2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 72 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (25% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 72 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While driving engine cuts off intermittently, usually will restart. This is caused by the Crank position sensor. Once replaced, the issue was resolved. This vehicle was NOT covered by NHTSA recall 07U521000.”Owner report · Engine · May 2023
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning and was unable to be driven. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who replaced the crank shaft position sensor. The contact was not included in NHTSA action number: ea06016 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer indicated that the vehicle was excluded from a manufacturer recall and provided no solution. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 49,376.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2017
“The dimmer switch for interior lighting is prone to failure. When it fails, all dash and gauge cluster illumination will cease to function, causing dangerous driving conditions after dark. The driver will not be able to see any gauges or climate control features, which may cause a crash.”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2017
Show 7 more owner reports
“My 2001 chevy one ton silverado pick-up with 90,000 miles on it , has majorly rusted out brake lines. While driving down the road, I blew a brake line. When I looked to see what line it was,I was amazed at how badly all the lines were rusted. My mechanic quoted me like $ 1400 dollars to replace all of the lines,and guarantee his work. I understand that all gm trucks from 2000 to 2009 had this major problem . I have found an after market line kit for $ 280 with about 3 days labor for a diy guy.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2017
“Brake line ruptured while towing load. 76000 miles on the truck. I have owned this truck since 2004 and have parked it inside since owning it. Annual inspection and maintenance on drive train by mechanic. No warning that the brakes would fail. Brake line over rear axle leaking fluid. Had the boat/trailer towed home by friend and took truck to repair shop for repair.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet silverado 3500. While driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning in the middle of the freeway. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after a few attempts. The contact stated that the failure occurred on several occasions. The dealer (f.h. Dailey chevrolet, 800 davis st, san leandro, ca 94577) stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 07v521000 (engine). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2015
“Came close to hitting an so cruiser in back when front brake lines blew out on left frame and at front wheel ,wondering if gm is doing anything about this problem ,been reading on google that it seems a lot of people are having the same thing going on looked at rest of lines and they are all almost rusted away ,I don't understand this I have a 1996 s10 blazer and the lines are just fine on this old of a vehicle ,I can't find anywhere there has been a recall ? *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Mar 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet silverado 3500. While driving approximately 50 mph, the vehicle stalled and the check engine and the ses warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 07v521000 (engine and engine cooling). The failure mileage was 57,000. .....updated 03-03-15 *bf”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2015
“Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 mph attempting to engage the brakes, there was an abnormal noise coming from the brakes. The contact stated that the ABS failed and no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,000. Updated 04/13/15*lj the consumer stated the crankshaft sensor sensor needed to be replaced. Updated 11/12/2015*js”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2014
“I was preparing to hook my 5th wheel and while positioning my truck I had lose of almost all braking. The brake pedal went to the floor without any warning. I noticed a massive amount of brake fluid under my drivers door. I then took it to a chevy dealership and they had to replace all the brake lines and I had to pay $1400,00. I baby my truck but the rust on the undercarriage is bad, the body and interior is pristine. We could have died if the brake line ruptured after my 5th wheel was going down the highway! I want gm to do the right thing and give me our money! I have all receipts from the chelsea chevy dealer. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2014
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 6.6L DIESEL ENGINES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC AND ELECTRIC BRAKE SYSTEMS." THESE VEHICLES HAVE A BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER THAT MAY NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE FLUID IS LOW. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE BRAKE FLUID IS LOW, THE VEHICLE MAY NOT MEET THE PARTIAL SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 105.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CHANGE THE LOCATION OF A WIRE CONNECTION IN THE UNDERHOOD BUSSED ELECTRICAL CENTER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 9, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.
How other years compare
Check your exact Silverado 3500 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 reliable?
NHTSA has 72 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (25% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 68,500 miles or less.
Does the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.