2001 Chevrolet Silverado recalls and problems

4 recalls and 876 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado.

4
recalls
876
owner complaints
93
complaints mentioning a crash
5
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2001 Chevrolet Silverado recalls

Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA campaign 07V521000 · reported November 7, 2007 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 11,974 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The 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.

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

NHTSA campaign 05V379000 · reported August 29, 2005 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 1,353,718 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
This can cause increased stopping distances during low-speed brake applications, which could result in a crash.
The 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.

Parking brake

NHTSA campaign 05V161000 · reported April 22, 2005 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 90,242 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
If the parking brake does not hold, unintended vehicle movement could occur, which could result in a crash.
The 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.

Structure: body, tailgate, hinge and attachments

NHTSA campaign 04V129000 · reported March 17, 2004 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 3,662,211 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Apr 6, 2016 · Fuel/propulsion system · 82,530 miles

FUEL GAUGE WILL DROP TO EMPTY AND FUEL LIGHTS LIGHT COMES ON EVEN THOUGH THERE IS MORE THAN A HALF TANK OF GAS I USUALLY KEEP TANK ONCE IT DROPS TO BELOW A HALF TANK. SOMETIME I JINGLE MY KEYS AND IT WILL GO BACK UP SOMETIMES NOTHING.

Nov 10, 2015 · Tires · 159,000 miles · crash reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET SILVERADO EQUIPPED WITH COOPER DISCOVERY A/T TIRES, SIZE: 265R75R16 (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT INDEPENDENTLY AND ROLLED OVER MULTIPLE TIMES. THE CONTACT WAS…

Oct 6, 2015 · Unknown or other

TURNS OFF BY ITSELF

Sep 21, 2015 · Service brakes · 110,000 miles

A STEEL BRAKE LINE CRACKED AND FAILED. I WAS AT MY HOUSE WHEN IT HAPPENED SO NO SERIOUS INJURIES OR DAMAGE. HOWEVER, THE BRAKE FAILED COMPLETELY AND INSTANTLY WITH NO WARNING. IT COULD HAVE OCCURRED AT AN INTERSECTION AND THE RESULTS COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. I HAD MY WIFE PRESS ON THE PEDAL WHILE I LOOKED FOR THE…

Jun 26, 2015 · Service brakes · 66,869 miles

GOING OUT OF THE GARAGE,STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR.NOTICED A PUDDLE UNDER THE TRUCK AND FOUND A RUSTED THRU BRAKE LINE AT THE ABS CONTROL VALVE. UPDATED 09/10/15 UPDATED 11/01/2017

Silverado model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 81,30514011
2001 4876935
2002 4710755
2003 66954211
2004 86225610

Across all years, the 2000 Silverado has the most complaints (1,305). All Chevrolet Silverado years →

Questions

Does the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado, the most recent reported on November 7, 2007 (Engine and engine cooling). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado?
Owners have filed 876 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is service brakes, hydraulic (306 complaints), followed by engine and engine cooling (91).
How many 2001 Chevrolet Silverado complaints mention a crash or fire?
93 of 876 complaints report a crash and 5 a fire; 77 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received April 6, 2016.