general problems of the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe - part 1

65 problems related to electrical system have been reported for the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe based on all problems reported for the 2008 Tahoe.

1 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/15/2026

The battery energy control module gm part # 84442220 located inside the hv battery assembly caught fire. The harness that was most affected was the battery cell voltage sense wires. The way the battery voltage sense circuit is manufactured seems dangerous as there is no fusible link between the battery cell and the module. If a short circuit occurs the full current of the cell will be induced on a very thin gauge wire going to the module which will result in a fire.

2 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 11/15/2025

We were sitting in a parking lot with the engine running and heard an explosion in the vehicle. Later we discovered that the left rear, side curtain air bag had deployed. Horn has been inoperable for months cruise control hasn't worked in years steering wheel radio controls don't work. No appointment reason for any of it. Pass air bag off warning light red air bag light is usually on but not always.

3 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/01/2024

A few thing is on my car I have got new battery, right hub barrier and to get left repaired! light on in care say contraction something has to do by power steering.

4 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/01/2023

I had bought the 08 Tahoe hybrid. The day it was delivered, it stalled I called the dealership out of minnesota and was told OH it could be this it could be that went to two local shops and a private shop all had different specifications as to what was wrong with the car due to so many codes being thrown out. You would try to take off from a stop sign or a red light car would completely lose all power, almost had multiple people slam into me because it always happened, caused so much anxiety because my only wheels to get my children around. Once again was told to take it in gm had it for over a year and could not figure the issue out. I was told by the dealer multiple times it was not their issue and they knew the position I was in an said it was inspected but refused to send me the paperwork.

5 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 11/01/2023

Was delivered. Took for a test drive. Stalled at stop sign. Restarted went down the road stalled and slammed into park. Contacted company was told to take to local GMC/chevy, (said they did a bunch of research and this part should work) basically guessing had my vehicle for 9 months replaced some sensor. Had my boyfriend drove to red light, not even half a block, stall (stable track sensor) but lost all electric but v8 still ran took to another ( had towed) to another local shop they had for 4+ months couldn't figure out said it was running 18+ codes and would cost too much to go through. Contacted company the gentleman politely laughed and said ur kidding me right it's been years I tried to explain how long it was taking due to both repairs company had it over a year n half. No sympathy he knew exactly what he sold.

6 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/22/2023

The air ride control module under the spare tire in the rear of the vehicle has deteriorated and the connections melted so I had to disconnect the module I noticed smoke from underneath the rear of my vehicle I believe if I did not disconnect the module there would have been a fire I have the module that I can send pictures to you of the plug the connection and the deteriorating module these vehicles are supposed to be made to be used in the upstate weather and to leave a important piece of electrical equipment out like that is nonsense and to replace the module is approximately 500 without me going to the dealership.

7 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/06/2022

A number of warning lights came on including abs, stability control, and engine light, car lost power and shut off.

8 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/15/2021

When driving I hear a winding sound in my speakers when I accelerate. My radio is off when this happens. Also my drivers seat belt will not stay latched. Keeps coming updone when correctly fastened.

9 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 02/05/2021

Safety recall on air bags that they can't fix and could cause death.

10 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/01/2020

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving 20 mph, while depressing on the brake pedal the vehicle failed to stop. The contact stated that the abs, brakes, traction control and stability trac warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated he was able to come to a slow stop. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed of an unknown electronic issue. The contact called the local dealer Chevrolet of montebello (310 w whittier blvd, montebello, CA 90640, (323) 271-3453) and made the dealer aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.

11 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 11/11/2020

While at a stop light or stop sign, while engine is on, at a complete stop while the vehicle accelerates the gas the vehicle completely conks out. The vehicle cannot catch speed after it comes to a stop. I am stuck in the middle of traffic at the light or at the stop sign. Check engine light is on.

12 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/03/2020

There has been a recall on my airbags for years. For about 2 weeks now my service airbag message has been on. It came on when I started my car one day and has remained there. The 2nd issue is something electrical. I can be driving and I'll lose all power and lights/radio for 5-20 seconds and then pop back on. That has happened numerous times. Or I'll get out of my car and go to lock it and have no power. Both times that has happened , I popped the hood and the power came back on without me doing anything.

13 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/15/2020

When traveling above 30 mph then decelerating, once the car gets to around 15-20 mph it jumps forward. It's similar to when you drive a stickshift and take your foot off the clutch and the car jumps forward as if it might stall. It doesn't happen regularly. If I decelerate very quickly, then it does not do it. If I decelerate slowly then it does not do it. It has to be somewhere in between and the car is confused between staying in gas mode or switching to hybrid mode and auto stop. The car then jumps forward when confused.

14 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/20/2019

Tahoe middle seat belt buckles have all come apart. I contacted local chevy dealer and they said it's not safe to drive uh no t?! once again cracks on dashboard by passenger airbags and all over ridiculous! middle console started to smoke on 4/2018 and I have to have everything disconnected. I contacted dealer and they said to file complaints with y�all.

15 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2019

This year model has a serious defective problem with the gas accelerator malfunctioning. I have spoken to dozen of friends and family with this year model and above an all have problems with the gas pedal. This will lead to someone being killed if not addressed by the builder of the truck. The pedal sticks when driving ,thus causing you to accelerate when driving. I have almost ran into the vehicle in front of me. I have asked family and friends with the same type of truck and they too have has this problem.

16 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/04/2019

The air/heat system completely quit working. No shop that has looked at it can tell what is wrong with it.

17 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/29/2019

2008 Tahoe 2mode hybird 6. 0l trim: hy2 with electrical power assisted steering freeway off ramp 45-50mph a/c was on at the time medium setting radio was on at the time engine running issue. Had a momentary loss of power steering in "emergency " maneuver. . . Not only did the SUV keep going straight the wheel locked up(like if it was off and would not move at all) everything was fine after that momentary loss of epas was able to come to a complete stop without accident. . . I had a good following distance from the car in front of me and they moved out of the way (fast)so did I. (look like they were moving out of the way of a object in the road) anyways no object in the road. . I did notice there was a recalled issued for the 2015+ model electrical power assisted steering but not for the 2008-2013 2mode hybrids that are equipped with electrical power assisted steering example: 2mode hybird chevy Tahoe 2008-13 GMC yukon 2008-13 Cadillac escalade 2009-13 GMC serria 2009-13 chevy silverado 2009-13.

18 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/31/2019

Tamara recall car just shut down machane say electiial turn car off would not strat back in my yard.

19 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/31/2019

I drove my vehicle in the morning and then parked it for about 2. 5 hours. When I started my vehicle the gas gauge showed my car was empty, even though I had just recently filled up and had only gone about 80 miles on the tank, my airbag readiness light stayed on, and none of my gauges were functioning. Also, the light for the passenger air bag above my review mirror didn't illuminate at all. I drove it for a few seconds and tried turning it off and then back on, but nothing changed. After driving it for a few miles, I parked and turned the vehicle off again. When I turned it back on, everything began working again. I believe this is an electrical issue, but when taken to the dealership, I could not get it to replicate the issue. Besides the obvious danger of not having any gauges while driving, my fear is that the airbags would not work properly in an accident.

20 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/12/2016

Takata recall on my vehicle - why is taking so long to remedy this recall? I also have a few other issues I want to mention. I bought my Tahoe in July 2016, my dash is cracking on the driver's side and from what I've read, this is very common and gm is ignoring the issue. My vehicle also started taking off on its own, took extra pressure to stop & rpm would fluctuate sporadically. After contacting a dealer, I was told there was campaign to replace the throttle body sensor but it had expired while the previous owner had possession and was told I'd have to pay for the repair and would possibly have to replace the throttle body. After replacing the sensor, my vehicle's rpm still fluctuates upon stopping and idle is rough. Very upset Chevrolet customer now.

21 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 11/28/2016

My 2008 chevy Tahoe ltz electrical system would go through a series of phases either when I try to start it up during a cold day or when I am on the highway. This leads to my vehicle either not starting or while driving not being able to maintain speed because the transmission begin to slip. It can also die without warning and the "check engine light" would come on for a while and can disappear after starting up again. I have taken my vehicle to the same service adviser/manager each time I experience this problem and also called gmac to get them involved to be told that they can not duplicate this problem. When ever the codes are pulled, there could be at least 7 at a time. I called gmac went I experienced this for the fourth time and my case number was 71-1326091502 issued on 07/02/2014. Today my case number is 8-2552333596 which was issued on 11/30/2016. I had many other number in between and custom service personnel (gmac) attempt to assist me and the results in the past has been the same each time. However, my vehicle continue to be unsafe. I feel that no one really care but are going through the phases to say that they have done all they can do. My vehicle started to give me this problem at about 107,000 miles, right after my 100,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty expired which cost about $2400. 00. My vehicle also have a total of about nine plus (problem more) months in the shop at the Chevrolet dealership over time where I purchased this vehicle with no results at the end of each trip but it was taken back for the same thing each time. I feel as if every one is just coving themselves by mouth work whether than by actions. All I know is that this vehicle seem to be a "lemon" and no one has the courage to say so. My vehicle is at al serra Chevrolet north, colorado springs, CO. 80920. There # is (719) 867 2990. My # is 719-282 9771. Thanks for your time. Rev. Kb.

22 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/24/2016

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 10v240000 (electrical system); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the engine warning indicator illuminated, the radio turned off on its own, and other lightning in the vehicle began to flicker. The contact replaced the battery, but the failures recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

23 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2016

Takata recall. I have received two recall notice in the mail and took them to my dealer that I get services done, and they keep tell me that they don't have the repair part. I contacted Chevrolet cooperate head quarter and spoke to them regarding these letters, and all they say is that they know about the recall, but no parts is available for my vehicle yet.

24 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/14/2016

I have a 2008 chevy Tahoe ltz and the door locks just quit working one day. On all 4 doors!! the key fob will not lock or unlock the doors nor will the lock or unlock button in the car will work. I feel this is a major safety concern. What if you are stopped at a red light with no way to lock your doors and someone jumps in your car with you with a gun! I have two small children and this is a major concern for me! please issue a recall for the door locks.

25 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/07/2015

Dash, radio lights not working.

26 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/04/2014

There are numerous cracks in the dashboard around the airbag. I am worried if the air bag will prematurely deploy, or will not be able to deploy as designed with the cracks. My vehicle is a 2008 Tahoe ltz. There are countless people with the same issue, with the crack in the same place. I have no idea what is going on with the electrically system and what the cracks might be doing.

27 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 11/04/2014

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the theft system failed to deactivate intermittently. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 110,000.

28 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/17/2014

Passenger side door lock started having problems. Would work occasionally. Now, it won't work at all. Has to be manually pulled up to unlock and pushed down to lock. I noticed over 450 complaints from others about the actuators going out on theirs too. Seems to be a problem.

29 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/08/2014

The front a/c&heater blower fan quit working, and now it and the rear blower quit blowing again. The first time it happened the front blower electrical connector was completely melted.

30 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/05/2013

Vehicle won't start, dashboard lights all activated randomly, battery not problem, all electrical not working, windshield wipers randomly activated. Vehicle towed to dealership. This is the second time this has happened in 2 months. Last time, battery was jumped and car worked for 2 months. Battery checked 2 different times after, battery is good. Had doorlock problems 5 times since purchase of this vehicle in 2008. Covered under warranty first 4 times, and reimbursed on 5th time. This vehicle has had multiple electrical, sensor problems since purchase. I have never had this many problems with chevy before. Reading other comments, this seems to be an issue for others as well. Is there a recall for this problem? doesn't seem like other customers have received satisfaction with their issues either. What is chevy doing to resolve? vehicle is at chevy dealer now, awaiting response. If this was to occur while driving and all electrical shut off, this would be an accident waiting to happen.

31 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/02/2013

I own a 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe 4x4, I purchased it with 80000 miles on it. When I start the car or I am driving all my gauges on my instrument cluster pass beyond the maximum level, even my speedometer sometimes I will be going 40mph but it is marking 80mph. My temperature gauge, my battery gauge, my fuel indicator gauge, even my oil pressure gauge stopped working. The worst part is that my prndl and info center also dissappear while I am driving and they re-ulimunate sometimes after few minutes sometimes for days. The dealer said they have no fix for this, other mechanics said that gm has this issue on most of their trucks and suvs. I think this issue is very unsafe for drivers especially when all your gauges stop working or work improperly or dissappear from your screen, I beleive this can be dangerousto drivers as well as other people on the road and gm should find a fix for it. Thank you.

32 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/14/2013

Power locks are failing for second time after replacing. The actuators do not last over 2 years. Each door costs $300 to repair. There are thousands of posts on the internet with this problem in multiple models and years. This needs to be a recall.

33 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 02/20/2013

The company I work for purchased four 2008 Tahoes new. All have had door lock problems. Mine just happened on both driver side doors and it cost $741 to have fixed today at chevy dealer. I believe the other 3 Tahoes were under warranty at the time, but not sure. The Tahoe I drive was not under warranty. As others have said, you cannot unlock the rear doors since there is no key, and the manual button is not near the pillars so you cant reach it from the front doors. Its a bad situation if you needed to access the rear doors.

34 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/10/2013

To whom it may concern; I am writing because I have had similar problems with the door locks on our 2008 chevy Tahoe. We have had a problem with the door locks in the past as we have had to literally climb out of the window to get out of the vehicle. We have been experiencing problems with the door locks again and took the vehicle to the chevy service this morning. Their customer service rep said the charges are $300 plus. The vehicle has only 84,470 miles. This problem is huge considering that you can not get out of the car once a lock completely fails in that you have to climb out of the window to get out of the car. Also the front driver side window has been making grinding noises when it is used open and close. As this is also another similar issue that others have complained about. My question is why is this so hard to recall and fix? being that we spent good earn money to buy this vehicle and very much loyal to chevy's vehicles. What happened to taking care of your loyal customers? a recall should be indeed initiated to settle these repeated issues with these vehicles so customers can feel that chevorlet is indeed loyal to their customers as we are loyal to purchase their vehicles. Money isn't everything however taking care of your customers can go a lifetime. It starts with the customers first.

35 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2012

The door locks have gone out on my 2008 Tahoe approximately 6 months ago. Our children cannot open the doors to get in our out of the vehicle. The only door that will currently work is the driver door, which only works with the key. The Tahoe has a factor installed alarm system / key fob system, and does not control the doors to lock or unlock. You have to use the key to unlock the driver door, then manually open the passenger and rear doors from the inside, as well as manually lock them from the driver side.



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