reported Jul 18, 2026
Started the truck in driveway waiting on woman to get in on passenger side BOOM! AIR BAG EXPLODED didn't know what happened and then the passenger side airbag exploded. Shut the truck off got out 5 minutes later passenger side airbag exploded again and it was smoking they are very loud thank God no one was injured or we were driving down the road and that happened that would have been terrible.
Unknown or Other · at 118,000 miles · reported Apr 12, 2017
The dashboard is cracked in multiple locations including around the passenger side airbag. The material appears brittle and could potentially shatter in an accident.
Air Bags · reported Feb 6, 2017
The contact owns a 2008 gmc sierra 3500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 15v324000 (Air bags) and stated that the part needed was unavailable to perform the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Air Bags · reported Jan 11, 2017
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 gmc sierra 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15v324000 (Air bags). 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. Updated 03/07/17
Air Bags · reported Nov 27, 2016
Takata recall the gmc dealer disconnected air bags 2 years ago because of the danger of the malfunction. The defect has still not been repaired. My wife and I travel alot towing a fifth wheel trailer. Two years is way too long to wait. I want action taken on this repair immediately.

Other GMC Sierra 3500 years

Compare all GMC Sierra 3500 years · All GMC models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 GMC Sierra 3500 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2008 GMC Sierra 3500: 20V-011 (air bags), 15V-324 (air bags), 14V-407 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 GMC Sierra 3500?

Owners report air bags problems most often (17 reports), followed by tires (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 68,000 miles.

Are GMC recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized GMC dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.