2001 Chevrolet Suburban: problems, recalls and reliability
9 recalls and 566 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (19% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2007
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 566 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The ABS and Brake lights illuminate as per GM recall 05v379000. This occurs each time the vehicle is driven. I purchased this vehicle on 12/6/2023 from Kyle's Kars which is a used car dealership in Slatington, PA. A warranty was not offered due to the age, however I did purchase a warranty from Car Shield. This repair would not fall under the warranty guidelines.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Dec 2023
“this vehicle has a non-functioning parking brake. There was a recall in 2004 for 880,000 trucks and suv's. I have taken it to my garage twice but they cannot fix this problem because it is not fixable”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jun 2023
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet suburban. While driving at low speeds, the vehicle experienced increased stopping distance when braking. The vehicle was taken to commonwealth chevrolet (155 marston st, lawrence, ma 01841, (978) 687-3000) where it was diagnosed that the driver and passenger side wheel bearing assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 05v379000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 210,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Nov 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet suburban 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle was put on a lift and it was discovered that the brake line was corroded, causing a leak. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake lines needed to be replaced. The contact called the ed bozarth chevrolet dealer (877-721-4901, 3731 sw topeka blvd, topeka, ks 66609) and was told that there was no recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 140,000. *tt consumer stated brake lines corroded and was leaking. Updated 12/18/18*jb”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2018
“I had a major brake failure the other day while driving. I had no brakes, but I was able to stop with the emergency brake. I had the truck towed to the mechanic and they reported that the brake failure was due to rusted brake lines.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2018
“The passenger side rear door window breaks when the window is down for no reason. I have had to replace it 4 times in the last 60 days. There appears to be no dammage to any of the inside of window or the window regulator. The vehicle was stationary and my daughter opened the door and the window broke.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2017
“I was driving on the highway 95 coming back from daytona when a driver let me know that my tires where low so I when to a gas station to put some air in and thats when I notice that my tires had a lot of nails lthe 4 tires. This is ridiculous. My tires are lnot even 2 years old and I have the receipt to prove it. Someone has to do something. Because I have a new born baby with me and driving with flat tires is not an option. Please take my complaint in consideraration. Thank you”Owner report · Wheels · Feb 2017
“Tl* the contact owned a 2001 chevrolet suburban. While driving the vehicle, smoke emitted under the hood of the vehicle. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road and exited the vehicle. The vehicle caught on fire, which was extinguished by the fire department. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2016
“Tl* the contact owned a 2001 chevrolet suburban. While driving at an unknown speed, smoke emitted from the engine compartment of the vehicle. The contact pulled over and discovered that the front end and front wheels were on fire. The fire department extinguished the fire. Fire and police reports were filed. There were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard and deemed destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 204,654.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet suburban 1500 equipped with firestone wilderness letires, tires size: 265/70r16. The contact stated that while driving approximately at 55 mph, the vehicle began to violently shake and vibrate before a loud booming sound was heard. After stopping the vehicle, it was discovered that the rear passenger side tire had experienced a blowout. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle failure mileage was 150,000 and the tire failure mileage was 10,000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2016
When filing, owners marked a crash in 44 of these complaints and injuries in 38 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 9 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE LOOSE OR MISSING REAR WHEELHOUSE PLUGS. UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITIONS, EXHAUST GASES CAN FLOW FORWARD AND ACCUMULATE IN THE REAR WHEELHOUSE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE FOR LOOSE OR MISSING WHEELHOUSE PLUGS AND INSTALL NEW PLUGS IF NECESSARY.
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN 8.1L V8 ENGINE, THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION CAN OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY OR FAIL COMPLETELY. IF THE SENSOR OPERATES INTERMITTENTLY, THE SES LIGHT MAY ILLUMINATE AND THE VEHICLE MAY RUN ROUGH. THE ENGINE MAY STALL, AND IF SO, MAY RE-START IMMEDIATELY OR AFTER A COOL DOWN PERIOD.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 18, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
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: PICKUP AND UTILITY TRUCKS. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN INTERNAL COMPONENT IN THE OUTBOARD SEAT BELT RETRACTORS FOR THE 2ND AND 3RD ROW OF SEATS THAT COULD BE CRACKED. WITH REPEATED ACTUATION OF THE LOCKING MECHANISM, THE CRACK COULD SPREAD TO THE POINT SUCH THAT THE SEAT BELT WOULD NO LONGER LOCK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE OUTBOARD SEAT BELTS FOR SPECIFIC LOT NUMBERS AND REPLACE THE BELTS IF NECESSARY. GM IS ENCLOSING AN INSPECTION PROCEDURE FOR THE OWNERS TO USE OR THEY CAN HAVE THEIR DEALERS DO THE INSPECTIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 2, 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.
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. 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 SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE UNWANTED ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) ACTIVATION. THIS CONDITION IS MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR IN ENVIRONMENTALLY CORROSIVE AREAS. THIS RECALL WILL BE LAUNCHED IN THE "SALT BELT" STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ONLY.
Remedy: DEALERS ARE TO REMOVE THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR AND THOROUGHLY CLEAN THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR MOUNTING SURFACE ON THE BEARING, APPLY RUST INHIBITOR TO THE CLEANED SURFACE, GREASE THE MOUNTING SURFACE, REINSTALL THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR, AND CHECK THE PEAK-TO-PEAK OUTPUT VOLTAGE TO ENSURE THE WHEEL SPEED SIGNAL IS WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 22, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH FUEL MODULE RESERVOIR ASSEMBLIES THAT CONTAIN FUEL PUMP WIRES CONNECTORS MAY OVERHEAT UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE FUEL TANK, AND REMOVE THE MODULE RESERVOIR ASSEMBLIES FROM THE TANK, AND INSTALL A NEW SERVICE KIT FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM LETTER TO OWNERS WAS MAILED ON MAY 25, 2005. THE OWNERS WERE RE-NOTIFIED ON OCTOBER 19, 2005, SINCE PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
Check your exact Suburban 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 Suburban reliable?
NHTSA has 566 owner complaints and 9 recall campaigns on record for the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (19% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2001 Chevrolet Suburban problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 70,783 miles or less.
Does the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban have open recalls?
9 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning structure:body. 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.