2001 Chevrolet Tahoe 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 Tahoe, 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
- Brakes27247.3%
- Tires & wheels356.1%
- Seat belts325.6%
- Airbags315.4%
- Body & structure254.3%
- Electrical203.5%
- Engine193.3%
- Transmission193.3%
- Interior & seats193.3%
- Steering183.1%
- Visibility162.8%
- Driver assistance152.6%
- Fuel system142.4%
- Suspension132.3%
- Other / unspecified91.6%
- Powertrain (other)61.0%
- Exterior lighting61.0%
- Heating & air conditioning61.0%
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 contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle pulled to the left very hard, almost causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The ABS and brake warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the EBCM motor relay circuit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,632.
In the past I have sent several emails to Chevrolet corporate office re the ABS brake system on my Tahoe which first failed with only 130 miles on the vehicle. Vehicle almost tipped over but I recovered the braking system and stopped vehicle only inches from going off a cliff and into the ravine below. I love my Tahoe which now has 109000+ miles on it but the ABS brake system has never worked and on several occasions almost wiped out myself and a passenger because brakes failed to engage. I filed several complaints with the Chevrolet dealer in Austin, TX where I bought my Tahoe and also here in Taos, NM where I currently live. Recently I had the Chevrolet dealer here in Taos run a diagnostic on my ABS brakes. Result was that the brake system was defective and would cost $2000 to repair! I feel Chevrolet should pay for the repair since my Tahoe was delivered from the factory with defective ABS brakes. As it is, my Tahoe cannot be resold since the system as is could kill anyone in this vehicle if they did not know how to recover when pedal is all the way to the floor and vehicle is picking up speed rather than slowing down. Certainly even I could hit an elk standing in middle of highway because I would not be able to recover brake system in time.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I bought Achilles desert hawk uhp 285/50/R20 tires in late 2019 from Walmart . and had them mounted in 2020 from discount tire. Within 10 months of tires being mounted I had a vibration and it was getting worse every day so I started looking at it and found I had a separated tire on the driver's side front. I put my spare on and contacted Walmart which told me sorry for your luck and there is nothing they can or will do.so I contacted discount and they said to contact Achilles tire. I did and never heard back from them. I then forgot about it until roughly 5 months ago when passenger tire was separated. Then 3 days ago the passanger rear separated and now today the driver's rear has separated. I understand 1 tire possibly 2, but to have all 4 tires separate in less than 2 years and in under 10,000 miles is mind blowing to me..I have all the tires and I filed a complaint with Walmart and Achilles after the 2nd one. I honestly don't think it's discount tires responsibly. I only had them install tires because walmart would make excuse after excuse and I got fed up with it. There should be some sort of liability to the manufacturer and to Walmart. I am asking you if it's possible to look into this. 4 tires separate in 2 years you ée⁷⁷e77⁷e⁷
WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH IN HEAVY (BUMPER TO BUMPER) TRAFFIC ON A 4 LANE HIGHWAY, I HAD A GUT FEELING TO GET OFF THAT MAIN ROAD SO, I TOOK A RIGHT ONTO A SMALL COUNTRY ROAD. NOT EVEN A MILE DOWN THE ROAD THERE WAS A LOUD THUMP FROM THE BACK OF THE TAHOE - SOUNDED AS THOUGH THE BUMPER FELL OFF AND HIT THE ROAD. LOOKED THROUGH MY REARVIEW MIRROR AND SAW SOMETHING SHOOT STRAIGHT BACK (WOULD HAVE BEEN EVEN WITH A CAR'S WINDSHIELD) AND THE THING CURVED UP AND WENT OVEN AN EMBANKMENT. HUSBAND GOT OUT WHILE I LOOKED UNDER THE BACK OF TAHOE - THE SPARE TIRE HAD BROKEN LOOSE AND IT WAS THE TIRE THAT WENT DOWN THE EMBANKMENT. THE BRACKET HOLDING IT HAD BROKEN. HAD I STAYED ON THE MAIN HIGHWAY, THE TIRE WOULD HAVE SHOT THROUGH THE CAR'S WINDSHIELD BEHIND ME AND CHANCES ARE 100% THE PERSON WOULD HAVE BEEN DECAPITATED. TOOK THE TAHOE TO THE DEALER FIRST THING MONDAY MORNING AND THEY FIXED IT. TELLING ME THEY HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE. THIS TAHOE HAD ABOUT 50,000 MILES, NEVER BEEN OFF ROAD, NEVER TOWED, NEVER ABUSED, AND NEVER BOTTOMED OUT. MY TAHOE IS 2001 AND JUST TURNED 122,000 MILES - DON'T DO A LOT OF DRIVING AND I KEEP IT SERVICED. DO TAKE CARE OF WHAT I OWN. JUST IN CASE YOU OWN A 2001 TAHOE, MAY WANT TO HAVE THE BRACKET CHECKED. MINE HAD JUST SNAPPED - THERE WAS NO RUST - NOTHING THAT WOULD CAUSE THIS. THAN GOODNESS NO ONE WAS HURT/KILLED. LAST YEAR THE TAHOE HAD A BENT ROD, FRONT END BRACKET/TIE ROD BROKEN, TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT GO OUT OF 4WD, HAD IT IN THE SHOP - ALL PROBLEMS HAVE COME BACK- I SPENT OVER 4,000.00 AND I'M NOT SPENDING ANYMORE - THIS TAHOE JUST TURNED 122,000 MILES. WHAT THE HECK. I TAKE GOOD CARE OF ALL MY CARS AND THIS ON JUST KEEPS HAVING PROBLEMS. (I'D HAVE TO FIND THE LIST FROM THE SHOP - BUT I HAVE NO MORE MONEY TO FIX IT OR BUY ANOTHER - AND I JUST LOVE THIS THING :( *TR
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT LOCKS UP AND CAN'T BE ADJUSTED. IT CONTINUES TO GET TIGHTER AFTER FASTENING AND ALLOWS FOR NO MOVEMENT. IT IS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE AND DOES NOT ALLOW FOR ANY MOVEMENT. IT HAS BEEN THAT WAY SINCE ORIGINAL PURCHASE IN 2001. I HAVE BROUGHT TO ATTENTION OF CHEVY DEALERSHIP. ANSWER ALWAYS BEING THAT THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE.
MY PASSENGER SEAT COT ON FIRE. MY TRUCK WAS PARKED IN THE MALL PARKING LOT AS MY SELF HUSBAND AND TWO CHILDREN CAME OUT FROM SHOPPING TO MY THE CAR I OPENED MY PASSANGER DOOR I GOT IN AND ADJUSTED MY PASSANGER SEAT FOR COMFORT AND MY HUSBAND WAS GETTING THE GIFT AND KIDS IN THE TRUCK AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I SMELLED SMOKE.I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND I STARTED TO LOOK WHERE THE SMELL WAS COMING FROM AND LOOKED UNDER MY PASSENGER SEAT AND THERE WAS SPARKS COMING FROM UNDER THE SEAT THERE WAS A BLACK BOX UNDER THE SEAT THAT WAS SPARKING I CALLED 911 AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND PUT THE FIRE OUT MY WHOLE PASSANGER SIDE BURNED AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID IT WAS THE MOTOR BOX UNDER THE SEAT THAT COT FIRE BAD ELECTRICAL WIRING HE SAID. THE CAR WAS PARKED AND WE HAD NOT STARTED IT THE ONLY THING I DID WAS ADJUST MY SEAT AND AS I WAS WAITING FOR MY HUSBAND TO GET IN AND KIDS THO GET BUCKLED I SMELT SOMETHING BURNING AND MY SET GOT HOT. I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS HAPPENED
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE FAILED TO YIELD AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER SIDE OF THAT VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY REPAIR CENTER FOR BODY REPAIRS, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED FOR THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THREE YEARS LATER, WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO AN ANIMAL AND THEN INTO A GUARDRAIL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY REPAIR CENTER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
THE VEHICLE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN ACCIDENT WERE IT RECEIVED SEVERE FRONT END DAMAGE.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TWO RUSTED BRAKE LINES FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER TO MASTER DISTRIBUTION BLOCK UNDER THE TRUCK CAUSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO GO TO THE FLOOR AT 50 MPH AND RAN THRU A 4 WAY STOP INTERSECTION IN A RURAL AREA, THANK YOU JESUS I'M ALIVE, LOT'S OF RUST ON THE LOWER ROCKERS ETC. ON BOTH SIDES
THE LIFTGATE GLASS HINGE HAS SEPARATED FROM THE MOLDING CAUSING THE LIFTGATE GLASS WINDOW TO BECOME UNSAFE SINCE IT IS NOW HELD ONTO THE CAR BY ONLY ONE RUBBER HINGE BRACKET. THE GLASS IN THE LIFTGATE WILL NOT CLOSE AND COULD BECOME SEPARATED FROM THE CAR WHILE THE CAR IS MOVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY TO CARS FOLLOWING MY CAR. THE LOCAL DEALER STATED THAT HE HAD SEEN THE PROBLEM BEFORE BUT THERE IS NO RECALL AND MY ONLY RECOURSE WAS TO PURCHASE A NEW REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW AT A COST OF NEARLY $1000. I AM NOW ON RECORD AS HAVING STATED IN WRITING THAT, IN MY OPINION, THIS IS A SERIOUS SITUATION AND THIS MANUFACTURE DEFECT COULD CAUSE THE REAR GLASS TO BECOME SEPARATED FROM THE CAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY. THE ODOMETER ON MY CAR READS 40,000 MILES. *TR
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Passenger side rear air conditioning blower motor caught on fire and burned vehicle out completely. Fire trucks called to put out fire but is completely burned out. My safety was at risk flames in back by the time I got stopped on highway. Thankful no one was riding in back seat. First issue I had with it and it torched the vehicle. No warnings on dash. Vehicle is waiting to be inspected by insurance adjuster.
MY PASSENGER SEAT COT ON FIRE. MY TRUCK WAS PARKED IN THE MALL PARKING LOT AS MY SELF HUSBAND AND TWO CHILDREN CAME OUT FROM SHOPPING TO MY THE CAR I OPENED MY PASSANGER DOOR I GOT IN AND ADJUSTED MY PASSANGER SEAT FOR COMFORT AND MY HUSBAND WAS GETTING THE GIFT AND KIDS IN THE TRUCK AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I SMELLED SMOKE.I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND I STARTED TO LOOK WHERE THE SMELL WAS COMING FROM AND LOOKED UNDER MY PASSENGER SEAT AND THERE WAS SPARKS COMING FROM UNDER THE SEAT THERE WAS A BLACK BOX UNDER THE SEAT THAT WAS SPARKING I CALLED 911 AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND PUT THE FIRE OUT MY WHOLE PASSANGER SIDE BURNED AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID IT WAS THE MOTOR BOX UNDER THE SEAT THAT COT FIRE BAD ELECTRICAL WIRING HE SAID. THE CAR WAS PARKED AND WE HAD NOT STARTED IT THE ONLY THING I DID WAS ADJUST MY SEAT AND AS I WAS WAITING FOR MY HUSBAND TO GET IN AND KIDS THO GET BUCKLED I SMELT SOMETHING BURNING AND MY SET GOT HOT. I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS HAPPENED
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE A PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 139,984. UPDATED 5/27/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER THE IGNITION SWITCH AND CYLINDER WERE INSTALLED, THERE WERE NO MORE PROBLEMS.
MISFIRING, EXHAUST LEAKING BECAUSE OF COMMON PROBLEM (EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS BROKEN) MANY HAVE COMPLAINED OF THE SAME PROBLEM ON THE V8 ENGINES. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL. HELP! *TR
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
ABS MODULE, TRANSMISSION, PARKING BRAKE, THROTTLE BODY, WINDOWS, REAR A/C, STEERING SUSPENSION. SINCE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE WE HAVE HAD TO SPEND OVER $4000.00 ON REPAIRS THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED DUE TO SAFETY. *JB
I HAVE A 2001 TAHOE THAT HAS BEEN RELATIVELY PROBLEM-FREE. RECENTLY, THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT ON IT WITHOUT WARNING. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, HEARD A POP THAT SOUNDED LIKE A FLAT TIRE. SHE PULLED OFF TO INSPECT THE CAR, BUT DID NOT SEE ANYTHING VISIBLY WRONG. TURNS OUT, SHE HAD NO REVERSE, AND COULD BARELY REACH 50 MPH, SO I AM GUESSING SHE WAS MISSING SOME GEARS. SHE WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO GET IF OFF OF THE HIGHWAY, AND FROM THERE I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. "SOMETHING EXPLODED IN MY TRANSMISSION" WERE THE MECHANICS WORDS. I WONDERED HOW SOMETHING COULD JUST "EXPLODE" IN THE TRANSMISSION WITHOUT WARNING, SO I WENT SEARCHING THE INTERNET. TURNS OUT ALOT OF PEOPLE HAVE SEEN THIS RELATED TO SUN-SHELL FAILURE. TSB 00822B/00822C, NHTSA ITEM NUMBER 10005474. *TR
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY PASSENGER SEAT COT ON FIRE. MY TRUCK WAS PARKED IN THE MALL PARKING LOT AS MY SELF HUSBAND AND TWO CHILDREN CAME OUT FROM SHOPPING TO MY THE CAR I OPENED MY PASSANGER DOOR I GOT IN AND ADJUSTED MY PASSANGER SEAT FOR COMFORT AND MY HUSBAND WAS GETTING THE GIFT AND KIDS IN THE TRUCK AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I SMELLED SMOKE.I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND I STARTED TO LOOK WHERE THE SMELL WAS COMING FROM AND LOOKED UNDER MY PASSENGER SEAT AND THERE WAS SPARKS COMING FROM UNDER THE SEAT THERE WAS A BLACK BOX UNDER THE SEAT THAT WAS SPARKING I CALLED 911 AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND PUT THE FIRE OUT MY WHOLE PASSANGER SIDE BURNED AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID IT WAS THE MOTOR BOX UNDER THE SEAT THAT COT FIRE BAD ELECTRICAL WIRING HE SAID. THE CAR WAS PARKED AND WE HAD NOT STARTED IT THE ONLY THING I DID WAS ADJUST MY SEAT AND AS I WAS WAITING FOR MY HUSBAND TO GET IN AND KIDS THO GET BUCKLED I SMELT SOMETHING BURNING AND MY SET GOT HOT. I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS HAPPENED
SAFETY ISSUE: WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE DRIVERS SEAT RIGHT SIDE BACK SUPPORT BRACKET FAILED. THE ONLY THING KEEPING IT UPRIGHT IS THE LEFT SIDE BRACKET AND SEAT COVERING IN TENSION. IN MY OPINION, A SEAT BRACKET SHOULD NOT FAIL DURING THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. I DO NOT PUSH BACK ON MY SEAT, AS I HAVE SEEN OTHERS IN THERE VEHICLES TO CREATE MORE SPACE BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL. IN FACT, I SIT UP CLOSE TO THE STEERING WHEEL IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY COLLISIONS DURING THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE SINCE 5 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. *TR
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
LOOSE STEERING AND LOOSE CLUNKING COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN. COMING OUT OF TURN I HEAR A NOISE NOT NORMAL AFTER TURNING AND THE STEERING FEELS LOOSE/FLOATY. I HAVE HAD THE NOISE FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS BUT NEVER THOUGHT ANYTHING OF IT. HAD THE FRONT END CHECKED OUT AND THE STEERING LOOKED AT ABOUT A YEAR AGO AND IT ALL CHECKED OUT OK. I STILL HAD THE CLUNKING AND LOOSENESS. I RECENTLY HAD A STEERING FLUID FLUSH AND CHECK AND ALL TURNED OUT WELL BUT THE NOISE IS STILL THERE. IT FEELS AS IF THE STEERING SHAFT IS FLOATING AND SNAPS BACK INTO PLACE AFTER THE TURN. *TR
STEERING FEELS LOOSE WHEN TURNING AND HITTING SLIGHT BUMPS AT NORMAL SPEEDS. SOFT CLUNKING SOUNDS COMES FROM STEERING COLUMN AREA UNDER DASHBOARD WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL AND MOVING. *TR
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS LOADING GROCERIES THROUGH THE OPEN LIFTGATE WINDOW. WHEN I FINISHED AND TRIED TO CLOSE THE WINDOW IT WOULDN'T CLOSE. IT WAS OFF CENTER, I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO CLOSE IT BY PUSHING UP ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE GLASS ALLOWING ME TO SECURE THE LIFTGATE GLASS. I BOUGTH THIS CAR THROUGH CARMAX IN CHARLOTTE AND NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BUT WITH RESEARCH I HAVE DISCOVERED IT TO BE A FAIRLY COMMON PROBLEM.
THE LIFTGATE GLASS HINGE HAS SEPARATED FROM THE MOLDING CAUSING THE LIFTGATE GLASS WINDOW TO BECOME UNSAFE SINCE IT IS NOW HELD ONTO THE CAR BY ONLY ONE RUBBER HINGE BRACKET. THE GLASS IN THE LIFTGATE WILL NOT CLOSE AND COULD BECOME SEPARATED FROM THE CAR WHILE THE CAR IS MOVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY TO CARS FOLLOWING MY CAR. THE LOCAL DEALER STATED THAT HE HAD SEEN THE PROBLEM BEFORE BUT THERE IS NO RECALL AND MY ONLY RECOURSE WAS TO PURCHASE A NEW REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW AT A COST OF NEARLY $1000. I AM NOW ON RECORD AS HAVING STATED IN WRITING THAT, IN MY OPINION, THIS IS A SERIOUS SITUATION AND THIS MANUFACTURE DEFECT COULD CAUSE THE REAR GLASS TO BECOME SEPARATED FROM THE CAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY. THE ODOMETER ON MY CAR READS 40,000 MILES. *TR
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
ERROR MESSAGE POP UPS C01960. MY ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT POPS UP WHILE I'M DRIVING ALMOST DAILY NOW. MY BRAKES FEELS AS IF THEIR SLIPPING WHEN I TRY TO DIRECTLY STOP OR TURN LEFT. IT SCARES ME BECAUSE MY BRAKES SYSTEM SEEMS TO FEEL LIKE THEIR LOCKED OR AS IF I'M SLIDING ON ICE AND CANNOT STOP. THIS IS WHEN THE ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT WILL APPEAR LIT AT THE SAME TIME
WHILE DRIVING ON A FOUR LANE DIVIDED ROADWAY AT 40 MPH, I NOTICED THAT THE TRUCK DID NOT ACCELERATE WHEN I DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND APPEARED TO BE LOSING SPEED. I WAS LESS THAN 1 MILE FROM MY HOME AND DECIDED TO TURN AROUND AND RETURN. I HAD 6 CHILDREN AGES 4-20 IN THE CAR TRAVELING TO A THANKSGIVING DAY FOOTBALL GAME. WHEN I CAME TO THE NEXT LIGHT ABOUT 200 YARDS FROM WHEN I NOTICED THE PROBLEM AND BEGAN TO TURN, THE CAR STALLED AND I LOST POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. I WAS ABLE TO BRING THE CAR TO A STOP, BUT WAS NOW PERPENDICULAR TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND COULD NOT MOVE FORWARD OR BACKWARD. I ASKED THE THREE OLDEST CHILDREN TO EXIT THE VEHICLE IN THE ACTIVE ROADWAY AND PUSH THE TRUCK SLIGHTLY UPHILL TO THE SIDE OF THE RIGHT MOST LANE TO CLEAR THE INTERSECTION. I THEN HAD TO TOW THE CAR BACK TO THE HOUSE. I FOUND THAT THE FUEL PUMP FUSE HAD BLOWN AND REPLACED IT. DESPITE THIS THE CAR WAS STILL HARD TO START. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND NUMEROUS REFERENCES TO THIS VEHICLE BLOWING FUSES, IN ALL CASES REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL PUMP. I NOTED IN ONE COMPLAINT THAT THERE WAS AN NHTSA CAMPAIGN (05V155000) RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM ON THE SAME MODEL YEAR CHEVROLET SUBURBAN THAT RESULTED IN A RECALL. I AM CONCERNED THAT A RECALL FOR ANOTHER NEARLY IDENTICALLY CONSTRUCTED VEHICLE AFFECTING THE SAME COMPONENT INSTALLED IN MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT WARRANT NOTICE TO ME THAT I COULD SUFFER THE SAME FAILURE PLACING OCCUPANTS IN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. HAD I BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE LIKELIHOOD OF THIS OCCURRENCE THAT COULD RESULT IN MY VEHICLE AND ITS OCCUPANTS BEING STRANDED IN AN ACTIVE ROADWAY, I WOULD HAVE INITIATED PREVENTATIVE REPAIRS. THIS CAMPAIGN, OR AT A MINIMUM AN ADVISORY NOTICE, SHOULD HAVE BEEN MADE TO OWNERS OF ALL VEHICLE EMPLOYING THE SAME FAULTY COMPONENT. *TR
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY DAUGHTER WAS RUNNING LESS THAN 35 MPH THROUGH TOWN WENT TO STOP AT A RED LIGHT, BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKE LINES FAILED LEADING TO ME REAR ENDING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. UPON INSPECTION BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WERE LEAKING FLUID DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION. I HAD TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED HOME AND HAVE BEEN UN ABLE TO DRIVE IT SINCE.
WHILE DRIVING ON A FOUR LANE DIVIDED ROADWAY AT 40 MPH, I NOTICED THAT THE TRUCK DID NOT ACCELERATE WHEN I DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND APPEARED TO BE LOSING SPEED. I WAS LESS THAN 1 MILE FROM MY HOME AND DECIDED TO TURN AROUND AND RETURN. I HAD 6 CHILDREN AGES 4-20 IN THE CAR TRAVELING TO A THANKSGIVING DAY FOOTBALL GAME. WHEN I CAME TO THE NEXT LIGHT ABOUT 200 YARDS FROM WHEN I NOTICED THE PROBLEM AND BEGAN TO TURN, THE CAR STALLED AND I LOST POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. I WAS ABLE TO BRING THE CAR TO A STOP, BUT WAS NOW PERPENDICULAR TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND COULD NOT MOVE FORWARD OR BACKWARD. I ASKED THE THREE OLDEST CHILDREN TO EXIT THE VEHICLE IN THE ACTIVE ROADWAY AND PUSH THE TRUCK SLIGHTLY UPHILL TO THE SIDE OF THE RIGHT MOST LANE TO CLEAR THE INTERSECTION. I THEN HAD TO TOW THE CAR BACK TO THE HOUSE. I FOUND THAT THE FUEL PUMP FUSE HAD BLOWN AND REPLACED IT. DESPITE THIS THE CAR WAS STILL HARD TO START. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND NUMEROUS REFERENCES TO THIS VEHICLE BLOWING FUSES, IN ALL CASES REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL PUMP. I NOTED IN ONE COMPLAINT THAT THERE WAS AN NHTSA CAMPAIGN (05V155000) RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM ON THE SAME MODEL YEAR CHEVROLET SUBURBAN THAT RESULTED IN A RECALL. I AM CONCERNED THAT A RECALL FOR ANOTHER NEARLY IDENTICALLY CONSTRUCTED VEHICLE AFFECTING THE SAME COMPONENT INSTALLED IN MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT WARRANT NOTICE TO ME THAT I COULD SUFFER THE SAME FAILURE PLACING OCCUPANTS IN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. HAD I BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE LIKELIHOOD OF THIS OCCURRENCE THAT COULD RESULT IN MY VEHICLE AND ITS OCCUPANTS BEING STRANDED IN AN ACTIVE ROADWAY, I WOULD HAVE INITIATED PREVENTATIVE REPAIRS. THIS CAMPAIGN, OR AT A MINIMUM AN ADVISORY NOTICE, SHOULD HAVE BEEN MADE TO OWNERS OF ALL VEHICLE EMPLOYING THE SAME FAULTY COMPONENT. *TR
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
WAS DRIVING TAKING KIDS TO SCHOOL IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBOR HOOD . WHEN I MADE A TURN ONTO A STREET THE TRUCK DROPPED TO RIGHT SIDE AND THE TIRE AND AXLE ROLLED INTO ANOTHER CAR. TURNING 5 MILE HR
ABS MODULE, TRANSMISSION, PARKING BRAKE, THROTTLE BODY, WINDOWS, REAR A/C, STEERING SUSPENSION. SINCE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE WE HAVE HAD TO SPEND OVER $4000.00 ON REPAIRS THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED DUE TO SAFETY. *JB
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
WAS DRIVING TAKING KIDS TO SCHOOL IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBOR HOOD . WHEN I MADE A TURN ONTO A STREET THE TRUCK DROPPED TO RIGHT SIDE AND THE TIRE AND AXLE ROLLED INTO ANOTHER CAR. TURNING 5 MILE HR
WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH IN HEAVY (BUMPER TO BUMPER) TRAFFIC ON A 4 LANE HIGHWAY, I HAD A GUT FEELING TO GET OFF THAT MAIN ROAD SO, I TOOK A RIGHT ONTO A SMALL COUNTRY ROAD. NOT EVEN A MILE DOWN THE ROAD THERE WAS A LOUD THUMP FROM THE BACK OF THE TAHOE - SOUNDED AS THOUGH THE BUMPER FELL OFF AND HIT THE ROAD. LOOKED THROUGH MY REARVIEW MIRROR AND SAW SOMETHING SHOOT STRAIGHT BACK (WOULD HAVE BEEN EVEN WITH A CAR'S WINDSHIELD) AND THE THING CURVED UP AND WENT OVEN AN EMBANKMENT. HUSBAND GOT OUT WHILE I LOOKED UNDER THE BACK OF TAHOE - THE SPARE TIRE HAD BROKEN LOOSE AND IT WAS THE TIRE THAT WENT DOWN THE EMBANKMENT. THE BRACKET HOLDING IT HAD BROKEN. HAD I STAYED ON THE MAIN HIGHWAY, THE TIRE WOULD HAVE SHOT THROUGH THE CAR'S WINDSHIELD BEHIND ME AND CHANCES ARE 100% THE PERSON WOULD HAVE BEEN DECAPITATED. TOOK THE TAHOE TO THE DEALER FIRST THING MONDAY MORNING AND THEY FIXED IT. TELLING ME THEY HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE. THIS TAHOE HAD ABOUT 50,000 MILES, NEVER BEEN OFF ROAD, NEVER TOWED, NEVER ABUSED, AND NEVER BOTTOMED OUT. MY TAHOE IS 2001 AND JUST TURNED 122,000 MILES - DON'T DO A LOT OF DRIVING AND I KEEP IT SERVICED. DO TAKE CARE OF WHAT I OWN. JUST IN CASE YOU OWN A 2001 TAHOE, MAY WANT TO HAVE THE BRACKET CHECKED. MINE HAD JUST SNAPPED - THERE WAS NO RUST - NOTHING THAT WOULD CAUSE THIS. THAN GOODNESS NO ONE WAS HURT/KILLED. LAST YEAR THE TAHOE HAD A BENT ROD, FRONT END BRACKET/TIE ROD BROKEN, TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT GO OUT OF 4WD, HAD IT IN THE SHOP - ALL PROBLEMS HAVE COME BACK- I SPENT OVER 4,000.00 AND I'M NOT SPENDING ANYMORE - THIS TAHOE JUST TURNED 122,000 MILES. WHAT THE HECK. I TAKE GOOD CARE OF ALL MY CARS AND THIS ON JUST KEEPS HAVING PROBLEMS. (I'D HAVE TO FIND THE LIST FROM THE SHOP - BUT I HAVE NO MORE MONEY TO FIX IT OR BUY ANOTHER - AND I JUST LOVE THIS THING :( *TR
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Bad transmission there's reverse but no forward gears
I HAVE A 2001 CHEVY TAHOE. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE 2 YEARS. FOR THE YEAR I HAVE HEARD A CLICKING NOISE AND A KNOCKING NOISE WHEN I TURN AND THEN THE NOISE STARTING GETTING LOUDER. FOUR MONTHS AGO I WAS PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVE WAY AND THE NOISE TURNED INTO A SCRATCHING SOUND. I PARKED THE VEHICLE FOR 2 DAYS TOOK IT TO DEALER SHIP AND THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT. WELL LITTLE DID I KNOW THAT NOTHING TURNED INTO THE REAR END GEAR DIFFERENTIAL GOING COMPLETELY OUT. NOW I AM WITH OUT A VEHICLE. THIS IS WHILE I HAVE MY 4 CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE WITH ME ON OUR WAY TO THE DOCTORS OFFICE. I BROKE DOWN ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. COULD NOT GO FORWARD WHAT SO EVER. EVERY TIME I WOULD PUT IT INTO DRIVE IT WOULD MAKE THIS HORRIBLE LOUD NOISE. I AM NOT SURE IF I SHOULD CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER OR WHAT. CAN SOME ONE TELL ME ANYTHING IF IT HAS HAPPENED TO YOU AND HOW MUCH IT COAST TO BE FIXED. I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT IT WILL NOT COVER IT. *TR
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
THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS STOP WORKING WHEN IN USE.
NOTICED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS BECAME INTERMITTENT; STARTED OCCURRING MORE FREQUENTLY ONCE PROBLEM STARTED EVENTUALLY HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT STAY ON; DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM WAS RELATIVE TO THE POSITION OF THE TILT OF STEERING COLUMN; VEHICLE WAS EVALUATED AND REPAIRED; REPAIR INCLUDED REPLACING THE WIRING HARNESS AND THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH; THE WIRING HARNESS HAD SHORTED OUT APPARENTLY FROM THE REPEATED MOVEMENT OF THE TILT BEING ADJUSTED; OLD PART IS AVAILABLE; I'M REPORTING THIS BECAUSE THE PROBLEM IS DANGEROUS WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS GO OFF TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS AT NIGHT. IT IS ALSO A FIRE HAZARD PER THE MECHANIC THAT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. WE DID SMELL SMOKE AT ONE TIME BUT DIDN'T NOTICE ANY OTHER COMPONENTS DAMAGED. MAYBE WE WERE JUST LUCKY. *TR
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
CONSUMER 2001 CHEVY TAHOE PASSENGER SEAT WAS BURNING . *TS WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION THE CONSUMER SMELLED BURNING. THERE WAS A BLOWN BURN MARK IN THE LEATHER SEAT WHERE THERE WAS MELTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY SIMPLY DISCONNECTED THE SEAT WARMER. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED THAT THE VEHICLE BE PLACED BACK IN IT'S ORIGINAL CONDITION AND BE REIMBURSED FOR THE CAR RENTAL. *SC
I OWN A 2001 CHEVY TAHOE. ON OCTOBER 5TH, 2005 I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. WHEN I PARKED MY CAR AND PULLED A FILE FOLDER OFF THE SEAT, IT WAS SINGED AND THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SEAT. THERE WAS ALSO A BROWN BURN MARK AND THE LEATHER SEAT WAS MELTED. I WENT TO AN APPOINTMENT, MAKING SURE THERE WERE NO INDICATOR LIGHTS ON. TWO HOURS LATER I STARTED THE CAR AND THE SMOKE BEGAN AGAIN, THIS TIME MUCH WORSE. I WENT TO SANDBERG CADILLAC; THEY WERE GOING TO CHARGE ME $110 TO DISCONNECT THE SEAT. THE SERVICE MANAGER HAD GOTTEN INTO THE CAR TO MOVE IT AND SAID THE SEAT WAS STILL SMOLDERING. THEY TORE THE SEAT OUT OF THE CAR AND THERE WAS A FIRE UNDER THE LEATHER. AT THAT TIME THE $110 DISCUSSION WAS DROPPED. I MADE A COMMENT TO THE 5 GENTLEMAN THAT THIS IS UNDER WARRANTY, BUT ISN'T THIS SAFETY ISSUE ALL AGREED. STEVE AND I WENT BACK INSIDE AND HE ARRANGED FOR A LOANER CAR, THROUGH ENTERPRISE. SERGIO SAID THAT HE WOULD BE PUTTING A CALL INTO HIS GM REP AND THAT HE WOULD TALK TO THEM ABOUT COVERING THE EXPENSE OF THE SEAT AND GETTING MY CAR BACK TO THE ORIGINAL CONDITION OF BEFORE THE FIRE. THERE WAS CHEMICAL SMOKE DAMAGE ON THE INTERIOR WHICH DAN; THE TECHNICIAN ASSURED ME THEY HAD A MACHINE THAT WOULD BE ABLE TO GET RID OF THAT SMELL. OCTOBER 6TH, I SPEAK WITH SERGIO AND AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE GM REP HE IS NOT WILLING TO COVER THE DAMAGE AND THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WILL COVER THE HARDWARE, BUT NOT THE ACTUAL SEAT CUSHION OR COVER. AT THIS TIME WE ARE LOOKING AT $1000 WORTH OF DAMAGE NOT INCLUDING THE ANY RENTAL CAR EXPENSE. I AT THAT TIME REQUESTED A CORPORATE NUMBER AND REACHED A BRUCE MITCHELL. I GAVE HIM THE DETAILS OF THE INCIDENT AND HE ASSURED ME THAT SOMEONE WOULD BE IN CONTACT WITH ME BETWEEN 24 AND 48 HOURS. I AM NOW AT THE 48 HOUR MARK AND HAVE HEARD NOTHING. *JB
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 .