Most common 2001 Chevrolet Express 3500 problems
Share of the 11 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Express 3500 complaints by model year
Best Express 3500 years: 2001, 2012. Years to avoid: 2005, 2006. Compare all years →
What 2001 Chevrolet Express 3500 owners say
Engine & cooling
The "PCM"-pump control module located on the injection pump that is in charge of operating and coordinating pump operations fails after 30,000 to 40,000 miles. This causes the vehicle to stop running--no brakes or steering similar to ignition switch problem in other vehicles. GM likes to get 1,400 to fix, after the tow. Thanks [redacted] a better fix needs to be made here rather than installing another defective part. This problem happens in all the 6.5 diesel motors.
The rear main seal, front harmonic seal and power steering pump shaft seal are leaking. The vehicle has 96,000 miles on it. This should not be. I took it to a shop last week to have problem fixed. Need help very expensive. [redacted]
Wheels & tires
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Express 3500 equipped with dextero dht2 tires, size: lt245/75r/16 (na). While traveling at highway speeds, the rear passenger tire experienced a blow out. The vehicle was towed to American custom tire inc (1300 w main st, quartzsite, az) where it was diagnosed that the internal sidewall failed. The tire was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and did not assist. The VIN and vehicle failure mileage were unknown. The tire failure mileage was 1,500.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 70 MPH on the interstate during dry road conditions, the tread separated from the driver's rear tire. The contact heard a vibration in the rear of the vehicle prior to the incident. The dealership was not notified. The tire was a Firestone steel tx radial r4s.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Chevrolet Express 3500 a good car?
Based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 Express 3500 rates average: 39% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Express 3500 at the same age. It is one of the best Express 3500 years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Chevrolet Express 3500?
The engine & cooling — 4 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the wheels & tires (3) and brakes (2).
How many recalls does the 2001 Chevrolet Express 3500 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2001 Chevrolet Express 3500. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Express 3500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2001 and 2012. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2005 and 2006. See the full Chevrolet Express 3500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2001 Chevrolet Express 3500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 48,000 miles; 60% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.