2001 GMC Sierra recalls and problems

The 2001 GMC Sierra has 4 safety recalls and 264 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
264
Crashes / fires
30 / 2
Injuries / deaths
9 / 5

Recalls may cover only some 2001 GMC Sierra vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 GMC Sierra recalls

Recall 07V-521: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Nov 7, 2007 · 11,974 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Fix: Dealers will replace the crankshaft position sensor free of charge. The recall began on december 18, 2007. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and gmc at 1-866-996-9463.

Recall 05V-379: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Aug 29, 2005 · 1,353,718 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Fix: Dealers are to remove the wheel speed sensor and thoroughly clean the wheel speed sensor mounting surface on the bearing, apply rust inhibitor to the cleaned surface, grease the mounting surface, reinstall the wheel speed sensor, and check the peak-to-peak output voltage to ensure the wheel speed signal is within specifications. The recall began september 22, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.

Recall 05V-161: Parking Brake

Reported Apr 22, 2005 · 90,242 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: On certain pickup trucks equipped with manual transmissions and built with either pbr parking brake systems or trw parking brake systems, the parking brake friction linings may wear to an extent where the parking brake can become ineffective in immobilizing a parked vehicle.

Risk: If the parking brake does not hold, unintended vehicle movement could occur, which could result in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will install a low-force spring clip retainer for vehicles equipped with a pbr parking brake system. On vehicles equipped with the trw parking brake system, dealers will install a redesigned parking brake cable assembly. The recall began on july 29, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.

Recall 04V-129: Structure

Reported Mar 17, 2004 · 3,662,211 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the galvanized steel tailgate support cables that retain the tailgate in the full open (Horizontal) position may corrode, weaken, and eventually fracture. If both cables fractured, the tailgate would suddenly drop and strike the top surface of the rear bumper.

Risk: Anyone sitting or standing on the horizontal surface of the tailgate when both cables fractured could be injured by falling from the tailgate. On vehicles that have had the bumper removed, the tailgate may drop even lower. Additionally, if there is cargo on the tailgate the cargo may fall off if the support cables fracture.

Fix: Dealers will replace the cables. Interim owner notification began on april 7, 20004. The recall began on september 24, 2004, when replacement parts were available, and will continue through october 29, 2004. Owners should contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463, or visit www.mygmlink.com, and enter your vehicle identification number.

2001 GMC Sierra problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic103
Service Brakes31
Engine and Engine Cooling23
Tires19
Suspension18
Power Train15
Electrical System14
Parking Brake14
Structure13
Air Bags12
Vehicle Speed Control11
Steering10

Most reported parts

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 69
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 8
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 8
  • Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and Attachments — 8
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 7
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 7
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module — 7
  • Suspension › Front › Hub — 6

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 62,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2001 GMC Sierra complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · at 134,000 miles · reported Sep 16, 2015
Went to stop at traffic light and experienced brake line rupture due to excessive rust. Had to use emergency brake to coast to a stop. Fortunate no cars were in lane.$1200.00 for repair of lines.
Service Brakes · at 145,050 miles · reported Jun 6, 2015
Brake pedal moved all the way to floor with no apparent hydraulic pressure which failed to engage brakes when shifting into drive. Inspection of brake lines beneath drivers side door revealed excessive rust and a hole in steel brake line leaking fluid.
Structure · at 124,000 miles · reported May 1, 2015
The contact owns a 2001 gmc sierra. While self-servicing the vehicle, the contact discovered that the subframe was corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Service Brakes · at 105,000 miles · reported Mar 20, 2015
The contact owns a 2001 gmc sierra. The contact stated that while attempting to stop, the ABS failed and the vehicle started to pull to the right. The contact determined that the cause of the failure was a defective wheel speed sensor. The VIN was not affected by NHTSA campaign number: 05v379000 (Service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 105,000. ...updated 06-11-15 updated 11/23/2015
Service Brakes · at 70,000 miles · reported Jan 8, 2015
The contact owns a 2001 gmc sierra. While driving 15 MPH, the brake pedal failed to depress. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the sensors on the front of the vehicle failed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was made aware of NHTSA campaign number: 05v379000 (Service brakes, hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 70,000.

Other GMC Sierra years

Compare all GMC Sierra years · All GMC models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 GMC Sierra have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2001 GMC Sierra: 07V-521 (engine and engine cooling), 05V-379 (service brakes, hydraulic), 05V-161 (parking brake), 04V-129 (structure). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 GMC Sierra?

Owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most often (103 reports), followed by service brakes (31). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 62,000 miles.

Are GMC recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized GMC dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.