2008 GMC Sierra 3500 problems
NHTSA has received 28 complaints about the 2008 GMC Sierra 3500, and 61% of them involve air bags. After that come fuel system (11%) and tires (7%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 28 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Air bags 61% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 68,000 miles 13 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 3 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 2 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 1 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 3 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 2 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 1 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 0 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Among the 13 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 68,000 miles.
None of these complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death. Its complaints are less severe on average than those of 100% of model years in our database.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2008 ranks 15th most-complained-about out of 15 model years of the GMC Sierra 3500 with enough data (8 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 3 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
The water in fuel sensor on my 2008 GMC 3500 hd with a 6.6l duramax diesel. I had to take it in to the dealer they told me that I had water in my fuel. The had to flush my fuel system and replace the water in fuel sensor they charged me $840 for this repair. But the weird thing is the light never came on.and upon my research I came across this forum that claims this sensor never works. Attached is the link [link removed]
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 GMC sierra 3500. While the contact was driving in reverse approximately 2 MPH, the backup indicators would not operate. The failure occurred sporadic. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on five different times for the identical failure. The technician informed that there was not a remedy and advised that the receiver hitch be removed from the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the malfunction.
My 2008 GMC sierra 3500hd has a chatter when turning, GM is aware of the problem and has a bulletin for a repair, however the repair may or may not completely solve the issue it didn't on mine. While turning the rear axles stays in a lock position and doesn't allow the rear tires to turn separate speeds this can cause the vehicle to go into a skid without notice and they set front and rear tire pressures different and the door stickers confirm that this is like driving a 4 wheel drive with small tires on the front…
While driving in a one lane construction zone with no place to pull over, the vehicle lost power and would not go over 10 MPH, requiring it to be towed to the nearest dealership. This durmax diesel engine had only 84,000 miles and had excellent service maintance. Cost to repair is 3860.00.
Takata recall for passenger side air bag inflator issued july 2015. I have contacted dealership and GMC repeatedly since receiving this recall and as of today they have no idea when parts will be available. Their suggestion was to not let anyone ride in the front passenger seat. I want something else to drive until issue resolved.