repaired · 2022 Q1
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2008 GMC Sierra 3500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 25 owner complaints about the 2008 GMC Sierra 3500, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 14V-407 the manufacturer reports only 33% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 18, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 GMC Sierra 3500 has problems
25 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
17Air bags
2Tires
1Engine
1Fuel/propulsion system
1Fuel system, diesel
1Fuel system, gasoline
1Power train
1Service brakes, hydraulic
1Structure
11 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 17 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel system, diesel | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 1 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 |
| 1 other systems | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2008 GMC Sierra 3500 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 · 2022 Q1
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle…
repaired · 2015 Q4
Electrical system
Risk. If the fusible link melts it may come into contact with adjacent components, damage the electrical center cover, the nearby wiring harness conduit and other…
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.
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other Sierra 3500 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 3500 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 3500, 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 3500 owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Started the truck in driveway waiting on woman to get in on passenger side BOOM! AIR BAG EXPLODED didn't know what happened and then the passenger side airbag exploded. Shut the truck off got out 5 minutes later passenger side airbag exploded again and it was smoking they are very loud thank God no…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 GMC SIERRA LD. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS), HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR.…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 GMC SIERRA 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. GREENVILLE MOTOR CO (169 INTERSTATE DR, GREENVILLE, AL…
Own a 2008 Sierra 3500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.