2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 4%of 468 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 87,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 4% of the 468 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 87,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While in motion, a component in the differential failed, creating an interference condition locking up my rear end. Luckily I was not traveling at highway speeds, and was just around town, traveling at about 30 MPH. There was no warning of parts failing. There was ample gear oil in the rear end, and maintenance was not a factor as I did a gear oil change this past summer. I seldom use this vehicle to tow and it has never seen a plow or overly rough driving conditions.”
NHTSA complaint #10446582, filed 2012-02, 178,000 miles“I started noticing rust spots on the body of the truck. Then I realized it was rusting out holes in the truck in certain areas. After I started noticing these spots, I was driving down the road towing my lawn equipment and heading to my next jobsite. When all the sudden I went to hit the brakes and nothing happened. The truck would not stop at all and course I was going down hill. So I started to try and slow down the truck by downshifting to a lower gear and was able to slow down a few miles per hour but not near enough. …”
NHTSA complaint #10641029, filed 2014-10, 116,000 miles“Transmission lost 1st and reverse. Spoke with transmission mechanic and learned that the GM 4l60e uses pressed powdered metal to manufacture the sunshell in the 4l60e. Learned that mechanics refer to the 4l60e transmission as a 140 thousand to 160 thousand mile part requiring a very expense rebuild or replace. Also learned that aftermarket sunshells are available in case hardened steel for about $50.00 usd.”
NHTSA complaint #10579183, filed 2014-04, 180,000 miles“While driving on the highway on us route 15 the transmission let loose. Doing 55mph and lost drive and 3rd gears. Fluid and parts were spread all behind my truck causing a dangerous situation.”
NHTSA complaint #11075687, filed 2018-03, 87,000 miles“This truck has been a nightmare concerning all aspects of braking system. First at 44,000 ABS sensors needed to be replaced, then at 53,400 all 4 new rotors and pads all the way around, 82,000 miles parking brake needs replaced, 81,000 front axle seal leaking, then at approximately 88,000 miles brake lines pops with trailer attached. Truck is towed to garage only to find that brake lines are rusty and popped. All lines were supposed to be replaced total cost over $1,000. …”
NHTSA complaint #10537354, filed 2013-08, 88,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10224273Sep 1, 2022This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10220319Sep 1, 2022This diagnostic tip advises the tech not to separate the flexplate from the torque convertor or damage my occur if the engine is started while diagnosing for noise from the…
- 10143757Jul 9, 2018This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer technician thatLight Duty Trucks equipped with automatic transmissions and 4 wheel drive may exhibit a condition of…
- 10096073Feb 17, 2016This preliminary information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that after a transmission or torque converter replacement the vehicle may have a…
- 10112600Nov 26, 2012This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician with the axel setup information from American Axle Manufacturing. Technician should be advised…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 | 20% |
| 2025 | 21 | 19% |
| 2024 | 96 | 30% |
| 2023 | 108 | 28% |
| 2022 | 190 | 29% |
| 2021 | 243 | 28% |
| 2020 | 235 | 31% |
| 2019 | 330 | 30% |
| 2018 | 171 | 33% |
| 2017 | 191 | 27% |
| 2016 | 194 | 24% |
| 2015 | 138 | 12% |
| 2014 | 154 | 11% |
| 2013 | 13 | 4% |
| 2012 | 10 | 5% |
| 2011 | 18 | 3% |
| 2010 | 24 | 7% |
| 2009 | 12 | 3% |
| 2008 | 25 | 3% |
| 2007 | 35 | 4% |
| 2006 | 28 | 8% |
| 2005 | 36 | 7% |
| 2004 | 27 | 3% |
| 2003 | 26 | 3% |
| 2002 | 26 | 5% |
| 2001 | 19 | 4% |
| 2000 | 16 | 3% |
| 1999 | 26 | 4% |
| 1998 | 26 | 7% |
| 1997 | 57 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
307 complaintsFuel system
62 complaintsBody and structure
30 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsTires
20 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaintsSteering
16 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsExterior lighting
12 complaintsEngine
11 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsSuspension
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology