2008 GMC Sierra 3500 Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2008 GMC Sierra 3500.

20072009
Complaints
27
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Fatalities
Recalls
3

Worst 2008 GMC Sierra 3500 Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#116 complaints

Airbags

Avg mileage:126,000 mi
#22 complaints

Tires:Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems

#31 complaints

Electrical Faults

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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2008 GMC Sierra 3500.

Airbags
16
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
126,000
Tires:Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical Faults
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine Problems
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Diesel Fuel System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Gasoline Fuel System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Driveline
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Hydraulic Brakes
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structural Problems
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 GMC Sierra 3500. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2008 GMC Sierra 3500

3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~340,268 vehicles.

20V011000Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
~699 affected

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.

15V324000Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
~330,198 affected

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.

14V407000Electrical System
~9,371 affected

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.

Other GMC Sierra 3500 Years

2008 GMC Sierra 3500 — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2008 GMC Sierra 3500 reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2008 GMC Sierra 3500 has 27 NHTSA complaints, 0 crash-related, and 3 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Airbags with 16 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2008 GMC Sierra 3500?
Top reported problems: Airbags (16 complaints, avg 126,000 mi); Tires:Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems (2 complaints); Electrical Faults (1 complaints). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 GMC Sierra 3500?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 126,000 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
Does the 2008 GMC Sierra 3500 have any recalls?
Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 340,268 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2008 GMC Sierra 3500?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full GMC Sierra 3500 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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