Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt*: the contact stated while approaching a stop, driving 5 MPH and applying the brakes, the anti- lock brake system activated. This caused an increased stopping distance. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. Upon inspection the speed sensor hub was corroded due to road salt and was replaced. There is a NHTSA recall, # 05V379000, regarding the service brakes, anti-lock. The consumers vehicle identification number was not included in the recall. The alternator failed. The rotors and brakes had to be replaced due to the rotors rusting from the inside. The rotors could not be turned because they were heavily rusted. The left power window failed, the manufacturer used a steel cable for the assembly, which allowed water to seep in which caused corrosion. The left rear outside axle was leaking. The A/C idler pulley and tensioner was making a loud noise. The right power window failed. …
Brake line failure. ABS system failure. Light for ABS and brake have been on and off since original purchase. Dealers could not eliminate the problem. Noticed rust on brake lines throughout. Currently all brake lines are covered in rust and leaking just prior to the ABS components on driver side middle frame rail. Brake lines are brittle to the touch. Currently the breaking system has no pressure. All fluid has leaked from the system. Service requested by dealer for noisy and leaking transfer case. Dealer applied grease to the drive shaft. Problem not resolved. While driving in 4 wheel drive, the transfer case experienced a catastrophic failure. Unit was extremely hot and the gears were ground out. To my knowledge GM is and was aware that the transfer case fluid pumps were wearing a hole in the case from the inside. Now know as "pump rub". …
I had just replaced the hub and bearing housing on the right front axle on my four wheel drive 2001 Chevrolet hd2500 Silverado pickup and was in the process of refilling and bleeding the air from the brake lines. During this process it appeared as if it was requiring more fluid than I had removed it was then that I noticed brake fluid dripping from the left front wheel well. To my surprise after removing the plastic wheel well cover I couldn't believe my eyes at what I saw, there were the brake lines either rusted away or delaminated. I have never experienced anything like this in over fifty years of repairing my own vehicles, I can only be thankful that I wasn't on the road towing my fifth wheel trailer when the brake lines failed in such a catastrophic manner. …
I just bought a used 2001 Chevy Silverado on 1/29/09 k2500 the ABS lights keep coming on and now my transmission is slipping or something when I get up to 65 MPH the truck starts vibrating and the transmission makes a loud clunk noise I only had the truck for a day then had to bring it back to have the knock sensor and the rattling noise checked they told me it was a hub that I had to pay for after they gave me a work order that was suppose to be fixed also the check engine light keeps coming on and they said that was also the knock sensor and said it was replaced but ten minutes after they fixed it the check engine light was on and the truck has been leaking oil that they said was fixed I would like help to see if I can get these problems fixed or my money back thank you
Vehicle is 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 hd with 6.6l duramax diesel and allison automatic transmission. At approximately 88,000 miles / approx 2500 hours, the transfer case hydraulic pump wore through the rear half of the transfer case, resulting in large amount of transmission fluid being released on the underside of the vehicle. Since the oil is flammable and it gets sprayed all over the bottom of the vehicle (including the exhaust system) it probably presents a fire hazard. It is at the very least a known defect, as minimal research online (see http://www.dieselplace.com/ and search in the drivetrain thread for "pump rub") will show dozens, if not hundreds of owners of this vehicle type that are having to fix this problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH uphill, the transmission independently shifted down. The vehicle would not accelerate and then stalled. The contact parked the vehicle and proceeded to a auto parts store where he purchased circlip and installed it in the vehicle. He was then able to get the vehicle to shift into first and second gear. The dealer was notified and they stated he would need to replace the transmission or have it rebuilt at his expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not driven since the incident. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
I was driving up an unpaved hill that was slippery from snow but had been plowed. It was night time and the hill is steep with lots of sharp curves. On my way up I noticed my steering became stiff. I came to a point where I was not making any more forward progress and had to stop.(my tires are not the best) when I hit the brakes I then realized I didn't have any. I was able to get the truck into reverse before I started rolling backwards to fast and safely maneuver back down the hill backwards without complications. I feel this should fall under NHTSA campaign id number 05V005000.
I own a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 4x4 2500hd. I have complained about the transmission slipping out of gear and becoming neutral when stopping after a hot soak or city driving. After a delay it will re-engage, or if you gas it a little it will clunk into gear. The dealer has told me all along that nothing was wrong. He couldn't "duplicate the problem." now at 75,000 miles, the transmission has manifested itself to an obvious state of crap. During a recent day of errands in 100+ degree day, the transmission was slipping out of gear at every red light. Unacceptable.
Brake, fuel, transmission cooler, and power steering cooler lines became very rusty and eventually leaked. Most lines have been replaced at this point, and a few still need to be. I bought the truck used in September 2005 with 72,010 miles on it and problem had already started. Fuel level sensor has failed twice, and requires replacement again. Power window motors on both sides have each failed twice. Truck now has over 150,000 miles, and I'm only reporting because many of these same troubles appear to be common on later model Chevy/GMC trucks.
Complaint received via e-mail. I have a 2001 Chevrolet 2500 hd with 44,000 miles on it, and just had to have power steering pump replaced for the same reason, a broken shaft. My daughter backed it out of my driveway, and with no warning, lost steering and brakes, and almost hit the telephone pole across the street. I have had so many problems with that truck since I have owned it. Transmission had to be replaced, broken rocker arm in the engine, windshield wipers breaking, horn blowing fuses, u-joint had to be replaced.
Transmission complaints in other Silverado 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2500?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 7% of the model year's 388 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, though it has 1 recall for other components. 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 2500 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 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.