Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
We purchased a 2001 Silverado ext in 7-01. Truck had about 16,000 miles on it, when we bought it new/used. Parking brake seemed to be really soft, but lot assured us, nothing was wrong with it and that the new technology we had with vehicle's, made it easier for elderly people and such. Yes the brake works great on level ground, but wait until you really need it like on a sloped driveway............. Or getting the vehicle inspected! This is when they really give you the works!!dealership wanted to charge us almost $200 to fix a 15 minute job, which should have been fixed while it was under warranty. We had an unfortunate incident, which resulted in the death of another person. To make a long story short, I feel it May have been prevented, if these(so called) great anti-lock brakes on GM vehicles did what they are supposed to do. …
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. …
Purchase new in 2001, around 35,000 miles the fuel light would come on for no reason, even when tank was full. While driving the system light would show low fuel and the fuel gage would show empty. Took to dealer several times and told they couldn't find anything wrong. I was told by a mechanic student at school that the sending unit and wiring was bad. I received a GM notice about the fix but dealer said that wasn't the problem I have 72,000 miles on truck and it stills jumps to empty for no reason.
I purchased this truck used approx. On 10/2016. Shortly afterwards I began to smell gas. I found the fuel lines rusted through and had to replace the fuel lines from the tank to the engine. Last week a brake line failed due to rust pulling up to a stop light. The pedal went right to the floor. A line had to be replaced from the ABS pump to the rear axel. I was told at that time the rest of the brake lines were in very poor condition. The cost to repair will exceed the value of the truck.
The fuel level sending unit in my 2001 Chevrolet Silverado is totally inaccurate. About a year after I purchased the truck in 2005 the fuel gauge became sporadic, randomly going to empty then back to full and every where in between. This would mostly happen when the truck was lower on fuel. As the next couple years pasted by it got worse and worse. Finally in 2009 I replaced the unit and fuel pump. The kit included and new connector for the wiring harness, so I was hopeful this would resolve the issue. Well after about a year or less I started having issues again. This time the fuel gauge does not randomly go all the way to empty or full randomly, but once it gets past 3/4 of a tank it cannot be trusted anymore. Especially once you get past the 1/4 of a tank it looses all accuracy. …
My drivers side hub went out about 120,000 miles. Replaced it, went out less than over year later, then again less than 6 months later . Tailgate latch broke before then, about one year later, fuel pump went out. Front running lights always seem to have a light out. 2009 rack and pinion went out, replaced it, then one year later went out again.u joint went out about same time. And ignition stuck and couldn't take out of gear or turn off. Fuel line unclipped and dumped all my gas,2010 transmission went out. Now my passenger side hub assembly has gone out for first time with ABS light on and wheel clanking and separating. Rack and pinion blown also. Repairs not cheap, and always happens at financially bad time. So now it sits in driveway broke down and I'm trying to find a hub for cheap so I can get around again to work etc. Seems like everytime I fix something another part goes out. …
In about 2006, the fuel gauge in my husband's truck stopped functioning. It showed empty when tank was full. No recall notice was issued to us. When he had diagnosed, the diagnosis was a bad chip or electrical problem, or switch. It would be expensive to fix.at this time I was diagnosed with breast cancer & underwent surgery $ mos. Of chemo. My husband,military retiree, stayed with me in hospital. After my chemo, he had both hips replaced and was being treated until 2013 for spinal injections. In July 2013, he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer & passed away in August. In the meantime, when he drove the truck he recorded mileage after a fill in order to keep track of amt. …
First incident of the fuel sensor failing (low fuel light and fuel gauge indicator false) was at 45,500 miles which was covered under warranty the first time. 2nd time failed on 02/16/2009 at 133,697 miles which costs me 754.67. 3rd time which is currently starting to act up again at 174,500 miles, and will probably cost me another 754.67!! First of all I can understand once on a vehicle but 3 times is ridiculous, not to mention the expense! Chevrolet should have had some type of recall on this or least figure out what is causing this. No doubt this is a defect with this part and very expensive to repair. I'm about to get rid of this vehicle due to this problem which will still cost me money in the end with trade-in or selling it myself so I will probably have repair it for the 3rd time. I have researched this problem and it seems a lot of people have experienced this issue. …
First incident of the fuel sensor failing (low fuel light and fuel gauge indicator false) was at 68,400 miles. 2nd time failed on 04/16/2011 at 98,500 miles which costs me another 800.00 bucks. This is the 3rd time its starting to act up again at 118,300 miles, and will probably cost me again!! I can see it happening once, but not understand how it can happen 3 times that is ridiculous, not to mention the expense! Chevrolet should have had some type of recall on this or least figure out what is causing the problem. There is no doubt in my mind this is a defect with the part and very expensive to repair. I have researched this problem and it seems a lot of people have experienced this issue. This issue could be dangerous and people have little choice for safety reasons but to correct this problem at great expense. …
While driving on a residential street I attempted to apply the brakes and the brake pedal went to the floor. After about 20 feet the truck did stop with the brake pedal almost on the floor. The truck had to be towed and the front brake lines where rusted and leaking and replaced. The rear lines are also rusted and need to be replaced.the total cost is about $500.00. I have had to replace the fule line as it also rusted and leaked, that cost was $900.00. Apparently GM has had numerous problems with this. In over 40 years I have never seen lines rust through like this.it is a seroius problem and could have resulted in a major accident if the area had been more congested and speed greater.GM should be putting quality material on such a vital system. Also the rear brakes where almost non-existent due to the GM ABS design. …
Fuel System complaints in other Silverado 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
NHTSA has 62 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 13% of the model year's 468 complaints. The component named most often is storage › fuel gauge system (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system 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 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries and 2 deaths to fuel & propulsion system 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.