Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On multiple occasions and on both my Chevy trucks the ABS module will intermediately malfunction and while the light comes on the ABS brake do not work. While traveling southbound on i95 in richmond va I was in the left lane traveling with traffic, when a car stopped suddenly over confusion of the exit signs for i895. The 2013 avalanche in front of me stopped hard and was able to turn away from the stopped car, my front brakes locked up which rendered steering away useless. I hit the avalanche in the right rear with my left front. This cause $8,000 worth of damage to my vehicle and $5700 in damage to his. Late last year my 2002 suburban started experiencing the same problems. The GM dealership I went to told me it was a normal wear and tear problem and wanted $1,200 to replace the "dealer only supplied" part. This is a part that can work/ not work at any moment. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, the anti-lock braking system activated while the contact was attempting to park the vehicle. As a result, the contact crashed into a guard rail. The contact reported no injuries during the crash. The contact notified the dealer of the incident but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not listed in NHTSA campaign number 05V379000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The failure mileage was 117,000.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH attempting to engage the brakes, there was an abnormal noise coming from the brakes. The contact stated that the ABS failed and no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,000. Updated 04/13/15 the consumer stated the crankshaft sensor sensor needed to be replaced. Updated 11/12/2015
My 2001 Chevy one ton Silverado pick-up with 90,000 miles on it , has majorly rusted out brake lines. While driving down the road, I blew a brake line. When I looked to see what line it was,I was amazed at how badly all the lines were rusted. My mechanic quoted me like $ 1400 dollars to replace all of the lines,and guarantee his work. I understand that all GM trucks from 2000 to 2009 had this major problem . I have found an after market line kit for $ 280 with about 3 days labor for a diy guy.
Came close to hitting an so cruiser in back when front brake lines blew out on left frame and at front wheel ,wondering if GM is doing anything about this problem ,been reading on google that it seems a lot of people are having the same thing going on looked at rest of lines and they are all almost rusted away ,I don't understand this I have a 1996 s10 blazer and the lines are just fine on this old of a vehicle ,I can't find anywhere there has been a recall ?
Brake line ruptured while towing load. 76000 miles on the truck. I have owned this truck since 2004 and have parked it inside since owning it. Annual inspection and maintenance on drive train by mechanic. No warning that the brakes would fail. Brake line over rear axle leaking fluid. Had the boat/trailer towed home by friend and took truck to repair shop for repair.
Vehicle is stalling and not starting and brakes have to be replaced more often than any normal vehicle/truck/van. This occurrence has been happening for the last 2 years. Took the vehicle to many mechanics and even the dealer. All types of things have been replaced (fuel pump, starter, tune-up, spark plugs, brakes, brake disc, rotors, etc...) and it still has the same problem. The vehicle is stalling and it seems that enough gas is not getting to the engine and it seems that brakes wear quite too often. I know this May cost the company alot to recall but we as citizens pay alot for these vehicles and they should own up to these manufacturing issues. I have investigated this problem online and there are many others out there like myself that have reported the same problem from models dating back to 1997. …
We have a 2001 Silverado 3500 that shut down in the middle of baltimore traffic back in 2006. We had to have it towed and paid $644.33 to have it fixed. It was the crank position sensor. We came to find out that there was a recall on this in some of the 2001's. But guess what, ours is no on the list! I asked the lady "so who determines which of these model vins get to be on the recall and which ones will the consumer have to pay for. Of course she responded that she was sorry for our inconvenience, but she could not help. Is there any way to have our truck on the recall too and get a reimbursement? We truly love our truck and it has to go in for the ubs brake system too, but we found out it is not covered under that recall either. What gives? We are the ones with these two problems, but our doesn't count? Please help.
Why isn't NHTSA forcing GM to recall all these trucks and SUV's with badly rusting brake systems??? My 2001 Chevy Silverado 3500 has major brake issues due to rust/corrosion. I was traveling the interstate and went for my exit, stepped on the brake pedal and it went to the floor, nearly a no brake situation, fortunately I still had my front brakes working. This truck spends it's nights in the garage, and is well cared for with low mileage for a 2001 (only 98,000) miles, my 2002 Dodge grand caravan has 210,000 miles! And I've never had any issues with brake-line rust/corrosion. I don't feel safe taking my truck on long vacations or using it to tow a travel trailer (which is why I bought it) and it only has 98,000 miles, but my trusty grand caravan gives no problems with its brake performance even with 210,000 miles.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that the brakes failed to engage, causing the contact to drive through a red traffic light. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic and a diagnostic was performed. The failure was located at the rear brake lines and the fuel tank, which was severely corroded. The contact stated that the front frame was also found to be corroded. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The approximate current and failure mileage was 104,000. Updated 01/05/13 the consumer stated this malfunction has also caused the left rear rear brake caliper to fail. The caliper had not been replaced. Updated 02/08/2013
NHTSA investigations
Hydraulic pump shaft failures
The preliminary evaulation is being upgraded.during the ea odi will limitits investigation to only those vehicles equipped with a hydro-boost system, which provides power assist to the braking and steering sytems.vaccuum brake booster vehicles are excluded.odi hasexpanded the scope of the ea to include model years2003 and 2004, asduring the pe, odi learned that the hydroboast pumps were modified in febraury…
Hydraulic pump failres
GM is conducting a recall on all subject vehicles build between May 1999 and October 14, 1999.significant changes were incorporated into production in early October 1999, and vehicles built after that date have lower warranty failure rates.the complaint and warranty data appear to support the effectiveness of these changes.
Brake complaints in other Silverado 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the brakes of the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, 51% of the model year's 72 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, 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 3500 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to brakes 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.