2008 Chevrolet Uplander: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 119 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (14% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days · latest recall Mar 2010
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 119 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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, misfire and lose of speed uphill, gear shift cable broke, and oil cap cylinder leaking spraying oil leaking on everything,”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2026
“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. When I looked online I found GM parts on several websites and also this belt available for purchase. So why is a Dealer informing people that they cannot be replaced? This vehicle only has 81,000 miles on it.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jun 2023
“safety issue becomes whenever noise from under carriage as if as trailing arms are out of order notice problems whenever roll over small bumps in the road or uneven pavement”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2021
Show 7 more owner reports
“When I stop at a light or come to a complete stop, then as I go to accelerate to drive the car here's very badly and causes cars behind you to capable hit you. What is going on with my vehicle”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Feb 2020
“Vehicle wont start at times: after driving for an hour or so and making several stops such as shopping starter will not engage opening the hood to allow motor to cool down seems to help. Trying to start vehicle takes up to 15 to 25 tries. All battery connections seem to be secure. Starter was replaced thinking that was the problem, but the problem continues. Other issues power steering leaking from under carriage. Problems started shortly after I bought the vehicle february 2019.”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2019
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Nov 2018
“We started smelling gas coming from the car took it to our mechanic he told me it was probably leaking from the fuel pump it is a common problem with this particular model of vehicle $600 later we had a new fuel pump installed and no gas smell could have been ugly if gas would have ignited I have been looking online and apparently my mechanic is correct it is a common problem”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jun 2018
“Tl* the contact owned a 2008 chevrolet uplander. After driving for approximately three hours and turning off the engine, there was a strong fuel odor. The contact noticed fuel leaking from the top of the tank. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 130,400.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet uplander. While the vehicle was stationary, the ABS and traction control indicators illuminated without warning. The ABS pump was replaced five times, along with the wheel hubs and wiring harness; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 146,000.”Owner report · Traction Control System · Oct 2016
“This vehicle need to be recalled, I read alot from other people, and I am having the same problem, tire blow, odor of gas, I have kids and this is not a safe car, my kids have asthma and I can not have a car like this, this is damages and nit a safe van, 2008 chev uplander need to be off the market. I drive this car smelling gas and gas is all over the road and highways. This need to be on recall”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2016
When filing, owners marked a crash in 8 of these complaints and injuries in 9 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
THE BRAUN CORPORATION HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 GENERAL MOTORS MOBILITY CONVERSION, HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE LOW FLOOR MINIVANS. DURING CONVERSION, THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM MODIFICATION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND WILL HAVE A SUPPLY OF RETROFIT PARTS AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRAUN AT 1-800-488-0359.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Uplander years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact Uplander by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander reliable?
NHTSA has 119 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander. The most complained-about area is electrical system (14% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2008 Chevrolet Uplander problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 69,280 miles or less.
Does the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning suspension. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.