NHTSA has 77 owner complaints on file for the 2008 GMC Envoy[1]. The electrical system is the biggest group, with 18 complaints[2].
Most reported problems
Here are the complaint groups in the stories we read, biggest first.
- Electrical System. 18 complaints[2]. Owners describe gauges that act strangely, switches and sensors that keep getting replaced, and a few cases of the engine cutting out while driving with the dash going dark.
- Exterior Lighting. 17 complaints[4]. Owners describe headlights that drop out on their own, sometimes at night and at speed, and come back later without a clear cause.
- Engine. 12 complaints[5]. In the stories we read, owners talk about a cracked exhaust manifold, a temperature gauge that misbehaves, and a check engine light tied to a leaking seal.
- Electronic Stability Control (Esc). 12 complaints[6]. Owners describe the stability warning light coming on again and again, sometimes alongside an air bag light, and dealers who could not find a fix.
- Suspension. 7 complaints[7].
- Brakes. 6 complaints[8].
- Power Train. 5 complaints[9].
- Seat Belts. 5 complaints[10].
Recalls
NHTSA's records show 0 recalls for the 2008 Envoy[11].
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| Envoy 2WD, 4.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive[12] | 14 / 20 / 16 | $4,200 |
| Envoy 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive[3] | 14 / 20 / 17 | $3,950 |
| Envoy 4WD, 4.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive[13] | 14 / 20 / 16 | $4,200 |
| Envoy 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive[14] | 13 / 19 / 16 | $4,200 |
Safety ratings
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 DR RWD/AWD[15] | n/a | n/a | n/a | 4 | 19.1% |
Engine and size
These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.
How 2008 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 557 | 15 |
| 2003 | 624 | 9 |
| 2004 | 704 | 2 |
| 2005 | 511 | 2 |
| 2006 | 587 | 8 |
| 2007 | 253 | 5 |
| 2008 | 77 | 0 |
| 2009 | 17 | 0 |
NHTSA's counts for the Envoy show 77 complaints and 0 recalls for 2008[11]. Among the 8 model years listed, 1 have fewer complaints than 2008 and 6 have more[11]. The fewest complaints are for 2009 (17) and the most are for 2004 (704)[11]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.
Should you buy a used 2008 Envoy?
The 2008 Envoy has a clear pattern in the owner reports. Electrical and lighting trouble make up the largest groups[2][4]. Engine and stability control complaints follow[5][6]. These are unverified reports sent to NHTSA, so they show what owners reported and not how often a fault happens. If you are shopping for one, check the electrical system, the headlights and the stability warning light before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 GMC Envoy?
- Owners filed 77 complaints in total[1]. The largest groups are the electrical system[2] and exterior lighting[4].
- Are there recalls on the 2008 GMC Envoy?
- The by-year count lists 0 recalls in our data[11]. See the Recalls section on this page for what is listed.
- Is the 2008 GMC Envoy reliable?
- Owner reports point to electrical, lighting, engine and stability control trouble[2][4][5][6]. These are unverified complaints, so treat them as a checklist for a test drive.
- What is the gas mileage of the 2008 GMC Envoy?
- See the Fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.
- Is the 2008 the best year for the GMC Envoy?
- See the by-year comparison on this page to compare it with other years.
Keep exploring
Other model years of the GMC Envoy
Compare all model years of the GMC Envoy
Other GMC models from 2008
Similar cars from 2008: suvs
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 77 owner complaints on file for the 2008 GMC Envoy (5 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 5 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 18 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 79,124). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Envoy 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 17 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 130,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 12 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 87,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 12 complaints name the electronic stability control (esc) component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 85,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 7 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 6 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 58,150). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the seat belts component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 53,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every GMC Envoy model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Envoy 2WD, 4.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Envoy 4WD, 4.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Envoy 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD/AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ENVOY 4DR SUV 4WD DENALI: length 192 in, width 74 in, height 72 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 4,802 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ENVOY 4DR SUV 4WD SLE/SLT: length 192 in, width 74 in, height 72 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 4,542 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov