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 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Received letter from GM regarding possible engine light coming on. When it did come on several times, went to dealer, and they replaced fuel pressure regulator on GM. A month later, at freeway speeds transmission failed and went to neutral, almost causing an accident with several trucks. Limped home after several occurrences of same thing by stopping and totally restarting and moving on until another failure. (approx. 15 times) went to dealer and GM now replaced the injector pump assembly. Brought the vehicle home, parked it for 5 days and then started it up the transmission wouldn't engage and then suddenly "clanked" into gear and then disengaged into neutral. Stopped engine, restarted and then drove to dealer, who said GM wouldn't participate, saying it was now transmission problem and no longer warranted. The dealer installed a drain back kit in the transmission at my expense. …
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 …
So there I was driving, and I noticed the engine rpms coming up and then going right down...which I have seen when the truck runs hot. A few hours later while still driving (and the rpms thing happen a few times) the engine rpms started to climb and wouldn't stop...I let of the gas, back on...climbing then they redlinedat 7000rpm...then I had no power, I had a transport on my [redacted] and traffic coming the other way at 11 pm at night. I had no 4th gear, no 3rd gear....300yds down the road the engine light came on, and I figured I blew the oil pump or water pump. Just missed getting creamed by the transport. Got to the side of the road, popped the hood...looked around...couldn't see anything...coolant was fine, engine oil was fine...got in tried 1st, 1st worked, tried 2nd, 2nd worked, tried 3rd and ...nothing. I drove home in 2nd. Plugged in the code reader, got p0300x2,p0757x2,p1870. …
There was no fire, but given the yes or no....there very well could have been given the location of the problem. So I had the transmission removed because of an earlier fault with the transmission and a line blow out...and with the transmission removed I could see clearly that the 3 gasoline lines were badly rusted. Given that these lines run from the fuel tank, along the frame than up and over the transfer case and transmission in the area of the muffler as well and than behind the engine to up and over and into the engine,...these gasoline lines were clearly not made of stainless steel and they should be...the extreme danger of a gasoline line leak, explosion and fire is very real. There is no excuse for not having safe fuel lines on these vehicles. I already seen what can happen with Chevy's side mounted fuel tanks. …
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.
I have 2001 Chevrolet 2500 hd 4x4 crew cab short box, with a 5 speed allison automatic with push button 4 wheel drive on the dash. At 117,000 miles my transfer case went out leaving me stranded luckily only 30 miles from home. Now at 279,000 miles my transfer case goes out again this time leaving me stranded on the wv turnpike. I realize the vechile has high miles on it mostly from towing campers and mostly all highway miles. The total 4 wheel drive miles can't be over 200 miles. I have a friend in indiana who has a 3500 with about 175,000 miles on his and he just replaced transfer case this past week. My question is are we the only two to have transfer case problems? No where can I find any bulletins or anything relating to GM on transfer case problems. Maybe you could let me know if there are any.
While driving at 25 MPH consumer noticed the ABS motor was continuously running, and the brake pedal was getting hard while applying the brakes. This caused extended stopping distance. Mechanic drove the vehicle to the repair shop. Also informed mechanic determined that the ABS control module, and both front wheel hubs needed to replaced. Dealer was notified. The consumer stated that the left front wheel hub assembly needed to be replaced. The consumer stated that he almost had 2 accidents because ABS brakes failed and will not stop the vehicle. Front wheel hub assembly was replaced by k r auto repair. New ABS control unit installed.
2001 z71 1500 Silverado Chevy. The gears in the rear end shattered as I crossed a busy commercial street into on coming traffic. No crash incurred. This truck is just off ext. Warrt. 4year/100,000 mile. The truck has 82,800 miles on it. I have had this truck to the dealer 3 times complaining of a load noise coming from the rear end. This truck has had over 6,000 dollars of warrt. Work. Not to mention what I have put out of my own pocket. I am a self employed person, and without a truck I can not make a living. It has been at a repair shop now for 6 days!! I know I am not the only person out there with the same problem. GM fix my truck.
Emergency brake on, vehicle gear in park, vehicle began to roll down hill. * bf council for consumer stated that injuries were sustained as a result of the failed brake. Consumer placed the vehicle in park and exited the vehicle leaving two minor children inside. The consumer noticed that the vehicle was rolling and attempted to catch the vehicle. The consumer fell and the vehicle rolled over her body. The consumer sustain severe bodily injuries. The vehicle struck a tree causing injuries and damages.
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.
Transmission complaints in other Silverado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado?
NHTSA has 64 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado, 7% of the model year's 877 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (36 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Chevrolet Silverado transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 49,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 1 fire and 5 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.