2001 Chevrolet Suburban Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Suburban years
- Far more complaints than other years 3rd of 30 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 6 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 440 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban. That ranks 3rd out of 30 Suburban model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (89 complaints, 20%), typically at around 66,400 miles. Complaints mention 35 crashes, 5 fires, 35 injuries. There are 6 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 11 defect investigations involving it.
- 440owner complaints
- 6safety recalls
- 11NHTSA investigations
- 35complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2001 Chevrolet Suburban problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems | 89 | 20% | 66,400 | “abs brake” (8%) | $1,500 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 46 | 10% | 60,000 | — | — |
| Parking Brake | 42 | 10% | 48,673 | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 35 | 8% | 134,000 | — | — |
| Power Train | 33 | 8% | 54,338 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 30 | 7% | 57,945 | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 30 | 7% | 50,100 | — | — |
| Steering | 29 | 7% | 54,500 | — | — |
| Tires | 28 | 6% | 36,000 | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 23 | 5% | 44,248 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 20 | 5% | 100,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Air | 15 | 3% | 46,750 | — | — |
| Structure | 14 | 3% | 71,000 | — | — |
| Visibility | 14 | 3% | 45,000 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Other | 12 | 3% | 52,000 | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 12 | 3% | 52,500 | — | — |
| Suspension | 11 | 3% | 36,000 | — | — |
| Engine | 7 | 2% | 162,000 | — | — |
| Seats | 6 | 1% | 3,000 | — | — |
| Equipment | 5 | 1% | 58,821 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 5 | 1% | 112,500 | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 4 | 1% | 60,000 | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 3 | 1% | 209,357 | — | — |
| Trailer Hitches | 2 | 0% | 34,400 | — | — |
| Wheels | 2 | 0% | 142,327 | — | — |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 0% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2001 Chevrolet Suburban recalls (6)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Engine and engine cooling
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the sensor becomes completely inoperative, the engine will quit running and will not re-start. Either of these failures can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Problem: 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.
Risk: This can cause increased stopping distances during low-speed brake applications, which could result in a crash.
Fix: 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.
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the ignition circuit wire is exposed, the fuel pump fuse will blow, disabling the fuel pump and causing an engine stall or no-start condition. If sufficient heat is conducted to the pass-through connector, a hole in the connector may result, which may cause a 'service engine soon' light to be illuminated during the emission system diagnostic routine. Fuel vapor and in some cases liquid fuel may leak out of the fuel tank through the hole in the connector body. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire. Also if the ignition circuit or ground wire is exposed and shorts to the fuel level sender card wires, inaccurate fuel level readings may result.
Fix: 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.
Structure
Problem: 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.
Risk: This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.
Fix: 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.
Seat belts:front:retractor
Problem: 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.
Risk: In a crash, increased occupant injury could result from the no-lock condition.
Fix: 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.
Structure:body
Problem: 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.
Risk: These gases could flow into the passenger compartment if the plug is missing or loose and could cause possible illness, unconsciousness, or death.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicle for loose or missing wheelhouse plugs and install new plugs if necessary.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Brake line corrosion failure (EA11001) — opened Jan 5, 2011, closed Apr 8, 2015.
- Brake line corrosion failure (PE10010) — opened Mar 30, 2010, closed Jan 5, 2011.
- Crank position sensor failure - stall (PE06016) — opened May 4, 2006, closed Sep 14, 2006.
- Parking brake failure (DP05009) — opened Dec 20, 2005, closed May 31, 2006.
- Unwanted low-speed abs activation (PE05020) — opened Apr 28, 2005, closed Sep 13, 2005, led to recall 05V379000.
- Overheated fuel pump wiring (EA04026) — opened Sep 9, 2004, closed Aug 2, 2005, led to recall 05V155000.
- Overheated fuel pump wiring (PE04042) — opened May 3, 2004, closed Sep 9, 2004, led to recall 05V155000.
- Hydraulic pump failres (EA04012) — opened Apr 30, 2004, closed Feb 28, 2005, led to recall 05V005000.
- Steel wheel rim fracture (PE03026) — opened Jun 12, 2003, closed Nov 3, 2003.
- Alleged failure of 2nd row seatbelt alr (PE02067) — opened Sep 25, 2002, closed Feb 11, 2003.
- Throttle sticking closed (EA02015) — opened Aug 1, 2002, closed Jan 12, 2004.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
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…
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
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet suburban. The contact stated that while driving behind his father's vehicle, they had approached a stop and attempted to depress the brake pedal. As his foot was on the pedal, the contact could hear the abs making an abnormal noise as the brake pedal failed to…
Fuel pump may falter or fail; fuel pump relay was non-functional, replaced it; other fuses passed testing with meter; vehicle started, would not run more than a few minutes. New fuel filter. Guy at service station banged on gas tank, and it would start then run great for a minute, then will not…
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, [redacted]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE…
Other Chevrolet Suburban years
← 2000 Suburban · 2002 Suburban →
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Suburban | 44 | 1 |
| 2023 Suburban | 130 | 3 |
| 2022 Suburban | 124 | 4 |
| 2021 Suburban | 200 | 12 |
| 2020 Suburban | 44 | 4 |
| 2019 Suburban | 78 | 3 |
| 2018 Suburban | 84 | 4 |
| 2017 Suburban | 141 | 5 |
| 2016 Suburban | 220 | 6 |
| 2015 Suburban | 430 | 11 |
| 2014 Suburban | 59 | 3 |
| 2013 Suburban | 118 | 4 |
| 2012 Suburban | 101 | 4 |
| 2011 Suburban | 148 | 3 |
| 2010 Suburban | 117 | 3 |
| 2009 Suburban | 106 | 5 |
| 2008 Suburban | 213 | 4 |
| 2007 Suburban | 292 | 4 |
| 2006 Suburban | 23 | 1 |
| 2005 Suburban | 129 | 6 |
| 2004 Suburban | 204 | 4 |
| 2003 Suburban | 301 | 5 |
| 2002 Suburban | 286 | 2 |
| 2001 | 440 | 6 |
| 2000 Suburban | 282 | 8 |
| 1999 Suburban | 634 | 1 |
| 1998 Suburban | 201 | 2 |
| 1997 Suburban | 414 | 2 |
| 1996 Suburban | 360 | 3 |
| 1995 Suburban | 457 | 6 |
See all Chevrolet Suburban problems by year, every Chevrolet model, or the Chevrolet VIN decoder.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban?
Owners most often report service brakes, hydraulic, fuel system, gasoline, parking brake problems. The top one, service brakes, hydraulic, accounts for 89 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban?
Yes, 6 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Suburban model years, the 2001 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.