Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (electronic stability control and traction control).
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).
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. …
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.
Having an issue intermittently where the "service stability system" message flashes on the message panel at random times when driving. 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 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. It happened to us on an incoming ramp for an interstate and we had cars slamming on brakes and trying to get past us. It's a very serious issue.
I have had my ABS traction control lights come on several times. The first time I had both front wheel hubs replaced. Only hat about 40,000 miles. About 18 months later I had to have the left replaced again. About 3 months after that I had the right replaced again. About a year later had to have the left replaced again. Now I have 102,000 miles and the lights are coming on again. Chevy should do a recall this is crap that they have been replaced so many time and it is only 7 yrs. Old. It is coming on the most now when in reverse and turning, or turning sharp going forward.
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.
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.
Anti brake lights, stability and traction control lights and tire pressure lights continually appear. Have replaced rotors twice, complete brake assembly twice, and front wheel bearings once. No one seems to know exactly what the problem is. Diagnoses run from wiring harness to anti lock brake system.
Clicking, squeaky, clunky noises in rear suspension. There is a jerk at 20mph, as you drive it keeps jerking as you pick up speed. Stability control system light keeps coming on even after I changed the wheel bearing.
Traction Control complaints in other Uplander years
Frequently asked questions
How common are traction control problems on the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the stability & traction control of the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander, 19% of the model year's 119 complaints. The component named most often is automatic (asc) (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Chevrolet Uplander traction control problems?
No. NHTSA lists no stability & traction control 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 traction control problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 13% 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.