Owners have filed 1,048 complaints
about the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado with NHTSA between 2000 and 2016.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 24 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Silverado. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 96
18.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 53
31% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2001 compares with every other Chevrolet Silverado
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
243.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
193.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
7712.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
19131.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
14724.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
8914.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
437.0%
150,000+ miles
233.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Sep 2000peak 62Apr 2016
NHTSA investigations into the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA11001Opened 5 Jan 2011Closed 8 Apr 2015SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Brake line corrosion failure
On January 11, 2011, ODI opened EA11-001 to investigate allegations of premature brake line corrosion failure in model year (MY) 1999 through 2003 General Motors (GM) full-size pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles sold or registered in the following region of the United States that NHTSA has viewed as salt states for investigations of corrosion related issues:Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and Wis...
PE10010Opened 30 Mar 2010Closed 5 Jan 2011SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Brake line corrosion failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received Defect Petition DP10-003 on March 2, 2010, requesting the investigation of model year (MY) 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 4WD pickup trucks for corrosion failures of the vehicle brake lines.DP10-003 was granted and on March 30, 2010, Preliminary Evaluation PE10-010 was opened on more than six million model year 1999 through 2003 light trucks and sport utility vehicles manufactured and sold by General Motors Corporation (GM).On July 2, 2010, ODI received GM's response to an information request, which included GM's assessment of the frequency a...
PE06016Opened 4 May 2006Closed 14 Sep 2006ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
CRANK POSITION SENSOR FAILURE - STALL
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE06-016) ON MAY 4, 2006 BASED ON ELEVEN VEHICLE OWNER QUESTIONNAIRES (VOQS) AND EARLY WARNING (EWR) DATA ALLEGING SUDDEN ENGINE SHUTDOWN WHILE DRIVING AS A RESULT OF CRANK POSITION SENSOR FAILURES IN MY 2001-2002 GENERAL MOTORS C/K PLATFORM VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 8.1L ENGINES.IN RESPONSE TO AN INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER SENT BY ODI, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) PROVIDED OWNER COMPLAINT INFORMATION, FIELD REPORTS AND WARRANTY CLAIM DATA BASED ON A POPULATION OF 108,338 VEHICLES. THE DATA WAS CATEGORIZED BY ENGINE STALLS WHILE DR...
DP05009Opened 20 Dec 2005Closed 31 May 2006PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL
PARKING BRAKE FAILURE
ODI'S REVIEW OF COMPLAINT DATA RECEIVED SINCE THE CLOSE OF EA04-011 REVEALED NO INDICATION THAT THE INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE RE-OPENED.MORE DETAILS CAN BE FOUND IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE ENCLOSED IN THE DP05-009 PUBLIC FILE.ODI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REOPEN THE INVESTIGATION IN THE FUTURE SHOULD CONDITIONS WARRANT.
IN A LETTER DATED AUGUST 29, 2005, GM NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT WAS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1999 THROUGH 2002 C/K PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES TO CORRECT A PROBLEM WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) WHEEL SPEED SENSOR CORROSION THAT MAY RESULT IN UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AND EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING LOW-SPEED BRAKING (RECALL 05V-379).GM'S RECALL COVERS APPROXIMATELY 804,000 VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING 14 SALT-BELT STATES:CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, V...
EA04012Opened 30 Apr 2004Closed 28 Feb 2005SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
HYDRAULIC PUMP FAILRES
GM IS CONDUCTING A RECALL ON ALL SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILD BETWEEN MAY 1999 AND OCTOBER 14, 1999.SIGNIFICANT CHANGES WERE INCORPORATED INTO PRODUCTION IN EARLY OCTOBER 1999, AND VEHICLES BUILT AFTER THAT DATE HAVE LOWER WARRANTY FAILURE RATES.THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA APPEAR TO SUPPORT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THESE CHANGES. GM MADE ADDITIONAL CHANGES IN NOVEMBER 1999, FEBRUARY 2000, MAY 2001, AND FEBRUARY 2004.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS PROBLEM AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION, IF WARRANTED, IN THE FUTURE.FOR FURTHER TECHNICAL DETAILS SEE THE ATTACHED ENGINEERING ANALYSIS REPORT.
EA04011Opened 9 Apr 2004Closed 10 May 2005PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL
PARKING BRAKE FAILURE
IN A LETTER DATED APRIL 20, 2005, GM NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT HAD DECIDED THAT DEFECTS THAT RELATE TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY EXIST IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999-2002 C/K 1500 SERIES (PBR PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM) AND MY 2001-2005 C/K 2500 AND 3500 SERIES (TRW PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM) PICKUPS WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS.ACCORDING TO GM, SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE CONDITIONS THAT CAUSE THE FRICTION LININGS TO WEAR TO AN EXTENT WHERE THE PARKING BRAKE CAN BECOME INEFFECTIVE IN IMMOBILIZING A PARKED VEHICLE.GM'S ACTION COVERS AN ESTIMATED TOTAL OF 142,585 VEHICLES.DEALERS WILL INSTALL A LOW-FORCE SPRING...
EA04005Opened 19 Feb 2004Closed 28 Sep 2004LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
TAILGATE CABLE BREAKAGE
GENERAL MOTORS FILED A DEFECT NOTICE 04V-129 ON MARCH 17, 2004, WHICH OUTLINES A PROGRAM TO REPLACE THE TAILGATE CABLES INSTALLED IN AFFECTED MODEL YEAR 2000-2004 VEHICLES.REFER TO ODI'S CLOSING REPORT FOR EA04-005 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.ODI IS AWARE OF REPORTS OF TAILGATE CABLE BREAKAGE OCCURRING IN MODEL YEAR 1999 AND EARLIER VEHICLES.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH SIMILAR TAILGATE CABLES AS ADDRESSED BY 04V-129, BUT ARE NOT BEING ADDRESSED BY CAMPAIGN O4V-129.ODI IS INITIATING A SEPARATE INVESTIGATION TO ADDRESS THESE VEHICLES.THE COMPLAINT-INJURY-FATALITY STATISTICS SUMMARIZED ABOVE...
Recalls on the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
09E025000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
09E012000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
08E050000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
07E106000
WHEELS:HUB
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.
Risk: WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
07V521000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
07E066000
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.
Risk: IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.
06E075000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
CERTAIN GUIDE REPLACEMENT HEADLAMPS, P/NOS. 16526133 AND 16526134, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 1 TO JULY 11, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON MY 1999-2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO PICKUP TRUCKS. THE HEADLAMP FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE PHOTOMETRY REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: TOO MUCH LIGHT IN CERTAIN POINTS OF THE HEADLAMP COULD CREATE A DISTRACTION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
06E060000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2007363741 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles equipped with an 8.1L engine, the crankshaft position sensor may fail. If the sensor operates intermittently, the Service Engine Soon (SES) light may illuminate and the vehicle may run rough. In addition, the engine may stall, and if so, may re-start immediately or after a cool-down period. If the sensor becomes inoperable permanently, the engine will quit running and will not re-start. Engine stalling would result in lost propulsion which, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the crankshaft position sensor.
Recall 20051166,920 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain 1999-2002 1500 series and 2001-2005 2500 & 3500 series trucks equipped with a manual transmission, the parking brake friction lining may wear to an extent where the parking brake can become ineffective in immobilizing a parked vehicle. Correction: Dealers will install a low-force spring clip retainer on vehicles equipped with PBR parking brake system and install a redesigned parking brake cable assembly on vehicle equipped with a TRW parking brake system.
Recall 2004395158,474 units in Canada
Brakes
Certain vehicles located in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador may experience unwanted Antilock Brake System (ABS) activation and increased stopping distances during low-speed brake application (less than 16 km/h and greater than 6 km/h). This condition does not set any ABS codes nor does it illuminate the ABS warning lamp. Correction: Dealers will remove the wheel speed sensor and thoroughly clean the wheel speed sensor mounting surface on the bearing, apply Zinc-X to the cleaned surface, grease the mounting surface, reinstall the wheel speed sensor, and check the output voltage to ensure the wheel speed signal is within specifications.
Recall 2004102301,974 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, the galvanized-braided-steel tailgate support cables used to support the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position can corrode over time and fracture when loads are applied to them. Tailgate support cable corrosion may not be visible because of the plastic sheathing covering the cable. If one cable fractured, the remaining cable may retain the tailgate in a horizontal position. If the remaining cable was weakened by corrosion, it could fracture within moments of the first cable fracture. If both cables fractured, the tailgate would suddenly drop approximately 10 degrees and strike the top surface of the rear bumper. If anyone is sitting or standing on the horizontal surface of the tailgate when both cables fracture, they could fall and be injured. On vehicles without a rear bumper, the tailgate may drop to a lower position. Correction: Dealers will replace the existing galvanized support cables with stainless steel support cables.
Recall 200206863,049 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain vehicles fail to conform to CMVSS 209, seat belt assemblies. These vehicles have a condition where one or two sensors in the driver's and front seat passengers seat belt retractors may be inoperative. The seat belt retractors will lock when the belt webbing is extracted during a crash; however the mechanism that locks the seat belt retractor when the vehicle decelerates quickly, such as during heavy braking, may not restrain the occupant as intended during a crash, and could result in injury to the occupant. Correction update: None required as no effect on vehicle safety. See recall 04-158.
Recall 20011868,310 units in Canada
Brakes
Certain 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with 6.6L diesel engines fail to comply with requirements of C.M.V.S.S. 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 C.M.V.S.S. No. 105. These conditions could result in reduced braking capability, which could lead to a crash. Correction: Dealers will change the location of a wire connection in the underhood bussed electrical center.
Recall 2001135685 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain vehicles have an internal component in the 2nd and 3rd row outboard seat belt retractor that could be cracked. With repeated actuation of the locking mechanism, the crack could spread to the point where the seat belt would no longer lock. In a crash, increased occupant injury could result from the no-lock condition. Correction: 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.
Recall 20011002,084 units in Canada
Suspension
Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 120 - Tire Selection and Rims for Vehicles Other Than Passenger Cars. Vehicles have a Certification and Tire Pressure Label on which the tire description and tire inflation pressures may not meet the requirements of the standard. Correction: Dealers will install an new label.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 159,000 milesMountain Home, IDCrash2 injured
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET SILVERADO EQUIPPED WITH COOPER DISCOVERY A/T TIRES, SIZE: 265R75R16 (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT INDEPENDENTLY AND ROLLED OVER MULTIPLE TIMES. THE CONTACT WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE AND SUSTAINED A BROKEN ARM, NECK, BACK, AND SHOULDER, SIX BROKEN RIBS, A PUNCTURED LUNG, AND NERVE DAMAGE TO THE LEFT LEG. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A BROKEN ARM THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE AND CAUSED THE CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE DOT NUMBER AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,000.
NHTSA complaint #10789643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesMoriston, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I REAR ENDED SOMEONE GOING ABOUT 70 MPH AND MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10627738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesKalamazoo, MICrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 30 MILES PER HOUR WHEN I HAD TO STOP FOR A VAN AHEAD OF ME. I TOUCHED MY BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. NO BRAKES AT ALL. BECAUSE OF OTHER TRAFFIC, AND NO TIME, I HIT THE VAN IN THE REAR. NEITHER OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE GENTLEMAN IN THE VAN HAD TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL. I HAD A BUMP ON MY LEG, AND MY BROTHER WAS NOT HURT. I JUST NOW HAVE HEARD OTHER STORIES OF THE SAME PROBLEM GOING ON FOR YEARS. THIS IS NOT RIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10616624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesKalamazoo, MICrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 30 MILES PER HOUR WHEN I HAD TO STOP FOR A VAN AHEAD OF ME. I TOUCHED MY BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. NO BRAKES AT ALL. BECAUSE OF OTHER TRAFFIC, AND NO TIME, I HIT THE VAN IN THE REAR. NEITHER OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE GENTLEMAN IN THE VAN HAD TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL. I HAD A BUMP ON MY LEG, AND MY BROTHER WAS NOT HURT. I JUST NOW HAVE HEARD OTHER STORIES OF THE SAME PROBLEM GOING ON FOR YEARS. THIS IS NOT RIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10616624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 187,000 milesHeiskell, TNCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
MY TRUCK WAS PARKED ON A HILL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE DIDNT HOLD I HAD A TRAILER ON THE BACK AND IT CAUSED THE TRAILER TO JACKNIFE AND DAMAGED MY BED.
NHTSA complaint #10592951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whitehall, NYCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
MY FIANCE AND I WERE DRIVING HOME AND AS WE ENTERED TOWN GOING APPROXIMATELY 35-45 MPH THE VEHICLE SWERVED OFF THE ROAD AND COLLIDED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE BREAKING IT IN HALF CAUSING THE TOP HALF OF THE TELEPHONE POLE TO SWING DOWN AND SMACK INTO THE WINDSHIELD. HE SMACKED HIS FACE OFF OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND I WAS LAYING DOWN ON THE SEAT AND ROLLED OFF AND BROKE THE ASHTRAY HOLDER WITH MY FACE. DURING THE IMPACT NOT A SINGLE AIRBAG DEPLOYED EVEN THOUGH THE AIRBAGS WERE ALL IN WORKING ORDER. THE IMPACT WAS SO SEVERE THAT THE TAILGATE OF THE TRUCK BENT OUTWARD, THE RADIATOR WAS RIPPED OUT FROM BENEATH THE VEHICLE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WAS TOTALED. I WAS THEN PUT INTO A NECK BRACE, STRAPPED TO A GURNEY AND RUSHED TO THE HOSPITAL. I WILL REITERATE THE FACT THAT NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED CAUSING THE BOTH OF US TO BE INJURED. WE LUCKILY SURVIVED THE CRASH BUT HAD THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED THE BOTH OF US WOULD HAVE SUFFERED MINIMAL INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #10553271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 82,530 milesAustin, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL GAUGE WILL DROP TO EMPTY AND FUEL LIGHTS LIGHT COMES ON EVEN THOUGH THERE IS MORE THAN A HALF TANK OF GAS I USUALLY KEEP TANK ONCE IT DROPS TO BELOW A HALF TANK. SOMETIME I JINGLE MY KEYS AND IT WILL GO BACK UP SOMETIMES NOTHING.
NHTSA complaint #10853868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 159,000 milesMountain Home, IDCrash2 injured
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET SILVERADO EQUIPPED WITH COOPER DISCOVERY A/T TIRES, SIZE: 265R75R16 (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT INDEPENDENTLY AND ROLLED OVER MULTIPLE TIMES. THE CONTACT WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE AND SUSTAINED A BROKEN ARM, NECK, BACK, AND SHOULDER, SIX BROKEN RIBS, A PUNCTURED LUNG, AND NERVE DAMAGE TO THE LEFT LEG. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A BROKEN ARM THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE AND CAUSED THE CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE DOT NUMBER AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,000.
NHTSA complaint #10789643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Weslaco, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TURNS OFF BY ITSELF
NHTSA complaint #10780161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesChillicothe, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
A STEEL BRAKE LINE CRACKED AND FAILED. I WAS AT MY HOUSE WHEN IT HAPPENED SO NO SERIOUS INJURIES OR DAMAGE. HOWEVER, THE BRAKE FAILED COMPLETELY AND INSTANTLY WITH NO WARNING. IT COULD HAVE OCCURRED AT AN INTERSECTION AND THE RESULTS COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. I HAD MY WIFE PRESS ON THE PEDAL WHILE I LOOKED FOR THE LEAK. IT WAS ALONG THE LENGTH OF THE STEEL LINE ROUTING FROM THE ABS MODULE TO THE FRONT RIGHT BRAKE. IT CREATES A MIST OF FLUID NEAR THE RADIATOR. MY NEXT CONCERN IS THAT THE FLUID WILL CAUSE FURTHER CORROSION OF THE PARTS IT SPRAYED.
NHTSA complaint #10766702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,869 milesLombard, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
GOING OUT OF THE GARAGE,STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR.NOTICED A PUDDLE UNDER THE TRUCK AND FOUND A RUSTED THRU BRAKE LINE AT THE ABS CONTROL VALVE. UPDATED 09/10/15*LJ UPDATED 11/01/2017
NHTSA complaint #10730654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bryan, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I CAN FILL MY TANK UP OF GAS AND IT WILL SAY IT IS ON EMPTY. I HAVE TO USE THE TRIP ALL THE TIME AND THIS HAS EVEN IN HAPPENED ON MY 05 TRAILBLAZER TOO. AND THE SEAT BELTS ON THE 01 LOCKS UP WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND EVEN ON THE PASSENGER SIDE ALSO PLEASE HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10695244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesSikeston, MO
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKES QUIT.. ABS GROWLED AND WOULDN'T STOP, HAS GOTTEN WORSE AND WORSE. IT DOES IT MAINLY AT LOW SPEEDS WHEN THE WHEELS ARE TURNED.
NHTSA complaint #10680424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesDunkirk, MD
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE LINES RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING THE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK OUT, LOSING MY BRAKES. I HAD TO REPLACE ALL OF MY BRAKE LINES.
NHTSA complaint #10668611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesRichmond, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
ON SATURDAY 12/13 MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2001 CHEVY SILVERADO. WHILE HITTING THE BRAKES FOR A STOP SIGN, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND SHE RAN THROUGH THE STOP SIGN AS THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE STOPPED IN TIME. FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. THIS OCCURRED ABOUT A MILE FROM OUR HOME AND WHEN SHE ARRIVED HOME, SHE WAS EXTREMELY UPSET. I CHECKED THE VEHICLE AND THE BRAKE FLUID WAS LOW AND I FOUND THE FLUID WAS LEAKING OUT OF THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE UNDER THE VEHICLE. I CHECKED AND LEARNED THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THIS DANGEROUS DEFECT. WITH THE AMOUNT OF THESE VEHICLES ON THE ROAD, THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING AND THE STOPPING POWER IS ALMOST NON-EXISTENT. THIS IS A VERY LOW MILEAGE VEHICLE THAT IS KEPT IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. PLEASE HAVE THESE VEHICLES LOOKED AT BY THE MANUFACTURER OR THERE IS SERIOUS RISK OF LIFE THREATENING CRASHES.
NHTSA complaint #10664360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesTomahawk, WI
SERVICE BRAKES
TRANSFERRING SOME MATERIALS FROM NEIGHBORS HOUSE TO OURS, DIRT ROAD / DRIVEWAY. GOT TO OUR HOUSE, BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. REFILLED MASTER CYLINDER, PARKED THE TRUCK. CHECKED FLUID LATER, ENTIRE MASTER CYLINDER WAS EMPTY AS TRUCK WAS PARKED. BRAKE LINES SEEM TO BE ROTTED OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10660448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesBerlin, MD
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND EXTREME FORCE WAS REQUIRED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
NHTSA complaint #10654337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesCenter Conway, NH
WHEELS
PURCHASED THE USED VEHICLE ORIGINALLY AT 42000 MILES. HAVE TAKEN IMPECCABLE CARE OF IT. ACTUAL DATES OF INCIDENTS ARE UNKNOWN DUE TO THE FACT MOST HAVE BEEN ONGOING. BRAKES FAILED DUE TO ABS. FIXED TWICE BY GM UNDER THE SAFETY RECALL. BOTH FIXES WERE BANDAIDS (DEALER CLEANED AND APPLIED A "SPECIAL" GREASE TWICE, THEY NEVER REPLACED THE ABS SENSORS. THIRD FIX I PAID OUT OF POCKET TO REPLACE THE SENSORS, AND SINCE THEN THE ABS HAS BEEN OK. BRAKES FAILED DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION (ALL LINES AND 2 CALIPERS HAD TO BE REPLACED. FUEL PUMP FAILED, FUEL LINES FAILED DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION, FUEL TANK STRAPS FAILED DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST AND CORROSION. SLOW LEAKS IN 3 OF 4 WHEELS DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST AND CORROSION IN THE RIMS.
NHTSA complaint #10650714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesCenter Conway, NH
SERVICE BRAKES
PURCHASED THE USED VEHICLE ORIGINALLY AT 42000 MILES. HAVE TAKEN IMPECCABLE CARE OF IT. ACTUAL DATES OF INCIDENTS ARE UNKNOWN DUE TO THE FACT MOST HAVE BEEN ONGOING. BRAKES FAILED DUE TO ABS. FIXED TWICE BY GM UNDER THE SAFETY RECALL. BOTH FIXES WERE BANDAIDS (DEALER CLEANED AND APPLIED A "SPECIAL" GREASE TWICE, THEY NEVER REPLACED THE ABS SENSORS. THIRD FIX I PAID OUT OF POCKET TO REPLACE THE SENSORS, AND SINCE THEN THE ABS HAS BEEN OK. BRAKES FAILED DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION (ALL LINES AND 2 CALIPERS HAD TO BE REPLACED. FUEL PUMP FAILED, FUEL LINES FAILED DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION, FUEL TANK STRAPS FAILED DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST AND CORROSION. SLOW LEAKS IN 3 OF 4 WHEELS DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST AND CORROSION IN THE RIMS.
NHTSA complaint #10650714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesCenter Conway, NH
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
PURCHASED THE USED VEHICLE ORIGINALLY AT 42000 MILES. HAVE TAKEN IMPECCABLE CARE OF IT. ACTUAL DATES OF INCIDENTS ARE UNKNOWN DUE TO THE FACT MOST HAVE BEEN ONGOING. BRAKES FAILED DUE TO ABS. FIXED TWICE BY GM UNDER THE SAFETY RECALL. BOTH FIXES WERE BANDAIDS (DEALER CLEANED AND APPLIED A "SPECIAL" GREASE TWICE, THEY NEVER REPLACED THE ABS SENSORS. THIRD FIX I PAID OUT OF POCKET TO REPLACE THE SENSORS, AND SINCE THEN THE ABS HAS BEEN OK. BRAKES FAILED DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION (ALL LINES AND 2 CALIPERS HAD TO BE REPLACED. FUEL PUMP FAILED, FUEL LINES FAILED DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION, FUEL TANK STRAPS FAILED DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST AND CORROSION. SLOW LEAKS IN 3 OF 4 WHEELS DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST AND CORROSION IN THE RIMS.
NHTSA complaint #10650714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesAlexandria, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE LINES BRAKES WENT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR AT THE SAME TIME BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON .A LITTLE LATE FOR A WARNING. I REPAIRED LINE AND STARTED DRIVING AGAIN. ALMOST A YEAR LATER TO THE DAY SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. I'VE OWNED 21 CHEVROLETS OVER A SPAN OF 45 YEARS AND ONLY HAD ONE BRAKE LINE FAILURE(1969 CORVETTE). I THOUGHT THIS WAS STRANGE SO I DID A LITTLE RESEARCH AND NOTICED THAT ALL THE BRAKE LINES HAD MORE RUST THAN ANY THING ELSE UNDER THE TRUCK. I LOOKED ONLINE AND WAS APPALLED TO LEARN THIS HAS BEEN A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR OVER FOUR YEARS, YET NO ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO WARN THE OWNERS OF THESE TRUCKS. GM 'S RESPONSE WAS LAUGHABLE UNLESS THEY CAN REMOTELY TELL HOW MUCH FLUID HAS BEEN LOST FROM EACH VEHICLE. ALSO JUST LIKE AN APPLE BRAKE LINES DON'T ROT EVENLY UNLESS SOMETHING ELSE IS GOING ON. I LIVE IN A STATE WHERE IT SNOWS ONCE OR TWICE A YEAR AND MELTS OFF WITHIN A WEEK AND RIGHT AFTER I GO TO THE CAR WASH TO GET THE UNDER BODY WASH.
NHTSA complaint #10637070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesIndianapolis, IN
SERVICE BRAKES
GOING ON A TRIP TO THE STORE , SO BEFORE THE INTERSECTION I NEED IT TO STOP, SO PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO SLOW DOWN AND THE PEDAL JUST WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND NO WARNING LIGHT OR SOUND AND MORE IMPORTANTLY NO BRAKES!!!!! SO I ACTED QUICKLY AND DOWN SHIFT IT TO 1ST GEAR THAT SLOW IT DOWN SOME SO I PUT IT IN PARK AND SHUCK THE TRUCK BUT I GOT IT TO STOP. 10 MORE FEET AND WOULD GO IN TO CROSSING TRAFFIC THAT WAS VERY CLOSE. SO I WANT TO KNOW IF GM IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM (RUSTY BRAKE LINES UNDER THE TRUCK) AND IF THEY ARE GOING TO DO ANY THING TO FIX IT.THEY SHOULD INFORM THE DANGER TO PUBLIC.
NHTSA complaint #10633319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesFairfax, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #10632730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesMoriston, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I REAR ENDED SOMEONE GOING ABOUT 70 MPH AND MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10627738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,400 milesRancho Cucamonga, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WARNING LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING IN THE INFORMATION CENTER, STARTING WITH ABS WARNING, THEN CYCLED THROUGH THE REST OF THE WARNINGS. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES AND GEAR SELECTOR , MILEAGE DISPLAY, AND ALL OTHER DIGITAL LIGHTING SHUTS OFF. FUNCTIONS THEN TURN BACK ON, THEN OFF. IT CONTINUES THIS CYCLE THROUGHOUT THE TIME THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING. I CONSIDER THIS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AS WHEN ALL DRIVING INFORMATION SHUTS DOWN, IT LEAVES DRIVER WITH NO CLUE OF SPEED OF TRAVEL, LEVEL OF FUEL, IN WHICH GEAR THE VEHICLE IS IN, ETC. ETC.
NHTSA complaint #10627590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,115 milesEden, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
LEFT REAR BRAKE LINE ROTTED. THE GAS LINES HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE NOW TOO. SOON THE REST OF THE BRAKE LINES WILL BE DONE AND MAYBE TRANSMISSION LINES. TERRIBLE THAT GM MADE SUCH POOR BRAKE LINES. I AM ORIGINAL OWNER AND SEE THERE IS A COMPLAIN OPEN ON THIS SO WANTED YOU TO KNOW I HAD A PROBLEM TOO. VIN [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10627591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesShasta Lake, CA
POWER TRAIN
THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" SIGNAL LIGHT INDICATES SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION THAT REQUIRES A SERVICE COSTING AT LEAST $1000.00 TO REPAIR. WITHOUT THE REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO IRRATICAL OPERATION INCLUDES STALLING IN TRAFFIC.
NHTSA complaint #10626915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesShasta Lake, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" SIGNAL LIGHT INDICATES SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION THAT REQUIRES A SERVICE COSTING AT LEAST $1000.00 TO REPAIR. WITHOUT THE REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO IRRATICAL OPERATION INCLUDES STALLING IN TRAFFIC.
NHTSA complaint #10626915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesNorthglenn, CO
POWER TRAIN
DRIVING DOWN I25 IN COLORADO TRUCK SIMPLY QUIT RUNNING WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER PULLING OVER TO SIDE OF HWY. HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE, OFTEN TWICE A DAY, ONE OR TWO TIME GOING TO WORK AND THE SAME GOING HOME. VERY OFTEN THE TRUCK RESTARTS RIGHT AWAY, BUT SOMETIMES IT HAS TO SET FOR SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE IT WILL RESTART. THE ENGINE QUITTING PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS FROM HWY SPEEDS TO SLOW CITY DRIVING. IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED AT TIMES WHEN LEAVING A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN.
NHTSA complaint #10625864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesNorthglenn, CO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
DRIVING DOWN I25 IN COLORADO TRUCK SIMPLY QUIT RUNNING WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER PULLING OVER TO SIDE OF HWY. HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE, OFTEN TWICE A DAY, ONE OR TWO TIME GOING TO WORK AND THE SAME GOING HOME. VERY OFTEN THE TRUCK RESTARTS RIGHT AWAY, BUT SOMETIMES IT HAS TO SET FOR SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE IT WILL RESTART. THE ENGINE QUITTING PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS FROM HWY SPEEDS TO SLOW CITY DRIVING. IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED AT TIMES WHEN LEAVING A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN.
NHTSA complaint #10625864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesNorthglenn, CO
ENGINE
DRIVING DOWN I25 IN COLORADO TRUCK SIMPLY QUIT RUNNING WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER PULLING OVER TO SIDE OF HWY. HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE, OFTEN TWICE A DAY, ONE OR TWO TIME GOING TO WORK AND THE SAME GOING HOME. VERY OFTEN THE TRUCK RESTARTS RIGHT AWAY, BUT SOMETIMES IT HAS TO SET FOR SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE IT WILL RESTART. THE ENGINE QUITTING PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS FROM HWY SPEEDS TO SLOW CITY DRIVING. IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED AT TIMES WHEN LEAVING A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN.
NHTSA complaint #10625864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.