2008 GMC Sierra recalls and problems

The 2008 GMC Sierra has 2 safety recalls and 68 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
68
Crashes / fires
4 / 0
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0

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

2008 GMC Sierra recalls

Recall 10V-240: Electrical System

Reported Jun 4, 2010 · 1,365,070 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 08V-441: Electrical System

Reported Aug 28, 2008 · 857,735 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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> .

2008 GMC Sierra problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags30
Electrical System15
Structure12
Latches/Locks/Linkages11
Unknown or Other3
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)2
Power Train2
Steering2
Vehicle Speed Control1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
Fuel System, Diesel1
Suspension1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 4
  • Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module — 1
  • Structure › Frame and Members — 1
  • Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 1
  • Structure › Body › Door — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 68,700 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 complaints

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

Air Bags · at 159,398 miles · reported Jun 22, 2021
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 · reported Apr 21, 2016
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 · at 104,000 miles · reported Apr 15, 2016
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 · at 99,550 miles · reported Apr 7, 2016
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 · reported Apr 6, 2016
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.

Other GMC Sierra years

Compare all GMC Sierra years · All GMC models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 GMC Sierra have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 GMC Sierra: 10V-240 (electrical system), 08V-441 (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?

Owners report air bags problems most often (30 reports), followed by electrical system (15). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 68,700 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.