2008 GMC Sierra 3500HD: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Sierra 3500HD years.
One of the GMC Sierra 3500HD years to avoid. All Sierra 3500HD years
471 owner complaints, most about air bags. 2 recalls.
Should I buy one?The 2008 GMC Sierra 3500HD has 471 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and electrical system.
Safety record for the 2008 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2008 GMC Sierra 3500HD vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Sierra 3500HD years only. How we score it
Is 2008 a good year for the Sierra 3500HD?
Across the 18 Sierra 3500HD model years we track, complaint volume runs from 13 (2019) to 471 (2008). With 471 complaints, the 2008 Sierra 3500HD sits above the model's median of 45.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2008 Sierra 3500HD
electrical system
Campaign 08V441000GM IS RECALLING 857,735 MY 2006-2008 BUICK LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MY 2007-2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL, SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MY 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WIPER WASHER FLUID SYSTEM. A SHORT CIRCUIT ON THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE WASHER FLUID HEATER MAY OVERHEAT THE CONTROL-CIRCUIT GROUND WIRE.
electrical system
Campaign 10V240000GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MODEL YEAR 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM (HWFS). A RECALL WAS IMPLEMENTED IN 2008 TO ADD A FUSE TO THE CONTROL CIRCUIT HARNESS TO ADDRESS THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF A PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD (PCB) ELECTRICAL SHORT. HOWEVER, THERE HAVE BEEN NEW REPORTS OF THERMAL INCIDENTS ON HWFS MODULES AFTER THIS IMPROVEMENT WAS INSTALLED. THESE INCIDENTS RESULTED FROM A NEW FAILURE MODE ATTRIBUTED TO THE DEVICE'S THERMAL PROTECTION FEATURE. THE SIGNIFICANCE VARIES FROM MINOR DISTORTION TO CONSIDERABLE MELTING OF THE PLASTIC AROUND THE HWFS FLUID CHAMBER.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Sierra 3500HD. See the full Sierra 3500HD owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Sierra 3500HD listings typically run $31,518–$55,636 across 2012 to 2024 model years.
Other Sierra 3500HD model years
Compare every Sierra 3500HD year side by side to see how 2008 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Sierra 3500HD against its rivals
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