The 2008 Gmc Sierra 1500 has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Seat belt pretensioner unexpected deployment.” GMC trucks and SUVs use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — the same algorithm as Chevrolet. Because GMC's lineup is exclusively trucks and SUVs, severe-service intervals apply to most owners (towing, hauling, off-roading). The schedule below surfaces the items most relevant to GMC's truck-focused buyer.
No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2008 Gmc Sierra 1500.
SEAT BELTS
8 NHTSA complaints · 2018-12 → 2026-08
“I WAS SLOWLY GOING ACROSS A PARKING LOT WHEN A LOUD BANG LIKE A GUN SHOT HAPPENED AND THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT PULLED ME TIGHT AGAINST THE SEAT. THERE WAS A SMELL OF A CHEMICAL GAS IN THE CAB AND THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS CAME ON”
“I started my 2008 GMC Sierra, crew cab and began to pull my drivers side seat belt across my body to latch it”
ENGINE
4 NHTSA complaints · 2019-01 → 2026-08
“LIFTERS FAILED AT 98,000 CAUSING ENGINE REPLACEMENT”
“I HAVE THE 5.3L ENGINE AND IT IS CONSUMING 3-5 QUA OF OIL ABOUT 3 TIMES BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. I HAVE A SMALL LEAK BUT DOESN'T WARRANT THE OIL BEING LOST A”
“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”
AIR BAGS
125 NHTSA complaints · 2017-11 → 2025-10
“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”
“TAKATA AIRBAGS. I WAS NOTIFIED BY MAIL JUNE2016 OF DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS. I'VE CALLED MY GMC DEALER (MCKINNEY BUICK GMC - MCKINNEY, TX) SEVERAL TIMES & THEY KEEP TELLING ME PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR OVER 1 1/2 YEARS NOW”
“AIRBAG RECALL ISSUED MAY 2016, DEALER (MEDVED CASTLE ROCK, CO) INDICATES 16 MONTHS LATER (NOVEMBER 2017) THAT IT STILL DOES NOT HAVE REPLACEMENT PARTS. I CONTINUE TO DRIVE AN UNSAFE VEHICLE COURTESY OF GM. THIS IS 3RD CALL TO DEALER TO FIX THIS CRITICAL RECALL”
AIR BAGS
12 NHTSA complaints · 2017-12 → 2025-06
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INDEPENDENTLY DEPLOYED”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING”
“"TAKATA RECALL" I WAS AT A VET CLINIC GETTING MEDS FOR MY DOG, TRUCK WAS TURNED OFF, WHEN I CAME BACK OUT TO GET IN TRUCK IT LOOK LIKE A BIG PILLOW IN THE TRUCK, WHEN I OPEN DOOR THE SMELL WAS HORRIBLE AND IT WAS THE AIR BAG HAD EXPLODED ON PASSENGER SIDE..CAME HOME AND GOT ON”
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
20 NHTSA complaints · 2017-11 → 2024-04
“DASHBOARD CRACKED IN THE MIDDLE. PLENTY OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED”
“ABOVE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND FRONT LEFT OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG. IF AIRBAG GOES OFF SHARDS ARE GOING TO FLY AT FACES. SAFETY HAZARD IF THE AIRBAG WAS DEPLOYED AND IS NOT AESTHETICALLY PLEASING MAKING A FINE GM VEHICLE LOOK SLOPPY”
Issues on other model years
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.
We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.
Critical for safety and preventing major damage
Change oil when OLS reaches 0% or every 12 months. dexos1-approved synthetic required on Sierra 1500 5.3L/6.2L; dexos2 specified on Duramax diesel.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$120–$160
Shop
~$85–$115
DIY
~$25–$55
Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.
Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Sierra and Yukon owners running 4x4 should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain wear.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.
Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Towing accelerates pad wear by 30-50%; check more often if towing regularly.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.
DOT 3 brake fluid: test annually, replace when moisture exceeds 3% or fluid is darker than copper.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$180–$200
Shop
~$125–$140
DIY
~$10–$25
DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.
Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently
Long-life cellulose filter rated 45,000 miles. Trucks driven on unpaved roads or construction sites should inspect at every oil change.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.
Severe service (towing 5,000+ lbs regularly, heavy stop-and-go): every 45,000 miles. Normal: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI for 6L80/6L90, Mobil 1 LV ATF HP for 10L80/10L1000.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$330–$500
Shop
~$235–$355
DIY
~$60–$180
Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.
Sierra and Yukon 4WD: replace every 45,000 miles. Use GM Auto-Trak II for active 4WD; GM 9986115 for selectable 4WD.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$105–$140
Shop
~$75–$100
DIY
~$15–$40
AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.
Replace front and rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. G80 limited-slip rear axles require GM friction-modifier additive.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$150–$195
Shop
~$105–$135
DIY
~$20–$50
Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.
Iridium spark plugs on the L83/L84 5.3L and L86/L87 6.2L V8 are rated 100,000 miles. AFM/DFM cylinder deactivation can cause uneven plug wear — check at 75,000 miles.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$390
Shop
~$200–$275
DIY
~$25–$100
Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.
Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000. Duramax diesel uses ELC (red) — different chemistry, do not mix.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$330
Shop
~$200–$235
DIY
~$25–$60
Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.
Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort
Replace cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Sierra HD and Yukon XL owners in dusty work environments should replace at 15,000 miles.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.
Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)
234 crashes 2010–2024
FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number
Owner-reported problem signals
Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.
16
complaints mentioning a crash
5
complaints mentioning a fire
Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.
How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.
This maintenance schedule for the 2008 Gmc Sierra 1500 reflects GMC's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.