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2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500

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By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck known for its towing and hauling capabilities. Engine options include the 6.0L Vortec V8 (gasoline), producing 353 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque; the 8.1L Vortec V8 (gasoline), producing 330 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque; and the 6.6L Duramax Turbo Diesel V8, generating 365 hp and 660 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options were either a 6-speed Allison automatic for the Duramax or a 4-speed automatic for the gasoline engines. Owners often appreciate the truck’s robust performance and durability but sometimes find the fuel economy and ride quality less desirable. Some common complaints include the cost of maintenance and repairs, particularly on diesel models.

Engine

6.0L Vortec V8 (Gasoline)

  • Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. Symptoms include blue exhaust smoke and a consistently low oil level.
    • Solution: Replacing valve stem seals or piston rings, or in severe cases, an engine rebuild.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $4,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Exhaust Manifold Cracks
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracks in the exhaust manifolds, often near the mounting flange. Symptoms include exhaust leaks, a ticking noise that is most audible when the engine is cold, and reduced fuel economy.
    • Solution: Replacing the cracked exhaust manifold.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

6.6L Duramax Turbo Diesel V8 (LMM)

  • Fuel Injector Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Fuel injectors failing prematurely. Symptoms include rough idling, misfires, decreased power, and black smoke from the exhaust.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty fuel injectors.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400-$800+ per injector
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Turbocharger Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Turbocharger failure or reduced performance due to sticking vanes or bearing issues. Symptoms include reduced power, excessive black smoke, and a whistling noise from the turbo.
    • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the turbocharger.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • EGR Cooler Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak from the EGR cooler, leading to overheating.
    • Solution: Replace EGR Cooler
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500
    • Recalls: None Found

8.1L Vortec V8 (Gasoline)

  • Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. Symptoms include blue exhaust smoke and a consistently low oil level.
    • Solution: Replacing valve stem seals or piston rings, or in severe cases, an engine rebuild.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $4,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Knocking/Ticking Noises
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine knock and ticking noises stemming from collapsed lifters.
    • Solution: Replacing lifters or rebuilding the engine.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $4,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Allison 1000 6-Speed Automatic (Duramax)

  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Torque converter failure, leading to transmission slippage, shuddering, or complete loss of drive.
    • Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Internal Seal Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Loss of forward or reverse gears.
    • Solution: Remove and disassemble the transmission. Replace seals, rebuild the transmission, and reinstall
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $6,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

4L80E 4-Speed Automatic (Gasoline)

  • Slipping/Harsh Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Slipping between gears or harsh, delayed shifting. Can be more pronounced when cold.
    • Solution: Replacing worn clutches, valve body repair/replacement, or complete transmission rebuild.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Loss of 3rd or 4th Gear
    • Description/Symptoms: Complete loss of 3rd or 4th gear. Often caused by internal component failure due to overheating.
    • Solution: Full transmission rebuild or replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,800 - $4,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Front Suspension Ball Joint Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Premature wear or failure of the upper and lower ball joints, leading to loose steering, clunking noises, and uneven tire wear.
    • Solution: Replacing the ball joints.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per side
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Pitman Arm/Idler Arm Wear
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive wear in the pitman arm or idler arm, causing loose steering and wandering on the road.
    • Solution: Replacing the pitman arm and/or idler arm.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Body Control Module (BCM) Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Various electrical problems, including issues with power windows, door locks, lights, and the security system.
    • Solution: Replacing or reprogramming the BCM.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Failure of the 4WD actuator motor, preventing the vehicle from shifting into or out of 4WD.
    • Solution: Replacing the 4WD actuator motor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Fuel Level Sensor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Inaccurate fuel level readings.
    • Solution: Replacing the fuel level sensor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust on Rocker Panels and Cab Corners
    • Description/Symptoms: Rust development on rocker panels and cab corners.
    • Solution: Rust repair or panel replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Dashboard Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracking of the dashboard.
    • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Heater Core Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Leaks, fogging of the windshield, and coolant smell.
    • Solution: Replacement of the heater core.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary: The 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, while generally reliable, can suffer from a range of issues. Engine problems, especially with the Duramax diesel, can be costly due to fuel injector and turbocharger issues. The Allison transmission can experience torque converter failure, while the 4L80E may have shifting problems. Suspension components are prone to wear, impacting steering. Electrical issues, such as BCM malfunctions and 4WD actuator failures, can also occur. Exterior rust and interior dashboard cracking are common cosmetic concerns. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these issues and budget for possible repairs, especially for high-mileage or diesel models.

Chevrolet, Silverado 2500
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 2008
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