2008 Chevrolet C8500

Introduction

The 2008 Chevrolet C8500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck offered with multiple engine and transmission options. The base engine is a 6.0L Vortec V8 producing 360 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. A 6.6L Duramax diesel V8 producing 365 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque is also available. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual, a 10-speed automatic, and an Allison 1000 6-speed automatic.

Owners generally appreciate the C8500’s powerful engines, rugged build, and towing capacity. However, some have reported issues with specific components.

Engine

• 6.0L Vortec V8
  • Timing Chain Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Metal shavings in oil, engine noises, engine stalling or misfiring
    • Solution: Replace timing chain, tensioners, and guides
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
    • Recalls: 10V671, 12V375, 13V288
• 6.6L Duramax Diesel V8
  • Fuel Injector Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle misfiring, poor fuel economy, engine sputtering
    • Solution: Replace fuel injectors
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+

Transmission

• 6-Speed Manual
  • Clutch Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises, slipping clutch
    • Solution: Replace clutch and flywheel
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,000
• 10-Speed Automatic
  • Transmission Slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, difficulty shifting gears, shuddering
    • Solution: Overhaul or replace transmission
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000
• Allison 1000 6-Speed Automatic
  • Governor Pressure Sensor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission shifting erratically, check engine light, limp mode
    • Solution: Replace governor pressure sensor
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+

Suspension

• Front Suspension
  • Ball Joint Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or grinding noises, steering vibration, premature tire wear
    • Solution: Replace ball joints
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Rear Suspension
  • Leaf Spring Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, metal on metal noises, bottoming out
    • Solution: Replace leaf springs
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+

Electrical

• Battery
  • Battery Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Car won’t start or has difficulty starting
    • Solution: Replace battery
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
• Alternator
  • Alternator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Dim headlights, charging system warning light, battery draining
    • Solution: Replace alternator
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+

Exterior

• Paint Peeling * Description/Symptoms: Paint flaking, peeling away * Solution: Repaint * Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
• Rust * Description/Symptoms: Rust spots, body panel corrosion * Solution: Replace rusted panels or repair * Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking * Description/Symptoms: Cracks on dashboard surface * Solution: Replace dashboard or repair * Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Seatbelt Lock Failure * Description/Symptoms: Seatbelts locking, not releasing properly * Solution: Replace seatbelt lock * Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+

Summary

The 2008 Chevrolet C8500 is a capable heavy-duty pickup truck with several engine and transmission options. However, some owners have experienced issues with components such as the timing chain, fuel injectors, transmission slippage, suspension components, and electrical issues. The severity and cost of these issues vary, but overall, the C8500 has a mixed reputation for reliability.