2008 Chevrolet Uplander Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2008 Chevrolet Uplander carries a Complaint Index of 50 and ranks 3rd worst of 5 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 119 complaints, 1 recall, 8 crashes and 1 fire tied to this year, with brakes as the top problem area.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #3 of 5 Uplander years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 119
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 8
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 9
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 19
- 16 city / 23 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 9 / 0
Top 2008 Chevy Uplander problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes36 (30%)
- Electrical System30 (25%)
- Structure & Body26 (22%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires17 (14%)
- Engine13 (11%)
- Fuel System13 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain12 (10%)
- Other9 (8%)
- Airbags8 (7%)
- Steering8 (7%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report airbags failing to deploy during moderate-to-high speed crashes, including collisions with animals and loss-of-control incidents.
- Some describe the overhead console light becoming extremely hot to the touch, raising fire concerns.
- Others report unexpected vehicle lurching or pitching forward after activating cruise control or engaging stability control on an incline.
- One owner reported repeated engine overheating with a broken fan blade and damaged radiator core after short trips.
- Another described the service stability system warning light illuminating followed by unexpected brake activation while not touching the pedal.
- A door-open warning indicator was reported to stay illuminated constantly, obscuring other instrument panel information.
2008 Chevrolet Uplander recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 10V110000Mar 19, 2010Suspension, Wheels & Tires5,375 vehicles
Suspension:rear
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.
Risk: 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.
2008 Chevrolet Uplander fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16 MPG
- Highway
- 23 MPG
- Combined
- 19 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,400
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2008 compared with other Uplander years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander reliable?
- Compared with other Uplander years, the 2008 model has a Complaint Index of 50 and ranks 3rd worst out of 5 years, earning a Caution verdict. Brakes, electrical system, and structure/body issues make up most of the 119 complaints NHTSA has on file.
- What is the top problem area for the 2008 Uplander?
- Brakes account for 30% of complaints (36 of 119), with a median failure mileage of 64,500 miles across all reported issues on this model year.
- Does the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2008 Uplander, covering a suspension/wheels/tires defect on mobility conversion, handicapped-accessible low-floor minivans converted by Braun Corporation.
- How does the 2008 Uplander compare to other model years?
- The 2005 (Complaint Index 100) and 2006 (75) model years are rated Avoid, the 2007 is rated Good with an index of 25, and the 2008 falls in between at 50 with a Caution verdict.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander?
- EPA rates the 2008 Uplander at 19 mpg combined (16 city / 23 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,400.