VehicleVerdict

2008 Chevrolet Uplander problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2008 Chevrolet Uplander sits mid-pack among Uplander years: 195 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 195, with a single recall and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 15 injuries in total across these filings.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 53 reports (27% of the total).

195

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

15

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Uplander years?

Uplander NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted293 complaints2005: 293 complaints2006: 275 complaints2007: 155 complaints2008: 195 complaints2009: 5 complaints
Uplander NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Uplander years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Chevrolet Uplander problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System5327%
Brakes2211%
Body & Structure2010%
Fuel System137%
Transmission116%
Suspension105%
Other95%
Latches & Locks84%
Airbags84%
Engine84%
Steering84%
Tires & Wheels74%
Seat Belts53%
Speed Control53%
Visibility & Wipers42%
Lighting32%
Seats11%

Does the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

10V110000SuspensionMarch 19, 2010 · 5,375 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A SQUEAKING OR CLUNKING NOISE MAY DEVELOP. THE TRAILING ARM BUSHINGS MAY PREMATURELY WEAR AND THE TRAILING ARM MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE, ALLOWING THE REAR AXLE TO BECOME PARTIALLY SEPARATED FROM THE CHASSIS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 1, 2016

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 1, 2016

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · November 2, 2018 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 17, 2017

“MY TRANSMISSION IS STARTING TO STUTTER AT HIGH SPEEDS I WAS TOLD BY TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR IT! THAT CHEVY KNOWS ABOUT IT AND SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM AS A RECALL! I OWE WAY TOO MUCH ON THE VAN TO PUT 3000 DOLLARS INTO A TRANSMISSION…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 17, 2013

2008 Chevrolet Uplander — common questions

Is the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander reliable?

It is close to typical for the Uplander: 195 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2008 Uplander problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (53 complaints), brakes (22 complaints), body & structure (20 complaints).

Does the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Uplander years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Uplander years to avoid are 2005. The cleanest record among Uplander years belongs to 2009.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.