2001 Chevrolet Silverado Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 91about this part
- Share
- 10%of 877 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 43,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 91 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado, 10% of the 877 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 43,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“103,000 miles on 2001 chevy. Silverado p/u, 4th time that brakes need to be replaced, anti lock noise was constant since taking delivery from dealer. Was told this was normal sound. I don't think so. Many close calls for rear end collisions which would have been my fault esp. At speeds as low as 30 MPH. Just found out that there may be a problem. Also, antifreeze complaint with smell. …”
NHTSA complaint #10328372, filed 2010-05, 1,500 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.”
NHTSA complaint #10165362, filed 2006-08, 80,000 miles“Cold start knock or piston slap. My 2001 Silverado 6.0l sounds like a diesel when I start it up. Problem began at 11,000 miles. Now have 18,400 miles. - piston slap is louder and more persistent. Gm has acknowledged problem, issued service request #, but no service and no response. Very disappointed in GM customer service and product. Gm should remedy huge engineering mistake and fix these engines or buy vehicles back!”
NHTSA complaint #10016425, filed 2003-04, 11,000 miles“My complaint is regarding a knocking noise coming from my engine of my 2001 Chevrolet Silverado. It sounds like the pistons are hitting the cylinder wall of my engine. I do have 140,000 miles on it but the problem started about 3-4 years ago. The reason I didn't complain because dealers have always said that it was normal. But from online forums I hear that I am not the only one having this problem. My engine has lost a significant amount of power and I think that is the reason why.”
NHTSA complaint #10154639, filed 2006-04, 15,000 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?”
NHTSA complaint #10062165, filed 2004-03, 1,500 milesRelated recalls
- 07V521000Nov 7, 2007On certain pickup trucks equipped with an 8.1l v8 engine, the crankshaft position can operate intermittently or fail completely. If the sensor operates…Covers: Chevrolet Silverado 2001, GMC Yukon 2001, Sierra 2001 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 10037933Jan 1, 2011Gm: the service engine soon light is on, there is also a misfire or engine noise. There are multiple possible causes.
- 10017214Dec 1, 2008Hard start / no start outside temperatures below freezing. *tt updated 7/13/09.
- 10021839May 1, 2007Diesel engine cylinder head gasket missing thickness grade markings.
- 10021021Feb 22, 2007Service vme. Supplement to 00-02-35-003l. Update on new I-shaft.
- 10011126Dec 1, 2006Various intermittent driveability conditions - hesitation, lack of power, etc.
- 10012561Oct 1, 2006Information on servicing fuel injectors to avoid contamination. *eh updated 03-19-07.
- 10020072Jul 19, 2006Turbocharger oil feed line kinked or restricted.
- 10020839May 1, 2006Diagnostic information on turbocharger malfunction due to lack of engine oil for lbz, lb7, and lly duramax diesel engine.
- 10019426Mar 15, 2006Generation iii v8 engine piston repairs.
- 10019474Jan 1, 2006Information on longer main bearing cap bolts required for certain 2001-2006 lb7, lly, lbz duramax diesel engines.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 1 | 2% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 3 | 5% |
| 2009 | 4 | 5% |
| 2008 | 4 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 3% |
| 2006 | 7 | 4% |
| 2005 | 20 | 6% |
| 2004 | 24 | 4% |
| 2003 | 26 | 4% |
| 2002 | 58 | 8% |
| 2001 | 91 | 10% |
| 2000 | 88 | 7% |
| 1999 | 61 | 4% |
| 1998 | 15 | 5% |
| 1997 | 20 | 7% |
| 1996 | 13 | 7% |
| 1995 | 15 | 6% |
| 1994 | 5 | 2% |
| 1993 | 2 | 3% |
| 1992 | 7 | 18% |
| 1990 | 2 | 8% |
| 1989 | 3 | 14% |
| 1988 | 1 | 7% |
| 1984 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado
418 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
64 complaintsTires
56 complaintsBody and structure
53 complaintsAir bags
48 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 27, 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