RoadVitals

2001 Chevrolet Chevy Van Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
13
Latest Feb 1, 2018
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
9
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2001 Chevrolet Chevy Van, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Airbags320.0%
  • Brakes213.3%
  • Suspension213.3%
  • Engine213.3%
  • Steering213.3%
  • Fuel system16.7%
  • Interior & seats16.7%
  • Heating & air conditioning16.7%
  • Body & structure16.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ENTIRE DASHBOARD HAS CRACKED INCLUDING THE AREA AROUND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG. THIS IS A 2010 CHEVY SILVERADO PICKUP TRUCK.

NHTSA ID 11012965 · filed Aug 5, 2017

I WAS A PASSENGER IN MY OWN VEHICLE AND WE WERE GOING THE SPEED LIMIT EAST BOUND. ANOTHER CAR CAME OUT INFRONT OF MY VEHICLE AND AS WE APPROACHED THE INTERSECTION WE STRUCK THE OTHER VEHICLE AS THERE WAS NO OTHER CHOICE. I WAS BADLY INJURED BECAUSE MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. I WAS BELTED IN BUT MY WHOLE LEFT SIDE STILL HIT THE DASH AND HEAD BROKE THE WINDSHIELD. THE EMERGENCY RESPONDERS SAID I WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN AS BADLY INJURED IF THE BAGS WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. WE WEREN'T CITED BUT THE OTHER DRIVER WAS. I CONTACTED GENERAL MOTORS BUT THEY ARE FAILING TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR PRODUCT. THEY SAID IT WAS MY RESPONSIBLY TO KEEP TRACK OF THE VEHICLE AFTER MY INSURANCE TOTALED IT OUT. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE VEHICLE INSIDE AND OUT. AND ALL EMAILS BETWEEN GM AND MYSELF. I WOULD LIKE SOMETHING DONE AS I AM STILL RECOVERING FROM THE ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ID 10723727 · filed Jun 5, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ABS BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT ON. INSPECTION FAILED. SAID IT WAS A "SAFETY ISSUE" NO RECALL THOUGH. 1800.00 REPAIR PARTS AND LABOR. IF THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THEN WHY ISN'T THE PART RECALLED ? ONLINE THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE, WE HAVE HAD OUR BRAKE SYSTEM LOOKED AT AND IT IS FINE AND SAFE, EVEN THOUGH THE LIGHT IS ON. ON THE CHEVY ASTRO RECALL PAGES IT EVEN STATES AND I QOUTE " THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) CONTROL UNIT MAY FAIL INTERNALLY CAUSING THE ABS WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE." THIS ISN'T A SAFETY ISSUE, IT'S A PARTS ISSUE, THE PART IS GLUED TOGETHER MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO FIX. THIS IS OBSOLESCENCE , "MAKE IT TO BREAK" MENTALITY. I WAS SUPPOSED TO GO ON VACATION , NOW THE AUTO INDUSTRY HAS MY VACATION MONEY. THIS ISN'T FAIR TO THE CONSUMER, PUTTING A PART IN THAT WAS MEANT TO BE REPLACED AND NOT REPAIRED, EVEN WHEN THE CAR COMPANIES KNOW IT IS DEFECTIVE. PEOPLE ARE DRIVING CHEVY ASTRO'S WITH THIS SYSTEM DISENGAGED AND HAVING NO PROBLEMS WITH THEIR BRAKES. TOTALLY UNFAIR TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. IF I WANT A VACATION NOW I'LL HAVE TO BORROW MONEY TO DO IT, OR PUT IT ON MY CREDIT CARD. THANKS TO WHOEVER MADE THESE LAWS, AND THEN DIDN'T MAKE THE CAR COMPANIES RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR PARTS.

NHTSA ID 11066190 · filed Feb 1, 2018

I HAD SEVERAL NEAR MISSES INVOLVING FAILURE OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM BEFORE THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. OUR MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND ANY FAULT WITH ABS SENSORS WHEN TESTING THEM. THE BRAKES WORKED NORMALLY IN WET/SLIPPERY CONDITIONS , BUT AT VERY LOW SPEED ON DRY PAVEMENT THE ABS WOULD PREVENT THE VAN FROM STOPPING . THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOISILY GO DOWN WHILE THE VEHICLE CONTINUED MOVING. I ALMOST RAMMED THE BACK OF A NEW CADILLAC AT A DRIVE-THROUGH FAST-FOOD PLACE. FINALLY, AFTER REPLACING THE WHEEL BEARING, (AND ASSOCIATED ABS SENSOR, ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE THE PROBLEM STOPPED. GMC SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ABS PROBLEMS AS THEY SEEM TO BE WIDESPREAD. *AK

NHTSA ID 10193637 · filed Jun 18, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAD SEVERAL NEAR MISSES INVOLVING FAILURE OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM BEFORE THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. OUR MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND ANY FAULT WITH ABS SENSORS WHEN TESTING THEM. THE BRAKES WORKED NORMALLY IN WET/SLIPPERY CONDITIONS , BUT AT VERY LOW SPEED ON DRY PAVEMENT THE ABS WOULD PREVENT THE VAN FROM STOPPING . THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOISILY GO DOWN WHILE THE VEHICLE CONTINUED MOVING. I ALMOST RAMMED THE BACK OF A NEW CADILLAC AT A DRIVE-THROUGH FAST-FOOD PLACE. FINALLY, AFTER REPLACING THE WHEEL BEARING, (AND ASSOCIATED ABS SENSOR, ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE THE PROBLEM STOPPED. GMC SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ABS PROBLEMS AS THEY SEEM TO BE WIDESPREAD. *AK

NHTSA ID 10193637 · filed Jun 18, 2007

WHEN TRAVELING 40 OR MORE MPH VEHICLE WOULD SWAY/WANDER ACROSS THE ROAD SEVERELY. VEHICLE BEEN TAKEN TO DEALER'S SHOP ON FOUR OCCASIONS, AND DEALER WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

NHTSA ID 897414 · filed Oct 5, 2001

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THERE WERE SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR. I PURCHASED THE CAR IN JUNE OF 2004 AT CLAY CHEVORLET IN NEWTON, MA. THE FIRST DAY I DROVE MY CAR THE TEMPERATURE THERMOMETER CONTINUED TO FLUCUATE BETWEEN C AND H. A FEW MONTHS LATER I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH MY DEMISTER AND THAT WAS FIXED. A FEW WEEKS AGO I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE FAN AND THAT WAS SUPPOSEDLY FIXED. RECENTLY THE THERMOMETER WENT ALL THE WAY TO H AND DID NOT COOL DOWN. MY CAR WAS TOWED BACK TO THE COMPANY AND I WAS TOLD THAT SOMETHING IN THE ENGINE EXPLODED AND THEY ARE SUPPOSEDLY REPLACING THE ENGINE ALTHOUGH I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR 3 WEEKS FOR IT. *JB

NHTSA ID 10133115 · filed Aug 16, 2005

I TOOK MY 2001 CHEVROLET VENTURE TO DOAN CHEVROLET IN ROCHESTER NY BECAUSE I WASN'T GETTING THE PROPPER AMOUNT OF HEAT. THEY CALLED AND TOLD US THEY FOUND ANTIFREEZE IN THE ENGINE OIL. THEY SAID THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR LOWER INTAKE GASKET THAT WAS LEAKING. THEY SAID OUR ENGINE WOULD SEIZE UP SOON IF WE DIDN'T GET IT TAKEN CARE OF. SO WE HAD THE WORK DONE FOR A BILL OF $640. WE HAVE SINCE HEARD FROM SEVERAL PEOPLE WITH GM PRODUCTS THAT HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM RELATED TO ENGINE GASKETS. WAS THERE A RECALL I MISSED OR DOES GM JUST NOT THINK THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM? IF IT HADN'T BEEN FOR THE LOW HEAT, OR IF THIS OCCURED IN THE SUMMER, WE MAY HAVE NOT FOUND THE PROBLEM AND SEIZED UP DRIVING 65 MPH DOWN THE THRU-WAY. A THREE YEAR OLD CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE BAD ENGINE GASKETS, AND CERTAINLY NOT AT LEAST THREE OTHER PEOPLE I KNOW ALSO. A FRIEND WHO HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HIS GM VAN REFERED ME TO THIS SITE.*AK

NHTSA ID 10114132 · filed Mar 15, 2005

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I OWN A 2001 CHEVROLET FULL SIZE VAN. WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN THE SHAFT ON THE POWER STEERING PUMP BROKE, RESULTING IN VERY DIFFICULT CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED DECEMBER 5 ,2003. THE PUMP WAS REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE, NOW ONE YEAR LATER THE EXACT SAME THING HAS HAPPENED. I FEEL GM HAS SOME BIG PROBLEMS HERE, WITH REAL SAFETY ISSUES. I AM VERY UPSET I AM FORCED TO REPLACE POWER STEERING PUMPS EVERY YEAR. PLEASE ACT ON THIS PROBLEM QUICKLY. THANK YOU JON. *AK

NHTSA ID 10104188 · filed Dec 20, 2004

STEERING FROZE SUDDENLY AND TRUCK WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND SIDESWIPED TREES ALONG THE ROAD. TRUCK STEERING ALTERNATELY PERFORMS NORMALLY AND THEN SUDDENLY LOCKS UP. *PH

NHTSA ID 10030522 · filed Jul 31, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRACKETS (CLOVIS PINS) SWING OUT FROM THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE CLOVIS PINS ARE ABRADING THE CYLINDER AND CAUSING A FUEL LEAK. THE FAILURE WAS DISCOVERED WHILE THE CONTACT WAS INSPECTING OTHER VEHICLES. THE DEFECT DOES NOT FALL WITHIN THE GUIDELINES OF HIS INVESTIGATION PROCESS. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND PURCHASE DATE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 25,000.

NHTSA ID 10193938 · filed Jun 21, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THERE IS A PIN THAT HOLDS SEATS TO THE FRAME OF 12-PASSENGER VAN. THIS PIN COMES LOOSE DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF VEHICLE AND FALLS OUT OF POSITION, ALLOWING SEATS TO MOVE FROM A SECURED POSITION. THUS, PREVENTING PROPER PROTECTION OF PASSENGERS. DEALERSHIP HAS EXAMINED VEHICLE TWO TIMES, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / ATTACHMENTS.*AK

NHTSA ID 898787 · filed Nov 6, 2001

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THERE WERE SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR. I PURCHASED THE CAR IN JUNE OF 2004 AT CLAY CHEVORLET IN NEWTON, MA. THE FIRST DAY I DROVE MY CAR THE TEMPERATURE THERMOMETER CONTINUED TO FLUCUATE BETWEEN C AND H. A FEW MONTHS LATER I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH MY DEMISTER AND THAT WAS FIXED. A FEW WEEKS AGO I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE FAN AND THAT WAS SUPPOSEDLY FIXED. RECENTLY THE THERMOMETER WENT ALL THE WAY TO H AND DID NOT COOL DOWN. MY CAR WAS TOWED BACK TO THE COMPANY AND I WAS TOLD THAT SOMETHING IN THE ENGINE EXPLODED AND THEY ARE SUPPOSEDLY REPLACING THE ENGINE ALTHOUGH I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR 3 WEEKS FOR IT. *JB

NHTSA ID 10133115 · filed Aug 16, 2005

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A USED (2001) CHEVROLET EXPRESS HIGH-TOP CONVERSION VAN (C1500). I HAVE NOTICED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THAT THE CARGO DOORS OPEN FURTHER THAN THEY SHOULD AND ACTUALLY ALLOW ONE OF THE DOORS TO COLLIDE WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR IF IT TOO IS OPENED SIMUTANEOUSLY. I HAVE FOUND NO RECALLS FROM THE MANUFACTURER TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. I WILL NOTE THAT BEFORE I BOUGHT THE VAN, IT ALREADY HAD A DENT IN THE FORWARD CARGO DOOR DUE TO BEING HIT BY THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR. ROBERT LEVIS CHEVROLET REPAIRED THE DOOR (DENT) BUT DID NOT FIX IT FROM COLLIDING WITH THE OTHER DOOR. IT AMAZES ME THAT SUCH AN ENGINEERING MISTAKE LIKE THIS HAS NOT ALREADY BEEN FIXED BY THE OEM. WHEN MULTIPLE DOORS ARE OPENED AT THE SAME TIME, THEY SHOULD NOT MECHANICALLY BE CAPABLE OF STRIKING EACH OTHER. IT WOULD BE MUCH CHEAPER TO CORRECT THE HINGE ON THE FORWARD CARGO DOOR AS OPPOSED TO REPAIRING A DENT TO THE DOOR.*AK

NHTSA ID 10052315 · filed Jan 3, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .