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 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I received a safety recall notice from general motors in April 2004 indicating the tailgate cables on a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado I purchased were defective and would be replace when new ones become available. Both cables without warning in July 2004 while I was sitting on the tailgate. Luckily, I was not injured. But the potential for injury exists. I did fall to the ground. The cables were replaced by GM free of charge with the same style. I have contacted GM recently (feb. 8 & 9, 2005) about the permanent replacement cables. They have informed me this vehicle is not part of the recall to replace the cables even though mine have failed before and I received a recall notice.
I had just bought my truck used at a dealer here in minnesota. I went to my wife's parents to show them the truck. When I opened the tailgate and went to rest it on the straps, all of the sudden they both broke and my tailgate slammed into the bumper. The dealer was able to fix tailgate, and the straps were replaced, but I am now very scared to use it because of what happened. What if I was loading something heavy when this happened. There was no weight on my tailgate and they broke, it looked like a corrosion problem that caused the weakness. This problem is very bad, it should be corrected before someone ges hurt!!!
2001 Chevrolet Silverado has broken tailgate straps and I was informed by GM to call my local dealer immediately and have them replaced. Kool chevorlet of grand rapids would not honor this, and told me I would have to purchase them. When I asked what happens if it false off they said it was GMC problem .saftey is obviously not a concern here.I called to make a appointment like my GM documentstated and they stated that I would have to purchase the straps and stated they would still have to be replaced because they were defective.
Both straps on the tailgate of my 2001 Silverado pickup broke. I was standing on the back of the tailgate loading a 13 hp lawn mower into the back of the truck using ramps and right side strap broke, and the left broke within one second of the right breaking. According to the dealer it is under warranty. However, this seems to be a problem with these vehicles. The local dealer says they change at least one set a day on pickups. GMC knows this is a problem and no recall has been issued.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that he noticed brake fluid leaking from the vehicle and onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that the sub frame and brake lines were corroded. The mechanic attempted to put the vehicle on the lift but and as the lift began to rise, the vehicle began to crack. The vehicle was not repairable. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 211,409.
Rear bumper assembly bubbled on top when involved in a low speed accident. Wher econsumer was backing up at less than 5 MPH, and another consumer was pulling out. Manufacturer stated that bumper met or exceeded standards. Consumer felt that damage would have been far more severe in event of a high speed impact, and was concerned about safety and effectiveness of bumper. Please provide any additional information/attachments/photographs.
The tailgate cables failed constantly. The tailgate straps broke and bent the hinges. Both hinges were replaced and a new tailgate was installed. The left rear tail gate broke. The tail gate fell on the bumper and bent both hinges on the right side scratching the tail gate. The plastic seal leaked. The cable was rusted. The right strap had too much slack and was not holding any weight on the tail gate.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, there was a loud noise and the spare tire fell from under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated that the contact would be responsible for the part that would hold the spare tire up. The contact repaired the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were approximately 68,000.
Left hand tailgate strap broke while tailgate was in a lowered position and I was sitting on tailagte. Strap did not separate into two pieces, but a noticeable "fold" now exists in strap and at this location it feels like the strap has broken. Upon strap failure, left hand lower tailgate attach point bent due to load being placed upon this structure.
The tailgate support broke on our 2001 z71 Chevrolet Silverado,two days later the second one broke . This vehicle is driven and used by my wife, there is no excessive loading or pressure on the tail gate while open. Both cables are rusted thru and fractured in the same manner. The vehicle is never operated with the tail gate open.
Related recalls
Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the galvanized steel tailgate support cables that retain the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position May corrode, weaken, and eventually fracture. If both cables fractured, the tailgate would suddenly drop and strike the top surface of the rear bumper.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the cables. Interim owner notification began on April 7, 20004. The recall began on September 24, 2004, when replacement parts were available, and will continue through October 29, 2004.
Body complaints in other Silverado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado?
NHTSA has 53 complaints about the body & structure of the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado, 6% of the model year's 877 complaints. The component named most often is body › tailgate › hinge and attachments (36 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Chevrolet Silverado body problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-129 (hinge and attachments, Mar 17, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Chevrolet Silverado body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 49,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 8 injuries 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.