Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Chevrolet Uplander owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
On 08/04/14 I took my 2008 Chevy Uplander to local Chevrolet dealer ([redacted]) due to ABS and traction control were appear on the screen. The tech diagnosed that 2 problems were found faulty left front hub/bearing assembly and wiring harness. The tech replaced and fixed the issues. And this year on 03/05/15 I have the same lights appear on my screen again (ABS & traction control) and I did the same thing took to Chevrolet dealer ([redacted]) the tech diagnose the same issues occur again. I refuse too have them fix and would like GM start recall all 2008 Chevy Uplander due to hub/bearing assembly and wiring harness problems since the cost of fixing these issues are between $650 - $700. Is pretty expensive for person that live on paycheck by paycheck each week.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Uplander. The contact stated that while driving, the ABS and the traction control warning lights illuminated. In addition, there was an abnormal noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ABS braking system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 136,630.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Uplander. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the brakes engaged independently without warning. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure was unable to be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000. Ma 10/2 the consumer has since traded the vehicle. Updated 10/06/15
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Uplander. While the vehicle was stationary, the ABS and traction control indicators illuminated without warning. The ABS pump was replaced five times, along with the wheel hubs and wiring harness; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 146,000.
While driving down the road, brakes locked up on vehicle. Problem has repeated itself several times since. When this happens, vehicle pulls to the left. We are no longer driving vehicle due to safety concern.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Uplander. The contact stated that while driving 28 MPH, she applied the brakes and the sliding passenger door detached from the vehicle, falling onto the highway. The dealer was notified, but suggested that there would be a cost to repair the vehicle and the contact felt that it was a manufacturer?s defect. The manufacturer was contacted, but offered no assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileages were 70,000. The consumer's insurance company stated it was a manufacturers defect and they would not cover the damage. The consumer stated the vehicle has a severe short, which prevented the door from locking, the lights went off on the dash, and a dinging sound, but nothing happened. It was suppose to make a sound when the door opened, but there was no sound. …
Drove the van home that same night,before we pulled in the drive way , the van over heated ,the brakes had a spongy feel to them after 15 mins of driving , temperature gauge never went pass the half way make when the red indicator came on the van totally shut down no power , I almost flip the van over. I have replace the brake twice in 3 weeks of each other.then light on the dash came on when temperature were cold , rainy, foggy, out side , and when it got hot temperature out side the dash light at night time started to flicker on and off ,then about 30 seconds later the dash lights stayed off and never came back on. Also the van started to have engine not wanted to turn over, and would also loss all power to vehicle leaving us stranded out in horrible weather conditions outside with are children.
Brakes intermittently apply themselves without warning. Happened previous to this incident several times at lower speeds. I'm not sure if brake lights activate when this happens making this a highly dangerous situation. Dealer had vehicle three weeks, charged for labor and parts, then stated that they thought they had the problem fixed but couldn't get the automatic traction control light to go out or the dic to not display service stability system. Vehicle was okay for about four weeks then brakes started activating at low speed again. Contacted GM, they refuse to help because vehicle has "branded" title. Suggested I take it back to same dealer and pay them to diagnose a problem they can't fix.
Brake complaints in other Uplander years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander, 18% of the model year's 119 complaints. The component named most often is disc › rotor (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Chevrolet Uplander brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander, though it has 1 recall 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 Uplander brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 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.