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Chevrolet Suburban 1500Model year report

2001 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 Problems

Complaints
92filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
108,000miles, 75 complaints with mileage
Recalls
0campaigns on record
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
14 mpgcombined, 5.3L 8-cyl RWD · 13 city / 16 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year report brake problems more than anything else, split between corroded steel brake lines that rust through and ABS module or hub-sensor faults that light the ABS and brake lamps or activate the system at low speed. A smaller group describes fuel pump failures that leave the truck stalled or unable to start, and parking brakes that never held well. Many complaints were filed years after purchase, mostly in the 70,000 to 140,000 mile range.

  1. Brakes

    ABS activates at low speed or stops working

    • 23 complaints (25%)
    • median 98,438 mi at 8.9 yrs old (19 state mileage)
    • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $1,000 (median of 7 quotes)
    • filed 2006–2015

    Complaints describe the ABS kicking in on dry pavement at low speeds such as parking-lot maneuvers, which lengthens stopping distance, or the ABS and brake warning lamps staying lit with the system disabled. In many cases the dealer or an independent shop traced it to the electronic brake control module, the pump motor, or a front hub sensor. Owners report the repair was expensive and that a 2005 safety recall on front wheel sensors did not resolve the symptom for them. Mileage varies widely, from under 10,000 to past 140,000 miles; several owners say the symptom returned a year or more after recall work.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Check that the ABS lamp comes on and goes out with a bulb test, listen for the ABS pump running on after shutdown, and ask whether the module or hubs have been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Our 2001 Chevrolet suburban is experiencing brake problems which were supposed to be fixed during a 2005 recall of the vehicle. The car is experiencing a sudden activation of anti-lock brakes as described in recall # 05068. I have been told by GM to basically fix it out of my own pocket which I find hard to believe sine they have had recall issues with the same problem.”

    NHTSA complaint #10369668, filed 2010-12, 60,000 miles

    “The NHTSA campaign id #l 05v379000 on my 2001 Chevrolet suburban was performed in 2005 at the valenti auto mall in mystic, ct. The intent was to treat a GM recall no. 05068 to fix ABS front hub sensors that would corrode. Supposedly they did this at 85,000 miles in 2005. In 2009, I have been having recurring ABS issues and they replaced the inaccurate sensor signal at $675. Recurring issues they now need to replace the passenger side sensor at $675. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10297137, filed 2009-12, 8,500 miles
  2. Brakes

    Rusted-through steel brake lines

    • 16 complaints (17%)
    • median 130,000 mi at 12.6 yrs old (16 state mileage)
    • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2010–2018

    Owners describe the brake pedal dropping to the floor with no warning light, usually after finding brake fluid leaking from a rusted steel line above the frame rail or near the rear axle. Several note the line was corroded at the points where clips hold it to the frame, in areas where road salt sits. Repair typically means replacing the line or the whole set, and complaints mention that replacing the line above the fuel tank is labor intensive. Mostly reported between roughly 64,000 and 190,000 miles, often on trucks driven in salt-belt states.

    What to check: Have a shop inspect the entire length of the steel brake lines, especially where clips meet the frame and above the rear axle, and ask whether any lines have been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I was driving my 2001 suburban and when I stepped on the brakes, the pedal went to the floor. No warning or brake light came on. I was able to limp the truck home and I saw the rear axle was wet with brakefluid. The left rear brake line had rotted and broke. The truck is very well kept up and I always pressure wash the undercarriage after the snow & winter.”

    NHTSA complaint #10429959, filed 2011-10, 140,000 miles

    “After entering the parking lot of the local shopping center I applied the brake pedal to park in the marked space but the truck did not stop, the pedal travel all the way down but no breaking effect at all, fortunately that section of the lot was mostly empty and I let the truck roll to almost a stop, push the brake pedal again and did not stop so ended up using the parking brake to stop the truck. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10425959, filed 2011-09, 80,015 miles
  3. Brakes

    Parking brake will not hold the vehicle

    • 11 complaints (12%)
    • median 74,007 mi at 8.7 yrs old (10 state mileage)
    • filed 2006–2018

    Owners report the parking or emergency brake does not hold the truck even when fully applied, in some cases from when the vehicle was new. Complaints mention rear drum or rotor wear from the brake dragging or failing to release, and one owner says the truck failed a state inspection because of it. Dealers reportedly acknowledged the condition as common but generally did not cover repairs. Reported across a wide mileage range, including several trucks with very low mileage.

    What to check: On a test drive, set the parking brake on a slope and confirm the truck holds; also check rear rotor or drum condition for uneven wear.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Parking brake, failure to disengage or indicate that the brake was engaged, leading to wear of the rear rotor/drum, and requiring replacement. Replaced once, only to have it happen again. Parking brake was a safety feature that should be subject to recall.”

    NHTSA complaint #10190697, filed 2007-05, 10,328 miles

    “I own a 2001 Chevrolet SUBURBAN 1500 2wd 5.3l v8 with automatic transmission. This vehicle was bought new and from day one, the emergency brake has been completely ineffective in holding the vehicle when applied. A cursory check on the internet reveals that this is a widespread and very well-known problem for owners of similar GM vehicles. Visits to two separate GM dealerships in dallas confirm that the dealers know of this as a widespread and well-known problem as well. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10220024, filed 2008-03, 10 miles
  4. Fuel system

    Fuel pump failure, stalling, no-start

    • 11 complaints (12%)
    • median 135,000 mi at 8.4 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2006–2015

    Complaints describe the engine stalling at low speed, in parking lots or while rounding corners, or the truck cranking and not starting at all. Owners often found the fuel pump not priming, a melted fuel pump relay, an inaccurate fuel gauge, or a fuel smell. Repairs were usually a fuel pump and filter replacement, and some owners report repeat pump failures. Typically reported between roughly 85,000 and 235,000 miles, with several failures at low speeds rather than on the highway.

    3 related service bulletins

    What to check: Listen for the fuel pump prime cycle at key-on and ask whether the pump, filter and relay have been replaced; check that the fuel gauge reads accurately.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Went to start my 2001 chevy suburban and it wouldn't start. I listened for the fuel pump to engage and it wasn't working. I checked the relay and noticed it was melted on one corner. I have researched this online and found several complaints about the same problem. Also noticed that GM has done nothing to fix this issue. I have been a GM fan all my life and would like to continue being one. Please recall this on going problem GM.”

    NHTSA complaint #10679637, filed 2015-01, 175,808 miles

    “My 2001 suburban completely shuts off and the steering stops when I am at speeds below 10 MPH, if I am making a turn, backing out of my driveway, or come to a stop at a stop sign. I took it to many places to have it tested and they all stated that everything is fine nothing was detected. I have had the fuel pump replaced by dealership when it just completely stopped running on the highway. I am at a loss for words and this is dangerous when it is the only car you have to haul yourself and kids around in. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10315728, filed 2010-03, 143,000 miles

Buying note. Have the brake lines inspected closely on any example, since rusted lines and ABS faults are the most common reports and both are expensive if missed. Also confirm the parking brake holds, the fuel pump and relay are healthy, and the truck starts and idles smoothly before buying.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 92 consumer complaints for the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban 1500. 75 of the complaints include a mileage, and 12% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 108,000 miles. Of all complaints, 8 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 66 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Engine cooling (2), Body and structure (2), Wheels (2), Electronic stability control (1), Other or unknown (1), Suspension (1), Vehicle speed control (1).

Example complaints

Brakes: “This issue occurred in july of 2016 while we were on vacation in florida. We began to lose braking ability until finally the vehicle became almost inoperable, only able to travel at about 20 MPH and still be able to stop without hitting anything. One of the steel brakes lines had blown a hole in it. We had a shop repair it and when they tested it, it blew another line. We ended up having all the lines replaced because of the level of corrosion.”

NHTSA complaint #11110948, filed 2018-07, 190,000 miles

Fuel system: “Engine shuts off during first initial run. If I leave the house and get to the stop sign. It will shut off. Even after the first few minutes of driving when I try to turn it will shut off. After the engine runs a while it operates normally.”

NHTSA complaint #10230352, filed 2008-06, 71,000 miles

Tires: “I was driving on a 70 mile highway when I felt a vibration and then my back right tire tread blew off (in a complete circle) and I was left driving on my rim. All four of my tires and been replaced due to a recall in 2007. Four new tires of the same brand were installed. The same thing is happening on these tires that the original tires were recalled for. I was able to pull off the road safely.”

NHTSA complaint #10265130, filed 2009-04, 10,000 miles

Transmission and drivetrain: “I was driving on the nj turnpike near exit 10, travelling to boston. Ahead, all traffic was stopped in both the inner and outer set of lanes. As I decelerated, I heard a noise and the truck jerked slightly. When I tried to pull off the road into the service lane, I had no transmission and had to drift to the shoulder. I was told there was a catastrophic failure of the transmission and it had to be completely rebuilt (under warranty). When the vehicle had around 70,000 miles (about 2 years ago, 2013), the transmission failed again and had to be completely rebuilt again. Pathetic. …”

NHTSA complaint #10721217, filed 2015-05, 10,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

12% of the 75 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 73,622 and 139,000 miles.

5%0–104%10–253%25–5013%50–7513%75–10043%100–15019%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (75 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 108,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

’0615’08’10’12’14’16’18
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2001 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Suburban 1500 2WD5.3L 8-cyl4-speed automatic131614$4,800
Suburban 1500 4WD5.3L 8-cyl4-speed automatic121513$5,150

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 66 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 66 bulletins →

Other model years of the Chevrolet Suburban 1500

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
2026188,2503517—Too new
20253217,0001517Too new to compareToo new
202317—1———Too new
20118080,0002—1767 · MoreFalling
20105367,5000—1751 · TypicalStable
20095577,5000—1635 · FewerStable
200810169,0000—1649 · TypicalStable
200719072,5000—16Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20063168,0001—14Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20059460,0000—15Not compared (before 2008)Stable
200418283,9990—15Not compared (before 2008)Stable
200317590,0000—14Not compared (before 2008)Stable
200212098,0000—14Not compared (before 2008)Stable
200192108,0000—14Not compared (before 2008)Stable
200067118,0000—14Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199974100,0000—14Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199814136,0000—14—Not enough data
199716130,0000—14—Stable
19969149,5000—14—Not enough data
19958159,5000—13—Not enough data
19949155,0050—13—Not enough data

All Chevrolet Suburban 1500 model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban 1500?

Owners of this model year report brake problems more than anything else, split between corroded steel brake lines that rust through and ABS module or hub-sensor faults that light the ABS and brake lamps or activate the system at low speed. The issues reported most often: ABS activates at low speed or stops working; Rusted-through steel brake lines; Parking brake will not hold the vehicle.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 have?

NHTSA recorded 92 consumer complaints for the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 is reported most often?

Brakes is named most often, in 48 complaints (52% of the total), followed by fuel system with 13.

Has the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 been recalled?

NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 get?

The EPA rates the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 (Suburban 1500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl) at 14 mpg combined, 13 city and 16 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 reported?

Among the 75 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 108,000 miles and the middle half falls between 73,622 and 139,000 miles; 12% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

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. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.