Is the 2008 GMC Sierra 3500 reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 GMC Sierra 3500?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 68% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 GMC Sierra 3500 have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2008 GMC Sierra 3500

○ Not enough data

2008 GMC Sierra 3500
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:48:55.391Z

Only 25 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 25 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 25
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 3
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2008: 25 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1996	1
1997	10
1998	12
1999	19
2000	26
2001	36
2002	20
2003	7
2004	24
2005	24
2006	11
2007	16
2008	25
2009	5
2010	2
2011	20
2012	9
2013	14
2014	7
2015	30
2016	19
2017	13
2018	14
2019	13
2020	51
2021	20
2022	32
2023	28
2024	49
2025	17
2026	3

Known problem areas

Only 25 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Air bags

17 of 25 total reports mention: air bags.

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-18

Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 GMC sierra ld. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V381000 (Air bags), however, the part needed for the repair was not available.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-02-07

Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V381000 (Air bags). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-04-09

Tires

2 of 25 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing pressure monitoring and regulating systems.

Structure

1 of 25 total reports mentions: structure.

Service brakes

1 of 25 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

Power train

1 of 25 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing driveline.

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-12-21

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

I
2008-02-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 2008-06-12 Non-crash engine compartment fires
I
2008-06-12Engineering analysisClosed 2008-09-08 Non-crash engine compartment fires
R

2014-08-29Electrical system14V407000 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...

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2015-07-27Air bags15V324000 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...

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-02-11Air bags20V011000 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)...

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Buy-smart checklist

2008 GMC Sierra 3500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 17 reports on file for this year.
Tires: 2 reports on file for this year.
Structure: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 14V407000 · Electrical system
Recall 15V324000 · Air bags
Recall 20V011000 · Air bags

FAQ

Is the 2008 GMC Sierra 3500 reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 GMC Sierra 3500?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 68% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 GMC Sierra 3500 have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.