2001 Chevrolet Silverado Engine Problems

Which parts fail

• Engine › Gasoline
  37
• Engine
  31
• Cooling system
  5
• Engine › Diesel
  1
• Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
  1

Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  1433%
• 25k–50k
  921%
• 50k–75k
  1023%
• 75k–100k
  614%
• 100k–150k
  25%
• 150k+
  25%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Chevrolet Silverado owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

We purchased our 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 new. Right around the 15,000 mile mark we noticed a slight tapping in the engine. This seemed to only occur on start up and mostly in the morning when cold. It would tap for several seconds and then dissipate. Initially we thought it was a lifter, but we have since come to find out it is not. The overall diagnosis is GM piston slap. This occurs when the pistons are ill fitted to the cylinder walls, and hence you get the noise. We were told it was nothing to be concerned about. GM knows of the problem (well they don't call it a problem), but refuse to do anything about it. They say they have tested these engines thoroughly and the piston slap causes no long term engine problems. The noise not only began to get louder, but also became non stop. It did not go away, and now we have to listen to it all the time. …

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 …

I was seeing a low coolant warning light that was intermittent. I added distilled water to the coolant system several time in the amount for a total of about a half gallon. I searched for a leak in the coolant hoses but could not find a leak. I checked the dip stick to see if the oil was cloudy or had bubbles but did not see any. (I use mobil 1 synthetic oil). After about a week the coolant warning light came on at a higher frequency so I took the truck to the dealer. They diagnosed the problem as head gasket leaks and possible water pump gasket leaks. The bill for the repair was $1200. I was later told the head bolts lost torque and "stretched". The heads had never been removed and the truck had never required any repairs except for the broken tail gate cables which caused me to fall off the back trying to load my kayak on top. …

Tl* - the contact owns a 2001 Silverado pickup. The contact stated that every 2000 to 3000 miles while driving at 50 MPH the engine would lose power momentarily, and then start back up. The contact would sometimes have to pull over on the road and restart the vehicle. The failure became more and more frequent. He took the vehicle to three or four different dealers, and they could not duplicate or diagnose the failure. The contact determined that the failure was due to the ignition and had it repaired, after being told he would be reimbursed the contact has not received the reimbursement. Also the brake light and ABS lights turn on intermittently when driving without applying the brakes. This failure had occurred ten times. The transmission, fuel gauge sending unit, the right power window all had to be replaced. The engine light illuminated. Updated 03/07/07.

103,000 miles on 2001 Chevy. Silverado p/u, 4th time that brakes need to be replaced, anti lock noise was constant since taking delivery from dealer. Was told this was normal sound. I don't think so. Many close calls for rear end collisions which would have been my fault ESP. At speeds as low as 30 MPH. Just found out that there May be a problem. Also, antifreeze complaint with smell. Smell makes us nauseous .faucet -running sound coming from just below dash but under hood, paid dealer to fix twice, went back to GM dealer to try and remedy for the third time since it was still under the shops warranty and of course no longer in business. Last complaint, daytime running lamps need to be replaced all the time. Replaced one day, less than 48 hours later, need to be replace again. Rusted from water in headlamp.

Dt: contact states while driving the battery light will come on, and then the engine completely loses power, but does not lose the electrical power. There are no indications, such as the engine hesitates before the vehicle stalls. This happened on numerous occasions. The service dealer can not find what is wrong with the vehicle, but they have not checked the charging part of the vehicle. The owner's manual states it could be something wrong with the charging system. The vehicle has to sit and wait for approximately 3-4 minutes before it will restart. The vehicle has been to two different service dealers, but they cannot duplicate the problem. The consumer has contacted the manufacturer.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic. The technician stated that the crank shaft position sensor would have to be replaced. There was a recall under NHTSA campaign id number: 07V521000 (engine and engine cooling) that May have been related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.

A "low coolant" warning was displayed & I had to add coolant frequently. The intake manifold gasket had to be replaced at a substantial cost. I understand that the manufacturer had issued a service report that replacement gaskets would be different. I looked at the new one to be installed and it is made of metal and rubber. The original is made of plastic and rubber. Obviously the metal against metal will make a better seal than plastic against metal. This has occurred in the last 6 months on a 2000 Silverado 1/2 ton and a 2001 Silverado 1/2 ton extended cab. I drive both vehicles daily.

Tl* the contact owns 2001 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The failure was recurring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the crank sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 07V521000 (engine and engine cooling) but did not confirm if the vehicle was included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000.

Tl contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado. In 2006, the crankshaft position sensor was replaced at the contact's expense because the engine would repeatedly stall. Three years later, he noticed that the engine warning light would illuminate sporadically on the instrument panel accompanied by rough idling. The dealer stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 07V521000 (engine and engine cooling); therefore, they would not assume responsibility for any repairs. The failure mileage was 20,000 and current mileage was 55,000.

Related recalls

NHTSA investigations

Engine complaints in other Silverado years