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2.6

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
58,147 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2008 Chevrolet Uplander electrical problems

electrical problem

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2008 Chevrolet Uplander Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #25

Sep 132021

Uplander

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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

- Lafayette , LA, USA

problem #24

Feb 082019

Uplander

  • miles
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.

- Milton Freewater, OR, USA

problem #23

Oct 012016

Uplander

  • 146,000 miles
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.

- Mayfield, KY, USA

problem #22

Jul 052016

Uplander

  • 63,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Uplander. While driving approximately 70 mph, the instrument panel lights flickered and the vehicle suddenly shut off. The power steering and brakes stopped functioning. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 63,000.

- Gilbert, AZ, USA

problem #21

Sep 282015

Uplander

  • 160,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Uplander. While driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle stalled after the battery warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the starter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred while still at the mechanic. The mechanic replaced the battery and the vehicle restarted; however, the failure recurred. The mechanic replaced the alternator and the failure recurred. The failure was unable to be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

- Leitchfield, KY, USA

problem #20

Jun 012011

Uplander

  • 40,000 miles
Anti brake lights, stability and traction control lights and tire pressure lights continually appear. Have replaced rotors twice, complete brake assembly twice, and front wheel bearings once. No one seems to know exactly what the problem is. Diagnoses run from wiring harness to anti lock brake system.

- Lewisburg, KY, USA

problem #19

Oct 172014

Uplander

  • 130,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Uplander. The contact stated that the onstar emergency system activated and directed him to contact onstar to subscribe to the services every 30 seconds. The contact stated that the solicitation was a distraction while driving. The onstar manufacturer was notified of the issue. Onstar stated that the resolution was for the contact to subscribe to the service or take the vehicle to a dealer to have it deactivated at the contact's expense. The failure was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

- Fairview, NC, USA

problem #18

Jun 172014

Uplander

  • 138,000 miles
Safety issue: The first occurrence date is an estimate, as I do not remember, but the problem has occurred again this night: For no reason at all the alarm began going off (of course in the middle of the night). I was awake. I live in a pretty safe park. At approximately 1230A the alarm went off. I ran out to check and there was no one and nothing around that could have tripped it, especially since I didn't set it. The van was unlocked, the key out of the ignition and hanging by the lanyard. I grabbed the fob and shut if off. 20 minutes later, it did it again, then again, then again, T hen again, each time about 20 minutes apart. I was starting to panic because I didn't want to anger the neighbors and end up evicted. My spouse and I had to pull the horn fuse to silence the car. The lights went off about 20 minutes later, then the problem went away...I thought. I contacted GM about this and an issue with the locking system (doors will not unlock with either the fob or the inside switch). They apologized and offered to authorize repairs, but informed me that the cost of the repairs was my problem. It is possible that the two issues are linked. The lock problem came first. But because I cannot afford the cost of repairs (I am low income), I have to drive without the use of my horn, which is a no-no and a safety problem. Tonight, the lights started flashing on their own. They flashed twice, then stopped for almost a minute, then did it again a few times more, then it stopped altogether. Later, it did it again...and again...the lock issue is a health hazard for me because I have a plethora of illnesses that cause me disability. I must pull heavy objects over the rumble seat to the single seat in front of it, get out of the car (painful to my knees and lower back), then get the item out. When I am finished, I am literally finished. I am caused phys. & mental pain.

- Mount Pleasant, MI, USA

problem #17

Apr 102014

Uplander

  • 88,664 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Uplander. The contact stated that the driver's side sliding door opened independently and without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the door actuator however, the failure continued to occur on the passenger side. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,664.  

- Shelby, OH, USA

problem #16

Nov 012008

Uplander 6-cyl

  • 33,000 miles
Transmission went out. Dash light go out, seat belts all of them unlatch by them self, I replaced the brakes 6 times already, emission vapor canister went out, the engine light always on. It all ways say check gas cap, know my van not working. I can't clean any hard codes, passenger right side door unlatch when I was and the bottom half of the door hit the ground on the freeway with my 5 kids in the car, my 20 yr son was sitting by his eight yr old brother. My eight yr old was on the side that came unlatch thank god he un did his brother seat belt and grab him and held on to him tight until I stop the vehicle. The started went out, the back air condition won't work, the passenger right side joint broke, the van over heats all the time which cause the transmission to go out and the starter went I replace transmission starter and thermostat.the van a piece of [xxx] and I want my money back I paid for in cash. I brought the van in 2008 and paid cash for it.I had nothing but problems with it since I brought it in 11/1/2008. The problems started 2 days after I brought the van home. I wish never had gotten it. The [xxx] thing a lemon they need force Chevy to recall the god [xxx] lemon 2008 Chevy Uplander and give me my money back so I can go some were else and by my family a real van, I'm a single mom of 5 children and I need a reliable van, not a piece of [xxx]. information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Rocklin, CA, USA

problem #15

Mar 202014

Uplander

  • 85,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

We have a 2008 Chevy Uplander van (bought new) that between Aug. 2010 and March of this year had to be jump started 9 times because the battery was totally dead. When calling a towing service truck the van started up immediately and I was able to drive it to a service station. It has now been looked at by 3 different Chevrolet dealers & 2 independent garages. After through analysis, neither have been able to figure out the root cause of the problem. Three times I was told the van needed a new battery, but after a few months the vehicle would again not start. The GM customer service (1-800-222-1020) would not help me and referred me to have the Chevy dealership resolve this problem. I recommend that GM recall this vehicle and fix it after figuring out what the cause of the problem is.

- Shelby Twp., MI, USA

problem #14

Nov 152013

Uplander 6-cyl

  • 91,136 miles
In the last couple weeks I've noticed that my door locks are not unlocking when pressing the all door lock release button. I went to the store on Saturday, November 16, 2013 and was locked inside the car for 45 minutes. There is only one key entry on the entire car, driver door. (my remote has not worked since I bought the car used in March 2012.) I had to flag a person down in the parking lot and have them use the key to open the door. Because this is a fire/safety hazard, and I have 3 small children, I am afraid to drive the vehicle anywhere.

- Camden, AR, USA

problem #13

Aug 172010

Uplander 6-cyl

  • 42,000 miles
Alternator went out, rear passenger door fell off the top hinge hit the payment, brakes started falling again.

- Rocklin, CA, USA

problem #12

May 142013

Uplander 6-cyl

  • 22,000 miles
Drove the van home that same night, before we pulled in the drive way, the van over heated, the brakes had a spongy feel to them after 15 mins of driving, temperature gauge never went pass the half way make when the red indicator came on the van totally shut down no power, I almost flip the van over. I have replace the brake twice in 3 weeks of each other.then light on the dash came on when temperature were cold, rainy, foggy, out side, and when it got hot temperature out side the dash light at night time started to flicker on and off, then about 30 seconds later the dash lights stayed off and never came back on. Also the van started to have engine not wanted to turn over, and would also loss all power to vehicle leaving us stranded out in horrible weather conditions outside with are children.

- Rocklin, CA, USA

problem #11

May 082013

Uplander 6-cyl

  • 72,005 miles
The rear driver door will not close. It has been to the dealer three times. The first time they were unable to diagnose. The second time we were charged $80 to clean the contacts. The third time they have recommended replacement of the motor due to an internal timing failure at a cost of over $1000. This door has been used very little since we have owned the van and it poses a potential safety hazard since it closes, the alarm sounds and then the door reopens on its own. The dealer reported that this is a common failure and that there is no way to adjust the timing on the motor without replacement.

- Fairlawn, OH, USA

problem #10

Feb 182013

Uplander 6-cyl

  • 55,761 miles
On Feb 18, 2013 my door came off on my Uplander, along with numerous electrical error messages at the same time. I had my vehicle in the shop for over 3 weeks until I finally was able to pick up. I also had the engine stability and the air pressure monitor and air bag, and traction control repaired costing a total of $2,336 dollars of repairs completed. After reading other complaints on this vehicle, I am trying to trade in my vehicle where I purchased it, but I owe more then what it was appraised for. I have asked the dealer for a trade, but they are not working with me. I am afraid for the safety of my family, and other vehicles on the road when operating this vehicle. Please, do not take this complaint lightly, and assist me in making GMC replace my vehicle as soon as possible.

- Buena Park, CA, USA

problem #9

Aug 312012

Uplander 6-cyl

  • 70,005 miles
While sitting in my drive way the engine made a popping sound and than the "charging system failure" came across the dash. After this approximately 3 days later the same thing happened while at a stop sign and after this the electrical system crashed and discharged the battery.

- Wewoka, OK, USA

problem #8

Dec 092008

Uplander 6-cyl

  • 7,600 miles
Dash indicator shows side sliding door is open, when it is not. Bells ding, inside lights come on, doors become inoperative from inside vehicle. Has occurred approximately 50 times. We have had in shop somewhere between 10 and 15 times, both door modules have been replaced, and body control module now being replaced. Chevrolet states that it doesn't set a trouble code, so they have no record of the occurrences, though service department manager has seen this happen in person. My concern is when this happens, my wife, myself and or children cannot get out of the vehicle, and I feel this is unsafe. Chevrolet does not agree that this is unsafe. I really want to move on to another vehicle, but Chevrolet will not assist. The vehicle is paid for, free and clear, so this is not an issue of owing money and wanting out. Chevrolet should make the vehicle safe, and is not doing anything to ensure this. They have been handling this under warranty, but this last time vehicle is in shop for two weeks - no loaner, no alternative transportation for us.

- Mcminnville, OR, USA

problem #7

May 062011

Uplander

  • 41,000 miles
Third brake light lens broken at attaching points.

- Beaver Falls, PA, USA

problem #6

Feb 132011

Uplander

  • 27,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Uplander. The contact was driving and the recharge system failure indicator light and the battery light came on and within a few seconds the vehicle stalled. The battery was recharged and the contact was advised that the alternator had failed. The alternator was replaced; however, after the vehicle was started, the recharge system failure light came back on and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not inspected. The failure mileage and current mileage was 27,000.

- Montebello, CA, USA

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