2001 GMC Sierra recalls and problems

4 recalls and 263 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2001 GMC Sierra.

4
recalls
263
owner complaints
30
complaints mentioning a crash
2
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 GMC Sierra 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.

Dec 21, 2015 · Service brakes · 250,000 miles · crash reported

05068A PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR CORROSION. MY VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR THIS RECALL IN 2006 WHICH INVOLVED REMOVING AND CLEANING THE ABS SENSOR AND REINSTALLING IT. NO REDESIGN WAS CREATED TO IMPROVE THIS FLAWED DESIGN. I'M HAVING THE SAME FAILURES DESCRIBED AND COVERED IN THIS RECALL. WHILE…

Sep 16, 2015 · Service brakes · 134,000 miles

WENT TO STOP AT TRAFFIC LIGHT AND EXPERIENCED BRAKE LINE RUPTURE DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST. HAD TO USE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO COAST TO A STOP. FORTUNATE NO CARS WERE IN LANE.$1200.00 FOR REPAIR OF LINES.

Jun 6, 2015 · Service brakes · 145,050 miles

BRAKE PEDAL MOVED ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR WITH NO APPARENT HYDRAULIC PRESSURE WHICH FAILED TO ENGAGE BRAKES WHEN SHIFTING INTO DRIVE. INSPECTION OF BRAKE LINES BENEATH DRIVERS SIDE DOOR REVEALED EXCESSIVE RUST AND A HOLE IN STEEL BRAKE LINE LEAKING FLUID.

May 1, 2015 · Structure · 124,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 GMC SIERRA. WHILE SELF-SERVICING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mar 20, 2015 · Service brakes · 105,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP, THE ABS FAILED AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO PULL TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT DETERMINED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS A DEFECTIVE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. THE VIN WAS NOT AFFECTED BY NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V379000 (SERVICE BRAKES…

Sierra model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 8443443
2001 4263302
2002 4249232
2003 620681
2004 7188115

Across all years, the 2000 Sierra has the most complaints (443). All GMC Sierra years →

Questions

Does the 2001 GMC Sierra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2001 GMC Sierra, 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 GMC Sierra?
Owners have filed 263 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is service brakes, hydraulic (100 complaints), followed by service brakes (31).
How many 2001 GMC Sierra complaints mention a crash or fire?
30 of 263 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 9 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received December 21, 2015.