2008
New 2020 2019
Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Change Vehicle

This version of the Silverado has a fairly comfortable ride, as well as easy access and cargo loading. Compared to the previous generation, the steering has improved feel and response. The payload rating is generous. We appreciate the selectable full-time 4WD and standard stability control on all V8-equipped Silverados. 2009 also brought a new six-speed automatic transmission that improved acceleration.
Alerts
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2008
New 2020 2019
Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Reliability
See All
Owner Satisfaction
See All
Crash and Rollover Tests
IIHS Front Moderate Overlap NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver NA
IIHS Side Crash NA
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger
See All

Road Test Results

Performance
Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit,
Comfort / Convenience
Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.

Owner Reports

Worse Better
Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
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Reliability Trouble Spots
Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
NA
Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
NA
Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
NA
Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
NA
View all Reliability
Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
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Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
View all Owner Satisfaction
Safety Equipment
ABS standard. ESC and head protection air bags available from 2007; standard from 2010. Side air bags standard from 2010.
Road Test

This version of the Silverado has a fairly comfortable ride, as well as easy access and cargo loading. Compared to the previous generation, the steering has improved feel and response. The payload rating is generous. We appreciate the selectable full-time 4WD and standard stability control on all V8-equipped Silverados. 2009 also brought a new six-speed automatic transmission that improved acceleration. Braking distances on wet pavement were also improved. The diesel engine in the heavy-duty Silverado 2500 LTZ (which we also tested) proved to be relatively civilized. A hybrid version was available too. On the other hand, IIHS side-crash test results were disappointing.

Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
4WD , Rear
Warranty

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Body Styles
extended cab
regular cab
crew cab
Transmissions Available
  • 4-speed Automatic
Engines Available
  • 4.3-liter V6 (195 hp)
  • 4.8-liter V8 (295 hp)
  • 5.3-liter V8 (315 hp)
  • 6-liter V8 (367 hp)

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

Alarm or security system (excluding aftermarket systems)

"The central processor is out, affects alarm, keyless entry, remote entry and remote start"

Anonymous, VA (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)

"Door locks and electric windows did not work. Windows on the right hand side of vehicle still will not close if opened. Had the Body Control Module changed out. No improvement. Dealership clueless and cannot help, others tell me they cannot do this and must go to dealership. Catch 22.Lights started blinking, motor shut down"

Geir B., TX (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)

"temperature gauge pegged out high, probably a bad sensor. The voltmeter is pegged out high as well, even with the truck engine (alternator) turned off"

Frank K., TN (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)
Headlights

"Had to replace the driver side wiring harness. The headlights would go off while driving and then come back on"

Daniel J., FL (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ 5.3-L V8)

"You have to remove complete front grill to change a light bulb?!!! Joe American is that?! Lol"

Anonymous, MD (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)

"Headlights went grey. Plastic cover overheated due to automatic headlights on, gets soft and damaged by road debris like sand and dust (big difference between in front of driving lights and full light lamps lower down), replacement H 11 bulbs blow out after 140 to 160 hours. In the end I threw them out and bought aftermarket non-OEM headlights"

Geir B., TX (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)
Exterior lights (other than headlights)

"Tail lights"

Michael D., LA (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)

"Over the past year or so, I have had to replace 3 of the door lock actuators. The only one not replaced is the drivers which seems that it should have been the first to be replaced"

Anonymous, CA (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)

"Keyless entry does not work for the driver's side door. Have not had it looked at"

Ethyl O., WA (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Unsure 5.3-L V8)

"its been a pain in the butt for years. Replaced once before and it cost $100. Get pressure warnings every time the outside temp changes"

Anonymous, PA (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT Unsure)

"This truck is getting a little older but we've had to replace all 4 of the tire pressure sensors. And they're not cheap so be aware"

Anonymous, UT (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 4.8-L V8)

"Two out of the four tire pressure monitoring stopped working. Mechanic said it would cost $600 to replace two"

Daniel J., FL (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ 5.3-L V8)

"It's always failed"

Anonymous, MD (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)
Warning lights

"lights are frequently on, no codes appear when checked. appears related to body module"

Anonymous, NL (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)

"Brake sensor light had to replace multiple times"

Anonymous, TN (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 4.3-L V6)
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Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"Rubber gasket behind exterior door handle broke and came loose"

Anonymous, NC (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)
Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Chips along door from gravel roads"

John H., MN (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)

"paint kept falling off 1 area it won't hold paint or primer"

William D., NJ (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 4.8-L V8)

"Doors are rusting at bottom from interior water damage causing paint to blister, peel off and metal rusting. Now starting to happen at top of truck bed wheel wells"

Anonymous, MI (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ 5.3-L V8)
Rust

"rear fender"

Haney M., NE (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)

"can not believe the amount of rust that has caused holes in the bed of the truck over the rear wheels and along the front hood -"

Anonymous, NY (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ 6.0-L V8)

"It's 9 yrs. old. But then again, it's only nine yrs. old. I've driven Chevy pick-ups for 27 yrs. Never had one rust out so quickly. And never before 15 or so yrs. old"

Anonymous, IA (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ 5.3-L V8)

"rear fender rust through"

Robert M., MI (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 4.8-L V8)

"Serious rust in rear wheel wheels, rocker panels and roof around clearance light, which is causing the roof to leak"

Justin H., SD (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)

"wheel wells"

Anonymous, MN (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)

"All four doors rusting at the bottom. Paint had blistered and peeled off after rust started from inside the door"

Anonymous, MI (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ 5.3-L V8)
Load more

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Alignment

"uneven tire wear"

Anonymous, TX (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)

"Loose, had to change to do alignment"

Anonymous, WI (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)

"Mechanics report that both ball joints have some play and should to be replaced in the near future"

Anonymous, MB (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)

"Lots of beach driving"

Anonymous, OR (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)

"When I bought the truck in February 2015, I had the lower ball joint on the right side replaced. It was "loose" but not a safety issue. A few months ago I also had the upper ball joint replaced along with the torsion bar to to reduce looseness in steering and premature wear on the brakes"

Anonymous, TX (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ 5.3-L V8)
Shocks or struts

"I had the rear shocks replaced last fall. I consider this normal wear and tear"

Anonymous, MB (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)

"Has a sleight play in the steering when driving. Needs an adjustment"

Raymond E., IL (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)
Wheel bearings

"Both front wheel bearings needed replacement between 92000km and 96000km. The truck has never worked hard or been driven roughly"

Vaughan M., NS (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)
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Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

What Owners Say

"The check engine light continues to stay on. I have spent hundreds of dollars on tests to determine the cause. The response is always that it has to do with the emissions and gas cap but they can't seem to fix it. Every year when it is time for the inspection, I have to take the truck to the dealership to try to get the check engine light off"

Anonymous, NC (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 4.3-L V6)
Fuel cap

"Bad seal had to replace gas cap"

Kenneth M., WA (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)

"error stated fuel cap Turned out to be fuel tank purge valve canister"

M M., AR (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ 4.8-L V8)
Fuel pump

"Had to replace electrical fuel pump module, which makes you fuel pump work. It is located underneath and attached to the bed and its an electronic device located behind the fuel tank. Once it is replaced, it needs to be linked into your vehicle computer system through a computer connection. It's very expensive. It cost me $900.00 to have the fuel pump module replaced and linked to my computer system. They had my truck for a week, so I had to borrow a vehicle from a friend"

Anonymous, WI (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT 5.3-L V8)

"Upper housing rusted out and developed a pin hole. Pump assembly needed to be replaced"

Anonymous, MI (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)

"The check engine light came on. I had it checked and it was verified that there was a problem with the O2 sensors/oxygen sensor. The other problem was it used a lot more fuel, than normal, because of having an O2 sensor/oxygen sensor problem. I decided to replace all four. There is two in each catylitic converter. I bought all four from AutoZone but they didn't sink in with my truck, so I returned them. I bought all four from the dealership, and they sinked in and worked right"

Anonymous, WI (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT 5.3-L V8)

"cam shaft sensor shut off vehicle"

Anonymous, FL (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Unsure 5.3-L V8)

"One blew then another then another we're told, Total about 750. One spark plug was also cracked and finally solved problem that had existed since purchasing. No matter how many times we took it in they couldn't fix it. One trip to Mountain Home, AR Walmart and they fixed it for free. Weird Huh?"

Randal J., IA (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT 4.3-L V6)
Load more

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

What Owners Say

"Active fuel management"

Michael D., LA (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)

"Loud knocking noise in the engine. they had to replace the cylinder and cam shaft"

Anonymous, IL (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ 5.3-L V8)
Engine rebuild or replacement

"had the upper engine rebuilt - the oil pump replaced twice and still have problems with low oil pressure"

Anonymous, NY (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ 6.0-L V8)

"Had to replace block because valve lifter did not get oiled due to clogged oil channels on top of block"

Anonymous, NE (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)

"The engine had to be rebuilt"

Mark L., IL (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ 5.3-L V8)

"Lifter failure, requires removal of heads"

James H., AZ (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Unsure 4.8-L V8)
Load more

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Antilock system (ABS)

"Had to replace ECM, as it was faulty and caused the ABS fault"

Paul M., NS (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 4.8-L V8)

"Bad sensor, took a lot to finally discover and fix"

Anonymous, AZ (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 4.8-L V8)

"The master cylinder failed and had to be replaced. The brakes got very soft"

Dale C., FL (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT Unsure)

"replaced too soon"

Anonymous, VT (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)

"Pulsing when stopping was traced to a warped rotor in the right front side. The rotor was resurfaced and new pads installed. This is tied to a loose upper ball joint and stabilizer bar that was also repaired at that time"

Anonymous, TX (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ 5.3-L V8)
Load more

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

"The alarm sounds go so low you can hardly hear them most of the time"

Anonymous, OR (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)
Speakers

"One front speaker failed completely, and I replaced both front speakers in case the other one failed"

Anonymous, NC (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)

"Had to replace"

Kenneth M., TX (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)

"speakers randomly stop working - never all at once but sometime front, sometimes back"

Anonymous, WI (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT 4.3-L V6)
Load more

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Difficult to fill up gas tank

"There seems to be some sort of back-pressure when filling up the gas tank. I have to hold the nozzle at a weird angle to et continuous flow until the tank is about 1/2 full. Happens at all gas stations"

Anonymous, CA (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)

"Engine started knocking 6000 miles ago"

William D., NJ (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 4.8-L V8)

"It has developed a small leak either from the rear main seal or the pan gasket, or both. This seems to be common problem with GM motors going back over 40 years, which I thought they would had figured out by now"

Anonymous, WA (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ 5.3-L V8)

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Automatic climate control

"Driver side heat control was stuck on cold. Not only was this uncomfortable but livable with respect to occupants but is unsafe in the winter because the windshield on the drivers side is very slow to defrost. This to me is a safety issue"

Anonymous, CT (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ 5.3-L V8)
Condenser

"The company owning this dealership owns 26 dealerships in total. None of them had a condenser in stock. A Silverado is a pretty ordinary vehicle, I had to wait 10 days for them to get one meaning the truck was tied up for the best part of yet another day"

Vaughan M., NS (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)
Heater system

"no heat"

Anonymous, PA (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 4.8-L V8)

Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

"Sunroof drains clogged and caused water intrusion into cab of vehicle"

Anonymous, FL (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ 5.3-L V8)
Squeaks or rattles

"Under dash rattle that I can't find. Also have a broken glove box latch that broke"

Jerry B., LA (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 4.3-L V6)

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Doors or sliding doors

"The passenger door locks do not operate properly,when using the remote"

Anonymous, PA (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)

"the passenger side doors/windows at times do not operate properly"

Anonymous, PA (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

What Owners Say

"sensor shut down with no warning light - just stopped"

Anonymous, FL (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Unsure 5.3-L V8)
Traction control

"Spider gears went bad. Think those are part of traction control, but I am not sure"

John F., WV (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 4.8-L V8)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

What Owners Say

"I haven't fixed it yet. Hope it won't require a total rebuild. Disappointed because I've never towed with it and am still under 100k miles"

Anonymous, IA (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ 5.3-L V8)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

What Owners Say

"At 40,000 miles my water pump started to leak. When I replaced it, I found that they had damaged the gasket while installing it at the factory and apparently decided to let it go out that way. It took that long for the gasket to fail, but it would have went many more miles and years if it wasn't damaged at the factory!"

Anonymous, WA (2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ 5.3-L V8)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

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