2001 Chevrolet Tahoe Problems
- Complaints
- 512filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 69,551miles, 321 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 5campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 15 mpgcombined, 4.8L 8-cyl RWD · 13 city / 18 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints about this model year are dominated by brake problems, especially antilock brake (ABS) activation when the driver is not expecting it, and brake lines that rust through and leak fluid. Owners also frequently mention a parking brake that will not hold the vehicle, airbags that did not deploy in collisions, and rear seat belts that stopped retracting. Many reports come from vehicles with well over 60,000 miles, and several describe symptoms that appeared gradually before a sudden loss of braking or steering assist.
- Brakes
Unwanted ABS activation at low speed
- 102 complaints (20%)
- median 78,818 mi at 5.7 yrs old (79 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,000 (median of 22 quotes)
- filed 2002–2025
Owners describe the antilock brakes engaging during ordinary low-speed stops, with the pedal feeling hard or pulsing and the vehicle taking longer to stop than expected. Some report the ABS warning light staying on or a pump or motor running after the ignition is off. Several say a dealer or shop diagnosed a corroded wheel speed sensor, a bad ABS control module, or the hydraulic modulator, and in some cases the work came at significant cost. A number mention their vehicle was not covered by the ABS recall that addresses this condition. Reported from roughly 2,000 to 145,000 miles, with many under 100,000 miles; several owners tie it to road salt and corrosive climates.
What to check: Ask whether recall 05V379000 was performed and whether the ABS module or wheel speed sensors have been replaced; watch for an ABS light that stays on and for the pump running with the key off.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have only had my 2001 Tahoe for a month or less and one dy when starting my vehcile the ABS light would not go out. When the car is off some type of motor is still running. The dealer said it was the bscm this controls the ABS system. It will cost me $1000. To fix. I have read where other people are having the same problems with there brakes. I need help!”
NHTSA complaint #10088262, filed 2004-08, 48,450 miles“I have a 2001 Tahoe with an ABS problem. After I turn the vehicle off I hear a motor sound under the truck, and te ABS light stays on. I popped out that 60 amp ABS fuse and the noise stopped, so I guess its possibly a stuck relay switch.”
NHTSA complaint #10064090, filed 2004-03, 49,750 miles - Brakes
Rusted brake lines leaking fluid
- 132 complaints (26%)
- median 95,000 mi at 10.6 yrs old (109 state mileage)
- 9 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,066 (median of 18 quotes)
- filed 2001–2025
Owners report the brake pedal suddenly going to the floor with little or no stopping power, often during a normal stop or a quick application of the brakes. In several cases fluid was found spraying or pouring from a steel line near the rear axle or rear wheel area, and shops identified heavy corrosion on the lines. Some had one line repaired only for another to fail later, and a few describe a collision when the pedal went down. Mostly reported between about 91,000 and 177,000 miles, in vehicles driven in areas where road salt is used.
What to check: Have the steel brake lines inspected along their full length, especially above the rear axle, for rust or weeping; ask whether any lines have already been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My brake lines keep bursting. I wasn't even driving, I was in park, applied the brakes to put it gear and the pedal went right to the floor. This is the second time, I just spent $400 to have the rears replaced while on the road. I was stuck out of state. Now it happened again. Please help, I can't afford a repair right now.”
NHTSA complaint #10536799, filed 2013-08, 99,000 miles“We were driving the vehicle and the brakes stopped working. We discovered that all the brake lines were corroded . Research on the internet showed that numerous people have had the same issue with Chevrolet vehicles built at this time. There has not been a recall by Chevrolet at this time.”
NHTSA complaint #10468495, filed 2012-07, 129,732 miles - Brakes
Parking brake will not hold on a slope
- 77 complaints (15%)
- median 45,000 mi at 3.9 yrs old (51 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $375 (median of 10 quotes)
- filed 2002–2011
Owners describe the parking brake pedal going to the floor or the vehicle still rolling with the brake fully applied, including on inclines. Some report repeated adjustments or replacements with the problem returning, and a few note the vehicle failed a state inspection because of it. At least one owner said the dealer told them the parking brake had been redesigned and to bring the vehicle in for evaluation. Reported from a few thousand miles up to about 146,000 miles, and in some cases within the first years of ownership.
What to check: Test the parking brake on a slope before buying, and ask whether the parking brake shoes or cables have been serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Parking brake on 2001 Tahoe fails to hold vehicle. It will not pass state inspection until fixed. I have never used the brake and is my understanding that this is defect in 2001 Tahoe that was never recalled. Chevy needs to recall and fix the defected parking brake in all models.”
NHTSA complaint #10373250, filed 2010-12, 80,000 miles“The emergency brake on my 2001 chevy Tahoe was diagnosed as having bad parking brake / e brake. I was unaware of this situation since I rarely need to use the parking brake. I will have to replace this item at a cost of approx. $575. Many other 2001 tahoes have experienced the same problem.. I have replaced the parking e brakes twice since I purchased the Tahoe and now they have failed a third time. I never use the parking brake!! …”
NHTSA complaint #10410099, filed 2011-06, 146,000 miles - Air bags
Airbags did not deploy in a crash
- 27 complaints (5%)
- median 80,000 mi at 7.2 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- 24 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2001–2016
Owners report that the front airbags did not deploy in collisions at moderate to highway speeds, including head-on and side impacts, and some describe injuries to occupants. In one case the vehicle had been diagnosed with an ABS fault before the crash, and the airbag failure was not diagnosed afterwards by the body shop. A few owners tried to find out why the airbags stayed in place without getting a clear answer. Reported at mileages from about 38,000 to 177,000, typically in crash situations rather than as a standalone symptom.
What to check: Check that the airbag warning light comes on at start-up and goes out; ask whether the vehicle has been in a collision and whether the airbag system was inspected or repaired afterward.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“A vehicle pulled in front of us and our vehicle t boned that vehicle. None of are air bags deployed. We were injured. That person's insurance company contacted us the day after the accident and questioned why the air bags did not come out? We wanted to know why also.”
NHTSA complaint #10607227, filed 2014-06, 62,000 miles“I was drivineg on the freeway. The cruise control was set at 70 MPH. It was raining I went through a puddle and the car hydroplaned and headed towrd the concrete median, it would not straighten and I hit the median head on. The airbags did not deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #10072577, filed 2004-05, 80,000 miles - Body and structure
Loose steering and clunking from the column
Mentioned in 5 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report a clunking noise from the steering column area and steering that feels loose or floaty, sometimes with the wheel seeming to snap back into place. A few describe intermittent loss of power steering assist at low speed, making the wheel very hard to turn. In some cases front-end and steering checks found nothing, and in one report the power steering assist was lost entirely after a clunking noise. Reported from low mileage up to about 75,000 miles, mostly during turns or over slight bumps at normal speeds.
What to check: Turn the wheel lock to lock while listening for clunks and check for play in the steering shaft and intermediate joints; confirm the power steering fluid level and that assist is consistent.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Loose steering and loose clunking coming from steering column. Coming out of turn I hear a noise not normal after turning and the steering feels loose/floaty. I have had the noise for a couple of years but never thought anything of it. Had the front end checked out and the steering looked at about a year ago and it all checked out ok. I still had the clunking and looseness. I recently had a steering fluid flush and check and all turned out well but the noise is still there. …”
NHTSA complaint #10288900, filed 2009-10, 80 miles“Total loss of steering in my 2001 Tahoe. This was preceded by a clunking noise that could be heard under the hood and felt through the steering wheel. Fortunately, the loss of steering happened at a low speed and no accident resulted. In my owner's manual, it states that in the event of power assist loss on the steering, you can still drive the vehicle, it will just be more difficult to steer. This is not the case. The vehicle cannot be safely driven at any speed due to the amount of strength required to turn the wheel. …”
NHTSA complaint #10189169, filed 2007-04, 60,532 miles
Buying note. This model year draws a large share of brake-related complaints, so a pre-purchase inspection should focus on the ABS system, the condition of the steel brake lines, and the parking brake. Confirming which open recalls have been completed, and a steering and seat belt check, will cover most of the other frequently reported items.
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 512 consumer complaints for the 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe. 321 of the complaints include a mileage, and 29% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 69,551 miles. Of all complaints, 47 involved a crash, 7 a fire, 48 an injury, 8 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 364 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.
- Brakes272 53%
- Air bags31 6.0%
- Tires31 6.0%
- Seat belts29 5.7%
- Transmission and drivetrain27 5.3%
- Body and structure25 4.9%
- Electrical system20 3.9%
- Seats20 3.9%
- Steering18 3.5%
- Engine cooling16 3.1%
Also reported: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (16), Fuel system (14), Vehicle speed control (14), Suspension (13), Equipment (6), Exterior lighting (6), Latches, locks and linkages (5), Wheels (5), Other or unknown (4), Engine (3), Electronic stability control (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “My daughter was running less than 35 MPH through town went to stop at a red light, brake pedal went to the floor and both front and rear brake lines failed leading to me rear ending the car in front of me. Upon inspection both front and rear brakes were leaking fluid due to rust and corrosion. I had to have my car towed home and have been un able to drive it since.”
NHTSA complaint #10889279, filed 2016-07, 137,000 milesAir bags: “Driving in large parking lot approx 25 MPH, light pole with concrete base was in blind spot as I was turning. Hit the concrete head on, $12,000 worth of damage to my truck, frame bent, front end replaced and the air bags failed to deploy. The dealer had no explanation other than the damage must have been in just the wrong spot. I went to the hospital with head and neck injuries.”
NHTSA complaint #10197689, filed 2007-07, 40,000 milesTires: “I was stopped at a traffic light and when I accelerated the spare tire hoist cable broke due to fraying causing the spare tire to fall from underneath the truck. The driver behind me ran over the spare. Fortunately, I had just began to pull off so speed was not a factor and there was no damage to the other vehicle or person.”
NHTSA complaint #10379888, filed 2011-02, 186,000 milesSeat belts: “2001 chevy Tahoe; rear passenger seat belts does not retract, the seat belt has to be manual adjusted with a screw driver and doing so cracked the panel. Was only one side but over the years now it is both side. One side just will not retract at all anymore. I have read complaints from other people having the same issue thought it was just us but it must be a manufacture defect. Do not like that they do not retracting if we get in an accident and does not protect our son! Thanks”
NHTSA complaint #10525388, filed 2013-07, 126,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
29% of the 321 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 45,000 and 103,803 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tahoe · sedan | not rated | 3 / 4 | — | — | 3 |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tahoe 1500 2WD | 4.8L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Tahoe 1500 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 16 | 14 | $4,800 |
| Tahoe 1500 4WD | 4.8L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 16 | 14 | $4,800 |
| Tahoe 1500 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 16 | 14 | $4,800 |
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
- 05V379000Aug 29, 2005Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipCovers: Chevrolet Tahoe 2000–2002, Silverado 1999–2002, GMC Sierra 1999–2002 +4 more
Certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles may experience unwanted antilock brake system (abs) activation. This condition is more likely to occur in environmentally corrosive areas. This recall will be launched in the "salt belt" states of connecticut…
- 03V094000Mar 7, 2003Body and structureCovers: Chevrolet Tahoe 2000–2003, Ford Explorer 2000–2003, Dodge Grand Caravan 2000–2003 +9 more
Certain pickup truck, van, and mini van conversions equipped with southern comfort built running boards that contain certain courtesy lights manufactured by american technology components, inc. These units contain a courtesy light or lights that might…
- 02V253000Sep 17, 2002Seats › Front assembly › Head restraintCovers: Chevrolet Tahoe 2000–2002, GMC Yukon 2000–2002, Denali 2000–2002 +1 more
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with rearward folding head restraints on the second row seats, two potential pinch points exist on each of the folding head restraints when the restraints are folded rearward as the seatback is folded down.
- 01V159000May 17, 2001Seat belts › Front › RetractorCovers: Chevrolet Tahoe 2001, GMC Yukon 2001, Chevrolet Suburban 2001 +4 more
Vehicle description: pickup and utility trucks. Some of these vehicles have an internal component in the outboard seat belt retractors for the 2nd and 3rd row of seats that could be cracked. With repeated actuation of the locking mechanism, the crack could…
- 00V343000Oct 25, 2000Structure › BodyCovers: Chevrolet Tahoe 2000–2001, Suburban 2000–2001, GMC Yukon 2000–2001 +1 more
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. Some of these vehicles have loose or missing rear wheelhouse plugs. Under certain vehicle operating conditions, exhaust gases can flow forward and accumulate in the rear wheelhouse.
Recall details for the 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe → · Check a 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. 364 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 11007744Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007743Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Electrical system. Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. GM 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 inadequate packaging…
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024Engine, Fuel system. This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with…
- 11004557Jun 17, 2024Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312Jun 6, 2024Electrical system. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492…
Other model years of the Chevrolet Tahoe
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 28 | 3,783 | 3 | 5 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 52 | — | 1 | 5 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 69 | 14,000 | 3 | 4 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 233 | 33,253 | 5 | 4 | 17 | 100 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 197 | 49,000 | 4 | 4 | 17 | 73 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 462 | 41,500 | 16 | 4 | 17 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 57 | 16,000 | 3 | 4 | 18 | 22 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2019 | 109 | 28,000 | 2 | 4 | 18 | 42 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 105 | 42,000 | 3 | 4 | 19 | 24 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2017 | 175 | 50,000 | 4 | 4 | 19 | 49 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 256 | 48,000 | 8 | 4 | 19 | 94 · More | Rising |
| 2015 | 659 | 62,000 | 14 | 4 | 18 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 90 | 56,000 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 4 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 233 | 60,000 | 4 | 4 | 17 | 31 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 178 | 70,000 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 11 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 447 | 66,801 | 5 | 4 | 17 | 65 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 314 | 74,000 | 3 | — | 17 | 27 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 284 | 77,756 | 5 | — | 16 | 51 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 528 | 72,750 | 4 | — | 16 | 67 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 1,177 | 77,000 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 114 | 75,122 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 293 | 80,000 | 5 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 467 | 72,000 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 507 | 74,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 449 | 80,500 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 512 | 69,551 | 5 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 282 | 79,300 | 6 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 552 | 91,794 | 1 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 263 | 85,000 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1997 | 410 | 91,475 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 283 | 110,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 246 | 117,500 | 6 | — | 12 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 19 | 115,000 | 2 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1993 | 8 | 159,745 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1992 | 6 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Tahoe model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe?
Complaints about this model year are dominated by brake problems, especially antilock brake (ABS) activation when the driver is not expecting it, and brake lines that rust through and leak fluid. The issues reported most often: Unwanted ABS activation at low speed; Rusted brake lines leaking fluid; Parking brake will not hold on a slope.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe have?
NHTSA recorded 512 consumer complaints for the 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 272 complaints (53% of the total), followed by air bags with 31.
Has the 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe get?
The EPA rates the 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe (Tahoe 1500 2WD, 4.8L 8-cyl) at 15 mpg combined, 13 city and 18 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,450 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe reported?
Among the 321 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 69,551 miles and the middle half falls between 45,000 and 103,803 miles; 29% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. 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.