Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Vehicle was involved in a motor vehicle collision where this vehicle struck another in an offset head-on manner. The cab completely separated from the frame of this vehicle. The cab came to final rest on the roadway separated from the frame, with the bed remaining attached to the frame.
Tranny, ABS, cooling system, tailgate, etc. I bought the truck 2003 didn't exchange title until later recall when I first bought it under 50,000 mile warranty. I file an complain recall repair still having same problem. Sad thing my father is an retired employee in dallas location. Researched the recalls from previously and present same results. They have until 2 days to contact me @ [redacted] in going to the warehouse and return the vehicle to the owner, cfo, ceo whomever and ask for a full refund or I'm filing an complaint and small clams for 30 yrs worth. [redacted]
I was driving to alabama from florida. When I was about three hours out I was going down the road hauling a lot of personal items since I was in the middle of moving. It started storming real bad so I slowed down to 60 MPH and as I was approaching another vehicle they all the sudden slammed on their brakes. I saw them as soon as they did it then I slammed on my brakes and the pedal went straight to the floor. I almost hit them but I turned sharp and went into the woods. I didn't hit anything but small trees so very little damage to outside of truck. Damage is still their because since the wreck I have not been able to work cause I destroyed my back and neck. After that I still had to drive the truck the rest of the three hour trip that ended up taking nine hours of extreme pain and shot nerves. Once I finally got home it took forever and a lot of money to half way fix the truck. …
I had an accident at low speed because of unwanted (ABS) brakes activation. I continue to have problems as I stop at low speed my truck moves forward again after the stop causing a possible accident. I bought my truck in florida. For this reason my VIN number is not on a recall list due to the fact I purchased in a non corrosive state. I had to come to ohio quite often to care for my ill mother starting in 2009. I also have experienced problems with the sensors recalled, the tailgate recalled(actually fell off the truck 3 times while I was enroute), the fuel tank pressure sensor recall( not letting me know whether I had gas or not), the seats recall. All of this due to faulty parts corroding, after I came to ohio, which is included in the recall. I need my VIN number added to the recall so I can have these things replaced by a dealer. I cannot drive my truck now because it isn't safe. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact inspected the vehicle and observed that both tailgate support cables weakened, exhibited rust corrosion, and partially fractured. In 2005, the vehicle was serviced per NHTSA campaign number: 04V129000 (structure); however, the recall remedy was insufficient. The vehicle was not repaired for the most recent failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While the vehicle was stationary, it was discovered that the frame was severely rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000. Updated 12/20/16 the consumer stated there were also problems with the brakes.
2nd owner of 2001 Chevy silv 1500 - badly rusting undercarriage, rusted fuel tank hanger, rusted body/bed mounts, rusted off brake lines (had to be replaced $2K). GM should perform recall for late model GM trucks 1999 thru 2005 for rust problems and replace all brake lines/fitting, etc. With stainless steel lines.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While driving 40 MPH, the spare tire disengaged from the vehicle onto the road without warning. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 247,000.
Someone ran a red light and creamed into us at about 50-55 MPH. The impact area was the passenger wheel well area and the impact was so violent that it smashed everything over and including the starter... Our air bags did not deploy and I always wondered if it was because the crash smashed the starter and had something to do with the GM recalls now. Both my son and I have never been the same after that crash and neither of us can even sleep in a bed from neck and back pain... We both had brain injuries and mine was rather severe where I lost my superior intelligence and photographic memory...and had severe language and speech problems... It was almost like I was dyslexic and I have never been the same. Both our health deteriorated since... …
I have tried to stay with a GM product but the truck I recently purchased had the following problems,while trying also to avoid the most common problem of the GM bad frame,by the way Toyota warranties there frames. The 1st month of ownership the rear spring shackles broke there are 30 year old trucks that still don't have this problem,I own one. Next about another 30 days go by the electric fuel pump decided to die. That so far brings repairs up to close to 650.00 after 60 days. Last wk. My brake line failed @ about 50 MPH,no warning light right to the floor.this truck had been taken care of . Should I continue about the hole in my windshield frame every time it rains my ash tray is filled with water. By the way I was quoted about 1400.00 for all the brake line repairs. Wtf GM who has that kind of money for repairs,I dont. The public should be compensated for substandard material use.
Body complaints in other Silverado 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the body & structure of the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 6% of the model year's 468 complaints. The component named most often is body (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 1 fire and 5 injuries and 1 death to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.