2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Engine Problems

While driving uphill in my 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, I experienced a sudden and dangerous loss of power, accompanied by a flashing check engine light, ticking noise, and loss of oil pressure. The engine began to shake violently and I nearly rolled backward into another vehicle before I was able to shut it off. After restarting the truck, it began jerking and misfiring, making it completely undriveable. The issue occurred without warning and required a tow. Symptoms Observed: •Low oil pressure warning •Ticking/knocking noise from engine •Engine shaking and loss of power •Jerking and severe misfire when restarted •Flashing check engine light •Diagnosed failed/stuck AFM lifter in cylinder 6 •Engine misfire isolated to cylinder 6 (confirmed by unplugging ignition coil with no change) •Oil consumption and burning smell over prior months •Possible camshaft damage due to lifter failure Shops Involved: 1.Pep Boys (North Clairemont, San Diego) – Charged $400 and claimed to fix the issue, but symptoms returned immediately. 2.Rosecrans Automotive (San Diego) – Confirmed the issue is likely due to AFM system failure (collapsed lifter/cam damage). Estimated repair cost: $4,500+. Additional Impact: •Required towing after complete loss of drivability •Rental car for over a week (ongoing) •Potential lost income due to inability to commute to work •Total cost between diagnostics, failed repair, and upcoming repairs is significant Safety Concerns: •Sudden power loss occurred while climbing a steep hill—nearly caused a rear-end collision •Jerking, misfire, and engine instability made it unsafe to control •No prior warning; failure happened instantly Why I am reporting: This is clearly a systemic issue with GM’s Active Fuel Management system, especially in 5.3L V8 engines like mine. It poses not only a major safety risk to drivers and other vehicles, but also an enormous financial burden on consumers. Based on online forums an

NHTSA ID

11669867

Incident

Jun 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed white smoke coming from the exhaust with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that the following day, while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. Additionally, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact used a diagnostic machine and retrieved several codes indicating electrical failures. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stated that the engine had been replaced twice. The contact stated the last engine was replaced in 2021. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ID

11658182

Incident

May 1, 2021

Mileage

70,000 mi

T ruck left my wife totally stranded in the middle of a busy intersection. It was running but would not accelerate. I ran the codes and 2 codes that has never popped up before was P1682 and P2138. One said it could be the ignition and the other said it could be accelerator position sensor on gas peddle. My mechanic said this is a communication problem where the wires go into the ECM. Bad connection or moisture getting in. I have had a few wonky codes pop up that we believe to be bad connections. GM NEEDS TO GET THIS RECALLED AND RESOLVED. Trucks just stopping in the middle of the highway and in traffic is super dangerous. After i pushed on connection going into ecm, it started and I have not been able to duplicate code. We will see once it rains if it comes back. Way too many computers running these cars. A computer should never be involved with the running of engine, acceleration, braking or steering. KEEP THE COMPUTERS FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS!

NHTSA ID

11623165

Incident

Oct 21, 2024

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated the vehicle was unable to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the manufacturer nor dealer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 210,000.

NHTSA ID

11465773

Incident

Feb 14, 2022

Mileage

210,000 mi

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the check engine and service airbag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11437289

Incident

Oct 19, 2021

Air bag light is in and I had a lifter failure on my motor. Bed and rockers are rotting out

NHTSA ID

11425300

Incident

Sep 18, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE REOCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.

NHTSA ID

11406546

Incident

Apr 2, 2021

Mileage

102,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS SHAKING WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE ENGINE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 173,585.

NHTSA ID

11406012

Incident

Feb 28, 2021

Mileage

173,585 mi

2008 CHEVY SILVERADO 1500 FIRE ON 11/20/20 I WAS DRIVING 3 MILES TO MY FRIENDS HOUSE AND AS SOON AS I PULLED UP, I SMELT FIRE. I GOT OUT TO FIND OUT THAT MY PASSENGER HEADLIGHT AND EVERYTHING UNDER THE HOOD WAS ON FIRE!! AS I STARTED TO RUN FOR HELP, I TRIPPED OVER A LARGE SIZE CURB AND LANDED ON MY FACE. MY NECK, SHOULDERS AND BACK HAVE BEEN DIFFICULT TO MOVE SINCE THIS HAPPENED. I TRIED TO LIFT THE HOOD BUT THAT WAS TOO HOT TO DO SO, I RAN INTO MY FRIENDS HOUSE SCREAMING FOR A FIRE EXTINGUISHER!! AS I WAS RUNNING BACK TO REMOVE AS MUCH AS I COULD OUT OF THE TRUCK HER HUSBAND CAME OUT WITH THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND SHE CAME WITH THE HOSE. I NOW I CAN BARELY MOVE MY NECK, MY BACK IS IN SEVERE PAIN, AND MY RIBS HURT IMMENSELY. AS I SURVIVED THIS LIFE THREATENING ORDEAL, I STARTED DOING BACKGROUND CHECKS ON THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE AND 124 DEATHS HAVE OCCURRED BECAUSE OF THIS GM PROBLEM. HOW IS THIS NOT A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT?!!

NHTSA ID

11384545

Incident

Nov 20, 2020

Mileage

122,000 mi

2008 CHEVY SILVERADO 1500 FIRE ON 11/20/20 I WAS DRIVING 3 MILES TO MY FRIENDS HOUSE AND AS SOON AS I PULLED UP, I SMELT FIRE. I GOT OUT TO FIND OUT THAT MY PASSENGER HEADLIGHT AND EVERYTHING UNDER THE HOOD WAS ON FIRE!! I TRIED TO LIFT THE HOOD BUT THAT WAS TOO HOT TO DO SO, AND I RAN INTO MY GIRLFRIENDS HOUSE SCREAMING FOR A FIRE EXTINGUISHER!! AS I WAS RUNNING BACK TO REMOVE AS MUCH AS I COULD OUT OF THE TRUCK HER HUSBAND CAME OUT WITH THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND SHE CAME WITH THE HOSE. I HAD MY BRIEFCASE, PURSE, PORTABLE BOOM BOX AND STARTED RUNNING AS FAST AS I COULD BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BLOW UP, AND TRIPPED OVER THE CURB AND LANDED FACE FIRST IN THE DIRT. NOW I CAN BARELY MOVE MY NECK, MY BACK IS IN SEVERE PAIN, AND MY RIBS HURT IMMENSELY. AS I SURVIVED THIS LIFE THREATENING ORDEAL, I STARTED DOING BACKGROUND CHECKS ON THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE AND 124 DEATHS HAVE OCCURRED BECAUSE OF THIS GM PROBLEM. HOW IS THIS NOT A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT?!!

NHTSA ID

11376427

Incident

Nov 11, 2020

Mileage

200,002 mi

A BATTERY ICON COMES ON MY DASH WITH A MESSAGE ABOUT THE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE SERVICED. IT DOES NOT MATTER IF THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY OR DRIVING THIS COMES ON FOR LONG ENOUGH TO READ THEN GOES OFF. THE TIRES PRESSURE SENSOR IS GIVING A MESSAGES AS WELL ABOUT NEEDING SERVICING. THE DRIVER'S SEATBELT LATCH HAS STOPPED ALLOWING THE CLIP TO ENTER I WAS PARKED AT THE TIME THIS HAPPENED. I HAVE SINCE THEN TRIED TO SPRAY WHITE LITHIUM TO GET IT MOVING SINCE I DID NOT HAVE WD40.THERE WAS NO SUCCESS. I STILL HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET THE AIRBAG RECALL FIXED.

NHTSA ID

11373604

Incident

Nov 1, 2020

Mileage

180,000 mi

CYLINDER #4 HAS FAILED. SEVERAL MECHANICS HAVE STATED THAT THEY SEE SEVERAL OF THESE FAILURES WITH ENGINES EQUIPPED OR PROGRAMMED WITH THE ACTIVE FUEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS. MY ENGINE FAILURE OCCURRED UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES, 55MPH ON A FARM TO MARKET ROAD TRANSITIONING FROM FLAT ROADS ONTO A SLIGHT RISE WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED RUNNING VERY NOTICEABLY ROUGH. I PULLED OVER AND THE ENGINE UNBALANCE WAS VERY APPARENT.

NHTSA ID

11234740

Incident

May 1, 2019

Mileage

170,000 mi

5.3 MOTOR LIFTERS ARE GOING OUT BECAUSE OF THE FUEL MANAGEMENT BAD LIFTERS

NHTSA ID

11232865

Incident

Jul 11, 2019

Mileage

186,000 mi

I HAVE JUST OVER 150,000 MILES ON MY 5.3 LITER V8 I CONSTANTLY HAVE TO ADD OIL AND HAVE HAD TO SINCE I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK WITH 124,253 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. I GENERALLY ADD 2 QUARTS A MONTH. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS ISSUE TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND HAVE BEEN TOLD RHIS IS ALLOWANCE. THE OIL PAN GASKET, REAR MAIN SEAL, VALVE COVER GASKETS, VALVE COVERS, THE VALVE SEATS, AND PISTON RINGS ARE ALL SHOWING DEGRADED SIGNS. I WORKED AS A MECHANIC FOR A SHORT TIME. I AM ALSO A RETIRED LOGISTICAL TRANSPORTATION OPERATOR FROM THE ARMY . I HAVE NEVER KNOW THIS TO BE IN ALLOWANCE. I UNDERSTAND THAT SOME OF THESE ISSUES ARE AT OWNERS RESPONSIBILITY. I JUST WANT TO MAKE IT KNIWN THAT EVERYONE I KNIW WITH THIS YEAR MODEL TRUCK HAVE TGE SAME EXACT PROBLEMS. UNFORTUNATELY THIS VEHICLE DOES HAVE A SALVAGED TITLE.

NHTSA ID

11194326

Incident

Dec 15, 2016

Mileage

125,000 mi

STABILITRAK AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT GOING OFF WITH BLINKING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND ROUGH IDLE, ON A HIGHWAY. IT HAPPENED ON FEBRUARY 3 2019

NHTSA ID

11174556

Incident

Feb 3, 2019

Mileage

65 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH OR AT A STOP, ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS WOULD ILLUMINATE BEFORE THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER A FEW SECONDS. THE CONTACT CALLED TERRY CULLEN CHEVROLET (1250 BATTLE CREEK RD, JONESBORO, GA 30236) WHERE AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000.

NHTSA ID

11102661

Incident

Jun 18, 2018

Mileage

147,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FUEL SENDING UNIT MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING BECAUSE THE FUEL SENDING UNIT SENT AN INCORRECT SIGNAL TO THE FUEL TANK, THUS SIGNALING TO THE ENGINE THAT THERE WAS NO FUEL IN THE VEHICLE. DON HALL CHEVROLET INC IN ASHLAND, KENTUCKY WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11079682

Incident

Jan 15, 2018

Mileage

80,000 mi

RAPID TEMPORARY LOSS OF ENGINE POWER, DOORLOCKS CYCLING REPEATEDLY, GUAGES MALFUNCTIONING, RADIO SHUTS OFF AND TURNS BACK ON WITH NO PRESET STATIONS AND SHOWING 12:00 ON THE CLOCK ,CRUISE CONTROL DISENGAGES. ONCE VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF, NO GUAGES NOR LIGHTS WORK...AS IF THERE WASN'T ANY BATTERY IN THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE WON'T START UNTIL DOME LIGHT IS RESTORED ON VIA JUMPSTARTING. CLEANING BATTERY CONNECTIONS AND NUMEROUS GROUND WIRE CONNECTIONS GIVES SHORT-LIVED RELIEF FROM SYMTOMS BUT PROBLEMS ULTIMATELY RETURN. CHEVY DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSIS SHOWS THAT GROUND WIRES HAVE HIGH RESISTANCE. ONLINE RESEARCH SHOWS THAT TENS OF THOUSANDS OF OTHER CHEVY OWNERS ARE HAVING SIMILAR TO EXACT SAME PROBLEMS, YET NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED. PROBLEM WAS "FIXED" LAST YEAR AND HAS RETURNED YET AGAIN.

NHTSA ID

11072131

Incident

Feb 2, 2018

Mileage

88,325 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND STALLED, AND THE LOW OIL PRESSURE AND "SHUT THE VEHICLE DOWN" INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (FAMILY CHEVROLET, 3701 E SAUNDERS ST, LAREDO, TX 78041) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL, OIL FILTER, AND INJECTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: 8-3726232141. THE CONTACT WAS OFFERED A DISCOUNT ON REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11058103

Incident

Dec 28, 2017

Mileage

80,000 mi

STARTED USING OIL ALL CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON AN NOW IS KNOCKING MOTOR NO GOOD.AFM SUCKS.

NHTSA ID

11001794

Incident

Mar 16, 2017

Mileage

165,000 mi

CYLINDER 1 MISFIRE,COLLAPSED LIFTER,DOD/AFM SYSTEM FAILED. TICKING NOISE FROM ENGINE BEFORE LIFTER FAILED.STABILITY TRACTION CONTROL ALSO GIVING PROBLEMS ONCE PROBLEM WITH LIFTER STARTED 144000 MILES MOSTLY HIGHWAY THIS TRUCK IS ONLY USED FOR FAMILY OUTTHINGS.NOT EVERY DAY DRIVER 3 DAYS OUT OF A 7 DAY WEEK.

NHTSA ID

10981489

Incident

Dec 26, 2016

Mileage

35 mi

THE ENGINE IS THE 5.3 AND IS SUFFERING FROM EXCESSIVE OIL LOSS, NORMALLY 2-3 QTS BETWEEN OIL CHANGES.

NHTSA ID

10949972

Incident

Jan 28, 2017

AT 84000 MILES HAVE CYLINDER 7 COLLAPSED LIFTER. THIS IS A KNOWN AND PREVALENT ISSUE ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACTIVE FUEL MANAGMENT SYSTEM (AFM). TOTAL REPAIR ESTIMATE >$3000. THIS ISSUE HAS AFFECTED MANY GM VEHICLES, ESPECIALLY TRUCKS, WITH THIS COSTLY REPAIR. ONCE THIS OCCURS IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME THAT THE SAME PROBLEM REOCCURES.

NHTSA ID

10930324

Incident

Dec 5, 2016

Mileage

84,000 mi

VEHICLE BEGAN TO KNOCK AND IDLE ROUGH. NOTICED WHILE IN STATIONARY MODE ON A CITY STREET. VEHICLE IS MISFIRING IN CYLINDER 1. ENGINE HAS A HISTORY OF BEATING UP ITS CAM SHAFT AND LIFTERS.

NHTSA ID

10875267

Incident

Jun 10, 2016

Mileage

117,000 mi

ENGINE LOST COMPRESSION AND STARTED TICKING WHILE TRAVELING AT 65 MPH AND CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP IN TRAFFIC. THIS CAUSED A SAFETY CONCERN WITH MY 2 INFANT SONS AS PASSENGERS. THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS FLASHING WHICH RESULTED IN A CODE P0304.

NHTSA ID

10872432

Incident

May 25, 2016

Mileage

124,000 mi