2001 GMC Sierra 2500: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 134 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (31% of complaints); the 1999 and 2000 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 134 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Fuel is dumping into injectors. 2001 gmc sierra 2500 diesel. Only has 135,000 miles!! Engine boggs down when climbing hill, bridge, or towing.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 gmc sierra 2500. While driving various speeds, the engine suddenly lost compression and the vehicle failed to accelerate properly. The vehicle was taken to courtesy cadillac (1345 evangeline thruway, broussard, la) where it was diagnosed that one or more fuel injectors were faulty and remained open. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The contact indicated that all eight fuel injectors were previously replaced approximately five years; however, but the failure recently recurred. The failure mileage was 200,000.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2018
“I have a 2001 gmc truck that the rear frame horn on the passenger side were the frame is welded about 6 inches from that point it has a crack all the way to the top of the frame right were the bump stop is on the frame with only about 1 inch holding the frame together as of right now the rest of the frame looked ok when inspected”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Feb 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“Having heard about michelin recalls I checked the tires on my 2001 gmc sierra pickup. I have michelin lt245/75r16 120/116r xc lt4 tires with less than 20,000 miles wear. Two of them are "crumbling" out 1 1/2 inch above the rim. You can see fibers in the holes. There are cracks everywhere on all the tires. They have been covered from the sun. Granted the tires have age but I have never seen "crumbling" before.”Owner report · Tires · Mar 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 gmc 2500 hd. While driving approximately 35 mph and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal extended to the floorboard and failed to stop the vehicle. The contact engaged the emergency brake and placed the vehicle in park. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who was diagnosed that the distributor brake block had excessive rust and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000. The VIN was unavailable.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jan 2016
“Kuhmo road venture at tire 245/75r/16 tread separation. This is the second incident with tires under 10,000 miles for this brand and size tire. The first incident tore up the side of my pickup while towing a 5th wheel trailer. When the second incident occurred, I felt a vibration in the truck and pulled into a roadside rest area. After I stopped and was almost out of the truck, I heard a loud pop and the tire tread had separated ripping the side of the tire out. Again, towing a 5th wheel trailer. In the first incident kuhmo argued for three months that I had driven the tire flat. They finally agreed to replace the tire and repair my truck. These tires are unsafe for highway use.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · May 2015
“I connected my camper to the truck. Proceeded toward the street driving on the driveway. I applied the brake and felt a thump at my foot that's was applying the brake. The brake pedal went slowly to the floor. I was able to stop, looked under the truck and noticed brake fluid flowing from underneath the truck. Apon inspection my brake lines were totally rusted. The truck is in the repair facility as I write the complaint. The truck body is in great shape except for the brake lines. Better regulations need to be met regarding brake line. Please help. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2014
“Exhaust manifold leak due to broken exhaust manifold bolt. I am the original owner of the vehicle. The vehicle has been regularly and properly maintained. I understand this is a common problem for this gm vehicle due to defective parts. I purchased this vehicle new from a local gmc dealer. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 gmc sierra 2500 hd. The contact stated that when traveling under 5 mph, the contact stated that the pedal began to pulsate. The anti-lock brake system activated and the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2013
“Engine stalled after pulling out onto highway then restarted, engine stalled at stop light restarted 5 minutes later , engine stalled immediately after starting then started two minutes later. Gm recall #06083 crankshaft position sensor from dec. 11, 2007 needs to be expanded to include more or maybe all 2001s with 8.1l v8 not just the VIN # that are listed. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2013
When filing, owners marked a crash in 11 of these complaints and injuries in 9 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 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).
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL NATIONAL AND CARQUEST AFTERMARKET HUB ASSEMBLIES, P/N 515058, SOLD FOR USE ON 2001-2006 GENERAL MOTORS 1500 AND 2500 4WD TRUCKS. ON THE SUBJECT HUB ASSEMBLIES, THE ABS SENSOR CORD DEPARTS FROM THE HUB ASSEMBLY AT A 90 DEGREE ANGLE. AS A RESULT, THERE IS A FIT ISSUE WITH THE BRAKE ROTOR DUST SHIELD INTERFERING WITH THE ABS SENSOR CORD. IF THE HUB ASSEMBLY IS INSTALLED DESPITE THIS INTERFERENCE, THE GAP BETWEEN THE ABS SENSOR AND THE TONE WHEEL MAY BE ALTERED. THIS MAY WEAKEN THE OUTPUT OF THE ABS SENSOR. DIMINISHED OUTPUT COULD RESULT IN AN UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS AND STOPPING DISTANCE COULD BE AFFECTED.
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY ITS OWNERS AND WILL EITHER CREDIT THE CUSTOMERS ACCOUNT OR REPLACE THE UNIT. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-563-8507 EXT 3530.
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.
CERTAIN FABTECH AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARMS, P/NOS. FTS71000 AND FTS71001, INSTALLED FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2001-2006 GM C/K 2500 PICK UP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE PIN LOCATED INSIDE THE PITMAN ARM CAN SHEAR OFF DUE TO A REVERSE BENDING FATIGUE CONDITION, RESULTING IN A TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
Remedy: FABTECH WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PITMAN AND IDLER ARMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FABTECH AT 909-597-7800.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 2-WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP TRUCKS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS." THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY A COMPUTER ERROR THAT RESULTED IN THE CERTIFICATION LABEL LISTING TIRE SIZE AND INFLATION PRESSURE INFORMATION THAT DIFFER FROM THE TIRE SIZE AND THE INFLATION PRESSURE INFORMATION FOR THE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE. IF THE VEHICLE OWNER OR SOMEONE SERVICING THE VEHICLE INFLATES THE TIRES ACCORDING TO THE PRESSURE SPECIFIED ON THE LABEL VERSUS THE APPROPRIATE PRESSURE FOR THE TIRES, THE TIRES COULD BE UNDER-INFLATED OR OVER-INFLATED DEPENDING ON THE TIRES MOUNTED ON THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A NEW LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. HOWEVER, A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL IF THE OWNER SO DESIRES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 31, 2001. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 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 Sierra 2500 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 GMC Sierra 2500 reliable?
NHTSA has 134 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 2001 GMC Sierra 2500. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (31% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2001 GMC Sierra 2500 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 66,500 miles or less.
Does the 2001 GMC Sierra 2500 have open recalls?
5 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.