KnownCarProblems2001 GMC Sierra Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 264 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 GMC Sierra, most often about the brakes (57% of complaints, typically around 65,000 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about Sierra model year since 2000 and has 4 recalls.
Most common 2001 GMC Sierra problems
Brakes
150 complaints · 57%Half of these problems showed up before 65,000 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, foundation components, antilock, conventional.
While driving at a slow speed and coming to a stop my 2001 GMC Sierra truck's brake pedal pulsates. I think there is something wrong with the anti-lock brake system.
While parking on an icy pavement, the ABS failed and caused the vehicle to hit and roll over the concrete parking divider. Vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer cleaned the corrosion off both front wheel sensors. The consumer stated that his brakes failed 3 times under 5mph. The consumer stated that the vehicle…
Engine
23 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 48,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system, cooling system.
Vehicle experienced sudden stalling at various low speeds. Taken to dealer for testing, but the cause was undetermined at this time. The dealer replaced the crank sensor.
Disc rotor delamination, anti-lock control. I was pulling a 3/4 ton van stuck in his yard, as I got him close to the hard surface ( driveway) I put on the brakes and the truck wouldn't stop, it hit the corner of his block house. No damage to the house however I had to replace all but hood and one headlight assy. 10…
Wheels and tires
19 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 35,000 miles. Parts named most often: tread/belt, sidewall, bead, temporary/emergency spare tire.
While driving at 60 MPH left rear tire tread separated. This resulted in the fender and bumper bending. Firestone said that consumer hit a pot hole that caused damage to the tire. However, consumer denied hitting a pot hole while driving.
Tl contact owns a 2001 GMC Sierra. While driving 60 MPH, the rear passenger side tire blew out. The tread separated from the sidewall. The tires are the vehicle's original tires. The purchase date and tire information were unknown. The current mileage is 32,960 and failure mileage was 32,910.
Fuel system
16 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 78,500 miles. Parts named most often: storage, delivery, fuel injection system.
Fuel gauge has been malfunctioning for several months now - sometimes works properly, but other times reads empty when tank is full, reads more fuel than in tank, etc. I have several friends who have this generation of gm full-size truck (GMC Sierra, chevy silverado, GMC yukon, chevy tahoe - gmt800 series), and most…
State inspection, failed due to rotted fuel filler neck. Was told for awhile it was due to gas cap, replaced that, light would go on and off. When it would no longer go off took back to dealers. Dealership replaced fuel filler neck, along with valve/sensor at a cost of over $500. Gm will not help as they claim it was…
Suspension
15 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 44,000 miles. Parts named most often: front.
Truck exhibits failure of braking at slow speeds; pedal hard and no brake; hit building at slow speed minimal damge; truck had 38,000 miles. Took to dealer;they said knew what was wrong; changed out left front hub and speed sensor $405.00.
Many problems: 4 wheel drive sensor, front end suspension, parking brake, service brakes, anti-lock brakes, speed sensors, radio, center console, engine noise rapping when starting, tailgate cables, anti-theft sensor, and now the battery voltage gauge needle excess dropping when stopping, engine idling to low when…
Transmission
14 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 35,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, transfer case (4-wheel drive), driveline, axle hubs.
The consumer heard a clunking noise and a pulsating sensation in the steering column while making turns. The consumer was told that the wrong lubricant was used at the factory for the steering column shaft. The shaft was unable to be lubricated because the lubricant would not penetrate between the first and second…
The antilock brakes engaged at 10 MPH while driving on dry road conditions. The problem was repaired on october 14, 2004. The problem was due to internal hub failure in which both hubs were replaced. The brakes never failed at high speeds. The ABS light stayed on.
Body and structure
13 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 40,000 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
When it rains water collects in the elbow of the rubber sleeve covering the support cable holding the tailgate up. The water in the elbow caused both cables to corrode and break.
2001 GMC Sierra 1500 pick-up ailgate cables snapped (both) when I sat on the tailgate. I am not too heavy the cables are defective by allowing water the seep into the cable and rust while not showing any obvious problem untill the failure.
Electrical
13 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles. Parts named most often: ignition, wiring, 12v/24v/48v battery.
Dt: the consumer took vehicle to the dealership for manufacturer's recall 05500 work on 7-28-05 for the ignition distributor system. It was inspected and replaced. . When the consumer took the truck to dealer it was running well, there were no problems. About 30-45 minutes later consumer was called by the service desk…
When my issues started, I would fill my gas tank and the gas gauge would plummet to empty. While driving, it would go to full, back to empty or be anywhere in between. At that time, there no no mechanical issues, just the annoying fact that you had no idea how much fuel you actually had. This went on until this…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2001 GMC Sierra 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
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
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-
Throttle sticking closed
Summary
This investigation involves the general motors corporation (gm)throttle body (tb) utilized in model year (my) 1999-2002 silverado, sierra, tahoe, suburban, avalanche and yukon (subject vehicle(s)) with 4.8l, 5.3l, and 6.0l engines. The tb valve may intermittently stick in a closed position.in such a situation, an operator may apply additional accelerator pedal force to increase engine speed.the application of additional accelerator pedal force, to open a stuck throttle valve, may open the throttle valve more than intended and, in turn, accelerate the engine and vehicle more than intended and reasonably expected by the driver.on august 1, 2002, the office of defects investigation (odi), of th
Throttle sticking
Summary
There is no summary currently available
Questions about the 2001 GMC Sierra
- What are the most common problems with the 2001 GMC Sierra?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: brakes (150 complaints, typically around 65,000 miles); engine (23 complaints, typically around 48,000 miles); wheels and tires (19 complaints, typically around 35,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2001 GMC Sierra 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 GMC Sierra?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about Sierra model year since 2000, with 264 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.