2001 Chevrolet Silverado Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 48about this part
- Share
- 5%of 877 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 54,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 48 complaints about the air bags of the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado, 5% of the 877 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,000 miles. 46 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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, filed 2014-07, 99,000 miles“I was driving east on f.m. 356 at about noon. I was travelling about 50 MPH. A car turned in front of me and I attempted to pass the car. I was unable to due to oncoming traffic, so I quickly returned to my lane. One of my tires went off onto the unpaved shoulder and I went down a small embankment. It was muddy so I could not stop. I hit a large pine tree head on and stopped. Both of us were wearing our seatbelts. My airbag failed to deploy causing my head and torso to strike the steering wheel. I suffered 6th nerve paulsey and an anuerism developed on my aorta. …”
NHTSA complaint #10072926, filed 2004-05, 8,000 miles“Involved in a motor vehicle accident on 04/04/06 striking a concrete light pole, rendered unconscious, vehicle traveled across a roadway striking a tree. Air bags in the vehicle never deployed. Vehicle came in contact with both the tree and light pole at 90 degree angle. Air bag switch was in the on position. Vehicle was totaled as a result of the accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10158073, filed 2006-05, 72,550 miles“While driving consumer was towing a trailerthe driver's side rear tire treads separated from the trailer. Consumer was not able to maintain control of the vehicle, and collided into a concrete barrier. Upon impact, both frontal air bags did not deploy. Passenger sustained head injuries, and was transported to a hospital by an ambulance. Vehicle and trailer were totaled.”
NHTSA complaint #10079979, filed 2004-08, 18,000 miles“Dt: contact's vehicle was involved in accident while going 15-35 MPH. The impact was focused on the middle left of the vehicle. Upon impact, front air bags did not deploy. She had not taken vehicle to a service dealer yet. She tried to call, but she did not talk to anyone. Updated 11/16/2006 - the consumer explained that she may have been going anywhere from 15-35 MPH. The brakes were not applied prior to the accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10126492, filed 2005-06, 23,655 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10013523Apr 21, 2005Sir light on steady after bulb test and no diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs).
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 6 | 5% |
| 2016 | 2 | 40% |
| 2015 | 6 | 8% |
| 2014 | 8 | 6% |
| 2013 | 11 | 17% |
| 2012 | 15 | 22% |
| 2011 | 13 | 17% |
| 2010 | 8 | 13% |
| 2009 | 16 | 21% |
| 2008 | 62 | 38% |
| 2007 | 40 | 22% |
| 2006 | 11 | 6% |
| 2005 | 28 | 9% |
| 2004 | 31 | 5% |
| 2003 | 21 | 3% |
| 2002 | 30 | 4% |
| 2001 | 48 | 5% |
| 2000 | 53 | 4% |
| 1999 | 33 | 2% |
| 1998 | 7 | 3% |
| 1997 | 8 | 3% |
| 1996 | 11 | 6% |
| 1995 | 10 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado
418 complaintsEngine cooling
91 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
64 complaintsTires
56 complaintsBody and structure
53 complaintsFuel system
48 complaintsVehicle speed control
38 complaintsSteering
37 complaintsElectrical system
30 complaintsSuspension
24 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
14 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado
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