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 GMC Sierra 1500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 381 owner complaints about the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 2 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 August 27, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 has problems
381 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
243Air bags10 crash/fire/injury
31Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
25Structure1 crash/fire/injury
23Latches/locks/linkages
19Engine
13Seat belts
7Service brakes, hydraulic
7Tires
6Power train
2615 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 243 | 10 |
| Electrical system | 31 | 3 |
| Structure | 25 | 1 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 23 | 1 |
| Engine | 19 | 1 |
| Seat belts | 13 | 1 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 7 | 1 |
| Tires | 7 | 0 |
| Power train | 6 | 1 |
| 15 other systems | 26 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2008 GMC Sierra 1500 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.
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 GMC.
Mileage at failure
When do air bags problems start?
86kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 83 air bags complaints. 53% were reported before 100,000 miles.
7under 30k miles44under 100k miles39100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other Sierra 1500 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 Sierra 1500 median. How we score
'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500, and the recalls they led to.
- NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESLed to recall 08V-441
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
- NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESNo recall
In owners' words
What Sierra 1500 owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags). The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact about the disclaimer about the dashboard possibly being damaged. The dealer informed the contact that there were no…
The contact owns a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of…
I have contacted Blaise Alexander in muncy pa 17756 in 2020 or 2021 and they told me that the part was on back order they would contact me when the part has come in 5 years later they still have not contacted me I have reached out by phone through email and Facebook messenger to set up a time to…
Own a 2008 Sierra 1500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.