general problems of the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Started vehicle, drove 100 yards, check charging system popped up on display, smoke immediately started pouring in vents as it burst into flames under the hood. Got kids out and called fire department. Vehicle burned from the motor to the box while waiting for fire department.

While driving the service trailer brake system appear on the dic and there is the loss of all trailer brakes function, which deters the vehicles stopping ability. This has happened on several occasions in the last few months, while driving on the interstate, rural highways and city streets. After the vehicle is stopped and shut off the system must reset and resumes normal operation. Noticed when going to Chevrolet forums on the internet that this is a reoccurring problem on this vehicle, found that general motors has issued a recall bulletin #14514b dated January 2015 addressing this issue, but when at the dealership they indicate that it is VIN specific and will not repair. Contacted general motors customer service by phone and was told the same and that my vehicle by it's VIN was not in the recall list. I am reporting this to you as I am concerned that this will lead to fatal or serious injury on the roadways.

My 2008 3500 duramax diesel truck went into limp mode while on the interstate 15 next to the concrete k-rail. Imagine heavy traffic, a fully loaded semi behind you, and then slamming on the breaks. This is what happened. The semi slammed on his breaks, trailer crossed two lanes, other vehicles skidded off the freeway. I was almost killed, as was others. Turns out a rodent had chewed a sensor wire and the wires crossed detecting a condition with the engine. Over 20 vehicles were involved in this near fatal crash. When I asked the dealership why it did this, they explained "it is designed to reduce speed to about 15 miles per hour to same engine components, and that this is in most vehicles today". I personally don't care about engine components, but further research found that his is being driven by the insurance companies that ultimately pay for warranty repairs. This is a major safety risk, and will kill people.