10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
20,553 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #36

Apr 112010

Silverado 3500

  • 47,300 miles
I have a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 crew cab with dual wheels. Several times recently the truck has lost power while driving at highway speeds. Yesterday my wife was driving it, and it shut off while turning a corner in the center of exeter nh. It lost power steering and the truck went off the road onto the sidewalk by the town hall, narrowly missing pedestrians. I took it to a garage and found out it is being caused by the crank shaft position sensor they told me there was a dealer recall. I called the dealer and they said my vehicle isn't included. The NHTSA campaign # for the existing recall is 07V52100.

- Exeter, NH, USA

problem #35

Feb 172006

Silverado 3500

  • 64,934 miles
The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that his vehicle would not start intermittently. Within the last two years, the vehicle was towed to the dealer three times and driven to the dealer an additional three times for the same failure. The dealer notified him the first time the failure occurred and each time they replaced the glow plugs. The most recent repair lasted nine months, but the failure still persists. The failure mileage was 64,934.

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #34

Aug 292006

Silverado 3500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,900 miles
: the contact stated at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle restarted every time the engine stalled. Also, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle was taken to the dealership who determined the crankshaft sensor would have to be replaced. Updated 9/13/2006 - the crankshaft sensor was replaced but that did not correct the stalling problem. The check engine light did not come on the last time the vehicle stalled.

- Wilson, NC, USA

problem #33

Aug 232003

Silverado 3500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles
My Silverado trucks stalls, has almost gotten myself and my family run over numerous times, I have spent several thousand trying to get it fixed, and it keeps stalling, nothing that has ever been repaired on it fixes the problem, this truck is a accident waiting to happen.

- Mt. Pleasant, TN, USA

problem #32

Aug 142005

Silverado 3500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,000 miles
Contact states while driving the battery light will come on, and then the engine completely loses power, but does not lose the electrical power. There are no indications, such as the engine hesitates before the vehicle stalls. This happened on numerous occasions. The service dealer can not find what is wrong with the vehicle, but they have not checked the charging part of the vehicle. The owner's manual states it could be something wrong with the charging system. The vehicle has to sit and wait for approximately 3-4 minutes before it will restart. The vehicle has been to two different service dealers, but they cannot duplicate the problem. The consumer has contacted the manufacturer.

- Lindenwold, NJ, USA

problem #31

Jul 012005

Silverado 3500

  • miles
Consumer is requesting that a new engine be installed in the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado to rectify the oil consumption problem. The consumer stated the vehicle burned 1 quart of oil within 1,000 miles.

- Springfield, OH, USA

problem #30

Jun 052005

Silverado 3500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,000 miles
In June 2005 the consumer's truck stalled. While driving at highway speeds the engine stalled with a total loss of power steering and brakes, no warning lights. The vehicle operated normally before this occurred. There are no other apparent problems with vehicle. It is regularly serviced. The problem seems to be getting progressively worse. On 7/12/05 the dealer replaced the crankshaft position sensor. Since then the vehicle has not stalled.

- Grove Town , GA, USA

problem #29

Feb 152005

Silverado 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles
Engine dies without warning while driving, and steering becomes difficult. It happens most of the time when slowing and turning. No error codes appear. Took to the dealer, they have had it for 4 days, and can't duplicate the problem. Changed fuel filter, but did not change problem.

- Fairfield, CA, USA

problem #28

Dec 102003

Silverado 3500

  • miles
Clunk, squeak, or squawk when coming to a stop and starting up.

- Austin, MN, USA

problem #27

Mar 012005

Silverado 3500

  • 55,000 miles
Chevrolet Silverado 2001, replaced timing chain at 55,000 miles. The consumer stated when he attempted to apply the brakes, the vehicle skidded and would not stop and when it occurred the vehicle made a noise. The consumer was told it was just the anti-lock brakes kicking in. The consumer also stated when the roads were wet and he applied the accelerator from a stop the back tire would spin out.

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #26

Dec 022002

Silverado 3500 8-cyl

  • miles
Complaint on 2001 Chevrolet Silverado extended-cab. The vehicle made a knocking noise when it was first started or after being fully warmed up. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that GM was fully aware of the problem and that they were in the process of re-designing and manufacturing a new cylinder piston for the engine because it seemed the pistons were causing the problem. The consumer was informed that a combination of a timing adjustment or decarbon of the engine or valve adjustment would possibly take care of the problem for the time being, however the consumer stated the engine noise became louder. The consumer took the vehicle back to the dealer and this time he was told that GM stated the engine noise was normal.

- Mesa, AZ, USA

problem #25

Aug 152004

Silverado 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,000 miles
The consumer stated the engine failed while driving through an intersection. As a result, the steering failed as well. Please provide additional information.

- Elk Grove, CA, USA

problem #24

Sep 152001

Silverado 3500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,000 miles
We purchased our 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 new. Right around the 15,000 mile mark we noticed a slight tapping in the engine. This seemed to only occur on start up and mostly in the morning when cold. It would tap for several seconds and then dissipate. Initially we thought it was a lifter, but we have since come to find out it is not. The overall diagnosis is GM piston slap. This occurs when the pistons are ill fitted to the cylinder walls, and hence you get the noise. We were told it was nothing to be concerned about. GM knows of the problem (well they don't call it a problem), but refuse to do anything about it. They say they have tested these engines thoroughly and the piston slap causes no long term engine problems. The noise not only began to get louder, but also became non stop. It did not go away, and now we have to listen to it all the time. After repeated trips to the dealership for recording of this problem, we still have no resolution. And they have now put us off long enough that the factory warranty has expired. I must say that GM knows how to give you the run around. There is even a website dedicated to this such problem. www.pistonslap.com go visit, it is some interesting reading. Non the less, GM will do nothing about the problem, so we are stuck with a vehicle that embarrasses us each time we drive it. What a shame, because I really do otherwise like my truck.

- Crestview, FL, USA

problem #23

Apr 012004

(reported on)

Silverado 3500

  • miles
The consumer was told GM would have new pistons in 02/2002 to replace the defective piston slap in the engine. In 10/2002, he was informed the pistons were normal.

- Longview, WA, USA

problem #22

Jan 262000

Silverado 3500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,500 miles
I have had an engine knock on my vehicle since right after purchase.dealer says it is normal, but refuses to guaratee resale value, etc. This is widespread-why no recall or at least a guarantee of trade in value?

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #21

Mar 112004

(reported on)

Silverado 3500

  • miles
While driving tailgate cables snapped. This caused the tailgate to come, crashing down. Consumer was able to keep control of vehicle. Also when starting the vehicle there was a severe engine knock.

- Brighton, CO, USA

problem #20

Dec 151999

Silverado 3500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1 miles
I own a 2001 Chevy Silverado K3500 with the 6.0L engine. My vehicle has consumed oil from day one and this problem is getting worse. I traveled to Ohio last month and used one quart in about 450 miles. This is outrageous. Now I must give you some background on myself. My previous vehicle was a 1995 GMC Sierra K3500 with a 7.4L engine, both the 2001 and the 1995 I purchased new. I followed the manufacturer's directions on breaking in the vehicle in both cases. The 1995 vehicle never consumed oil, even at 145,000 miles. I check my oil at least once a week, that is a disgrace for a vehicle that is only three years old. My vehicle also knocks and pings all the time. I have called the dealership I purchased the vehicle from at two different occasions and have received two different stories. I am tired of the "run around" treatment by the dealer and by Chevy when I call the "Chevy help line", "work it out with the dealer" is all I'm told. I am aware of a possible class action lawsuit against Chevrolet for the engine problems. I would appreciate any information or assistance you could offer in this matter.

- Honor, MI, USA

problem #19

Nov 282003

(reported on)

Silverado 3500

  • 68,000 miles
Consumer complained about an engine problem. It did not maintain the throttle. Engine went into neutral without a cause. Also, a suspension problem due to bolts place din upside down position which might cause vehicle to flip. Also, wires and plastic bolts melted.

- Daggett, CA, USA

problem #18

Sep 102002

Silverado 3500 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,000 miles
Engine noise on acceleration was told by dealer several times normal condition then was presented a technical bulletin states noise on acceleration caused by balance shaft condition there is no fix. Paid 16000 for a new truck to find out that they build in normal engine noise"? is there no recourse"

- Homosassa, FL, USA

problem #17

Jun 162003

(reported on)

Silverado 3500

  • miles
Engine loses oil. In March engine lost two quarts of oil in 900 miles. At 49,000 miles rings and pistons were replaced. Currently, engine is smoking.

- Yucaipa, CA, USA

Read the next 16 complaints »