CHEVROLET AVALANCHE · model year

2008 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE

323 NHTSA complaints, 7 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2008CHEVROLETAVALANCHE carries 323 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 7 crashes, 4 fires, 12 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2008 AVALANCHE is air bags with 132 filings, followed by unknown or other (53) and structure:body (31). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 57 investigation files overlapping the 2008 AVALANCHE, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

323
Complaints
7
Crashes
4
Fires
12
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

323 filings

Crashes Reported

7 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS132
UNKNOWN OR OTHER53
STRUCTURE:BODY31
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM21
ENGINE15
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES13
STRUCTURE11
STEERING6
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)6
SUSPENSION5
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING4
POWER TRAIN4
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR2
WHEELS2

Recalls (4)

08V44100028/08/2008

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

GM IS RECALLING 857,735 MY 2006-2008 BUICK LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MY 2007-2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL, SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MY 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WIP

21V05200005/02/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the

21V05000005/02/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and Sierra 3500 vehicles originally s

10V24000004/06/2010

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OUT

Recent Complaints

20240807AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

20240417ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and independently turned off. After restarting the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.

Mileage: 200,000

20240417ENGINE

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and independently turned off. After restarting the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.

Mileage: 200,000

20230626AIR BAGS

Both air bags deployed for no reason driver and passenger

20230626ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Both air bags deployed for no reason driver and passenger

20230419TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the traction control warning light illuminated, and the vehicle became very unstable and difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the traction control system was faulty and needed to be replacement. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 125,000. The dealership was contacted to inspect the vehicle for issues related to traction control but was denied. The contact also bought the necessary parts in an effort to save money but was denied again by the dealership. The contact is still looking for anyone who will help repair the vehicle.

Mileage: 125,000

20220608UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Dash cracked. A/C and windshield defroster throws pieces of broken dash when it falls in Duct and fan. Dealer inspected. Offered to sell new dash cover and labor to install. dealer referred to manufacturer representative. no warning lights.

20220512UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The dashboard has started to crack near the airbag. In the event of the airbag being deployed, it could potentially send sharp pieces of plastic flying into the passengers face.

20220322STRUCTURE:BODY

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated upon purchasing the vehicle at the used car dealer, he noticed that the dashboard of the vehicle was cracked and the crack was extending towards the front passenger's side air bag location. There was no warning light illuminated. The used dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that it was a known failure; however the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had become significantly worse. The contact contacted an unknown Chevrolet dealer to inquire the cost of a dashboard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Mileage: 50,000

20220315AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the driver’s side air bag deployed inadvertently without the vehicle being involved in a crash. The passenger’s side air bag also deployed and shattered the passenger’s side windshield. The contact pulled over safely and then the side curtain air bag on the driver's side deployed. The contact was aware that the "Service Air Bags" light would intermittently flash on and off; however, the warning light was not illuminated at time of the air bag deployments. Additionally, the passenger’s side curtain air bag had also deployed. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

Mileage: 190,000

20220119UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The dashboard cracked and pieces have broken off. This break is extremely dangerous if a crash were to happen as many parts are exposed.

20210929UNKNOWN OR OTHER

DASH BOARD CRACKING ALL OVER SSINCE 2015

20210813CrashAIR BAGS

2008 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY DURING AUTO ACCIDENT.

20210802UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Chevrolet has KNOWINGLY AND WILLINGLY placed a dash in my 08 avalanche that is dangerous. The truck has a TK airbag and Chevrolet refuses to fix the issue CORRECTLY. The dash is cracked, as most GM products from 07-13 are, and now the airbags need to be replaced. The dealership advised me that it would come apart, and that I would need to spend 2 grand to have it repaired. GM told me on a recorded phone call that they have had several of these reports and that they do not have a "documented solution" for it. They told me I have to choose between the resale value of my truck or the safety of myself and passengers. They are at fault for the dash, as well as the TK airbag. GM refuses to do anything to make it right after their shotty work.

20210416STRUCTURE:BODY

I HAVE REPLACED TWO DASHBOARDS. I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK BRAND NEW. THE DASHBOARDS CRACKED IN THE SAME EXACT SPOT ON THE CORNER OF THE AIRBAG. NEED A THIRD DASHBOARD

20210401AIR BAGS

AFTER A COUPLE OF YEARS MY VEHICLE DEVELOPED SEVERAL CRACKS IN THE DASH, ESPECIALLY AROUND THE AIRBAG. YESTERDAY I HAD THE AIRBAG RECALL PERFORMED. AS A RESULT OF THE REPAIR, THE CRACKS ARE NOW BROKEN PIECES. I NOW FEAR THAT IN THE EVENT OF AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT, SHARDS OF SHARP PLASTIC WILL BE THROWN INTO THE AIR AND COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN SEVERE INJURY.

Mileage: 62,600

20210401STRUCTURE:BODY

AFTER A COUPLE OF YEARS MY VEHICLE DEVELOPED SEVERAL CRACKS IN THE DASH, ESPECIALLY AROUND THE AIRBAG. YESTERDAY I HAD THE AIRBAG RECALL PERFORMED. AS A RESULT OF THE REPAIR, THE CRACKS ARE NOW BROKEN PIECES. I NOW FEAR THAT IN THE EVENT OF AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT, SHARDS OF SHARP PLASTIC WILL BE THROWN INTO THE AIR AND COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN SEVERE INJURY.

Mileage: 62,600

20210330ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MY DASH IS CRACKED RIGHT BY THE AIRBAG AND RIGHT OVER THE CLUSTER WHICH I FEEL IS A DEFECT IN THE MATERIAL THAT WAS USED TO MAKE THE DASH AND IS A SAFETY HAZARD. IF THE AIRBAG DEPLOYS ' COULD BUST AND PIECES COULD FLY INJURY SOMEONE OR PUNCTURE THE AIRBAG I FEEL THAT GM SHOULD RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR A NEW DISH THANK YOU HOPE TO HEAR BACK SOON. FURTHERMORE THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE THE TRUCK WILL LOCK BY ITSELF WITH THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION OR LAYING ON THE CONSUL IS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES ON ME AGAIN THANK YOU

20210330UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MY DASH IS CRACKED RIGHT BY THE AIRBAG AND RIGHT OVER THE CLUSTER WHICH I FEEL IS A DEFECT IN THE MATERIAL THAT WAS USED TO MAKE THE DASH AND IS A SAFETY HAZARD. IF THE AIRBAG DEPLOYS ' COULD BUST AND PIECES COULD FLY INJURY SOMEONE OR PUNCTURE THE AIRBAG I FEEL THAT GM SHOULD RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR A NEW DISH THANK YOU HOPE TO HEAR BACK SOON. FURTHERMORE THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE THE TRUCK WILL LOCK BY ITSELF WITH THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION OR LAYING ON THE CONSUL IS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES ON ME AGAIN THANK YOU

20210327AIR BAGS

CRACKED DASHBOARD DEFECT. I ASKED THE MANUFACTURER (GM) WHAT HAPPENS TO A CRACKED DASHBOARD DURING A COLLISION? THEIR RESPONSE WAS BASICALLY NHTSA DECIDES WHAT A SAFETY CONCERN IS. WELL, I RECENTLY CHATTED WITH NTHSA ONLINE AND ASKED THE QUESTION, WHAT HAPPENS TO A CRACKED DASHBOARD DURING A COLLISION? NTHSA RESPONSE TO ME WAS, THAT WOULD BE A QUESTION FOR THE MANUFACTURER SINCE THEY ARE THE ONES WHO CONDUCT THE CRASH TESTS. APPARENTLY NO ONE KNOWS WHAT HAPPENS TO A DEFECTIVE DASHBOARD DURING A COLLISION, I IMAGINE SHRAPNEL IMPALING INTO MY FACE OR MY CHILDREN'S FACE. WE ALL KNOW GM WOULD RATHER PAY FAMILIES FOR THE BURNING DEATHS OF THEIR LOVED ONES RATHER THAN ISSUE A RECALL FOR THEIR DEFECTIVE PRODUCT BECAUSE IT'S CHEAPER..... I SUGGEST THE AUTHORITY "NTHSA" HOLD THE MANUFACTURER ACCOUNTABLE FOR DEFECTS REGARDLESS OF PRESSURE FROM WASHINGTON REPRESENTATIVES THAT MAY PUT PRESSURE ON NTHSA TO HAVE LESS STRINGENT STANDARDS JUSR SO A COMPANY CAN MAKE MORE PROFITS AND THROW MORE M

Compare 2008CHEVROLETAVALANCHE to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2008 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE have?
The 2008 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE has 323 NHTSA complaints, 7 crashes, 4 fires, 12 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2008 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE?
Yes, the 2008 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE?
The most-complained component for the 2008 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE is AIR BAGS with 132 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and STRUCTURE:BODY.
Is the 2008 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.