repaired · 2023 Q1
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
2008 Chevrolet SuburbanProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 213 owner complaints about the 2008 Chevrolet Suburban, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-050 the manufacturer reports only 28% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 3, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Chevrolet Suburban has problems
213 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
96Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
30Structure4 crash/fire/injury
25Engine
22Electrical system
20Latches/locks/linkages1 crash/fire/injury
7Power train
5Fuel/propulsion system
5Electronic stability control (ESC)
4Visibility
2213 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 96 | 2 |
| Structure | 30 | 4 |
| Engine | 25 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 22 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 20 | 1 |
| Power train | 7 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 5 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 5 | 0 |
| Visibility | 4 | 0 |
| 13 other systems | 22 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2008 Chevrolet Suburban recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
no report yet
Electrical system
Risk. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.
no report yet
Electrical system
Risk. THIS MAY CAUSE OTHER ELECTRICAL FEATURES TO MALFUNCTION, CREATE AN ODOR, OR CAUSE SMOKE INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.
Mileage at failure
When do air bags problems start?
100kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 25 air bags complaints. 48% were reported before 100,000 miles.
0under 30k miles12under 100k miles13100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other Suburban year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Suburban median. How we score
1136971830625452189499858457360414201634282440286301204129232922131061171481011185943322014284794420812713447
'81'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2008 Chevrolet Suburban safety ratings
2008 Chevrolet Suburban 2500 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2008 Chevrolet Suburban, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What Suburban owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 30 MPH, she started to choke and was unable to breathe, which resulted in the driver fully colliding into a cement wall. The driver sustained injuries, and medical attention was provided, and the…
The contact owned a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact received recall notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list because she no longer owns the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted.
Took my SUV for an airbag recall and when it was completed my truck AirBag light was left on. My truck did not have that light on when I arrived at the location. Dealer mentioned not knowing what to do about it. I made a complaint and nothing was done by the dealer.
Own a 2008 Suburban?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.