Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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).
Tl contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado. While driving less than 55 MPH, the contact smelled a chemical odor. She had a cigarette in the ashtray and smoke appeared from behind the ashtray. She attempted to remove the ashtray, but it was too hot to grab. She rolled the windows down and the instrument panel caught fire. A nearby service station attendant was able to extinguish the fire. It was determined that the fire was not caused by the cigarette. A police report was filed. The VIN was unable to be entered. The failure and current mileages were over 150,000.
Dt*: the contact stated while turning the vehicle around, the vehicle became anchored and the grass below erupted in flames. Since the vehicle could not be moved; the vehicle also became inflamed. The contact obtained a fire extinguisher and quenched the fire. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop for repairs caused by the fire.
To: <[email]> subject: owner assistance: p. Adams subject: customer has serious issues mossy Chevrolet date: Monday, September 19, 2005 4:59 pm to Chevrolet: management and customer relations:from: [email] sent: Saturday, September 17, 2005 10:14 pm subject: GM 2001 Firestone steeltex a/t custom alloy wheels w/a/t tires. That makes 8 rims but end result was the tires where Firestone lt245/75-16 steeltex a/t. 50psi.load range c spec. Or numbers on tires 108/104rm/s tpc spec.2313 (00 8008) (08162 0r5) (lt245/75-r16) Firestone steeltex a/t tires on customers truck where defective and sight of sidewall deformations customer given incorrect response to request before warranty expired it was brought to mossy Chevrolet that customer advising service writer of continuous problems with vehicle tires [peeling] GM in their 'commitment to safety' warranties such defects I will be filing for …
Cycling switch on A/C are no good. Had switch replaced on 08/09/03 and mechanic at dealer stated ac delco is putting out faulty switches. The switch he used to replace my faulty switch was also no good; he replaced it with another switch. It work for the 7 mile ride home. But on sun. 08/10/03 the problem was right back. The problem is every time you hit any kind on bump in the road the switch turns off the A/C, until the computer realizes the A/C is turned on, but the compressor is not running and it turns it on again. Until you hit another bump in the road. The mechanic demonstrated this to me buy tapping gentle on the switch and it turns the compressor off and tap again and it turns it back on. It also stated that all the Chevrolet trucks are having this problem.
Dt: 2001 Chevrolet Silverado ton pick up. The anti- lock braking system failed. While driving and coming a stop sign or light and pressing on the brakes there is a chatter on the brake pedal or grinding noise from the vehicle. The vehicle will not stop right away, it takes a few seconds more than usual to stop. Sometimes when pushing the brakes it is harder to push the pedal down, this only happens at a slow stopping speed. This doesn't happen when you are traveling at higher speeds. Took vehicle to dealership and they said was the anti lock braking system would take at least 3 hours to fix and would cost $600.00. The rotors were warped and the brake pads were worn. The doors locked on their own and the seats moved forward on their on.
Ignition system failure. The consumer experienced several failures of the ignition system in which the vehicle had to be towed on several occasion. The problem was determined to be an air conditioning hose which was routed directly over the distributor. The GM engineering felt that condensation from the hose falling onto the distributor was causing the repeated problems. In order to correct the problem the hose was wrapped in foam, however in March 2004 the vehicle felt as if it was misfiring. The dealer determined the distributor was corroded. The distributor was replaced several more times due to corrosion. The dealer replaced the coil wire.
While night driving on a country road at 55 MPH, I decided to turn up the brightness of the dashboard lights of my 2001 chev. Silverado 2500hd pickup. While trying to find the dash light adjustment wheel, I accidentally pushed the dome light override switch. When it engaged, every light on the vehicle was turned off, even the dash lights. I desperately held the wheel in what I hoped was a straight line and braked to as quick a stop as possible. Fortunately, the truck was still on the road when it stopped. I got the lights to work again by turning the main headlight switch off and then back on again.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 10mph in rush hour traffic the dashboard lights failed to illuminate. Afterwards, the service engine soon light illuminated and the transmission locked up which caused the vehicle to stall. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop. Upon inspection the mechanic determined there was a short circuit in the fuses under the dash. Although, the components in the transmission burned there were no fire. The transmission was rebuilt, but the service engine soon light still illuminated. The vehicle is being inspected to determine the exact cause.
Warning lights started flashing in the information center, starting with ABS warning, then cycled through the rest of the warnings. The instrument panel gauges and gear selector , mileage display, and all other digital lighting shuts off. Functions then turn back on, then off. It continues this cycle throughout the time the vehicle is running. I consider this a dangerous situation as when all driving information shuts down, it leaves driver with no clue of speed of travel, level of fuel, in which gear the vehicle is in, etc. Etc.
While driving at 50 MPH consumer pressed the gas pedal, but vehicle would not accelerate. Consumer could hear a whistling sound coming from the engine. Dealer examined the vehicle, and informed the consumer that a new transmission was needed. On another occasion vehicle would not go into 2nd gear or reverse. Another transmission was replaced. On yet another occasion the solenoid and wiring harness were replaced, and the computer was reprogrammed. Finally, another transmission was replaced.
Electrical complaints in other Silverado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the electrical system of the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado, 3% of the model year's 877 complaints. The component named most often is 12v/24v/48v battery (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Chevrolet Silverado electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado, though it has 4 recalls 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 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 1 injury to electrical 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.