2008 GMC Sierra 1500 Problems
What owners have reported about the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 a good year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 381 complaints with NHTSA, the 8th most of 19 Sierra 1500 model years. The most reported problems involve the airbags, electrical system and body and structure.
381 complaints 2 recalls 8th worst of 19 Sierra 1500 years
Top 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 problems
Airbag problems
243 complaints (64%) name the airbags, most often the frontal.
Electrical problems
31 complaints (8%) name the electrical system, most often the instrument cluster / panel and speedometer / odometer.
Body problems
25 complaints (7%) name the body and structure, most often the body.
Door lock and latch problems
23 complaints (6%) name the door locks and latches.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (191 of 381). The amber line is the middle value, about 75,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2008 GMC Sierra 1500 recalls
Inflator module
" Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge.
Recall 21V052000 · Feb 2021Inflator module
S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge.
Recall 21V050000 · Feb 2021Get an email when your 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 gets a new recall
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Sierra 1500 years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2008 GMC Sierra 1500 problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 a reliable year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 381 complaints with NHTSA, the 8th most of 19 Sierra 1500 model years. The most reported problems involve the airbags, electrical system and body and structure.
What are the most common 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 problems?
Owners most often report problems with the airbags, electrical system, body and structure and door locks and latches. 243 complaints (64%) name the airbags, most often the frontal.
At what mileage do 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 airbags problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 49,000–125,000 miles, with a middle value near 86,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
2. Inflator module (21V052000); Inflator module (21V050000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2008 GMC Sierra 1500?
Ask for service records covering the airbags, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2012, 2013 and 2025 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.