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2001 GMC Sierra engine complaints

Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 23 of 23, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2001 GMC Sierra engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed May 7, 2004 · Engine · WA

While starting up the vehicle consumer heard a knocking noise coming from the vehicle. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the knocking noise was normal.

Filed Apr 13, 2004 · Engine · 20,000 miles · IN

Engine knocks when starting cold and when pulling a trailer or under a load. Took truck to dealer and was advised that all the 5.3 liter engines will eventually do it. Also said that general motors is aware of the problem. I then called general motors and asked them about the problem. They said that it was a carbon build up. So they had the dealer do a decarbonasation which removes the carbon build up. When it was finished, it was worse than it was before they worked on it. I called general motors back and then they told me that the pistons are smaller than normal and that they are slapping around in the cylinder walls causing the knocking noise, and that they are not doing nothing about it because it is not doing any damage to the motor. They offered me an extended warranty on the drive train and I declined it. I paid for a quiet running gas motor, not one that sounds like a diesel. The knocking noise decreases the trade in value, regardless if it is damaging the motor or not. If I wanted a diesel I would have bought one. I have been going round and round with gm and the dealer for almost two years and have got nowhere.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Body, Engine · 7,250 miles · CA

Engine uses to much oil, knocks, smokes body- truck bed sides are rippeling because the metal is to thin,& can not handel the weight of a lumber rack, front bumper is dented on both sides but in differant places, was like this at delivery, all the trucks were like this but all of them in differant places.manufacture defect exhaust- loose parts inside of muffler, exhaust rattels from mounting hardware, muffler retains water and leaks at the seams. Paint-rust on the top of cab seatbelt- driver side belt will not recoil,broken seat belt bracket.(this is a safty issue) tires-below 1/32 tread left at 23,000 miles(this is also a safty issue) transmission-makes a cluncking noise at low speeds,takes a long time to shift when running the A/C also makes a howling noise,transmission slips.

Filed Dec 4, 2003 · Engine, Fuel system · 40,000 miles · CA

When the air conditioner (A/C) is used it takes at least eight minutes for the cool air to flow. There is a foul odor coming from the vents that smells like rotten eggs. Also, consumer is concerned with the sound of the engine. Although the vehicle is equipped with a gas engine, it sounds like a diesel engine. There is a irritating noise that occurs intermittently at any speed. The dealer claims that the noise is normal. *ak engine burns 3 qts. Of oil every 3000 miles and the fuel gauge isn't accurate. *ph

Filed Jun 29, 2003 · Engine · NY

I purchased this truck with 13,000. Miles on it , ran great. At 30000. Miles motor started to ping like a lifter wasn't working correctly. Took it back to dealer where I bought it, they said it would not make noise. Took service writer out and started truck, engine made load knocking noise. He stated that gmc said that was normal for that engine and that it starts at 10,000.-19,000. Miles. Been in contact with gmc. They state it won't hurt motor,I don"t no why it wouldn't, metal against metal will wear with time!!!!!!!!they are willing to give a extended warranty to 100,000. Miles !!!! I don"t want it I want my truck fixed under the warranty 3yr/36,000 that I have. If they won't honor that warranty what makes me think they will honor 100,000. Warranty.

Filed Feb 10, 2003 · Engine · 15,000 miles · LA

My vehicle taps very loud when I first crank cold engine. Dealer says this is carbon build-up because of new emmisions regulations and wont harm engine. My dealer says they can perform a treatment for approx. $100.00 that will correct but needs to be done every 20000 miles. My vehicle is still under new car warranty but they said this service is not covered. I have several friend experiencing same problem. I feel this is a defect in the new general motors engine. Thanks

Filed Dec 20, 2002 · Engine · 7,000 miles · AL

2001 gmc sierra z71 with 5.3l vortec engine. Engine knocks loudly for approximately 10 seconds on every cold start. Called the dealer and spoke with service department. Person I spoke with stated that "all 5.3 liter engines do that" and that it was "normal". I emailed gmc with my concern and they replied: we have contacted your dealer to review this concern. According to the information they provided and that we have here, this tick is a characteristic of this engine. It has been determined that this tick is not indicative of any damage being done to the engine and does not compromise the longevity or durability of the engine or its components. Your dealer may be able to provide you with additional information regarding this matter. Ts

Filed Jul 15, 2002 · Airbags, Engine · SC · crash · 1 injury

Front crash at 40 MPH, neither airbag deployed. Driver suffered knee and facial injuries, damage to vehicle was $20000.00.*ak

Filed May 16, 2002 · Engine · NV

There is excessive engine noise, that the dealership has said is engine lifters. According to the dealership gm has diagnosed the problem as an oil pump issue. They say that sufficient oil is not pumped to the engine, so there is a lack of lubrication. The result is a typical "lifter sticking" noise. The dealer says that gm has not issued any sort of a recall yet! In fact they say there is not an adverse effect or damaged being caused to the engine. I find this hard to believe as proper lubrication is crucial to motor longevity. I believe this is a recall issue, and the long gm waits to diagnose and recall this problem, damage to this vehicle will only worsen. If all allowed to go long enough, I would think gm would be looking at having to replace motor blocks, rather than installing an oil pump that can handle the task of getting oil to the crank case. *ts *nlm ****dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12-12-02 cut over to artemis****761983

Filed Mar 9, 2002 · Engine · FL

Extreme noise in engine for first 20-30 seconds at cold startup. Regional factory rep. States "perfectly normal" and is a known problem. No fix at this time.

Filed Oct 1, 2001 · Engine · CT

Engine knock at start up for approx 10-30 seconds.

Filed Aug 21, 2001 · Engine · WI

Anti-freeze inside radiator turns to a gel like substance. Manufacturer has been contacted. A technicial service bulletin has been issued for that problem. Please provide any further details.

Filed Jun 2, 2001 · Engine · TX

The safty defect is that the engine just quits at any speed. The same problem happened two times. Once at 3793 miles on april 5, 2001 and then again at 6340 miles on may 15, 2001. Both times the engine began to ping and then just stopped running. Both situations happened while on a major highway at highway speeds. I was lucky enough to be able to get to a shoulder lane on the highways. The safety problem is if the truck should stop at a location where road repairs are in progress and the shoulder lanes are blocked by cement barriers to not allow me to get off of the highway lanes with heavy truck traffic. This is not hypothetical, I drive hwy 35 between san antonio and dallas and the highway is allways under repair, the cement barriers are up and the heavy truck traffic is there. The disaster waiting to happen is the truck stalling at these locations.

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