Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Started out by sometimes not going into PARK, but now, Transmission will NOT go into PARK. This is hilly country, and I am concerned that the vehicle could roll away, although the parking brake has worked so far. When I park in my driveway, the rear (parking) brakes groan and slip just a little. So far, nobody has been killed.
On multiple occasions, while driving, my truck suddenly locked/unlocked/locked/unlocked doors, airflow changed from a/c to heat, Stabiltrak disengaged, Parking assist shut off, Traction Control turned off, lights shut off, engine stalled, and was unresponsive.
The frame has been rusting out bad for many years. My gas tank is about to fall off it is hanging down do to cross member rusting out, and shocks too. Also body is rusting bad do to not putting the right rust inhibitors in the paint and frame.
I purchased a new Chevy Silverado ext. Cab 4x4 ltz and drove approximately 30 miles from the dealership. After traveling through an intersection I noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. I proceeded approximately another 50 yards in an effort to find a safe place to pull over to investigate the problem. Before I could pull over the smoke increased and the interior of the vehicle almost immediately became filled with heavy smoke. I stopped in heavy traffic and used OnStar to call for assistance then exited the vehicle and opened the hood to investigate the problem. I saw heavy smoke and flashes of fire coming from the left side of the engine near the catalytic converter. The fire extinguished itself shortly after turning the engine off and the smoke cleared and/or stopped after about five minutes. …
Takata recall # 16V381. I bought this Chevy new and was driving to louisiana. My mileage at the time was 35,955 miles. The red colored seat belt light came on. I was to close to the 36,000 mile mark for warranty coverage to make it to shreveport, la. So I have been driving this truck with the light on. I have asked dealerships if they see the problem, but was asked for a commitment for unknown amounts of money to check and repair this problem. Thank the lord I have not been in an accident with this condition. I want to know if this has been the case with other models as mine. I have a second problem with the engine an transmission. The transmission went out at about 92,000 miles and had to be replaced. Lastly the yellow check engine light has been on. I have spent several thousand to fix this. Even at dealership. I would leave and the light would return. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure reoccurred. The manufacture was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the brakes independently applied while the vehicle was being operated at low speeds. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transfer case was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,825.
We bought this vehicle on 11/09/2016 and on 1/22/2017 the transmission went out with no indicator light on. Transmission masters stated there is water in the transmission due to a faulty radiator and that the transmission is burnt.
I purchased a new Chevrolet Silverado with the Vortec max package in September of 2008. Since new, the vehicle has idled rough and surged at stops. It feels like another vehicle has bumped you from behind. I have brought the vehicle in numerous times to be inspected under warranty. General motors came out with a technical service bulletin stating that if the vehicle has a rough idle with no check engine light it is a normal characteristic of the vehicle. The rough idle causes the vehicles RPM's to spike leading to the surge condition. I have asked for the vehicle to be repaired numerous times under the existing warranty and general motors has not taken action stating it is a normal characteristic. There are many other Silverado owners with the same problem that do not believe it is a normal characteristic. …
After coming to a stop the truck has a clunking sound and slipping motion. It feels as if the truck was hit from the rear. This has happened many times after I bought the truck. I took the truck to the dealer and was told nothing was wrong wit it as the problem did not happen when the tech. Took it for two test drives. This problem has continued from new aprox 800-1500 miles up to today 10/2014 at about 90,00 miles. What is wrong with this truck????????? I have been a loyal Chevy man my entire life!!!!!!!!!! But this is making me think otherwise and I plan to tell everyone I possibly can to avoid this brand if this problem is continued to be ignored!!! Get off your ass and fix the problem g.m. Please feel free to contact me with a resolution a ! S! A! P! I plan to purchase a new truck in the next few months, but it will not be a g.m. Product if this issue continues to be ignored.
Transmission complaints in other Silverado 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 3% of the model year's 914 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 42,000 miles, and 26% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.