Owners have filed 543 complaints
about the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban with NHTSA between 2001 and 2024.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 32 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 — 86
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Suburban. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 58
11.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 33
19% 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 Suburban
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
113.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
174.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
205.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
8523.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
10127.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
4412.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
5414.8%
150,000+ miles
339.0%
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.
Jan 2001peak 18Jan 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
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...
EA04026Opened 9 Sep 2004Closed 2 Aug 2005FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
OVERHEATED FUEL PUMP WIRING
IN A LETTER DATED APRIL 14, 2005, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT HAD IDENTIFIED A DEFECT RELATED TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY IN APPROXIMATELY 316,508 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-01 1500 SERIES CHEVROLET SUBURBAN AND GMC YUKON XL VEHICLES (RECALL 05V-155).GM DETERMINED THAT SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH FUEL MODULE RESERVOIR ASSEMBLIES (MRAS) THAT CONTAIN FUEL PUMP WIRES AND/OR CONNECTORS THAT MAY OVERHEAT UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS.ACCORDING TO GM, FUEL PUMP WIRES THAT OVERHEAT MAY RESULT IN ONE OR MORE CONDITIONS THAT PRESENT RISKS TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY:(1) FUEL LEAKAGE F...
PE04042Opened 3 May 2004Closed 9 Sep 2004FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
OVERHEATED FUEL PUMP WIRING
THE FUEL PUMP WIRING AND CONNECTOR MAY OVERHEAT AND MELT A HOLE IN THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE.POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES INCLUDE FUEL TANK LEAKAGE AND ENGINE STALL WITH NO RESTART.FOURTEEN OF THE 20 COMPLAINTS TO ODI ALLEGE FUEL TANK LEAKAGE, INCLUDING ONE THAT REPORTED THAT A FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AFTER A POOL OF GASOLINE WAS DISCOVERED BENEATH THE VEHICLE.MOST OF THE ODI COMPLAINTS REPORT INCIDENTS THAT OCCURRED WITHIN THE PAST YEAR. ACCORDING TO GM, FUEL LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IF THE HEAT IS SUFFICIENT TO MELT A HOLE IN THE PLASTIC CONNECTOR LARGE ENOUGH...
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.
Recalls on the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
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
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.
06E043000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
06E026000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
05V379000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE UNWANTED ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) ACTIVATION. THIS CONDITION IS MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR IN ENVIRONMENTALLY CORROSIVE AREAS. THIS RECALL WILL BE LAUNCHED IN THE "SALT BELT" STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ONLY.
Risk: THIS CAN CAUSE INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING LOW-SPEED BRAKE APPLICATIONS, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
05V155000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH FUEL MODULE RESERVOIR ASSEMBLIES THAT CONTAIN FUEL PUMP WIRES CONNECTORS MAY OVERHEAT UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS.
Risk: IF THE IGNITION CIRCUIT WIRE IS EXPOSED, THE FUEL PUMP FUSE WILL BLOW, DISABLING THE FUEL PUMP AND CAUSING AN ENGINE STALL OR NO-START CONDITION. IF SUFFICIENT HEAT IS CONDUCTED TO THE PASS-THROUGH CONNECTOR, A HOLE IN THE CONNECTOR MAY RESULT, WHICH MAY CAUSE A 'SERVICE ENGINE SOON' LIGHT TO BE ILLUMINATED DURING THE EMISSION SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC ROUTINE. FUEL VAPOR AND IN SOME CASES LIQUID FUEL MAY LEAK OUT OF THE FUEL TANK THROUGH THE HOLE IN THE CONNECTOR BODY. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. ALSO IF THE IGNITION CIRCUIT OR GROUND WIRE IS EXPOSED AND SHORTS TO THE FUEL LEVEL SENDER CARD WIRES, INACCURATE FUEL LEVEL READINGS MAY RESULT.
03V094000
STRUCTURE
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.
Risk: THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.
01V159000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP AND UTILITY TRUCKS. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN INTERNAL COMPONENT IN THE OUTBOARD SEAT BELT RETRACTORS FOR THE 2ND AND 3RD ROW OF SEATS THAT COULD BE CRACKED. WITH REPEATED ACTUATION OF THE LOCKING MECHANISM, THE CRACK COULD SPREAD TO THE POINT SUCH THAT THE SEAT BELT WOULD NO LONGER LOCK.
Risk: IN A CRASH, INCREASED OCCUPANT INJURY COULD RESULT FROM THE NO-LOCK CONDITION.
00V343000
STRUCTURE:BODY
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE LOOSE OR MISSING REAR WHEELHOUSE PLUGS. UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITIONS, EXHAUST GASES CAN FLOW FORWARD AND ACCUMULATE IN THE REAR WHEELHOUSE.
Risk: THESE GASES COULD FLOW INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT IF THE PLUG IS MISSING OR LOOSE AND COULD CAUSE POSSIBLE ILLNESS, UNCONSCIOUSNESS, OR DEATH.
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 20051089,085 units in Canada
Electrical
Certain vehicles were built with fuel module reservoir assemblies that contain fuel pump wires and/or connectors that may overheat under certain operating conditions. Fuel pump wires that overheat may become exposed and result in one or more conditions; 1) If the ignition circuit wire is exposed and shorts to ground, the fuel pump fuse will blow, disabling the fuel pump and causing an engine stall or no-start condition. 2) If sufficient heat is conducted to the pass-through connector, a hole in the connector may result, which may cause the Service Engine Soon light to be illuminated during the emission system diagnostics routine. Fuel vapour (and in some limited cases liquid fuel) may leak out of the fuel tank through the hole in the connector body. 3) If the ignition circuit or ground wire is exposed and shorts to the fuel level sender card wires, inaccurate fuel level readings may result. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs.
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 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 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 20002691,804 units in Canada
Structure
Certain vehicles may have loose or missing rear wheelhouse plugs. Under certain operating conditions, exhaust gases can flow forward and accumulate in the rear wheelhouse. These exhaust gases could flow into the passenger compartment if the wheelhouse plug is missing or loose and may cause possible illness, unconsciousness or death. Correction: Dealers will inspect for loose or missing wheelhouse plugs, and install new plugs if necessary.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 159,000 milesPhiladelphia, PACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING BEHIND HIS FATHER'S VEHICLE, THEY HAD APPROACHED A STOP AND ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL. AS HIS FOOT WAS ON THE PEDAL, THE CONTACT COULD HEAR THE ABS MAKING AN ABNORMAL NOISE AS THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO OPERATE AS NEEDED. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT HIT THE BACK OF HIS FATHER'S VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. DUE TO THE LOW IMPACT OF THE CRASH, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THEY INFORMED HIM THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V379000(SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,000.*DT
NHTSA complaint #11387043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesHayward, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10981322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 204,654 milesCharlotte, NCFire
WHEELS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10916414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 204,654 milesCharlotte, NCFire
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10916414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesGarden City, KSFire
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10916485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 260,000 milesGranby, MOCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10731769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Slatington, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11562968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irving, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
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
NHTSA complaint #11528704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 159,000 milesPhiladelphia, PACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING BEHIND HIS FATHER'S VEHICLE, THEY HAD APPROACHED A STOP AND ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL. AS HIS FOOT WAS ON THE PEDAL, THE CONTACT COULD HEAR THE ABS MAKING AN ABNORMAL NOISE AS THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO OPERATE AS NEEDED. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT HIT THE BACK OF HIS FATHER'S VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. DUE TO THE LOW IMPACT OF THE CRASH, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THEY INFORMED HIM THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V379000(SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,000.*DT
NHTSA complaint #11387043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 209,357 milesTarboro, NC
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11255689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 209,357 milesTarboro, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11255689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 210,000 milesLawrence, MA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11154591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 210,000 milesLawrence, MA
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11154591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 248,325 milesSocial Circle, GA
SEAT BELTS
THE PASSENGER SIDE SECOND SEAT SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT.
NHTSA complaint #11121731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,000 milesHouston, TX
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10990836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesHayward, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10981322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 204,654 milesCharlotte, NCFire
WHEELS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10916414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 204,654 milesCharlotte, NCFire
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10916414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesGarden City, KSFire
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10916485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesWoodbridge, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE THANKFULLY DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, MY BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED WITH NO WARNING..PEDDLE WENT TO THE FLOOR, I WAS ABLE TO STOP BY SHIFTING THE TRANS DOWN TO 2ND THEN 1ST. MECHANIC SAID KNEW EXACTLY WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS WHEN I EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED AFTER I STOPPED, PUMPED THE BRAKES AND BRAKE FLUID FLOWED FROM UNDER THE TRUCK GENERALLY UNDER WHERE THE DRIVER SITS. MECHANIC EXPLAINED THAT THE BRAKE LINE BROKE AND IS VERY COMMON, AND THAT IT JUST STARTED SHOWING UP A FEW YEARS AGO WHEN THESE "C" BODY TRUCKS AGED. I SPOKE TO ANOTHER MECHANIC AT A CHEVY DEALERSHIP NEAR MY HOME AND HE SAID THE SAME THING THAT IT'S VERY COMMON AND THAT GM NOW SELLS A KIT FOR A COMPETE BRAKE-LINE SYSTEM REPLACEMENT BECAUSE IT HAS BECOME SO COMMON. A FEW DAYS BEFORE I HAD BEEN DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS ON I-81 WITH A CARLOAD FULL OF PEOPLE, HAD THIS HAPPENED AT THAT TIME IT COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC. REVIEWING CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ON YOUR SITE I SEE THIS IS A REOCCURRING COMPLIANT AND I CAN'T BELIEVE THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THIS, AS THERE IS NO MORE IMPORTANT SAFETY SYSTEM ON A AUTOMOBILE THAN BRAKES....CHEVY HAD A RECALL ON MY 98' BUICK FOR A VALVE COVER GASKET LEAKING THAT DIDN'T COME CLOSE TO THIS POTENTIAL DANGER.
NHTSA complaint #10897442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 miles601 Hamilton DR, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES ACTIVATED WITHOUT WARNING, WHICH MADE THE VEHICLE HARD TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V379000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
NHTSA complaint #10892400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 176,000 milesCulpeper, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
THREE TIMES I HAD COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. DRIVING TWO TIMES AND HAD JUST ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION THIRD TIME, WHICH WAS TODAY -- SURPRISE!!!! HAD TO SLOWLY DRIVE HOME, YET AGAIN, WITH NO BRAKES!!!!!
NHTSA complaint #10852826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,150 milesHiwassee, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE LINES FAILED TWICE DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION BECAUSE CHEVY USED A INFERIOR STEEL PRODUCT ON ALL TRUCKS FROM 1998 TO 2005. THE DEALER REPAIRED MY 2002 AVALANCHE FOR $600.00 TO REPLACE ALL THE BRAKE LINES. HOWEVER THEY WILL NOT REPAIR MY 2001 SUBURBAN WHICH HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS. GM NEEDS TO RE-CALL ANY VEHICLE OR AT LEAST MAKE A REPAIR KIT AND INSTALLATION AT A REDUCED RATE BECAUSE THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THIS IS NOT DUE TO OWNER ERROR OF WASHING THE FRAME DURING WINTER OR WINTER MAINTENANCE. THERE IS NEW LINES THAT ARE COATED TO RESIST COROSION AND WERE USED TO REPAIR MY AVALANCHE. MY 2001 SUBURBAN BRAKE LINES FAILED IN MOTION WHILE IN TRAFFIC APPLYING THE BRAKE PETAL TO STOP.
NHTSA complaint #10824126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesHouston, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
PREMATURE REAR SECTION OF BRAKE LINE RUST OUT 2001 CHEVY SUBURBAN.
NHTSA complaint #10808100 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesPortcharlotte, FL
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WHICH LOCATED A FAILURE CODE AT THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V521000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.
NHTSA complaint #10783747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fullerton, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS APPLYING THE BRAKES ON MY 2001 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, MODEL 2500, AS I TURNED INTO MY DRIVEWAY. THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE. THIS RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE RUNNING INTO THE FRONT OF THE GARAGE. THE BRAKES NOW APPEAR TO BE WORKING FINE. THE BRAKES HAVE FAILED ON PREVIOUS OCCASIONS, BUT NEVER TO THE POINT OF ALLOWING THE VEHICLE TO HIT ANYTHING. ACCORDING TO THE GM DEALER, THEY CAN'T FIX THE PROBLEM WITHOUT A FAILURE CODE IN THE COMPUTER. AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE GARAGE SAID THE SAME.
NHTSA complaint #10750122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 205,000 milesCorpus Christi, TX
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10749136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesFairfax, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
THE ABS ACTIVATE WITHOUT REASON WHEN I SLOW TO A STOP. THE PROBLEM BEGAN INFREQUENTLY AND I ATTRIBUTED IT TO POSSIBLE SLIPPERY SURFACE CONDITIONS. OVER THE PAST YEAR THE PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN MUCH WORSE AND HAPPENS FREQUENTLY NOW. RESEARCH INDICATES THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL FOR "SNOW" STATES - LIKE DC AND MARYLAND WHICH ARE JUST ACROSS THE POTOMAC RIVER FROM WHERE I LIVE AND USE MY SUBURBAN. THIS IS THE SECOND SERIOUS BRAKE ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE. ALL THREE BRAKE LINES HAVE BEEN REPLACED OVER AN APPROXIMATE 18 MONTH PERIOD TWO YEARS AGO AS A RESULT OF SUDDEN BRAKE FAILURE CAUSED BY CORRODED BRAKE LINES. THIS IS ALSO A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM (THOUGH NOT ONE I WAS AWARE OF WHEN MY BRAKES FAILED AND WERE REPAIRED). MY RESEARCH INDICATES THAT MANY OWNERS HAVE SUFFERED FROM THESE PROBLEMS. THE NHTSA SHOULD FURTHER INVESTIGATE THESE PROBLEMS AND EXPAND/INITIATE RECALLS FOR THESE PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10747691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 260,000 milesGranby, MOCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10731769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 270,000 milesGranby, MOCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10731772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,458 milesWoodstock, GA
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10713163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.