Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
The contact owns a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that after the dealer repaired the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags) and GM's Emission Recall: N140581 (Carbon Monoxide Emissions), the vehicle nearly caught on fire. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact turned on the A/C, and the vehicle started shaking abnormally. Additionally, the vehicle made abnormal sounds, jerked, and stalled while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and there was smoke coming from under the hood. Upon inspection, the dealer discovered that the catalytic convertor was extremely hot and glowing red. The dealer determined that the exhaust system and catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH and towing a camper, the vehicle began to bounce while navigating curves. The traction control warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine variable displacement lifter pins had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000. The VIN was unavailable.
My Sierra developed a noise on deceleration. Took it to the GMC dealer and was told it had a worn cam. $5500 to repair, $7750 to replace engine. I knew that a worn cam would cause lifter noise all the time so that was wrong info. Upon further investigation I found out this truck has active fuel management. What happened was a failure of the system. It should be noted that this truck always had high oil consumption. I deactivated the active fuel management system. The truck runs on all 8 cylinders, is completely quiet and no longer uses oil. It is better than new. I also found hundreds of complaints similar to my and paid for expensive repairs. This active fuel management is nothing more than a scam to falsely increase fuel mileage and to rip off customers when it goes bad. It can be deactivated with a $175 chip.
Driving and warning came on and it said "engine hot A/C turned off" had this vehicle only one week when this happened, towed back to the dealer the said wasn't under warranty, I told them to keep the truck. They put on a new thermostat, two weeks later same thing. Took truck to my mechanic and he replaced the thermostat. Good for about two months, warning keeps coming on. Looked on line many people have had this happen, a mechanic at a Chevrolet garage told me it is probably in the cluster panel/ computer?? Big money. With all the problems other's have been having, I think it is dangerous truck catch on fire going down the road. Would like an answer to this problem. Thank you mary ann
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power. Also, the traction control, service engine, and reduced engine power indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (betten baker Buick, 2901 28th st, grandville, mi, 49418, phone number: [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The contact was referred to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Collapsed afm lifter at 108000 miles. I was driving down the highway and all of the sudden my check engine light came on, service traction control and service stabilitrak. My engine was idling rough at low RPM. Took vehicle to the dealership and was told that it had a collapsed lifter on the #6 cylinder. I have always had the oil changed regularly at the dealership. Was told it would be 4800 to replace all the lifters, 5300 if the cam was bad also and 7300 for a new engine.
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.
I was driving from lufkin to hemphill at 70 MPH. Something blew up, I thought something hit me. Engine died, brakes started, emergency lights came on, and seatbelt locked down, truck stopped, I got out to see what hit me. Nothing! When I got back in the truck a white powder (not smoke) was coming out of the seat belt on drivers side. When seat belt locked down I had to back seat up to get out of the belt. I was lucky that I did not hit someone.
Out of nowhere engine began to idle erratically almost causing an accident at an intersection, if I hadn't caught it and slammed on the brakes the truck would have rear ended another vehicle. After that the idle began to drop as if the vehicle was going to stall, then would kick back up to about 900-1000 RPM. Was intermittent at first, now vehicle is not driveable. It is worse with A/C on and it effects engine temp gauge as well.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500. While driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted, but the failure recurred and code: p069-e illuminated. The dealer was not called. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Engine complaints in other Sierra 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500, 5% of the model year's 381 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › emission control › catalytic convertor (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 110,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.