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Engine coolingPart report

2001 Chevrolet Tracker Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
15about this part
Share
18%of 83 total for the year
Median mileage
60,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2001 Chevrolet Tracker, 18% of the 83 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“While driving within the city in winter, the windshield suddenly became fogged over and the smell of coolant was noticed inside the vehicle. I was unable to see out the windshield and had to pull over. After parking I noticed a small drip of coolant under the center console. A local independent garage found the heater core to be ruptured. The heater core was replaced.”

NHTSA complaint #10310439, filed 2010-02, 84,150 miles

“4 years old, 82k miles, and the timing chains (both of them) broke. Mechanic has had the car for a week waiting for a back ordered tensioner, finally got it, and the engine starts but runs very rough - mechanic says he thinks the breaking timing chains damaged the valves. Timing chains aren't supposed to break at 82k miles!!!”

NHTSA complaint #10136933, filed 2005-09, 82,000 miles

“The timing chain broke-while driving 55 MPH on 3 lane highway. The engine just stopped, no warning- as it stopped the check engine light went on. Was in slow lane and could coast to breakdown lane. Could have caused an accident.”

NHTSA complaint #10161210, filed 2006-07, 60,000 miles

“1) normal driving in traffic 2)timing chain and and/or tensioner breakage, resulting in immediate power and steering loss, with subsequent damage to valves. 3) timing chain, tensioner, timing gears and valves all had to be replaced.”

NHTSA complaint #10086805, filed 2004-08, 58,000 miles

“The exhaust system, specifically the resonator canister on the tail pipe, corroded through forming a hole. This allowed exhaust gases to exit under the vehicle. The exhaust leak could have resulted in carbon monoxide entering the passenger compartment and causing illness, injury or death. The corrosion results from a design defect that allows exhaust condensate to pool in the resonator and corrode the metal. This is the third new exhaust system replaced within 5 years. This defect was observed on every single chevy Tracker. The exhaust system was replaced under warranty.”

NHTSA complaint #10203341, filed 2007-09, 64,117 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200357%
2002712%
20011518%
200098%
199948%
1998330%
1996229%

Other parts of the 2001 Chevrolet Tracker

Body and structure
15 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsTires
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2001 Chevrolet Tracker

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