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2001 Chevrolet Silverado Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 877 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado, most often about the brakes (48% of complaints, typically around 51,000 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about Silverado model year since 2000 and has 4 recalls.
Most common 2001 Chevrolet Silverado problems
Brakes
418 complaints · 48%Half of these problems showed up before 51,000 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, foundation components, antilock, conventional.
I have an 01 Chevrolet Silverado with an ABS problem. The motor or pump activates prematurely and way too often.it has been worked on ,at a gmc dealership, three timesthe first inccident happened in a walmart parking loti was turning into a space when the ABS motor just took off.I wasnt going to get stopped,my wife…
Consumer complains about the ABS brake system. There is a problem with the bearings of the brake system. There is no braking power. Sometimes the pedal goes all the way to the floor before it catches and slows the vehicle down. This occurs intermittently.
Engine
95 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 46,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, cooling system, exhaust system.
: the contact stated at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle restarted every time the engine stalled. Also, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle was taken to the dealership who determined the crankshaft sensor would have to be replaced. Updated 9/13/2006 - the crankshaft…
The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning while driving 40 MPH. The contact was able to move the vehicle off the roadway despite the lack of steering capabilities. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several minutes. The contact took the…
Transmission
64 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 49,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, driveline, transfer case (4-wheel drive), manual transmission.
Since ownership of vehicle, reverse has not worked properly. Complete failure 9/28. Vehicle when put into reverse, does not move. Vehicle has been to the dealer 4 times. I am being told they will not cover the fix. Vehicle has 52,000 miles on it.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado. While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost speed and the gears began to spin. The vehicle came to a complete stop. The contact attempted to switch gears, but the vehicle failed to move. The transmission was diagnosed as the cause of failure and was replaced. The contact stated…
Wheels and tires
63 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 33,500 miles. Parts named most often: tread/belt, sidewall, lugs/nuts/bolts/studs, rim.
Dt: contact stated the tread separated from the rear driver side tire, almost causing loss of control of the vehicle. The driver side rear fender was damaged because of the tread separation. Consumer was not aware of any indication that there was a problem with the tire. Two months prior to the incident the tires were…
While driving north on hwy 89 to paulden, az. At about 70 MPH I noticed a severe vibration coming from my front end. I drive a 2001 chevy 2500 Silverado which had firestone steeltex r4s tires all the way around with approximately 32000, miles on them. The tread life looked like maybe 10000 more miles. Before I had a…
Body and structure
53 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 47,500 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
I own a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado. Both tailgate cables snapped. This could have been very dangerous if I were loading equipment into the truck when this happened.
Left hand tailgate strap broke while tailgate was in a lowered position and I was sitting on tailagte. Strap did not separate into two pieces, but a noticeable "fold" now exists in strap and at this location it feels like the strap has broken. Upon strap failure, left hand lower tailgate attach point bent due to load…
Air bags
48 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 54,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal, side/window, on-off switch assembly.
A 2001 chevy Silverado was struck on the side and sent into a tree at between 30-35 MPH. There was significant front end damage and the air bags did not deploy.
Involved in a motor vehicle accident on 04/04/06 striking a concrete light pole, rendered unconscious, vehicle traveled across a roadway striking a tree. Air bags in the vehicle never deployed. Vehicle came in contact with both the tree and light pole at 90 degree angle. Air bag switch was in the on position. Vehicle…
Fuel system
48 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 61,500 miles. Parts named most often: storage, fuel injection system, delivery, carburetor system.
While driving at 30 MPH, the engine failed without warning. The gas gauge did not work at times. The dealer stated a defective fuel module caused the engine to fail.
The ABS light and brake light come on at any time during normal driving. However, it can never be checked because it does not save it in the computer memory when the vehicle is turned off. According to the owner's manual, this means I have no anti-lock brakes. The second problem is very serious also. The fuel gauge is…
Speed control
38 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 44,000 miles. Parts named most often: accelerator pedal.
Accelerator pedal sticks. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed the vehicle had a contaminated fuel system which would cost $170 and it would include cleaning the injectors. After not being able to get in touch with the customer service rep that the consumer spoke with previously who said the…
While driving accelerator pedal is hard to apply when passing or pulling from a stop, the pedal will stick. Consumer has to use his foot to release the accelerator pedal. The gas needle fluctuates from empty to full continually. Consumer very concerned that the fuel gauge problem could be a fire hazard.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2001 Chevrolet Silverado recalls
Engine: engine and engine cooling
Risk: If the sensor becomes completely inoperative, the engine will quit running and will not re-start. Either of these failures can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the crankshaft position sensor free of charge. The recall began on december 18, 2007. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and gmc at 1-866-996-9463.
Full defect summary
On certain pickup trucks equipped with an 8.1l v8 engine, the crankshaft position can operate intermittently or fail completely. If the sensor operates intermittently, the ses light may illuminate and the vehicle may run rough. The engine may stall, and if so, may re-start immediately or after a cool down period.
Brakes: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Risk: This can cause increased stopping distances during low-speed brake applications, which could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers are to remove the wheel speed sensor and thoroughly clean the wheel speed sensor mounting surface on the bearing, apply rust inhibitor to the cleaned surface, grease the mounting surface, reinstall the wheel speed sensor, and check the peak-to-peak output voltage to ensure the wheel speed signal is within specifications. The recall began september 22, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.
Full defect summary
Certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles may experience unwanted antilock brake system (ABS) activation. This condition is more likely to occur in environmentally corrosive areas. This recall will be launched in the "salt belt" states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maryland, massachusetts, maine, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin and the district of columbia only.
Brakes: parking brake
Risk: If the parking brake does not hold, unintended vehicle movement could occur, which could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install a low-force spring clip retainer for vehicles equipped with a pbr parking brake system. On vehicles equipped with the trw parking brake system, dealers will install a redesigned parking brake cable assembly. The recall began on july 29, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.
Full defect summary
On certain pickup trucks equipped with manual transmissions and built with either pbr parking brake systems or trw parking brake systems, the parking brake friction linings may wear to an extent where the parking brake can become ineffective in immobilizing a parked vehicle.
Body and structure: hinge and attachments
Risk: Anyone sitting or standing on the horizontal surface of the tailgate when both cables fractured could be injured by falling from the tailgate. On vehicles that have had the bumper removed, the tailgate may drop even lower. Additionally, if there is cargo on the tailgate the cargo may fall off if the support cables fracture.
Fix: Dealers will replace the cables. Interim owner notification began on april 7, 20004. The recall began on september 24, 2004, when replacement parts were available, and will continue through october 29, 2004. Owners should contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463, or visit www.mygmlink.com, and enter your vehicle identification number.
Full defect summary
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the galvanized steel tailgate support cables that retain the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position may corrode, weaken, and eventually fracture. If both cables fractured, the tailgate would suddenly drop and strike the top surface of the rear bumper.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Brake line corrosion failure
Summary
On january 11, 2011, odi opened ea11-001 to investigate allegations of premature brake line corrosion failure in model year (my) 1999 through 2003 general motors (gm) full-size pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles sold or registered in the following region of the united states that NHTSA has viewed as salt states for investigations of corrosion related issues:connecticut, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia and wisconsin.the subject vehicles represent the first five my's of gm's gmt800 platform production, of whi
Brake line corrosion failure
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) received defect petition dp10-003 on march 2, 2010, requesting the investigation of model year (my) 2003 chevrolet silverado 2500hd 4WD pickup trucks for corrosion failures of the vehicle brake lines.dp10-003 was granted and on march 30, 2010, preliminary evaluation pe10-010 was opened on more than six million model year 1999 through 2003 light trucks and sport utility vehicles manufactured and sold by general motors corporation (gm).on july 2, 2010, odi received gm's response to an information request, which included gm's assessment of the frequency and safety consequences of the alleged defect. Gm stated that:(1) the brake system of the subject veh
Crank position sensor failure - stall
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe06-016) on may 4, 2006 based on eleven vehicle owner questionnaires (voqs) and early warning (ewr) data alleging sudden engine shutdown while driving as a result of crank position sensor failures in my 2001-2002 general motors c/k platform vehicles equipped with 8.1l engines.in response to an information request letter sent by odi, general motors (gm) provided owner complaint information, field reports and warranty claim data based on a population of 108,338 vehicles. The data was categorized by engine stalls while driving, engine stalls with an unknown driving condition, no start conditions and claims where it was
Parking brake failure
Summary
Odi's review of complaint data received since the close of ea04-011 revealed no indication that the investigation should be re-opened.more details can be found in the federal register notice enclosed in the dp05-009 public file.odi reserves the right to reopen the investigation in the future should conditions warrant.
Unwanted low-speed ABS activation
Summary
In a letter dated august 29, 2005, gm notified odi that it was recalling certain model year 1999 through 2002 c/k pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles to correct a problem with anti-lock brake system (ABS) wheel speed sensor corrosion that may result in unwanted ABS activation and extended stopping distances during low-speed braking (recall 05v-379).gm's recall covers approximately 804,000 vehicles currently registered in the following 14 salt-belt states:connecticut, illinois, indiana, massachusetts, maine, michigan, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, and west virginia.the recall procedure will involve removing the sensor, cleaning the mounti
Hydraulic pump failres
Summary
Gm is conducting a recall on all subject vehicles build between may 1999 and october 14, 1999.significant changes were incorporated into production in early october 1999, and vehicles built after that date have lower warranty failure rates.the complaint and warranty data appear to support the effectiveness of these changes. Gm made additional changes in november 1999, february 2000, may 2001, and february 2004.odi will continue to monitor this problem and will take further action, if warranted, in the future.for further technical details see the attached engineering analysis report.
Parking brake failure
Summary
In a letter dated april 20, 2005, gm notified NHTSA that it had decided that defects that relate to motor vehicle safety exist in certain model year (my) 1999-2002 c/k 1500 series (pbr parking brake system) and my 2001-2005 c/k 2500 and 3500 series (trw parking brake system) pickups with manual transmissions.according to gm, some of these vehicles may have conditions that cause the friction linings to wear to an extent where the parking brake can become ineffective in immobilizing a parked vehicle.gm's action covers an estimated total of 142,585 vehicles.dealers will install a low-force spring clip retainer for vehicles equipped with the pbr parking brake system and install a redesigned park
Tailgate cable breakage
Summary
General motors filed a defect notice 04v-129 on march 17, 2004, which outlines a program to replace the tailgate cables installed in affected model year 2000-2004 vehicles.refer to odi's closing report for ea04-005 for additional information.odi is aware of reports of tailgate cable breakage occurring in model year 1999 and earlier vehicles.these vehicles were equipped with similar tailgate cables as addressed by 04v-129, but are not being addressed by campaign o4v-129.odi is initiating a separate investigation to address these vehicles.the complaint-injury-fatality statistics summarized above pertain to model year 2000-2004 vehicles. The complaint-injury statistics for model year 1999 and e
Parking brake failure
Summary
Odi opened pe03-057 to assess parking brake ineffectiveness in the subject vehicles.these vehicles are equipped with four wheel disc brakes that incorporate a single-shoe drum-in-hat parking brake independent of the service brakes.complaint and warranty data indicate that the parking brake linings tend to wear out early in the life of the vehicle (at an average of 24 months in service), reducing the parking brake system's torque below that needed to immobilize the vehicle.gm has attributed this accelerated wear to foreign material intrusion and a failure of the brake shoe to properly self-center within its brake drum.effective with the start of my 2003 production, a newer reduced force hold-
Tailgate cable breakage
Summary
During the pe, odidiscovered that one or both of the tailgate support cables can break due to the effects of metal fatigue at the point where the cable flexes when the lift gate is opened and closed. Concurrently, the strength of the cable degrades over time due to corrosion of the wire strands in the support cables.when the vehicle is stationary and cargo is being loaded or unloaded, the tailgate can tip downward displacing cargo and/or people to the ground without warning.odi is also aware of one total separation of the tailgate from the vehicle.owners cannot easily detect whether the support cabes are damaged or corroded because they are covered by a protective sheath.odi is upgrading thi
Questions about the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado
- What are the most common problems with the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: brakes (418 complaints, typically around 51,000 miles); engine (95 complaints, typically around 46,000 miles); transmission (64 complaints, typically around 49,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado have?
- 4 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from November 7, 2007 (engine). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2001 a bad year for the Chevrolet Silverado?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about Silverado model year since 2000, with 877 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.