2001 Chevrolet Suburban Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 33about this part
- Share
- 8%of 440 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 54,338miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 33 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban, 8% of the 440 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,338 miles. 4 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 just fix my head gasket from leaking 2 weeks later the transmission gave out a week later the sensor gave out then the other sensor knock sensor 2 then the sensor pump gave out too with in 6 months and cost me about 4000 after tax chevy.”
NHTSA complaint #10469166, filed 2012-08, 160,000 miles“During routine driving, the vehicle's wheels locked up and stopped forward progress. The vehicle was only going 20+- MPH at the time. The transmission had failed. The vehicle was able to move in reverse but no other gear. I had noticed some slipping of the transmission but was not sure if that was in fact slipping. The transmission was changed at my local dealership.”
NHTSA complaint #10093774, filed 2004-10, 54,338 miles“Transmission failures in 1999 through 2002 Chevrolet tahoe's, suburbans, and k1500 trucks. I have owned several Chevrolet vehicles. In my small circle of acquaintances, I have experienced what I believe to be too many transmission failures by the afore mentioned vehicles. My brother in law just had to have his k1500 transmission changed out. My brothers son had to have his 2001 k1500 transmission changed out at 60000 miles. My brother has had two transmissions changed out in his 2002 tahoe. …”
NHTSA complaint #10148790, filed 2006-01, 78,000 miles“Performed a kick down to pass dump truck on highway. After passing the truck and back in my lane of travel the engine over revs to 5000+ rpms and car halts to a stop in front of the dump truck that I just passed, forcing him to swerve and stand on its brakes to avoid rear-ending me. The car now has only two functioning gears, 1st and 2nd. Transmission downshifts into first when trying to shift to 3rd. Car now has 81000 miles, my transmission shop says that my 3rd and 4th gear clutches are gone!!?? And a $1,500+ rebuild is necessary. …”
NHTSA complaint #10110363, filed 2005-02, 81,000 miles“Purchased 2001 Chevrolet Suburban at the end of august, drove it for 1600 miles and the transmission went out. According to the mechanic, the transmission completely came apart inside. This bothered me because of the position of the transmission and my children in the vehicle, and the possibility of shrapnel coming out of the transmission. This, of course, did not happen but the dealership is refusing to take any responsibility and I have not heard from general motors. The vehicle is less than three years old and has 48000 miles on it.”
NHTSA complaint #10096388, filed 2004-10, 48,600 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…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 7 | 16% |
| 2023 | 19 | 14% |
| 2022 | 32 | 26% |
| 2021 | 39 | 19% |
| 2020 | 10 | 23% |
| 2019 | 38 | 49% |
| 2018 | 19 | 23% |
| 2017 | 39 | 27% |
| 2016 | 45 | 20% |
| 2015 | 48 | 11% |
| 2014 | 5 | 8% |
| 2013 | 6 | 5% |
| 2012 | 5 | 5% |
| 2011 | 3 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 7 | 3% |
| 2007 | 9 | 3% |
| 2006 | 2 | 9% |
| 2005 | 15 | 12% |
| 2004 | 14 | 7% |
| 2003 | 21 | 7% |
| 2002 | 23 | 8% |
| 2001 | 33 | 8% |
| 2000 | 12 | 4% |
| 1999 | 47 | 7% |
| 1998 | 19 | 9% |
| 1997 | 47 | 11% |
| 1996 | 40 | 11% |
| 1995 | 25 | 5% |
| 1994 | 14 | 2% |
| 1993 | 11 | 2% |
| 1992 | 6 | 3% |
| 1991 | 9 | 17% |
| 1990 | 7 | 13% |
| 1989 | 5 | 8% |
| 1988 | 3 | 10% |
| 1987 | 1 | 6% |
| 1985 | 2 | 22% |
Other parts of the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
178 complaintsFuel system
60 complaintsElectrical system
30 complaintsEngine cooling
30 complaintsSteering
29 complaintsTires
28 complaintsSeat belts
23 complaintsAir bags
20 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsSuspension
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
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