Most common 2008 GMC Envoy problems
Share of the 77 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Envoy complaints by model year
Best Envoy years: 2001, 1999, 2009. Years to avoid: 2002, 2005, 2006, 2003, 2004. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2008 GMC Envoy:
Loss of Headlights
The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV.
What 2008 GMC Envoy owners say
Electrical system
I was living in my car and the windows and door lock cluster caught on fire I had to tear my door panel off to get to the source and unplug it I believe there is a major electrical issue with this vehicle I shouldn't be driving it also my heater fan stopped working on 4 and 5 works on 1 2 and 3 but not 4 or 5 please help me get this recalled so I can finally get this vehicle fixed right this is so dangerous I could have burnt up in my car 7
We have a 2008 Envoy. We bought it brand new in 2008. The ignition switch has quit us 5 times. We usually have some warning. The first 3 times , the check engine light came on but I could eventually start the car and drive it to a mechanic to be checked out. The 4th time we were heading out of town, check engine light came on, my husband pulled over to side of the road and car quit. Would not start, had to tow it to mechanic. This last time, no warning, just quit as I was driving home. I was able to get it started after sitting in the middle of the street for 30 minutes or so, drove it home, quit again and had to tow it to mechanic. I am afraid to take it out on the highway by myself. Afraid this vehicle could cause a wreak, and possible kill or injure us or others. There aren't very many miles on it, so it is not a worn out vehicle.
Lights
I received a letter from GMC in May stating there May be an issue with headlamp driver module (hdm) where the low beam headlamps will not work. At the time, my headlamps were working properly, so the letter advised me to not take my vehicle to my GMC dealer. However, two days ago my headlamps did not work at night while driving on the highway. This caused a severe safety issue as I could not see the road clearly. I took my vehicle and the letter I received to my GMC dealer. They advised me that GMC would not pay to fix the headlamp problem as I had more than 150,000 miles in a situation where customer safety is involved, I believe GMC should pay for the repairs. I had to pay for the repairs out-of-pocket. I strongly believe that this should be a safety recall notice initiated by the manufacturer to correct this issue. …
While operating the 2008 GMC Envoy on an interstate I observed what appeared to be a lack of light when the low beam headlights were turned on. I drove to a rest area and confirmed that the low beam headlights were inoperative. The bulbs were removed and both bulb filaments appeared intact. Fuses, breakers and relays were checked for secure seating. The high beam headlights were operative and all other lights functioned. I am aware of documentation that covers the issue but only up to the 2007 model year. There are other complaints on file describing similar issues. The unsafe condition that resulted was the absence of forward lighting while operating a motor vehicle during times that lighting should be used. It is my belief that a solid state relay, delco part number 15016745, in the #46 position in the engine compartment fuse panel, is apparently the cause of the lighting failure. …
Engine & cooling
Check engine light is on. According to tests it is the result of a defective throttle position sensor. The light will stay on for a couple of days and then go off for a couple of days creating a error message that something is wrong with the engine. With it going on and coming off it is now difficult for me to get my inspection completed with the sensor reading not being accurate.
GMC used cheap bolts on their v8 motor's exhaust manifolds. I have two broken bolts on one side and 1 on the other. Carr of vancouver gave me a quote of $ 2374.00 plus tax to fix this problem. They said it was a well known problem with all of the v8 motors by GMC. I contacted GMC and they refuse to do anything about this. I have researched it on the internet and there are hundreds of people who have had this same problem. The question isn't if this will happen to one of their vehicles but when it will happen. It is such a wide and known problem a company has actually made came out with a bracket to fix this problem. I don't feel that this should be a consumer problem but it should be a manufacturer problem. I would appreciate any help. I feel that they should have to recall these defective bolts and replace them with the right ones. …
2008 GMC Envoy engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 20 / 17 |
| 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
| 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 19 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 GMC Envoy a good car?
Based on 77 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Envoy rates better than average: 65% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Envoy at the same age. 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 GMC Envoy?
The electrical system — 18 complaints, 23% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the lights (17) and engine & cooling (12).
How many recalls does the 2008 GMC Envoy have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2008 GMC Envoy. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the GMC Envoy?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2001, 1999 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2002, 2005, 2006, 2003 and 2004. See the full GMC Envoy years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 GMC Envoy problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 85,000 miles; 29% 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.