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 GMC Sierra powertrain problems
severe 7 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
7
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 7 powertrain complaints filed for the 2008 GMC Sierra, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 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.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 GMC sierra 1500. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power. Also, the traction control, service engine, and reduced engine power indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (betten baker Buick, 2901 28th st, grandville, mi, 49418, phone number: 616-530-9191) where it was diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The…
Transmission lines leaking around crimped part of line. Researching this issue online,many GMC/gm vehicles are having this issue. There should be an effort by gm to install better lines. *tr
Had powertrain trouble with your 2008 GMC Sierra?
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 GMC Sierra?
It's a meaningful issue. 7 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?
Based on the 7 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 72,056 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/GMC/Sierra.
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.