Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 126,498. It was later discovered that the mileage on the title was approximately 250,205.
Tl* the contact owned a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500. While driving 55 MPH, smoke emerged from the vents on the passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was pulled over to a shoulder lane where the passenger side began to catch fire. The contact stated that wires were visible prior to the fire. The fire department extinguished the fire. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and the insurance company deemed the vehicle destroyed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 16V383000 (air bags). The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified and opened a case for the contact. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that there had been a burning odor emitting from within the cabin of the vehicle. Then suddenly the heating system failed without warning. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who stated that the heater wires that had a connector that had burned the wires on both ends of the connector. The relay or the boil motor had to be replaced. The contact spoke with the dealer (moore Buick GMC 2445 n marine blvd, jacksonville, nc 28546, [phone]) who repaired the vehicle by replacing the two wires. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 131,000.
My dashboard has several cracks exposing the electrical components within the dash. These cracks are in various places across the entire dash. I purchased this vehicle brand new and it is currently in excellent condition (with the exception of the dash) I am concerned that if the air bag were to be deployed the plastic dashboard would explode and expose my passengers or myself to additional hazards within the vehicle. I am also concerned that the electrical system in my dash board is now exposed to additional hazards due to the additional exposure to the sun. I am filing this incident with the hopes that it will help a recall to be issued. I noticed the first small crack in 2011. I have kept an eye on it over the years and as of today, there are exposed openings in the dash in several places. …
My service man was pulling out of parking lot at store when air bags exploded and seat belts locked. He did not hit anything and was only going about 10 MPH when this happened. Took to local dealer to see if they could fix it. They said yes , but we would have to pay for it. We could contact the manufacturer if necessary. The bill was $1413.89. (parts $798.00--labor 562.59 tax 48.19). We had to get it fixed as it is illegal to be on the road without seat belts (or air bags). We feel these are defective parts an d we should be reimbursed by the manufacturer.. This is an unsafe vehichle!!!! Thanks
All four power door lock actuators have failed. First three failed before reaching 30000 miles. Dealer advised they were not covered under warranty. I argued with them, by the time my truck had 50000 miles all four had failed and was told that the warranty expired at 36000 miles. This is a safety hazard and GM refuses to acknowledge the millions of vehicles affected by this issue. GM wants $300 per door to repair. I shouldn't have to pay them $1200 for something I paid for with the price of the truck.
On 04.12.2014 after going to the store, parked under the carport. The time was 10 pm. While inside heard a pop sound around 10:15 pm. Went outside and the truck was on fire. Put truck in neutral and pushed it from under the carport, trying to save damage to the house. Fire dept came and put the fire out. The fire warped all the vinyl under the carport. Lucky it didn't catch the house on fire. The fire was worse on the passenger side of the vehicle.
Power surge to electrical system... Voltage meter will drop below 9 volts then the following occurs: headlights flicker, radio shuts off, climate control shuts off, dash lights flicker, air bag light flashes, service air bag warning pops up, and truck stalls out. This is a dangerous situation while driving and if this is electrical May cause fire. This is intermittent and occurs at anytime for no particular reason regardless of weather/temperature.
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the service air bag indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front air bag sensor needed to be replaced, but was not repaired. The repair was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 16V381000 (air bags). The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 152,518.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the air bag sensors in the vehicle were corroded. The air bag indicator illuminated before and after the failure. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not provided. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
NHTSA investigations
Non-crash engine compartment fires
In response to an information request letter sent by the office of defects investigation(odi) during preliminary evaluation pe08-010, GM provided odi with 41 allegations of non-crash engine compartment fires including 16 allegations of fires originating with the ignition in the off position.one of the fires was determined to be caused by an arson event.odi has also received 5 reports, 4 of which are of duplicative…
Non-crash engine compartment fires
In a letter dated August 27, 2008, general motors corp. (GM) notified NHTSA that it will conduct a safety recall (NHTSA recall number 08v-441) to address a safety relateddefect that can result in engine compartment fire in approximately 850,000 vehicles equipped with a heated windshield washer fluid option.the subject vehicles of this investigation comprise over three-quarters of the recall population.
Electrical complaints in other Sierra 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500, 8% of the model year's 381 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500, though it has 2 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 GMC Sierra 1500 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.