2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Silverado 2500 years
Typical for this model
60/100 1.3× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.3× that of a typical Chevrolet Silverado 2500 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 23 of its 191 complaints were filed by the end of 2010.
- Most reported problem: Cracked dashboard above the passenger air bag (25 complaints, median 80,000 mi).
- 4 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2009, 2011
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 191filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 56,000miles, 91 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
What owners report
Complaints for this model year cluster around two things: the passenger-side air bag inflator recall, and a cracked dashboard above the passenger air bag. Many owners describe long waits or unavailable parts for the recall, and several raise concerns about dash cracks in front of the air bag. Other reports cover door lock actuators and late-model transmission problems, mostly at moderate to high mileage.
- Body and structure
Cracked dashboard above the passenger air bag
- 25 complaints (13%)
- median 80,000 mi at 8.7 yrs old (20 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2021
Owners describe cracks forming in the dash, most often above the passenger air bag or near the defroster panel, sometimes with a loud pop while driving. Several say mounting points have broken so the dash flexes. Complaints also note the concern that dash pieces could come loose if the air bag deploys; dealers generally declined to cover the repair once warranty had expired. Mostly reported between roughly 48,000 and 140,000 miles, sometimes on trucks described as garage-kept.
What to check: Inspect the top of the dash around the passenger air bag and defroster vents for cracks or looseness, and ask whether the dash has been replaced or repaired.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a broken dashboard right where the passenger air bag is located. Just had a recall done on the passenger air bag performed and the dealer reported to me that the broken dashboard was broken and could possibly be dangerous if the air bag displayed in an accident. I read online that this is a major problem and some dealers go 50/50 on this repair. I keep my truck in a garage and it isn't out in the eliments except when I'm driving it. I'm disabled and this my pride and joy. Is it safe to drive ????”
NHTSA complaint #10995739, filed 2017-06, 100,400 miles“I have a 2008 silverado 2500hd with 48,000 miles on it and just noticed two cracks have formed above the passenger airbag. Even though the warranty has expired I feel this is a manufacturing defect and should be replaced by Chevrolet at no charge. The vehicle has always been stored sun protected except when traveling. At that time a dash screen is used for sun protection. I contacted the Chevrolet customer assistance center immediately and they had me take my vehicle to a Chevrolet dealer for examination. …”
NHTSA complaint #10852813, filed 2016-03, 48,000 miles - Air bags
Passenger air bag inflator recall — no parts or long wait
Mentioned in 6 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners say they received Takata-related air bag recall notices but could not get the repair scheduled, either because dealers had no parts or could not book the work. Some describe being told the truck was still fine to drive while they waited months. A few report the air bag warning light coming on, or the dash rattling around the air bag area after the recall work was done. Reported across a wide mileage range, from about 60,000 to 269,000 miles, mostly in filings from 2015 to 2017.
Recall 20V011000Recall 15V324000
What to check: Ask the seller for proof the passenger inflator recall (campaigns 15V324000 and 20V011000) was completed, and confirm with a dealer by VIN whether any open air bag campaigns remain.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Takata recall. For months I have been calling my local Chevrolet dealer (best Chevrolet of easley sc) and Chevrolet directly. Nobody can schedule a recall corrective measure. I've had 2 bmws, a dodge and a honda affected by the takata campaign repaired. (yes I own many cars). Why can't GM perform. Penalize them. Heavily.”
NHTSA complaint #11000776, filed 2017-06, 90,000 miles“Takata recall received recall notice several months ago and still no fix . 2 speakers all failed with in six years, 3 window switches all stopped working have pictures available , all quit while driving on a cold night with my 4 yr old in the back seat . Had to pull over and remove switch to short out and get window back up. 4 bed mounting rails and bed side all have rust. So not only did it rot out prematurely but the dealership that covered up the problem entered an accident on the car fax for the bull crap repair they did on my vehicle . …”
NHTSA complaint #10845972, filed 2016-03, 61,500 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission limp mode and cooler line leaks
- 12 complaints (6%)
- median 44,000 mi at 6.1 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- filed 2009–2020
Owners describe the transmission dropping into limp or protection mode, sometimes after a hard stop, along with harsh or delayed shifting and high revs. Others report transmission cooler lines leaking at the crimps, and one owner had a cracked transfer case housing found during a leak repair. Some say the dealer could not duplicate or fix the condition. Reports range from roughly 34,000 to 224,000 miles, with several in the 34,000 to 70,000 mile range.
What to check: Check transmission fluid level and condition, look for fluid at the cooler line crimps and transfer case seam, and ask about any prior transmission repairs or fluid service.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My truck has 69,755 miles when the transmission went into protection mode. Jerry smith garage of anacortes wa. Found loss of prime of fluid due to poss sticking lube regulator valve in pump cover. This was at cost of $5849.87 I feel that this truck a 2500 heavy duty trany should last longer than 69,755 miles. It was being driven on the street”
NHTSA complaint #11063576, filed 2018-01, 1 miles“My truck was diagnosed at the dealer with all of the transmission cooler lines leaking, at the crimps. Nearly everyone I know that has a 2007-2009 has had the same issue. If undiagnosed, this could lead to transmission failure due to fluid loss, loss of pressure, etc. Clearly a manufacturing defect, no diagnosis of cause due to elements or driver error, etc.”
NHTSA complaint #10447363, filed 2012-02, 44,000 miles
Buying note. Confirm any open air bag recalls are completed by VIN before purchase, and inspect the dashboard above the passenger air bag for cracks. On a test drive, check cold-start steering and brake assist, door lock operation on every door, and transmission fluid level and cooler lines.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 191 consumer complaints for the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. 91 of the complaints include a mileage, and 46% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 56,000 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 1,173 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 14 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 60 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags106 56%
- Electrical system23 12%
- Body and structure19 10.0%
- Other or unknown15 7.8%
- Transmission and drivetrain14 7.3%
- Fuel system7 3.7%
- Steering7 3.7%
- Brakes5 2.6%
- Engine cooling5 2.6%
Also reported: Engine (4), Seat belts (4), Tires (4), Equipment (2), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Electronic stability control (1), Suspension (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “The dashboard around the passenger air bag has cracked along the upper left outline of the air bag and the crack has ran into the air bag seam. Also on the opposite side, the dashboard has also cracked in a similar way around the instrument cluster. This crack is getting longer and running towards the air vent. I am concerned that the integrity of the air bag has been compromised and that a possible impact may cause flying pieces of plastic on both driver and passenger.”
NHTSA complaint #10735639, filed 2015-07, 36,600 milesElectrical system: “Rear sliding window cable has broken for no reason what so ever I didn't even know I had this feature for the 1st 2 years of ownership. Now that I know I have used it a total of maybe 10 times and its broken.”
NHTSA complaint #10694715, filed 2015-03, 38,000 milesBody and structure: “Sunroof has now leaked on me 3 times. Each time I have had to remove the entire inside headliner to get to the sunroof.. Hasn't leaked since the 3rd repair but I try and stay away from eh water and rain. Sad I feel bad about driving in the rain...”
NHTSA complaint #10694717, filed 2015-03, 40,800 milesOther or unknown: “The dash has cracked by the passenger side airbag toward the center of the dash and attachment points between the middle dash panel and front dash panel (window defroster) have broken off allowing dash to flex. This posses a sever safety risk in the case of an airbag deployment and causing dash components to potentially break free and become deadly projectiles during a wreck.”
NHTSA complaint #11003695, filed 2017-07, 59,878 milesMileage when problems were reported
46% of the 91 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 30,000 and 90,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
- 20V011000Jan 10, 2020Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Chevrolet Silverado 2500 2007–2008, GMC Sierra 2500 2007–2008, Chevrolet Silverado 3500 2007–2008 +1 more
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…
- 15V324000May 28, 2015Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Chevrolet Silverado 2500 2007–2008, GMC Sierra 2500 2007–2008, Chevrolet Silverado 3500 2007–2008 +1 more
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…
- 14V407000Jul 2, 2014Electrical systemCovers: Chevrolet Silverado 2500 2007–2011, GMC Sierra 2500 2007–2011, Chevrolet Silverado 3500 2007–2011 +1 more
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…
- 09V456000Nov 19, 2009Equipment › Appliance › Air conditionerCovers: Chevrolet Silverado 2500 2008, Ford E-450 2007–2008, Chevrolet C5500 2007–2008 +16 more
Cues, inc. Is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 service vehicles built on various chassis equipped with carrier airv ceiling units, model nos. 68rv0010ba, 68rv0012ca, and 68rv0010ea. The heater element in these assemblies may be defective which could…
Recall details for the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,173 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11028931Feb 16, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that some owners of Heavy Duty Trucks and Utilities may ask if they can lower their tire pressures. Tire pressures…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
- 11021308Jul 31, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a bump feel or clunk noise at a stop or on launch. Dealer should communicate to the…
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11019074May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019073May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019072May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11017252Mar 28, 2025Electrical system, Other or unknown. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 11014457Feb 21, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that some owners of Heavy Duty Trucks and Utilities may ask if they can lower their tire pressures. Tire pressures…
Other model years of the Chevrolet Silverado 2500
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 13 | 5,100 | 2 | — | — | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 31 | 21,000 | 1 | — | — | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 143 | 18,400 | 4 | — | — | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 47 | 47,000 | 1 | — | — | 25 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 97 | 37,500 | 3 | — | — | 62 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 89 | 39,500 | 6 | — | — | 70 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 109 | 25,000 | 10 | — | — | 93 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 74 | 12,025 | 7 | 4 | — | 77 · More | Stable |
| 2018 | 53 | 24,138 | 5 | 4 | — | 48 · Typical | Stable |
| 2017 | 54 | 21,000 | 5 | 4 | — | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 123 | 35,000 | 6 | 4 | — | 77 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 179 | 44,000 | 6 | 3–4 | — | 91 · More | Stable |
| 2014 | 40 | 70,900 | 2 | 2–4 | — | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2013 | 51 | 74,742 | 3 | 2–4 | — | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 53 | 72,000 | 3 | 3–4 | — | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2011 | 104 | 72,000 | 4 | — | — | 42 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 21 | 98,000 | 5 | — | — | — | Falling |
| 2009 | 61 | 59,000 | 5 | — | — | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 191 | 56,000 | 4 | — | — | 60 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 204 | 57,230 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 178 | 52,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2005 | 269 | 63,000 | 0 | — | 11 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 368 | 73,800 | 0 | — | 10 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 449 | 83,020 | 0 | — | 10 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 351 | 84,118 | 1 | — | 11 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 388 | 75,500 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 132 | 85,500 | 1 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 81 | 94,000 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 73 | 82,274 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 64 | 88,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Chevrolet Silverado 2500 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500?
Complaints for this model year cluster around two things: the passenger-side air bag inflator recall, and a cracked dashboard above the passenger air bag. The issues reported most often: Cracked dashboard above the passenger air bag; Passenger air bag inflator recall — no parts or long wait; Transmission limp mode and cooler line leaks.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 have?
NHTSA recorded 191 consumer complaints for the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 106 complaints (56% of the total), followed by electrical system with 23.
Has the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 reported?
Among the 91 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 56,000 miles and the middle half falls between 30,000 and 90,000 miles; 46% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.