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Chevrolet · Known Issues

2008 Chevrolet Silverado Problems: 4 Known Issues

2008 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado has 4 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Silverado Washer Fluid Heater Circuit Board Short — Recall 08V441 and 5.3L V8 Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Collapse and Camshaft Damage ($1,500-$4,500 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $100 to $4,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Silverado Electrical1
  • Silverado Engine1
  • Silverado Fuel System1
  • Silverado Interior1
  • Recalls9
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Electrical1
  • Engine1
  • Fuel System1
  • Interior1
  • Recalls

All 4 Known Issues

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On the 2007-2008 Chevrolet Silverado, silverado pickups from 2007 and 2008 that were built with the heated wiper washer fluid system are included in GM's 08V441000 safety recall. Inside the washer fluid heater, a short circuit on the printed circuit board can overheat the control-circuit ground wire. GM told NHTSA this may cause other electrical features to malfunction, create an odor, or cause smoke, increasing the risk of a fire. If your truck was not ordered with the heated washer fluid option, it is not affected. The 857,735-unit figure covers the entire campaign, not Silverados specifically.

Common Symptoms

  • Other electrical features malfunctioning
  • Odor
  • Smoke

How to Fix

Chevrolet dealers perform the remedy free of charge, installing a wire harness with an in-line fuse to protect the control circuit. The recall opened September 12, 2008. For a work truck that may have passed through several owners, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and schedule the free repair if it is still outstanding. Chevrolet: 1-800-630-2438.

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2007-2019 Chevrolet Silverado, the 5.3L (and 6.2L) V8 with Active Fuel Management — GM's cylinder-deactivation system that drops the engine to 4 cylinders to save fuel — is notorious for collapsed AFM lifters. The special deactivating lifters (and the lifter oil-manifold/VLOM that feeds them) fail when oil pressure/timing to the lifter is compromised, causing the lifter roller to seize. A collapsed lifter no longer opens its valve, producing a dead-cylinder misfire, a loud ticking/tapping, rough idle and major power loss. If driven on, a collapsed lifter can wipe the camshaft lobe and destroy the cam, turning a lifter job into a top-end rebuild. This is consistently ranked the #1 Silverado engine problem and generates heavy forum and search traffic across the entire 2007-2019 AFM era. Disabling AFM (range tuner/AFM delete) is the common owner mitigation.

This issue also affects: Buick LeSabre, Buick Park Avenue, Buick Cascada

Common Symptoms

  • Loud ticking or tapping from top of engine
  • Cylinder misfire / rough idle
  • Check engine light with misfire code
  • Sudden loss of power
  • Engine knock
  • Excessive oil consumption alongside the tick

How to Fix

On a misfire/tick, pull the valve covers and inspect the AFM lifters and corresponding cam lobes. Standard fix is to replace all 8 AFM lifters (or convert to non-AFM lifters with an AFM-delete kit), the lifter guides, the VLOM/oil manifold, and head gaskets/bolts; if a cam lobe is wiped, the camshaft must be replaced too. Many owners install an AFM-disable tuner or a 'range' device to stop cylinder deactivation and prevent recurrence. Keep oil changes on time and avoid extended intervals — degraded/low oil pressure accelerates AFM lifter failure.

Typical repair cost:$1,500 - $4,500

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

On the 2007-2013 Chevrolet Silverado, gMT900 Silverados (and the late GMT800) mount the fuel pump control module / fuel-system control module on an exposed frame-rail bracket where it is constantly hit with road salt, water and debris. The module's connector and internals corrode, and the FPCM then fails to drive the in-tank pump — producing extended cranking, intermittent stalling, and ultimately a crank-but-no-start with no fuel pressure. Because the pump itself is often fine, owners frequently mis-diagnose and replace the in-tank pump first. A common, well-documented salt-belt failure with steady search demand.

This issue also affects: Buick Envision, Chevrolet Blazer, Chevrolet Express

Common Symptoms

  • Crank but no start / engine won't fire
  • Extended cranking before starting
  • Intermittent stalling while driving
  • No fuel-pump prime sound at key-on
  • Loss of power / hesitation
  • Fuel-system codes / pump not commanded on

How to Fix

Diagnose by checking for fuel-pump prime/pressure and FPCM communication and inspecting the frame-mounted module connector for corrosion. The fix is to replace the corroded fuel pump control module (a new programmed module is required; GMT900 OE 20759945 / later 13543038 family) and clean/repair the connector and grounds; relocating or sealing the connector helps prevent recurrence. Rule out blown fuse/relay and a genuinely failed in-tank pump first.

Typical repair cost:$250 - $600

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

On the 2007-2014 Chevrolet Silverado, gMT900 Silverados (and the matching Tahoe/Suburban/Sierra/Yukon) are known for the one-piece dash pad cracking — typically near the passenger airbag seam, the defroster vents and the corners. Owners attribute it to the plastic grade, UV/sun exposure and factory over-tightening of the few mounting bolts. Cracks can spread into large splits and, at the airbag seam, raise deployment concerns. A 2018 class action was filed but courts ruled for GM (no recall), so repairs are owner-paid. Dealer dash-pad replacement runs around $2,000, which is why dash covers and skins are a large aftermarket. High cosmetic-complaint and search volume on the GMT900 trucks.

This issue also affects: Chevrolet Express, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Chevrolet Suburban

Common Symptoms

  • Cracks across the top of the dash, often at the passenger airbag seam
  • Splits near defroster vents and dash corners
  • Sharp raised edges / lifting plastic
  • Rattles or squeaks from the loose dash pad
  • Sun-glare reflection from cracked surface

How to Fix

Cosmetic options are an overlay dash cover/skin (most common, ~$100-$200) or a replacement dash pad. For a clean fix, replace the dash pad with a new/updated panel; avoid over-torquing the retaining bolts on reinstall. There is no recall or warranty coverage for most owners, so weigh a low-cost cover against a full pad replacement.

Typical repair cost:$100 - $2,000

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026
NHTSA Recalls9 recalls

SEAT BELTS

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks manufactured January 29, 2013, to January 21, 2015. While entering the vehicle, the seat belt tensioner cable may be positioned such that the driver slides over it. This movement may result in the fatigue and separation of the cable.

Campaign #16V20900012/04/2016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Genera Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Camaro, Malibu, Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles. The radio may intermittently fail to provide an audio warning when the key has been left in the ignition and the door is opened or when the driver does not fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection", and/or 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Campaign #16V08400011/02/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pick up trucks manufactured October 13, 2015, to October 14, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the mounting stud used to secure the air bag sensing and diagnostic Module (SDM) may be incorrectly positioned, and as a result, the SDM housing could fracture.

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Other Chevrolet Models

Chevrolet Silverado 150078Chevrolet Corvette59Chevrolet Equinox58Chevrolet Malibu44Chevrolet Camaro40Chevrolet Traverse37

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chevrolet Silverado problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Silverado Washer Fluid Heater Circuit Board Short — Recall 08V441, 5.3L V8 Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Collapse and Camshaft Damage, Fuel Pump Control Module (FPCM/FSCM) Corrosion — Crank, No-Start. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Chevrolet Silverado reliable?

The 2008 Chevrolet Silverado has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Silverado Washer Fluid Heater Circuit Board Short — Recall 08V441 and 5.3L V8 Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Collapse and Camshaft Damage. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Chevrolet Silverado problems?

Repair costs for known Chevrolet Silverado issues range from $100 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2007-2008 Chevrolet Silverado Silverado Washer Fluid Heater Circuit Board Short — Recall 08V441?

Silverado pickups from 2007 and 2008 that were built with the heated wiper washer fluid system are included in GM's 08V441000 safety recall. Inside the washer fluid heater, a short circuit on the printed circuit board can overheat the control-circuit ground wire. GM told NHTSA th… Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 5.3L V8 Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Collapse and Camshaft Damage?

The 5.3L (and 6.2L) V8 with Active Fuel Management — GM's cylinder-deactivation system that drops the engine to 4 cylinders to save fuel — is notorious for collapsed AFM lifters. The special deactivating lifters (and the lifter oil-manifold/VLOM that feeds them) fail when oil pre… Repairs typically run $1,500-$4,500. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

9
  • FAQ
  • Campaign #15V83000010/12/2015

    POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles manufactured November 24, 2014, to November 25, 2014. Due to an improper heat-treatment, the rear axle shaft may fracture while the vehicle is being driven.

    Campaign #14V81900024/12/2014

    STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra, and Yukon XL vehicles, equipped with electric power steering (EPS). Due to a problem with the EPS module, the affected vehicles may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist during vehicle operation.

    Campaign #14V71900010/11/2014

    + 4 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

    Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

    What is the 2007-2013 Chevrolet Silverado Fuel Pump Control Module (FPCM/FSCM) Corrosion — Crank, No-Start?

    GMT900 Silverados (and the late GMT800) mount the fuel pump control module / fuel-system control module on an exposed frame-rail bracket where it is constantly hit with road salt, water and debris. The module's connector and internals corrode, and the FPCM then fails to drive the… Repairs typically run $250-$600. Severity: medium.

    What is the 2007-2014 Chevrolet Silverado Cracking Dashboard (UV / One-Piece Dash Pad Failure)?

    GMT900 Silverados (and the matching Tahoe/Suburban/Sierra/Yukon) are known for the one-piece dash pad cracking — typically near the passenger airbag seam, the defroster vents and the corners. Owners attribute it to the plastic grade, UV/sun exposure and factory over-tightening of… Repairs typically run $100-$2,000. Severity: low.