Most common 2001 GMC Silverado problems
Share of the 9 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Silverado complaints by model year
Best Silverado years: 2002, 2001. Years to avoid: 1999. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 4 possible defects involving the 2001 GMC Silverado:
Unwanted low-speed ABS activation
In a letter dated August 29, 2005, GM notified odi that it was recalling certain model year 1999 through 2002 c/k pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles to correct a problem with anti-lock brake system (ABS) wheel speed sensor corrosion that May result in unwanted ABS activation and extended stopping distances during low-speed braking (recall 05v-379).GM's recall covers approximately 804,000 vehicles currently…
Parking brake failure
Odi opened pe03-057 to assess parking brake ineffectiveness in the subject vehicles.these vehicles are equipped with four wheel disc brakes that incorporate a single-shoe drum-in-hat parking brake independent of the service brakes.complaint and warranty data indicate that the parking brake linings tend to wear out early in the life of the vehicle (at an average of 24 months in service), reducing the parking brake…
Parking brake failure
In a letter dated April 20, 2005, GM notified NHTSA that it had decided that defects that relate to motor vehicle safety exist in certain model year (my) 1999-2002 c/k 1500 series (pbr parking brake system) and my 2001-2005 c/k 2500 and 3500 series (trw parking brake system) pickups with manual transmissions.according to GM, some of these vehicles May have conditions that cause the friction linings to wear to an…
Parking brake failure
Odi's review of complaint data received since the close of ea04-011 revealed no indication that the investigation should be re-opened.more details can be found in the federal register notice enclosed in the dp05-009 public file.odi reserves the right to reopen the investigation in the future should conditions warrant.
What 2001 GMC Silverado owners say
Brakes
Dt: 2001, GMC, Silverado. The contact states ABS brakes failed 08/05/2005 at 10 MPH and caused vehicle to crash into the back of a building. This happened on 8-5-05. The contact first noticed this at 60,000 miles and it became progressively worse. The dealership told the contact it was because of dirty sensors. There was about $3,000 damage done to truck. Had not talked to GMC, just the dealership.
Consumer states engine is knocking after vehicle warms up. Took to dealer and dealer stated vehicle needed a new master cylinder. Please provide any further information. Ts
Engine & cooling
Tl contact owns a 2001 GMC Silverado 2500 hd. The contact stated that the vehicle starts, but in an unusual manner. After moving the shift lever, turning the key on and off, and opening and closing the doors, the vehicle will eventually start, but it will not start when the key is turned in the ignition. The vehicle shuts off, mostly while driving between 25-35 MPH; however, on one occasion, the failure occurred while driving between 55-65 MPH. Once the vehicle shuts off, it will immediately restart. The contact was informed that his VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 07V521000 (engine and engine cooling). The current mileage was 72,625 and failure mileage was 60,000.
While driving 55 MPH engine check light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic placed the vehicle under diagnostic, and determined that head gasket and both upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to worn out parts.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 GMC Silverado a good car?
Based on 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 Silverado rates average: 27% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Silverado at the same age. It is one of the best Silverado years by this measure. 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 GMC Silverado?
The brakes — 3 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year, most often about foundation components. Next are the engine & cooling (3) and fuel & propulsion system (2).
How many recalls does the 2001 GMC Silverado have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2001 GMC Silverado. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the GMC Silverado?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002 and 2001. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1999. See the full GMC Silverado years comparison.
At what mileage do 2001 GMC Silverado problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 33% 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.