2001 Chevrolet Suburban Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban, 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
- Brakes17834.8%
- Fuel system6011.7%
- Engine377.2%
- Electrical316.1%
- Steering295.7%
- Tires & wheels285.5%
- Transmission254.9%
- Seat belts244.7%
- Airbags214.1%
- Visibility142.7%
- Body & structure142.7%
- Driver assistance122.3%
- Suspension112.2%
- Powertrain (other)81.6%
- Other / unspecified71.4%
- Interior & seats61.2%
- Exterior lighting40.8%
- Heating & air conditioning20.4%
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
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 RESTART. ORDERING A REPLACEMENT FUEL PUMP. BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN 2005 ABOUT THE TIME OF GM RECALL 05027. IN DOING ONLINE TROUBLE-SHOOTING TODAY, I DISCOVERED THE 2001 GM RECALL 05027. HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM SEVERAL TIMES. FUEL FILTER WAS LAST CHANGED IN JULY 2009. COMPLETE FAILURE WHEN IN MOTION, BACKING OUT OF SERVICE STATION ONTO MAIN STREET (US 64 BUS), JUST INCHES FROM LANE OF TRAVEL (6.14.19).WHAT COULD BE WORSE THAN FUEL PUMP FAILURE AT A BUSY INTERSECTION DURING LUNCH HOUR? GRATEFUL IT DIDN'T CATCH FIRE, OR GET HIT. AS THE SERVICE ATTENDANT TRIED TO RESTART IT, OVER AND OVER, THE RELAY IN THE ECU MAY HAVE FAILED AT THAT TIME. IN THE INTERIM, MY HUSBAND DIED. I REPLACED RELAY/FUSES TODAY 9/14/19, AND VEHICLE STARTED, BUT WOULD NOT STAY RUNNING. ANOTHER MECHANIC BANGED ON FUEL TANK, IT RAN FOR A WHILE, SO HE ADVISED REPLACING PUMP, WHICH IS NOT ROCKET SCIENCE AFTER VIEWING YOUTUBE HOW-TO VIDEOS. WITH THE PUMP FAILING SPORADICALLY, AND RESPONDING TO THE VIBRATION OF BEING BANGED, IT SEEMS LIKE FAULTY WIRING OR CONNECTION PROBLEM, OR THAT SOMETHING IS LOOSE OR NOT FULLY SEATED ANYMORE. LOTS OF FOLKS SAY THE CHEVY 1500 IS WIDELY KNOWN FOR FUEL SUPPLY PROBLEMS. GAS GAUGE HAS NOT BEEN ACCURATE EVER. WHEN FULL, IT MAY SHOW EMPTY WHEN TURNING OR HITTING A SLIGHT BUMP IN THE ROAD. (TRACK BY COMPUTING MPG AND MILEAGE, TO DETERMINE RANGE). IN SHORT DISTANCES, IT SWINGS FULL-> EMPTY->FULL. WIRING DIAGRAM SHOWS TINY FUSE LABELED PRIME, NONE THERE. ABS INDICATOR LIGHTS UP BECAUSE SENSOR CABLE AT RIGHT FRONT TIRE MAY FAIL ON LEFT TURN, OR HARD RIGHT TURN, YET BRAKES ARE FINE.
THE BOLTS THAT HOLD THE EXHAUST MANIFOLDS DOWN ARE BREAKING OFF AT THE HEADS AND CAUSING EXHAUST LEAKS. WHICH ARE IN TURN CAUSING MY CATALYTIC CONVERTERS FAIL PREMATURELY. I HOPE GM FIXES THIS MASSIVE PROBLEM WITH THERE LS V8 ENGINES! *TR
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
EXHAUST AND MANIFOLD COVER BOLTS ARE TOO WEAK AND THE HEADS BREAK OFF. I HAD TO REPLACE ALL OF THEM WITH RACING BOLTS. MUCH BETTER NOW.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON MARCH 16, 2017, I WAS TRAVELLING ON A MOUNTAIN HIGHWAY IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA IN MY 2001 SUBURBAN WITH THE DRIVER'S SEAT HEATER ON. I WAS SITTING ON A THIN SEAT CUSHION. TWENTY MINUTES INTO THE 40 MINUTE TRIP, I TURNED MY SEAT HEATER OFF. TEN OR SO MINUTES LATER, I SMELLED A HORRIBLE RUBBER/PLASTIC BURNING SMELL. WHEN I REACHED MY DESTINATION, I LIFTED MY CUSHION AND SAW THAT THE SEAT HAD A BURNED HOLE THROUGH THE LEATHER AND INTO MY SEAT CUSHION. IT WAS WARM, BUT I DID NOT SEE A FLAME. WHEN I GOT HOME IN THE BAY AREA, I CONTACTED GM, AND THEY OPENED A CASE NUMBER AND TOLD ME TO TAKE MY VEHICLE TO A DEALER, AND THEY WOULD INVESTIGATE. I RECEIVED A CALL YESTERDAY FROM THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REP., AND SHE TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE COVERING THIS AS MY CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, IN SO MANY WORDS. I ASKED WHAT THE DEALER HAD FOUND, AND SHE COULDN'T TELL ME. I REITERATED TO HER THAT THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME. MY PASSENGER SIDE SEAT HEATER IS NOW GETTING VERY HOT, AND I AM CONCERNED NOW ABOUT THAT. PLEASE NOTE, THE DRIVER'S SEAT HEATER IS STILL WORKING IF YOU ACCIDENTALLY HIT THE BUTTON ON THE DOOR. TODAY, I FOUND OUT FROM THE DEALER THAT THEY WERE NOT INSTRUCTED BY GM TO LOOK INTO THE SEAT TO SEE WHAT CAUSED THIS, ONLY TO TAKE PICTURES, ETC. NOBODY KNOWS WHY IT HAPPENED. HOW CAN THEY DENY ANYTHING WITHOUT DETERMINING THE CAUSE IS MY THOUGHT. AREN'T THEY CONCERNED THEIR SEATS OVERHEAT? SHOULD THEY BE WARNING THE PUBLIC? MY SEATS ARE IN VERY GOOD CONDITION, EVEN THOUGH IT IS AN OLDER VEHICLE. INTERESTING TO NOTE WHEN WE PICKED THE CAR UP FROM THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE SERVICE WRITER SAID I SHOULDN'T WORRY SINCE IT IS NOT WORKING NOW BECAUSE A WIRED PROBABLY BROKE (EVERYTHING IS PROBABLY OR MAYBE). I CORRECTED HIM AND SHOWED HIM THAT IT DOES. HE WAS VERY SURPRISED TO SEE THAT IT STILL DID. SO, THE QUESTION IS WHY DID IT OVERHEAT. PLEASE ADVISE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE IGNITION WAS ABNORMALLY LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
AFTER TOWING OUR TRAVEL TRAILER 60 MILES, MY WIFE WAS BACKING SUBURBAN INTO THE DRIVEWAY AND PULLED FORWARD TO ADJUST THE TRAILER ANGLE AND LOST ALL STEERING. WHEN I WENT TO SEE WHAT IT WAS DOING, NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES WERE ALSO VERY DIFFICULT TO OPERATE. WAS ABLE TO BACK THE TRAILER INTO THE DRIVEWAY WITH MUCH EFFORT TO ADJUST THE STEERING. HATE TO THINK WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF IT WENT WHILE TOWING A TRAILER ON THE HIGHWAY WITH THE RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. VERIFIED FLUID WAS FULL AND BELT AND PULLEY WERE SPINNING NORMALLY. MECHANIC SUGGESTED TO CHECK PULLEY, WAS ABLE TO MOVE IT FORWARD FROM THE POWER STEERING UNIT EASILY WITH A SCREW DRIVER. *KB
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH HE HEARD A RATTLING AND KNOCKING SOUND IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR SERVICED BY THE DEALER FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,000.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN EQUIPPED WITH HERCULES ALL TRAC A/T TIRES, SIZE: 265/70R16 (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH A SPARE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT TIRE TECHNICIAN WHO REPLACED THE TIRE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 205,000.
I PURCHASED A SET OF SIGMA STAMPEDE TIRES IN 2-2007. 3 OF THE 4 TIRES PURCHASED HAD SIDE WAL BLOW OUTS. I TOOK THE TIRES TO WHERE I BOUGHT THEM AND THE OWNER SAID IT LOOKED AS THOUGH THERE COULD BE A DEFECT. I CONTACTED TBC CORP. ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS TIRE HAD BEEN RECALLED BUT THE SET I HAD WAS THE WRONG DOT #. I THEN TOLD THEM 3 OUT OF 4 TIRES THAT HAD NO TREAD DAMAGE THAT BLOW OUT THE SIDE WALL SHOULD BE LOOKED AT I WAS TOLD TO GET MY RECEIPT AND FAX IT TO THEM AND THEY WOULD MAKE AN ADJUSTMENT ON 2 OF THE TIRES THIS WAS DONE 2 WEEKS AGO AND I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM THEM . THE FIRST TIRE BLEW OUT 11-2008, AND I REPLACED IT . THE SECOND ON 4- 2009AND THE THIRD ON 7-12-2009. THEY SAID THAT I WOULD NEED ALL THE BAD TIRES FOR THEM TO LOOK AT , BUT ALL BUT 1 CANNOT BE RECOVERED THEY HAD ME TAKE THE REMAINING TIRE 34 MILES FROM MY HOME TO ONE OF THEIR DISTRIBUTORS TO LOOK AT ,WHEN I WENT THEY WOULD NOT EVEN LOOK AT IT . THIS COMPANY HAS DONE NOTHING BUT GIVE ME A RUN-AROUND WHEN ALL I WANTED WAS TO MAKE THEM AWARE OF A POSSIBLE PROBLEM. THEY WERE THE PNES THAT MENTION AN ADJUSTMENT, AND AFTER DOING WHAT THEY ASKED THEY WILL NOT CONTACT ME BACK. *TR
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, IT MADE A HUMMING SOUND. HE DISCONNECTED THE MODULE AND THE HUMMING STOPPED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THE FOLLOWING DAY AND THEY REPLACED THE MODULE UNDER WARRANTY. THREE YEARS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. HE PURCHASED THE THIRD MODULE AND HAD IT REPLACED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC. THREE WEEKS AGO, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS ON HIS VEHICLE WERE INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATING. AS OF JUNE 12, 2008, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 07/08/08. *BF THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THERE WAS A DELAYED ENGAGEMENT FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. UPDATED
OUR 4 YEAR OLD CHILD WAS ABLE TO PUT OUR 2001 CHEVY SUBURBAN IN GEAR WITHOUT STARTING THE CAR OR PRESSING HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE. THE CAR STARTING ROLLING DOWN THE HILL. FORTUNATELY MY WIFE WAS ABLE TO JUMP IN THE WINDOW AND PRESS THE BRAKE TO STOP THE CAR. WE WERE VERY LUCKY THAT NONE OF THE CHILDREN IN THE AREA WERE HURT AND THAT NO PROPERTY WAS DAMAGED OTHER THAN A SMALL PIECE OF FENCE. APPARENTLY WITH THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND IN THE FIRST "ACCESSORY" POSITION YOU ARE ABLE TO TAKE THE CAR OUT OF PARK WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. I TRIED THIS ON SEVERAL OTHER CHEVY MODELS THAT HAVE THE GEAR SHIFT ON THE COLUMN AND YOU ARE ABLE TO DO THE SAME THING. I CALLED CHEVY AND THE DEALER AND THEY BOTH SAID THAT THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AND TO BRING IT IN FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER EVEN WENT TO THE LOT AND DID WHAT I DESCRIBED ON A 2006 SUBURBAN AND AGREED THAT IT DID HAPPEN WHEN HE DID IT. IF THIS IN FACT THE WAY THE CAR IS MANUFACTURED IT WOULD BE NICE IF THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THAT FACT AND PUT IT IN THE OWNERS MANUAL. *TR UPDATED 12/12/2007 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER IS BEING PHASED OUT, HOWEVER WOULD LIKE TO BE NOTIFIED IF THE OLDER OWNERS WOULD BE NOTIFIED. UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE PASSENGER SIDE SECOND SEAT SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT.
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUBURBAN CHEVROLET. THE CONTACT RECEIVED ASAFETY RECALL 01V159000 CONCERNING SEAT BELTS, RERTRACTOR ON SECOND AND THIRD ROW SEATS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SAFETY RECALL DID NOT APPLY TO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE DUE TO THE VIN. THE CONTACT'S PASSENGER SIDE RETRACTOR DID NOT WORK, AND SHE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE IT REPAIRED UNDER THE SAFETY RECALL. THE DEALER WON'T ACKNOWLEDGE THE SAFETY RECALL EVEN EXISTED
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH UPHILL, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF A PICK-UP TRUCK. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WAS ONE INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 270,000.
MY SON WAS DRIVING AND REAR ENDED A MAN GOING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH. THE FRONT END SUSTAINED A GREAT DEAL OF DAMAGE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE ENGINE BEING PUSHED BACK SEVERAL INCHES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MY SON SUSTAINED MINOR WHIPLASH TYPE INJURIES TO HIS NECK AND BACK.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING AT 65 MPH DOWN THE INTERSTATE, SUDDENLY THE SUNROOF GLASS SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME AND FLEW AWAY INTO THE ROAD BEHIND US. THE INSIDE SUN SHADE WAS ALSO SUCKED OUT. THE SUNROOF WAS CLOSED AT THE TIME. THE FRAME AND MOTOR ARE INTACT AND STILL OPERATE NORMALLY. SUNROOF WAS MADE BY VERMEULEN-HOLLANDIA, MODEL: TVS S/N 461569. THERE IS A RECALL ON 2002-UP MODELS FROM THEM BUT NOT FOR THIS SERIAL NUMBER. COMPANY NAME IS NOW WEBASTO. *TR
THE 2001 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN WHICH I OWN LEAKS COLD AIR ON THE FRONT PASSENGER FEET. I WAS TOLD BY MY INSURANCE CO. THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A RECALL BY GM ON THIS AS IT IS A DEFECT IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HEATING DUCT, IT EVIDENTLY FALLS APART AND COLD AIR FROM OUTSIDE POURS ONTO THE PASSENGERS FEET. *TR
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING AT 65 MPH DOWN THE INTERSTATE, SUDDENLY THE SUNROOF GLASS SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME AND FLEW AWAY INTO THE ROAD BEHIND US. THE INSIDE SUN SHADE WAS ALSO SUCKED OUT. THE SUNROOF WAS CLOSED AT THE TIME. THE FRAME AND MOTOR ARE INTACT AND STILL OPERATE NORMALLY. SUNROOF WAS MADE BY VERMEULEN-HOLLANDIA, MODEL: TVS S/N 461569. THERE IS A RECALL ON 2002-UP MODELS FROM THEM BUT NOT FOR THIS SERIAL NUMBER. COMPANY NAME IS NOW WEBASTO. *TR
2001 SUBURBAN REAR FRAME RAILS BROKE OFF. *TS ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRAME WAS NOT MADE WITH A THICK METAL. *JB
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
EVERY MORNING WHEN I START THE CAR, IT "LUNGES" FORWARD. THIS HAS ONLY HAPPENED 3 OR 4 TIMES DURING THE DAY BUT IT DOES HAPPEN EVERY MORNING. I KEEP THE CAR IN THE GARAGE SO WHEN IT DOES MOVE FORWARD IT IS ONLY A COUPLE OF INCHES, BUT WHEN I AM IN A PARKING LOT, I MAKE SURE TO LEAVE PLENTY OF ROOM BETWEEN CARS SO I DO NOT HIT ANYONE. I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE SINCE JAN. 07 AND THIS JUST STARTED IN NOVEMBER. *TR
DT: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED. WHEN STARTING VEHICLE HAVD TO APPLY ADDITIONAL PRESSURE ON THE ACCELATOR, IT SEEMED TO BE STUCK. THIS ONLY HAPPEND WHEN PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN PARK OR REVERSE. THIS STARTED HAPPENING ON MAY 12, 2005. DEALER LOOKED AT VEHICLE BUT WAS GOING TO CHARGE THE CONSUMER FOR REPAIRS. NHTSA ACTION INVESTIGATION EA02015 DEALT WITH SAME PROBLEM. *AK
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
DT: THE BRAKES AT LOW SPEEDS WERE WORKING POORLY, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES. THEY ALSO MADE A THUMPING SOUND WHEN THE ABS SYSTEM FAILED. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY CLAIMED IT WAS OTHER THINGS BESIDES THE ABS SYSTEM. DEALERSHIP WANTED CONSUMER TO SPEND MONEY ON THE BRAKE PADS/ROTORS, AND CALIPERS FIRST AND THEN ON DEFECTIVE WHEEL BEARING. TOOK VEHICLE TO MECHANIC, AND STATED THAT WAS NOT THE PROBLEM HE RECOMMENDED TO THE DEALER, BUT DEALER DID NOT WANT TO FIX THE ACTUAL PROBLEM.*AK THE VEHICLE HAD EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF RUST ON IT (FRAME, CALIPERS, ROTORS AND NON-BODY PARTS). THE CALIPERS WERE RUSTED AND LEAKING. THE ROTORS WERE WARPED AND CORRODED AND THE BRAKE PADS WERE WORN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *NM
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I JUST FIX MY HEAD GASKET FROM LEAKING 2 WEEKS LATER THE TRANSMISSION GAVE OUT A WEEK LATER THE SENSOR GAVE OUT THEN THE OTHER SENSOR KNOCK SENSOR 2 THEN THE SENSOR PUMP GAVE OUT TOO WITH IN 6 MONTHS AND COST ME ABOUT 4000 AFTER TAX CHEVY. *TR
LEAKING FRONT DIFFERENTIAL SEALS ON A 2001 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, 1500, 4WD. *NM
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
THIS IS CONCERNING A '01 Z71 SUBURBAN. HAD TIRES CHANGED DUE TO UNEXPLAINABLE VIBRATION IN WHEELS. AFTER TIRE CHANGE TIRES DEFLATED. FOUND ALUMINUM ALLOY RIMS SEVERELY RUSTED AND PITTED ON THE BACK SIDE, FOUND ONE RIM HAS A HOLE THE SIZE OF A PEA AFTER BRUSHING SOME RUST AWAY. *JB
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: CONSUMER OWNS 2001 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. TWO OF THE ELECTRICAL MOTORS HAD GONE OUT ON THE POWER WINDOWS, TWO SEPARATE WINDOWS. SHE TOOK VEHICLE A GARAGE T TO HAVE WINDOW MOTORS REPLACED , AND THE MECHANIC CALLED THE DEALER FOR PARTS, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE MOTOR WAS ALREADY ON BACK ORDER, SHE SAID THAT THIS SHOWED HER THAT SHE WAS NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. ALSO, HAD A PROBLEM WITH ELECTRICAL LOCKS, THEY FAILED. THE DRIVER'S DOOR WILL OPEN AUTOMATICALLY BUT THE OTHER DOORS HAVE TO BE OPENED MANUALLY. THE FRONT DOORS HAD EXTERIOR LOCKS , AND ONE COULD UNLOCK THEM FROM THE OUTSIDE. BUT, THE REAR DOORS DID NOT HAVE EXTERIOR LOCKS. SHE HAD TO REACH THEM FROM THE FRONT TO MANUALLY UNLOCK THE REAR DOORS TO GET IN FROM THE OUTSIDE. *AK
WHILE DRIVING OR IDLING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUT DOWN INTERMITTENTLY AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE DEALER STILL WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK THE REAR FLOOR PLASTIC PLATE HAD BROKEN, THE LEFT REAR WINDOW MOTOR WAS INOPERATIVE UP AND DOWN, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT WAS COMING APART BY THE DOOR, SEAT TRACK HAD BROKEN, THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT BELT SHOULDER STRAP SOMETIMES TIGHTENED UP, THERE WAS NOISE IN THE REAR END HAD A HARMONIC VIBRATION, THE RIGHT SECOND WINDOW WOULD NOT GO DOWN, THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT IN THE FRONT LOCKED UP RIGHT FRONT RETRACTOR LOCKED, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR SQUEAKS REALLY BAD, THE MOLDING FOR THE RUBBER COMING OFF, AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT LIGHT HAD COME OUT. *SC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, IT MADE A HUMMING SOUND. HE DISCONNECTED THE MODULE AND THE HUMMING STOPPED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THE FOLLOWING DAY AND THEY REPLACED THE MODULE UNDER WARRANTY. THREE YEARS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. HE PURCHASED THE THIRD MODULE AND HAD IT REPLACED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC. THREE WEEKS AGO, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS ON HIS VEHICLE WERE INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATING. AS OF JUNE 12, 2008, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 07/08/08. *BF THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THERE WAS A DELAYED ENGAGEMENT FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. UPDATED
THE HORN FUSE KEPT BURNING OUT. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND NO DFECTS WERE FOUND. LATER, WHILE PARKING IN THE DRIVEWAY, IT STARTED TO BLOW OWN ITS OWN. HEADLIGHTS WENT OFF WHILE BEING DRIVEN, AND CURRENTLY THEY DO NOT WORK AT ALL.*AK
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
WE BOUGHT A 2001 CHEVY SUBURBAN , BRAND NEW. SINCE WE OWNED IT, THE AIR CONDITIONER MOTOR FAILED THE FIRST MONTH, FRONT LEFT SHOCK POPS WHEN TURNING, DRIVER'S SEAT WARMER DOESN'T WORK (POSSIBLE FAULTY SWITCH), THE 5.3 LITER ENGINE KNOCKS AND PINGS LIKE CRAZY EVEN WHEN USING 93 OCTANE FUEL ON A STEADY BASIS. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS FOUND TO HAVE CRACKED SEAT RAILS BUT DEALER HAD NO REPLACEMENT RAILS, HAVE TO ORDER THEM. GAS GAUGE DOESN'T READ RIGHT (WHEN ON THE RED LINE IT STILL HAS 6 GALLONS IN THE TANK OR 20% FUEL LEFT) THE THING IS A PIECE OF CRAP! GM DIDN'T GIVE A DARN EITHER. IF YOU CALL TO COMPLAIN YOU GET THE RUN AROUND. THIS IS THEIR TOP OF THE LINE PASSENGER TRUCK (SUBURBAN LT) AND DEFINITELY NOT SOMETHING THEY SHOULD BE PROUD OF. I DEFINITELY WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER, MY PARENTS JUST BOUGHT A NEW FORD EXPEDITION SINCE THEY SAW ALL THE CRAP BREAKING ON THIS THING. OTHER FRIENDS HAVE ALSO NOT GM AFTER SEEING FIRST HAND MY BRAND NEW LEMON. ANOTHER FRIEND OF MINE IS ON HIS 3RD REPLACEMENT MOTOR FOR HIS CAMARO WINDOW. HE BOUGHT AC DELCO MOTORS EACH TIME AND THEY ALL STOPPED WORKING WITHIN ONE YEAR. ALL OF THESE PRODUCTS, INCLUDING MY SUBURBAN ARE BEING MADE IN MEXICO I JUST FOUND OUT. I THINK THAT THEY MUST HAVE A BIG PROBLEM WITH QUALITY CONTROL DOWN THERE OR THEIR SAMPLING SIZE IS NIL. WELL I HOPE GM HAS MADE A BUNDLE OF PROFITS OFF NAFTA BECAUSE THEY'VE DEFINITELY LOST AT LEAST 7 SALES THAT I KNOW OF DUE TO MY $40,000 PIECE OF CRAP. I WOULDN'T RECOMMEND THIS CAR TO ANYONE. I HAVE HEARD OF OTHERS COMPLAINING OF THE SAME PINGS/KNOCKS IN THEIR 5.3 LITER GM ENGINES. DOES ANYONE KNOW OF A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT REGARDING THIS? OH AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IS WAY TOO LOOSE.
TRANSMISSION HAS NOT BEEN SHIFTING CORRECTLY FOR A LONG TIME. BECAME VERY NOTICEABLE IN JULY OF 2001. REAR AIR SOMETIMES DOES NOT TURN OFF WHEN IGNITION IS OFF. FRONT AIRS SOMETIMES CUTS SELF OFF AND BEGINS TO BLOW WARM AIR. ALTHOUGH NOT APPLICABLE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS CHANGED OUT FRONT AND MIDDLE SEAT COVERS FROM CRACKING PROBLEM I TALKED WITH GM AND THEY ADVISED THE DEALERSHIP TO CORRECT THESE SINCE I DO STILL HAVE A WARRANTY. I AM STILL UNSATISFIED WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF MY VEHICLE. THIS IS THE 3RD SUBURBAN I HAVE OWNED. THE OTHER 2 WERE GMC'S. I NEVER HAD A PROBLEM OF THIS NATURE BEFORE. THIS ONE HAS BEEN ANNOYING WITH SMALL PROBLEMS SINCE DAY ONE! DT
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .