2008 GMC Sierra
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 6 |
| 1989 | 16 |
| 1990 | 18 |
| 1991 | 12 |
| 1992 | 30 |
| 1993 | 72 |
| 1994 | 190 |
| 1995 | 261 |
| 1996 | 246 |
| 1997 | 238 |
| 1998 | 190 |
| 1999 | 600 |
| 2000 | 443 |
| 2001 | 264 |
| 2002 | 249 |
| 2003 | 206 |
| 2004 | 188 |
| 2005 | 117 |
| 2006 | 53 |
| 2007 | 59 |
| 2008 | 68 |
| 2009 | 37 |
| 2010 | 34 |
| 2011 | 43 |
| 2012 | 29 |
| 2013 | 39 |
| 2014 | 101 |
| 2015 | 53 |
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2017 | 61 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
43% of complaints: air bags — 29 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ON OCTOBER 15, 2013, APPROX 7:45 AM, SINGLE OCCUPANT, WAS ENTERING THE EXIT RAMP FROM FREEWAY WHEN TRUCK CRASHED AND ROLLED TWICE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. TRUCK WAS COMPLETELY TOTALED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140722
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY CONTRIBUTING TO THE INJURY OF THE CONTACT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120710
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 GMC SIERRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS THE CONTACT BECAME UNCONSCIOUS AND CRASHED INTO A UTILITY POLE. THE POLICE AND AMBULANCE ARRIVED AND THE DRIVER WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20090922
22% of complaints: electrical system — 15 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
2008 GMC SIERRA. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL REGARDING THE HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100804
16% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 11 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: structure — 5 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: structure — 4 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
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, SI
Remedy: 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://WW
Campaign 08V441000 — check if this car was fixed
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 E
Remedy: 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 BEE
Campaign 10V240000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 GMC Sierra — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (29 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for latches/locks/linkages issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 08V441000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V240000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2008 GMC Sierra reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 GMC Sierra is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 GMC Sierra?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 GMC Sierra have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.