Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the check engine warning light, low fuel warning light, and the ABS warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
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 am the original owner of this very well maintained Silverado. At just 100000 miles I noticed multiple exhaust manifold bolts broken, I had noticed a ticking sound for at least 10000 miles but could not locate the sound, as it turns out it was the broken exhaust bolts. These bolts break off at varying lengths including below flush which is extremely costly to have replaced. After a brief internet search I have realized this is a major issue with a majority of these vehicles. This is definitely an epa concern being the raw gasses are flowing out of the vehicle bypassing the catalytic converter and by not allowing these vehicles to pass regulatory smog certifications. This defect could also be considered a safety concern with the potential for the exhaust gasses to get into the passenger compartment. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the security warning indicator illuminated. The contact waited a few minutes and the vehicle restarted normally. The contact also stated that the failure occurred approximately ten times in the past eight years. The vehicle was taken to nix auto center inc. (700 s george nigh expy, mcalester, OK 74501) in July of 2015 to be diagnosed, but the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided case number: 8-4865333314. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost power. The contact had to roll the vehicle a mile down the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the distributor was full of water, which burned the coil and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred numerous times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 7,000.
The vehicle had been driven for about 15 minutes, consumer shut off engine. Next consumer was called by a neighbor stating vehicle had caught fire. Fire totaled the vehicle. Fire department stated fire started behind steering column. Please provide any further information. Ts
Went to change exhaust manifold and gasket when number one cylinder manifold bolt broke off under minimal pressure. Bolt broke off flush/recessed to gasket surface of cylinder head. Inspected bolt and came to the conclusion that the bolt was fractured when it was installed during vehicle assembly. Spoke with dealership and representative pulled up VIN history in computer. History showed an error with number one cylinder during vehicle assembly and dealer service representative stated "that motor should have never made it out of the assembly plant." no help from dealership to remove broken bolt so exhaust leak can be repaired. Dealership also noticed that the number one spark plug on the same cylinder was sticking out further than the other plugs. Come to find out that the spark plug hole had not been threaded all the way into the cylinder. No help from GM on that one either. …
Nothing but problems with truck. First was the slip yoke in the drive shaft, felt like tranny was slipping from take off at start position. Replaced under warranty. Anti-lock brakes would come on with every stop. Usually at very slow speeds, causing truck to exceed 5-10 ft further than it should have. Had front wheel bearing replaced, fixed for some time doing it again. Also in the mean time, had to have all brakes and rotors replaced. Brake system is awful. This could cause accidents. Also, has cold engine knock, very loud knock, not a normal knock. Something isnt right with this. Done this since a little over 20,000 miles, worse when temperatures outside are low. Had to have 4x4 switch on dash replaced. Kept getting service 4wd unit. Out of warranty at this time. I know of at least 4 other with all same problems. Still nothing done with GM, something should be done. …
The vehicle would either stall while driving various speeds or fail to start. I was driving approximately 55 MPH when he noticed that the fuel gauge displayed empty which was inaccurate; however, the vehicle suddenly stalled, coasted to the shoulder. Car would not crank at first but then started, this happened several times, the vehicle would sporadically become hesitant to start. The vehicle would also stall periodically without warning. The other components, such as the radio, were still operable. The vehicle would sporadically become hesitant to start. The vehicle would also stall periodically without warning. Autoride suspension, not working. Harsh ride without shock dampering. Front passenger seatbelt frequently locks up and will not extend enough to secure a person. Seat belt often locks up when passenger is belted in and passenger cannot move.
Normal driving less than 10 miles. The failures are many and often. Transmission failures every few thousand miles. Always leaks trans flds all over streets and driveways. Service engine light on. Chevrolet dealer erased failure and diagnostic codes to gouge consumer, many times. Parking brake cable snapped in two on driveway. ABS failures at low speeds and engine klacks loud when starting. I am original owner of a defective 2001 Chevrolet Silverado. The last time gmpp with GM dealer repair the underwarranty repairs took 6 weeks there are only 26.000 miles on this truck. Obviously this is a defect in its design and application. (see ptior complaints) tires flew off, altering of service contracts on and on.
Engine complaints in other Silverado 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 6% of the model year's 468 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 104,000 miles, and 32% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.