Four problems related to air bag on-off switch have been reported for the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 based on all problems reported for the 2008 Silverado 1500.
The problem was not with the air bag, but the front switch that activates the air bags upon impact. When one or both fail the test when you turn the ignition on, it posts a message saying service the air bag system. There is lots of information regarding this on utube. Apparently this is a common problem. I am an electrician and an electronics tech, I know that the air bags will not activate if the crash is on the side with a bad air bag. I had 2 brake light switches go out, at which time the person behind me,would have no idea, I was braking. The switch is a 2 part switch, one part controls the brake light, the other enables or disengages the cruise control system.
Takata airbag defect. . . Defective ignition switch locks key in ignition.
Air bag warning light that airbag needs to be serviced. Had the problem traced at a dealer and found that it is the airbag sensing unit on the passenger front behind the bumper which is defective / rusted and not working. Was also told by not having this fixed my air bags would not work since the system is somehow tied together with the other sensors. Cost to have fixed is $250 for a switch install / sensor install ! I am bringing this to your attention because I am aware of other vehicles, same year with this same issue !.
2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 consumer express concerns with ignition switch. Vehicle was totaled in an accident and airbags did not deploy the consumer stated the vehicle was taken to the dealer four times, for the ignition issue. The problem continued, until he was involved in a no-fault accident on September 11, 2014. The consumer suffered injuries. The vehicle was totaled.