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2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems

The most common problem on the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 is brakes, typically around 72,000 miles. It has 2.3 times the complaints of a typical Silverado 3500 model year.

Year to avoid2.3x the typical complaints
Year score
44/100
Owner complaints
72
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
315
Worst area
Brakes

The worst 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Brakes
    37
  • Engine
    24
  • Fuel system
    7
  • Electrical
    4
  • Suspension
    4
  • Lights
    3
  • Steering
    3
  • Visibility
    3
  • Body
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Airbags
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Tires
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Stalling 11ABS 9Brake failure 9

Trouble codes owners of the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 mention

C3500 2

Recalls 1

Interior lightingReported June 26, 2001 · 38,863 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: certain pickup trucks equipped with 6.6l diesel engines fail to comply with requirements of fmvss no. 105, "hydraulic and electric brake systems." these vehicles have a brake system warning light in the instrument cluster that may not illuminate when the brake fluid is low. In addition, when the brake fluid is low, the vehicle may not meet the partial system requirements of fmvss no. 105.
Risk
These conditions could result in reduced braking capability, which could lead to a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will change the location of a wire connection in the underhood bussed electrical center. Owner notification began july 9, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or gmc at 1‑800‑462‑8782.

Recall number 01V220000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Defect investigations

Crank position sensor failure - stallOpened September 14, 2006, closed November 9, 2007

In a letter dated november 7, 2007, general motors (gm) reported to the office of defects investigation (odi) that it will conduct a safety recall (07v‑521) to replace the crank position sensor (ckp) in approximately 12,000 model year (my) 2001 chevrolet silverado and gmc sierra vehicles equipped with 8.1 liter engines manufactured on or before november 15, 2000.according to gm, the ckp can fail intermittently or permanently.a permanent ckp failure would result in an engine stall without restart.an intermittent ckp failure could cause the service engine soon light to illuminate, the vehicle to run rough or the engine to stall but allows restart.as a remedy, an improved ckp will be installed in the subject vehicles.the recall campaign will start in december 2007. During the preliminary evaluation (pe06-016), and this ea investigation, gm and odi independently conducted detailed reviews of certain field data to understand the nature and rate of subject vehicle stalling due to ckp failures.gm and odi reviewed gm's warranty claims for the ckp with the objective of ascertaining an estimate of those claims representing an engine stall while driving.the ckp warranty claims without verbatim text were the largest segment of warranty claims.using those claims, gm surveyed vehicle owners to gather additional information to determine if the claim was associated with a stall while driving event.based on the survey, gm estimated that approximately 49% of all warranty repairs for the ckp involved a stall while driving.odi?s review of gm's survey data produced a higher estimate (71%) for stall while driving.gm further estimated the rate of stall while driving for the subject vehicles over time.it estimated stalling while driving rates of 1.6%, 4.6% and 8.9% at 1, 3 and 6 years in service respectively.odi's review of the gm's survey data finds higher estimated stall while driving rates of 2.2%, 6.8% and 13% at 1, 3 and 6 years in service respectively. Odi also conducted a survey of vehicle owners using consumer complaints reported to both odi and gm.the objective was to ascertain the potential safety consequences of an engine stall due to the alleged defect.with respect to the ability to restart the vehicle after a stall, 11% reported immediate restart, 69% reported delayed restart and 20% reported no restart.over half noted at least one engine stall incident at speeds in excess of 40mph. About one-third noted the vehicle was stranded either partially or fully in a lane of traffic after the engine stall.all of the consumers surveyed noted multiple stalling events prior to proper diagnosis and replacement of the ckp.based on gm's decision to conduct a safety recall, this investigation is closed.

EA06016

Hydraulic pump failresOpened April 30, 2004, closed February 28, 2005

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.

EA04012

Hydraulic pump shaft failuresOpened January 8, 2004, closed April 30, 2004

The preliminary evaulation is being upgraded.during the ea odi will limitits investigation to only those vehicles equipped with a hydro-boost system, which provides power assist to the braking and steering sytems.vaccuum brake booster vehicles are excluded.odi hasexpanded the scope of the ea to include model years2003 and 2004, asduring the pe, odi learned that the hydroboast pumps were modified in febraury 2004.therefore,odi has expanded the scope to include the additional model years.odi's is concerned because thisisa sudden failure that affects two critical systems of the vehicle, brakes and steering, at the same time.the ability of the operator to handle the dual failures is a concern. Further, these vehicles tend to be work vehicles, with some over 10,000 pounds gvwr and many equipped to pull large trailers.dual failures of heavily loaded vehicles and vehicles pulling trailers further increases the safety risk.odi plans to conduct testing to quantify the braking and steering performance degradation and the impact on safe vehicle control, when a hydroboast pump fails.

PE04004

Technical service bulletins for the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 315

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 315 bulletins for the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

What 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 9, 2024 · Brakes · NC

Front right brake overheated.

Filed Jul 24, 2023 · Engine · NC

While driving engine cuts off intermittently, usually will restart. This is caused by the Crank position sensor. Once replaced, the issue was resolved. This vehicle was NOT covered by the federal safety agency recall 07U521000.

Filed Apr 25, 2018 · Engine · 33,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet silverado 3500. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning in the middle of the freeway. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after a few attempts. The contact stated that the failure occurred on several occasions. The dealer (f.h. Dailey chevrolet, 800 davis st, san leandro, ca 94577) stated that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 07v521000 (engine). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.

Filed Apr 20, 2017 · Engine · 49,376 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning and was unable to be driven. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who replaced the crank shaft position sensor. The contact was not included in the federal safety agency action number: ea06016 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer indicated that the vehicle was excluded from a manufacturer recall and provided no solution. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 49,376.

Filed Apr 15, 2017 · Body, Electrical · 156,000 miles · NC

The dimmer switch for interior lighting is prone to failure. When it fails, all dash and gauge cluster illumination will cease to function, causing dangerous driving conditions after dark. The driver will not be able to see any gauges or climate control features, which may cause a crash.

Filed Feb 19, 2017 · Brakes · 90,000 miles · NY

My 2001 chevy one ton silverado pick-up with 90,000 miles on it , has majorly rusted out brake lines. While driving down the road, I blew a brake line. When I looked to see what line it was,I was amazed at how badly all the lines were rusted. My mechanic quoted me like $ 1400 dollars to replace all of the lines,and guarantee his work. I understand that all gm trucks from 2000 to 2009 had this major problem . I have found an after market line kit for $ 280 with about 3 days labor for a diy guy.

Filed Jun 20, 2016 · Brakes · 80,000 miles · IN

Brakes failed. Ruptured brake line & barely avoided accident. On a street, vehicle moving.

Filed Oct 21, 2015 · Brakes · 76,700 miles · IL

Brake line ruptured while towing load. 76000 miles on the truck. I have owned this truck since 2004 and have parked it inside since owning it. Annual inspection and maintenance on drive train by mechanic. No warning that the brakes would fail. Brake line over rear axle leaking fluid. Had the boat/trailer towed home by friend and took truck to repair shop for repair.

Filed Mar 16, 2015 · Brakes · 58,345 miles · OH

Came close to hitting an so cruiser in back when front brake lines blew out on left frame and at front wheel ,wondering if gm is doing anything about this problem ,been reading on google that it seems a lot of people are having the same thing going on looked at rest of lines and they are all almost rusted away ,I don't understand this I have a 1996 s10 blazer and the lines are just fine on this old of a vehicle ,I can't find anywhere there has been a recall ?

Filed Feb 18, 2015 · Engine · 57,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet silverado 3500. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the check engine and the ses warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 07v521000 (engine and engine cooling). The failure mileage was 57,000. .....updated 03-03-15

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Questions about the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Is the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 reliable?

Owners have filed 72 complaints about the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, 2.3 times a typical Silverado 3500 model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 year score?

The 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 scores 44 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Silverado 3500: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500?

Brakes, with 37 complaints, typically around 72,000 miles. Next is engine (24).

How many recalls does the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have?

1 recall, covering interior lighting.

What year does the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have bad brakes?

The Chevrolet Silverado 3500 model years with the most brakes complaints are 2000 (37 complaints), 2001 (37 complaints) and 1997 (26 complaints).

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