Most common 2001 Chevrolet Tracker problems
Share of the 83 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Tracker complaints by model year
Best Tracker years: 1996, 2004, 1998. Years to avoid: 2000, 2001. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2001 Chevrolet Tracker:
Front suspension crossmember corrosion
In October 2007, GM initiated a special coverage program for all my 1999 through 2004 Chevrolet tracker vehicles sold or currently registered in salt-belt states.the program extends the warranty coverage for front suspension crossmember corrosion to 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever occurs first.GM is administering the program in phases due to part availability.the first phase started in October 2007 and covers…
What 2001 Chevrolet Tracker owners say
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Tracker. While driving at approximately 35 MPH, oil leaked from the vehicle. The contact also noticed white smoke coming from the engine and smelled a strong oil odor. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 94,000. Updated 02/12/16 the consumer stated the valve covers leaked oil onto the exhaust and caused smoke to emit from the engine. Updated 03/07/16.
The exhaust system, specifically the resonator canister on the tail pipe, corroded through forming a hole. This allowed exhaust gasses to exit under the vehicle. The exhaust leak could have resulted in carbon monoxide entering the passenger compartment and causing illness, injury or death. The corrosion results from a design defect that allows exhaust condensate to pool in the resonator and corrode the metal. This is the second new exhaust system replaced within 14 months and 10,000 miles. This defect was observed on every single Chevy Tracker and Suzuki vitara model years 1999 to 2003. The exhaust system was replaced under warranty.
Body & structure
My wife was on her way to work when she stopped at a stop sign, the car veered to the left and was hard to steer. I was at a friends house and she brought the vehicle over there for me to check out. After lifting the front end, the right side lower control arm fell off of the crossmember. After closer inspection, the entire crossmember is rusted through. If the control arm had fallen while she was driving, the car May have flipped causing injuries or possibly death. Chevrolet knew about this problem since at least December of 2006 and issued a special coverage bulletin. I never received a letter informing me of any problem. After calling the GM consumer help desk, I was informed that they would not be covering my vehicle due to the mileage. …
Keep writing frame under parts but it keeps dissappearing. The last act is the motor mount rusting through droping the engine and putting a hole in the oil pan. The whole underside of the vehicle has rusted. The crossmember did and was replaced.but the rest of the frame has also rusted. The middle support for the car is almost completely gone. The oil pan was replaced when it rusted though. All brake and tranny lines are failing. Rear end cover almost is rusted through and is leaking. Other supports and joints are failing along with the back bumper. Both rocker panels under the front doors are rusted through. It would be easier writing what is not rusted. Have been a Chevy owner all the time driving, they sold it even though someone else made it stand by it.
Suspension
In June 2011, car was almost 10 yrs. Old and had 99,919 miles on it. Brought it to dealer for 100,000 mile tune-up and other work. Asked them to check out entire car, and saw banners for 24 point inspection if I added tire rotation...so I did. In sept. 2014 (cars 13 years old and has 113, 000 miles on it) I'm told that front suspension crossmember will need to be replaced (soon). When I went online to find the part, first site I see tells me about GM's "special warranty" on that part. I check my dealer receipt and realize the rusted part should've been replaced, for free, back in 2011. Now, it's actually busted through and can not be driven safely. Contacted GM/dealer, car was towed to dealer and back home. …
My mechanic advised me that the front suspension cross member is rusted to the point the it will snap off. When I make a right hand turn or go over bumps I can hear cracking noises. Contacted Chevy (GM) was advised that I am 4 years too late in contacting them. Asked about the recall, they told me it was a silent recall. And because I live in a state that has snow and ice this contributed to the problem. I advised that is this is the case then every car in this state would have the same problem. Following is from GM's website: " front suspension cross member did not receive adequate corrosion protection. The result of this condition May be most noticeable on vehicles driven in areas where rust is most common, such as areas where salt is used to control snow and ice. …
2001 Chevrolet Tracker engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 20 / 23 / 22 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 20 / 23 / 21 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 20 / 23 / 21 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 20 / 23 / 21 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 19 / 18 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 19 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Chevrolet Tracker a good car?
Based on 83 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 Tracker rates use caution: 1.7× as many complaints as a typical year of the Tracker at the same age. It is one of the Tracker years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Chevrolet Tracker?
The engine & cooling — 15 complaints, 18% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine › gasoline. Next are the body & structure (15) and suspension (11).
How many recalls does the 2001 Chevrolet Tracker have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2001 Chevrolet Tracker. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Tracker?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1996, 2004 and 1998. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2000 and 2001. See the full Chevrolet Tracker years comparison.
At what mileage do 2001 Chevrolet Tracker problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 72,000 miles; 22% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.