2001 GMC Sierra Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 8%of 264 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 46,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2001 GMC Sierra, 8% of the 264 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 46,000 miles. 3 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.
“I have a 2001 Gmc Sierra that has been losing coolant for about 2 years now. I was told it was a common problem with these trucks just wandering why nothing has been done.”
NHTSA complaint #10575996, filed 2014-03, 175,000 miles“I was driving down the road, and the vehicle stopped running, some seconds later it restarted. Twice since then the vehicle would not start, but then started sometime later. I had the vehicle repaired at sharon chevrolet, they found a code that indicated the crank position sensor (ckp) was at fault. This has corrected the problem. I spoke to GM and they said it was not on recall. This cost me $356.30 to repair, and it is exactly was is on id #07v521000 recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10288636, filed 2009-10, 87,846 miles“Disc rotor delamination, anti-lock control. I was pulling a 3/4 ton van stuck in his yard, as I got him close to the hard surface ( driveway) I put on the brakes and the truck wouldn't stop, it hit the corner of his block house. No damage to the house however I had to replace all but hood and one headlight assy. 10 MPH and neither bag deployed. I thought it was my own stupidity until reading all the issues on here w/ GM's braking problems. I feel a bit better about myself. The big issue !! …”
NHTSA complaint #10133091, filed 2005-08, 46,000 miles“My vehicle taps very loud when I first crank cold engine. Dealer says this is carbon build-up because of new emmisions regulations and wont harm engine. My dealer says they can perform a treatment for approx. $100.00 that will correct but needs to be done every 20000 miles. My vehicle is still under new car warranty but they said this service is not covered. I have several friend experiencing same problem. I feel this is a defect in the new general motors engine. Thanks”
NHTSA complaint #10005615, filed 2003-02, 15,000 miles“2001 Gmc Sierra z71 with 5.3l vortec engine. Engine knocks loudly for approximately 10 seconds on every cold start. Called the dealer and spoke with service department. Person I spoke with stated that all 5.3 liter engines do that and that it was normal . I emailed Gmc with my concern and they replied: we have contacted your dealer to review this concern. According to the information they provided and that we have here, this tick is a characteristic of this engine. …”
NHTSA complaint #10000321, filed 2002-12, 7,000 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: GMC Sierra 2001, Chevrolet Silverado 2001, GMC Yukon 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.
- 10032435Sep 1, 2009Gm: loss of power hesitates on acceleration. 4.3, 4.8, 5.3, 5.7 and 6.0 engines coupled with the 4l60e or 4l65e may experience a condition of hesitates, misses or loss of power…
- 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.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 | 2% |
| 2012 | 1 | 3% |
| 2011 | 1 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 1 | 2% |
| 2005 | 9 | 8% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 9 | 4% |
| 2002 | 22 | 9% |
| 2001 | 22 | 8% |
| 2000 | 21 | 5% |
| 1999 | 17 | 3% |
| 1998 | 11 | 6% |
| 1997 | 15 | 6% |
| 1996 | 11 | 4% |
| 1995 | 6 | 2% |
| 1994 | 6 | 3% |
| 1993 | 7 | 10% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
| 1990 | 1 | 6% |
| 1989 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2001 GMC Sierra
150 complaintsTires
18 complaintsFuel system
16 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 GMC Sierra
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