This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a groan, growl, or moan coming from the vehicle when operating the vehicle in four wheel drive. Driving on clean, dry pavement in Four-Wheel Drive High or Four-Wheel Drive Low for an extended period of time may cause premature wear on your vehicle?s power train. Dealer should advise the customer not drive on clean, dry pavement in Four-Wheel Drive High or Four-Wheel Drive Low for extended periods of time.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Chevrolet Silverado powertrain problems
severe 35 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
35
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 35 powertrain complaints filed for the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 35 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 16 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a groan, growl, or moan coming from the vehicle when operating the vehicle in four wheel drive. Driving on clean, dry pavement in Four-Wheel Drive High or Four-Wheel Drive Low for an extended period of time may cause premature wear on your vehicle's power train. Dealer should advise the customer not drive on clean, dry pavement in Four-Wheel Drive High or Four-Wheel Drive Low for extended periods of time.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on, engine misfire, and/or engine noise. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0300-P0308. If published Service Information diagnostics does not isolate the cause of this concern technician should check for a worn camshaft lobe and/or lifter roller, a sticking valve, valve leakage, a broken valve spring, and a collapsed active fuel management lifter.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that has a squawk or grunt type noise when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear. Technician should replace the 3-4 clutch Friction and Steel Clutch Plates along with the Apply Plate and Selective Backing Plate.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a groan, growl, or moan coming from the vehicle when operating the vehicle in four wheel drive. Driving on clean, dry pavement in Four-Wheel Drive High or Four-Wheel Drive Low for an extended period of time may cause premature wear on your vehicle's power train. Dealer should advise the customer not drive on clean, dry pavement in Four-Wheel Drive High or Four-Wheel Drive Low for extended periods of time.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report a pattern of transmission problems with this truck. The transmission cooler lines fail at crimped joints, especially in cold weather, sometimes multiple times before 50,000 miles. Three separate transmission failures are documented—one sprag clutch, one clamshell separation, one complete failure at 37,000 miles—and at least one owner paid $4,765 to replace both transmission and rear differential after secondary lockup. Transmission fluid leaks from various points and has contaminated at least one Allison transmission with coolant water.
A common complaint involves a clunking sound and forward-lurching motion when stopping or releasing brakes, attributed to a sticking transmission yoke that costs $350-plus to replace and isn't covered by warranty. Dealerships offer temporary sand-and-lube fixes that last a few months.
Control system malfunctions cluster around StabiliTrak and ABS warning lights illuminating at startup, blocking gear shifts for minutes at a time. The lights self-clear within 30-45 minutes, making diagnosis at the dealer impossible. One owner reports unintended acceleration that GM tried to fix with throttle carbon cleaning—without success—and another documents independent brake application linked to a defective transfer case. A separate incident describes simultaneous failure of doors, HVAC, StabiliTrak, parking assist, traction control, and lighting.
Rough idle with surging at stops is widespread; GM issued a TSB calling it normal, though owners dispute this characterization. Engine misfire, loss of propulsion while towing (turbo vanes locking), and vibration (unresolved after torque converter replacement) round out the severity.
Same Chevrolet Silverado powertrain reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2007 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
StabiliTrak and ABS warning lights with drivetrain fault
Intermittent activation of StabiliTrak and anti-lock brake system warning lights at startup, accompanied by a click/thud noise. Lights remain illuminated for 30 minutes or longer before clearing. Vehicle occasionally refuses to shift into gear for 5+ minutes when lights are active. Pattern repeats across multiple startups and reported as widespread issue across 2007+ model years.
When: Onset within 2 months of purchase; persists through 73,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: StabiliTrak warning light intermittently illuminates at startup; Anti-lock brake system warning light illuminates simultaneously; Audible click or thud noise at engine start; Transmission delay or refusal to shift into gear for 5+ minutes; Lights self-clear after 30-45 minutes of operation; Pattern repeats after vehicle shutdown and restart
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to reproduce issue. Multiple owners report recurrence even after repairs attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM instructed owners to bring vehicle when exhibiting symptoms, but lights clear before diagnosis can occur. No effective remedy documented in narratives.
Rough idle and surge at stops
Chronic rough idle with RPM spikes causing vehicle surge at stops, described as feeling like being hit from behind. No check engine light present. GM issued Technical Service Bulletin stating this is normal characteristic for 2008 Silverado with Vortec Max package. Occurs multiple times per week.
When: Since new (September 2008); ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle quality; RPM surging at traffic stops; Sensation of rear-end collision impact when stopping; No check engine light illumination; Frequency several times per week
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Technical Service Bulletin designates rough idle with no check engine light as normal vehicle characteristic. Warranty denial based on TSB.
Engine fire from transmission component failure
Critical fire event 30 miles after purchase. Heavy smoke and flames erupted from engine compartment near catalytic converter. Dealership found transmission component improperly installed or immediately failed at factory, spraying transmission fluid onto catalytic converter and igniting.
When: 30 miles after delivery from dealership
Symptoms owners cite: Heavy smoke from engine compartment; Flashes of fire near catalytic converter area; Interior filling with smoke; Fire self-extinguished after engine shutdown
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnosis: transmission component improperly installed or failed in first 30 miles. Fire extinguished without occupant injury.
Transmission cooler line leaks at crimped joints
Factory transmission cooler lines (Allison transmission) fail at crimped connections between solid pipe and flexible hose. Failures are pressure-related at the crimp point. Leaks are catastrophic in cold weather, causing sudden loss of transmission fluid and propulsion. Failures commonly occur 3+ times within first 50,000 miles. GM issued updated part numbers but replacement lines exhibit identical failure mode.
When: Onset varies; common within first 50,000 miles; worsens in cold weather
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid leakage at crimped joints; Catastrophic fluid loss in cold temperatures; Sudden loss of vehicle propulsion; Corrosion at crimp area; Recurring failures with OEM replacement lines
Repairs/costs cited: Covered under 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty only. No coverage at 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Updated GM part numbers: 20759971, 20759972, 20759973. Owners report permanent fix by having hydraulic shop replace rubber hose portion with standard ATF-compatible hydraulic hose.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued updated part numbers (20759971, 20759972, 20759973) but owners confirm replacement lines fail identically. No long-term solution provided.
Clunking/surging when coming to stop or releasing brakes
Vehicle exhibits clunking sound and forward/backward lurching motion when stopping or releasing brakes from stopped position. Feels like vehicle was hit from rear. Occurs repeatedly from ~800–1,500 miles onward. Root cause identified as transmission yoke sticking and grabbing. Temporary fix is dealer sanding and lubrication; permanent fix requires yoke replacement (~$350) not covered by drivetrain warranty. Risk of driveshaft dropout at high speed if yoke breaks transmission spline.
When: Onset from 800-1,500 miles; persists through 90,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking/clanking sound when stopping; Forward and backward surging motion at stops; Sensation of rear-end impact; Transmission yoke sticking; Jerking motion when releasing brakes
Repairs/costs cited: Temporary: dealer sanding and lubrication of yoke (~$350, labor-intensive). Permanent: replacement with nickel-plated yoke ($350+). Original yoke is wrong part number.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Yoke not covered under drivetrain warranty. Dealers offer temporary sand-and-lube fix.
Transmission shift clanking in third gear
Loud clanking noise when transmission shifts into third gear. Noise is audible with windows down and has increased in severity over time. Dealership stated this is normal operation and expressed surprise it had not started sooner. Same clanking occurs at stops or when accelerating from stop.
When: Onset by 16,000 miles; progressive worsening
Symptoms owners cite: Clanking noise during shift into third gear; Audible with windows down; Clanking when accelerating from stop; Clanking at stops; Noise intensity increasing over time
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership stated clanking is normal operation for this truck model.
Transmission sprag clutch failure with secondary differential lockup
Sprag clutch failed without warning, sending metal debris throughout transmission and rendering it unrepairable. Complete transmission replacement required. Post-repair, rear differential was found locked up and also required complete rebuild. Combined repair cost $4,765.89 at 89,437 miles.
When: 89,437 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle would not move after shifting into drive; Loud spinning sound from transmission; Complete loss of drive and reverse function
Repairs/costs cited: Complete transmission replacement + complete rear differential rebuild. Total cost: $4,765.89.
Throttle control failure and unintended acceleration
Engine RPM increases uncontrollably at stops, climbing to 3,000 RPM or higher without throttle input. Vehicle cannot be stopped by shifting to neutral. Engine achieves unintended acceleration independent of driver input. Throttle carbon buildup was diagnosed and cleaned but problem persists. Creates collision hazard at traffic lights and intersections.
When: 44,000 miles; intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Unintended engine acceleration at stops; RPM climbing to 3,000+ without throttle input; Engine unresponsive to neutral shift; Throttle lag and unresponsiveness; Vehicle runs red lights due to inability to decelerate
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle carbon deposit cleaning performed at dealer; problem persisted post-repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued PIP for faulty throttle carbon buildup. Repair ineffective.
Unintended gear shift while parked (vehicle in reverse without input)
Vehicle shifted into reverse independently while parked and unoccupied, causing vehicle to roll and strike owner, resulting in fractured collar bone, shoulder, and stomach bruises requiring medical attention. Vehicle rolled at approximately 60,000 miles.
When: 60,000 miles; while parked
Symptoms owners cite: Independent shift into reverse while parked; Vehicle rolled away without driver input; No warning or grinding sounds reported
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not taken to dealer or mechanic for diagnosis.
Transmission vibration (unresolved)
Persistent vibration present since new, worsening significantly on 12/22/2008. Vibration occurs around 65 mph and all the time thereafter. Dealership replaced torque converter on first visit without resolution; second visit (4 days) failed to identify cause. No effective diagnosis provided.
When: Present since new; intensified at ~2008; ongoing through service visits
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration at 65 mph initially; Vibration becoming constant and all-speed; No improvement after torque converter replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replaced without improving condition. Technician suspected no test drive post-repair.
Transmission failure with water contamination (Allison transmission)
Transmission failed without warning light activation. Independent shop diagnosed water intrusion into transmission due to faulty radiator, causing transmission fluid to burn and transmission to fail completely.
When: Shortly after purchase (purchased 11/09/2016); failure 1/22/2017
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden transmission failure; No warning light illumination prior to failure; Transmission fluid contaminated with water; Transmission fluid burnt
Repairs/costs cited: Independent transmission shop diagnosis: water in transmission from faulty radiator.
Transmission unable to engage park
Transmission cannot be shifted into park on multiple occasions. In hilly terrain, vehicle risk of rolling due to inability to lock transmission in park. Parking brake has functioned to prevent rolling thus far.
When: Unspecified mileage; multiple recent occurrences
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission will not shift into park; Repeated occurrence; Parking brake compensating for lack of transmission park lock
Multiple simultaneous electrical/control system failures
Vehicle exhibited multiple simultaneous system failures while driving: doors locked/unlocked repeatedly, climate control shifted between A/C and heat, StabiliTrak disengaged, parking assist shut off, traction control turned off, lights shut off, and engine stalled and became unresponsive. Single incident involved multiple system malfunctions occurring together.
When: Unspecified mileage; multiple occasions
Symptoms owners cite: Doors locking and unlocking intermittently; HVAC switching between A/C and heat; StabiliTrak disengagement; Parking assist failure; Traction control deactivation; Lighting system shutdown; Engine stall; Loss of engine responsiveness
Transmission line failure (general)
Transmission cooler lines leak at the crimp where rubber hose meets metal pipe. Independent transmission shop confirmed OEM cooler lines cannot handle Allison transmission pressure, requiring replacement with aftermarket braided lines. Leaking occurs from pressure-related joint failure.
When: Varies; early in service life
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid leakage at crimp joint; Leaking from junction of rubber hose and metal pipe
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer quote $988.88 for both line replacement; not covered under powertrain warranty. Independent shop recommends aftermarket braided lines as superior solution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No warranty coverage for cooler line failure.
Starter noise (rapid cycling)
Engine start produces a loud noise as though key was turned while engine was already running (rapid starter motor cycling). Occurring at 56,000 miles after recent unrelated repairs (check engine light, airbag impact sensor).
When: 56,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud starter noise on ignition; Sound of key turn with engine running (starter whine/rapid cycling)
Transmission fluid leak (undiagnosed)
Transmission fluid leaking from under vehicle, observed while parked. Fluid loss accumulated over four-month period. Dealership confirmed leak but could not provide remedy. Root cause not determined.
When: 158,000 miles; leak accumulated over 4-month period
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid pooling under vehicle; Fluid loss over extended parking periods
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to identify repair solution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of issue but no resolution documented.
Rear wheel lock-up on wet turns
One rear wheel intermittently locks up when turning corners on wet pavement, occurring on either left or right side. Dealership unable to reproduce issue despite owner's history of identical problem on 2000 Silverado (which required $2,000 repair). No further investigation offered.
When: Intermittent; occurs on wet surfaces during turns
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent rear wheel lock-up during cornering; Occurs on wet pavement; Can affect either rear wheel; Traction loss during turns
Transmission lag/failure to respond (with check engine light)
Vehicle fails to respond when accelerator pedal depressed. Check engine light illuminated. Transmission diagnosed as faulty by independent mechanic. Problem recurred after initial occurrence.
When: 102,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: No vehicle response to accelerator input; Check engine light illumination; Recurrent failure
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnosis: transmission fault. Vehicle not repaired.
Vehicle rolling forward unintentionally while stopped
Vehicle rolled forward independently on multiple occasions while coming to complete stop. Owner suspects driveshaft as source but root cause undiagnosed. Failure began at 44,600 miles and continued through 107,000 miles.
When: Onset 44,600 miles; recurring through 107,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Unintended forward rolling while stopped; Multiple recurrences; No diagnostic investigation completed
Repairs/costs cited: Owner suspects driveshaft involvement but unconfirmed.
Transfer case defect (independent brake application)
Brakes applied independently without driver input at low speeds without warning. Dealership diagnosed defective transfer case requiring replacement. Transfer case left unrepaired.
When: 68,825 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Unintended brake application at low speed; No warning before engagement
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnosis: transfer case defective and requires replacement. Vehicle not repaired.
Turbo vane locking under load (Duramax LMM)
Vehicle entered reduced power mode while towing in 98-degree heat. Turbo variable vanes locked in position, eliminating boost and creating sudden loss of speed on highway while towing fifth-wheel trailer. Owners report this as known condition with LMM Duramax engine.
When: While towing under high-temp conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Reduced power mode activation; Variable turbo vanes locking in fixed position; Loss of turbo boost; Unexpected speed loss while towing
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty denial despite Technical Service Bulletin existing for similar symptoms.
Engine misfire and check engine light (lifter failure)
Check engine light illuminated intermittently. Independent mechanics identified number 2 cylinder lifter problem causing intermittent misfires. Light remained on despite multiple dealer and independent repair attempts; light returned within 1 mile of leaving repair facility in some cases.
When: Unspecified; recurring with check engine light appearing and disappearing
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light intermittently illuminated; Engine misfire (intermittent); Lifter noise from number 2 cylinder; Light persisting after multiple repairs
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanics diagnosed number 2 cylinder lifter problem.
Vehicle jerking and hesitation with excessive exhaust smoke
Vehicle jerks and hesitates to accelerate while driving 55 mph. Extreme smoke emission from exhaust on every engine start.
When: 170,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Jerking and hesitation during acceleration; Excessive exhaust smoke on startup; Smoke emission during every start cycle
Transmission jerking and thumping (lubrication issue)
Vehicle jerking forward when idling at stop signs accompanied by thumping sound from under vehicle. Dealership diagnosis: transmission requires lubrication.
When: 20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Forward jerking motion at idle; Thumping sound from under vehicle; Occurs while idling at stops
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership recommended transmission lubrication.
Fuse block short circuit (fire hazard)
Fuse block under hood developed short circuit while vehicle was parked for 10 days. Vehicle would not start or attempt to turn over. Electrical short caused no-crank condition. Owner reports potential fire hazard while driving with children in vehicle.
When: After 10-day parking period
Symptoms owners cite: Fuse block short circuit; No-crank condition after shutdown; Failure to turn over on restart
Repairs/costs cited: Private mechanic identified short in underhood fuse block.
Transmission complete failure (clamshell separation)
Transmission failure in drive with complete loss of reverse gear. Loud spinning sound heard. Dealership found clamshell separated with metal debris throughout transmission system. Complete transmission replacement required at cost of $3,377.07.
When: 37,351 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of drive function; Complete loss of reverse; Loud spinning sound; Metal debris in transmission fluid
Repairs/costs cited: Complete transmission replacement: $3,377.07. Clamshell separated with metal debris throughout system.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No progress reported with complaint resolution through GMC.
Axle boot rip and seal leakage
Rubber boots ripped on front driver side and front passenger side. Axle seal leaking on passenger side.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Ripped rubber boots (front driver and passenger); Axle seal leakage (passenger side); Grease loss from axle
Synthesized from 35 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet silverado. While idling at a stop sign he heard a thumping sound from under the vehicle. Simultaneously the vehicle began to jerk forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealership and he was informed that the transmission needed to be lubricated. The current and failure mileages were 20000.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2008 Chevrolet Silverado?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a meaningful issue. 35 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 27 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 25,000 and 72,125 miles, with the median around 50,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 25,000; a quarter make it past 72,125. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Chevrolet/Silverado.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.