NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 119 owner complaints for the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander. Most complaints involve electrical system (28) and electronic stability control (esc) (20). The EPA rates it 19 mpg combined.
THE BRAUN CORPORATION HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 GENERAL MOTORS MOBILITY CONVERSION, HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE LOW FLOOR MINIVANS. DURING CONVERSION, THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM MODIFICATION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“safety issue becomes whenever noise from under carriage as if as trailing arms are out of order notice problems whenever roll over small bumps in the road or uneven pavement”
“ON 05/31/2016 CALLED CHEVROLET TO ASK WHY STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT WENT ON WHEN GOING OVER A BUMP IN ROAD. 06-02-2016 CALLED LOCAL DEALERSHIP ABOUT STABILITY LIGHT PROBLEM, WAS TOLD THAT IS WAS A LOOSE CONNECTION MOST LIKELY. AFTER LOOKING ONLINE, WE IGNORED THE LIGHT. ON AUGUST 28, 2017 WE BROUGHT THE UPLANDER INTO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP FOR AN ESTIMATE ON THE FUEL SERVICE. THAT EVENING WHEN WE WENT TO PICK THE VAN UP, THE SERVICE TECH SAID THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS "GONE". HE GAVE AN ESTIMATE ON A NEW TRANSMISSION. WE HAD BEEN DRIVING THE VAN WITHOUT PROBLEMS BUT FOR LOSING POWER GOING UP HILLS, THAT'S WHY WE WANTED THE FUEL SERVICE, PREVIOUSLY THAT WAS THE PROBLEM. WE HAVE SERVICED THIS VEHICLE ALL THE TIME FROM WHEN WE PURCHASED IN DECEMBER OF 2008. WHEN WE PICKED THE VAN UP WE DIDN'T MAKE IT MORE THAN 4 BLOCKS WHEN IT STOPPED MOVING. NOW THE TRANSMISSION MECHANIC SAYS THE TRANSMISSION HAS OVERHEATED AND NEEDS A COMPLETE REBUILD FOR $2,600.00. ONLINE THE CHEVY FORUM SAYS THAT THE MODULE GOES AND THE TRANSMISSION OVERHEATS DESTROYING THE TRANSMISSION, BUT ALSO STATES A LIGHT COMES ON. THIS LIGHT HAS NOT COME ON IF ITS NOT THE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT.”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET UPLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE REAR END OF THE SUSPENSION FRACTURED AND FELL TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE REAR FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 225,000. UPDATED 01/20/15*LJ UPDATED 01/20/15”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uplander FWD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.9 L, CLKUP · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,300 | 468 |
| Uplander FWD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.9 L, CLKUP · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,300 | 468 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 119 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (28), electronic stability control (esc) (20), structure (19). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander at 19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).