AI Damage2008 Chevrolet Uplander: common problems
Owners of the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander filed 119 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and electronic stability control. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 119
- involving a crash
- 8
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 24% of all complaints
- 2 Electronic stability control 18% of all complaints
- 3 Service brakes 18% of all complaints
- 4 Structure 16% of all complaints
- 5 Powertrain 10% of all complaints
- 6 Suspension 9% of all complaints
- 7 Air bags 7% of all complaints
- 8 Fuel/propulsion system 7% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 28 complaints (24% of all).
- Electronic stability control: 21 complaints (18% of all).
- Service brakes: 21 complaints (18% of all).
- Structure: 19 complaints (16% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Powertrain: 12 complaints (10% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 3.9 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- automatic, 4-speed
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 119 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 28 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control | 21 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 21 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 19 | 1 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 8 | 6 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Latches, locks, linkages | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 1 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Tamara recall we were in an accident, we hit a 190ib deer at 70mph and the air bags did not deploy. Was driving on interstate 49 south.
While driving north on dagsboro road I crossed the railroad tracks and the rear axle on the passenger side broke catapulting the vehicle into a telephone pole on the left side of the road and causing the vehicle to turn over two times. I don't know if it was turning end over end or sidewise.
The contact stated that the driver side air bag did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to the left eye, a blow out fracture around the eye, cranial fracture, and bruising that required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was deemed destroyed.
The air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The failure occurred on two separate occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 110,000.
The consumer stated he was involved in two accidents within three years, and each time, the air bag did not deploy. The first accident, left the consumer with a shoulder injury, that required surgery.
Bought on 8/1/26 Within a week I noticed bad vibrations when slowing down, power steering issues, began to over heat with no warning changed thermostat, still had issues now I find my water pump, power steering pump are bad, brakes rotors front and back, old spark plug wires still present just cut off half way,…
The front passenger seat belt is frayed. When I went to the GM dealer to have it replaced I was advised that was not possible that the belt is no longer available. The seat belts are required by law (a safety item) so I doubt that they are allowed to discontinue.
The contact stated while driving approximately 50 mph, the rear end and front passengerâs side of the vehicle would vibrate with an abnormal, clunking sound coming from the vehicle. The ABS warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel when the failure occurred.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 3,153 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 9% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Uplander has 117 complaints (5 years in the data). This year has 119, about average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Electronic stability control. ABS/ESC sensors, steering angle, codes after suspension repair.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, electronic stability control, service brakes. Total complaints: 119. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: warning lights, check engine (10%), knocking, grinding or other noise (6%), steering or power steering problems (5%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2008 Chevrolet Uplander from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2008 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.