Most common 2008 Chevrolet Uplander problems
Share of the 119 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Uplander complaints by model year
Best Uplander years: 2007, 2008. Years to avoid: 2005. Compare all years →
2008 Chevrolet Uplander recalls (1)
Suspension › Rear
The braun corporation has notified NHTSA about a defect in certain model year 2005-2008 general motors mobility conversion, handicapped accessible low floor minivans. During conversion, the driver or passenger side trailing arm modification May not have been adequately welded.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and will have a supply of retrofit parts available to remedy the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on June 4, 2010. Owners May contact braun at 1-800-488-0359.
What 2008 Chevrolet Uplander owners say
Electrical system all 28 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Uplander. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled after the battery warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the starter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred while still at the mechanic. The mechanic replaced the battery and the vehicle restarted; however, the failure recurred. The mechanic replaced the alternator and the failure recurred. The failure was unable to be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Uplander. The contact stated that the traction control and electronic stability warning indicators remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle needed dielectric grease on the front driver and passenger wheels. The vehicle was remedied, but the failure recurred. In addition, the vehicle needed the battery changed approximately five times. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 68,560.
Stability & traction control all 23 →
This isn't the first time the stability control has made driving actually dangerous. The first time it locked up and we skid to a halt thankfully going 25 miles an hour. And it was just out of warranty at that time. This time, we just had the full hub assembly replaced and while driving at a higher speed the stability control locked up again, not quite as hard but hard enough, and it pulled sharply to one side. Both times, thankfully years apart, we were going straight and didn't hit anyone because of it as no one was around. This thing is going to kill someone. And why with all the complaints about it has it not been recalled. I'm afraid to drive it and I'm not ready to buy another car. By the way, I don't know why it was even installed. It doesn't actually work. We used to live in northern utah and we lived at the last street up the mountain. …
On 05/31/2016 called Chevrolet to ask why stability control light went on when going over a bump in road. 06-02-2016 called local dealership about stability light problem, was told that is was a loose connection most likely. After looking online, we ignored the light. On August 28, 2017 we brought the Uplander into another dealership for an estimate on the fuel service. That evening when we went to pick the van up, the service tech said that the transmission was "gone". He gave an estimate on a new transmission. We had been driving the van without problems but for losing power going up hills, that's why we wanted the fuel service, previously that was the problem. We have serviced this vehicle all the time from when we purchased in December of 2008. When we picked the van up we didn't make it more than 4 blocks when it stopped moving. …
Brakes all 21 →
Had this car about a year and then the problems started to show up. My ABS/traction control started to show up on my dash board and then go away. This has happened roughly 4-5 times but never thought to get it checked out. On 4-2-2015 is when the problems showed its ugly head. My brakes started acting up, front passenger side caliper started sticking and brakes not fully engaging to stop the car unless hit again in rapped braking. I bought over 400 dollars in replacements (calipers, pads as well as rotors) to have the issue resolved. Everything was fine until 4-5-2015 when I put my kids into the car and attempted to start it. My brake pedal froze up wouldn't fully engage and all 4 of my brakes froze up. Had to get the car towed home to have a closer look at the damage. …
We have been having an issue intermittently where the "service stability system" message flashes on the message panel. When this happens our brakes lock up at the same time. This is an extremely scary situation when driving on the interstate or in heavy traffic. We have taken this vehicle in to the dealer to have this checked and they were not able to replicate the issue, therefore we were advised nothing was wrong. I feel that this is a huge safety issue with the number of complaints that have been filed on this issue alone, and I think this warrants a recall on this vehicle because the brakes locking up at inopportune and unexpected times will surely cost lives at some point. …
2008 Chevrolet Uplander engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 16 / 23 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Minivan.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander a good car?
Based on 119 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Uplander rates average: 24% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Uplander at the same age. It is one of the best Uplander years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander?
The electrical system — 28 complaints, 24% of all complaints for this model year, most often about alternator/generator/regulator. Next are the stability & traction control (23) and brakes (21).
How many recalls does the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander have?
There is 1 recall for the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander, the most recent from March 19, 2010 (rear). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Uplander?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2007 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2005. See the full Chevrolet Uplander years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Chevrolet Uplander problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 65,000 miles; 35% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.