2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 517 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 26 Tahoe model years with reports.
Of the 2001 reports, 48 involved a crash and 7 involved a fire. 48 people were injured and 8 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Wheels, hubDec 17, 2007
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.
WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.
Campaign 07E106000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasolineMay 19, 2006
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Campaign 06E043000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipAug 29, 2005
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, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ONLY.
THIS CAN CAUSE INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING LOW-SPEED BRAKE APPLICATIONS, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
DEALERS ARE TO REMOVE THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR AND THOROUGHLY CLEAN THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR MOUNTING SURFACE ON THE BEARING, APPLY RUST INHIBITOR TO THE CLEANED SURFACE, GREASE THE MOUNTING SURFACE, REINSTALL THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR, AND CHECK THE PEAK-TO-PEAK OUTPUT VOLTAGE TO ENSURE THE WHEEL SPEED SIGNAL IS WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 22, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
Campaign 05V379000 on NHTSA.gov
StructureMar 7, 2003
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 OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.
THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.
Campaign 03V094000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, head restraintSep 17, 2002
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.
IF A PERSON WERE TO INSERT THEIR FINGER(S) INTO THE PINCH POINT WHEN THE HEAD RESTRAINT FOLDS, IT COULD TRAP AND PINCH THE FINGER(S) CAUSING INJURY.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL PROTECTIVE COVERS OVER THE PINCH POINTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 8, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006.
Campaign 02V253000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, retractorMay 17, 2001
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 SPREAD TO THE POINT SUCH THAT THE SEAT BELT WOULD NO LONGER LOCK.
IN A CRASH, INCREASED OCCUPANT INJURY COULD RESULT FROM THE NO-LOCK CONDITION.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE OUTBOARD SEAT BELTS FOR SPECIFIC LOT NUMBERS AND REPLACE THE BELTS IF NECESSARY. GM IS ENCLOSING AN INSPECTION PROCEDURE FOR THE OWNERS TO USE OR THEY CAN HAVE THEIR DEALERS DO THE INSPECTIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 2, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.
Campaign 01V159000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, bodyOct 25, 2000
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.
THESE GASES COULD FLOW INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT IF THE PLUG IS MISSING OR LOOSE AND COULD CAUSE POSSIBLE ILLNESS, UNCONSCIOUSNESS, OR DEATH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE FOR LOOSE OR MISSING WHEELHOUSE PLUGS AND INSTALL NEW PLUGS IF NECESSARY.
Campaign 00V343000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: parking brake
80 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Parking brake, Sep 30, 2004
2001 CHEVROLET TAHOE HAS AN INOPERATIVE EMERGENCY BRAKE SYSTEM. PROBLEM IS CURRENTLY BE INVESTIGATED AND REPAIRED.*AK
Parking brake, Sep 19, 2004
PARKING BRAKE FAILURE. I ASKED MY DEALER TO CHECK OUT MY BRAKES AND WAS TOLD THE PARKING BRAKE RUINED THE ROTORS AND NEEDED A COMPLETE REPLACEMENT COSTING $ 800. I HAVE NEVER USED THE PARKING BRAKE. I STILL COULD HEAR A SQUEAK AND RETURNED FOR INSPECTION, NOW I WAS TOLD THE BACKING PLATE IS RUSTED, THEY CUT OFF THE BOTTOM OF THE PLATE STATING IS DOESNT NEED IT? SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG WITH GM NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR AN OBVIOUS MISTAKE. *AK
Parking brake, Sep 15, 2004
EVER SINCE I PURCHASED MY 2001 CHEVY TAHOE, I HAVE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH MY PARKING BRAKE. IT NEVER HAS WORKED PROPERLY, HAVING SLIPPED ON NUMEROUS OCCATIONS. WHEN I PUSH IT DOWN, IT GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I WENT TO HAVE IT FIXED UNDER WARRANTY ON 12/7/002, BUT IT CONTINUED TO FAIL. CURRENTLY, THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN OUT ON IT THAT SAYS THEY'RE SUPPOSED TO BE INSPECTED, AND CHEVROLET HAS PUT NO DEMAND ON THE DEALERS TO INSPECT THEM. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY.*AK
Parking brake, Sep 15, 2004
I JUST WATCHED THIS A.M.'S LOCAL NEWS AND SAW A LOCAL MAN EXTREMELY UPSET AND CONCERNED ABOUT HIS 2001 CHEVROLET TAHOE'S PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE. I, TOO, HAVE A 2001 CHEVY TAHOE AND HAVE HAD CONSISTENT PROBLEMS SINCE SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED IT BRAND NEW IN FEBRUARY 2001. THE MAN CLAIMED HIS PARKING BRAKE WAS NOT SAFE AND IN FACT HAD FAILED TO THE POINT OF HIM HAVING TO PAY TO REPLACE IT BECAUSE GM WOULD NOT. (OVER $300) THIS, AFTER HE HAD DISCOVERED GM HAD SENT NOTICES TO ALL CHEVY DEALERSHIPS DUE TO THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS VERY ISSUE. THE FACT IS THAT MY PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT WORK AND I FEEL AS THE MAN IN THE NEWS REPORT SAID; THAT GM SHOULD SEND OUT A NATIONWIDE RECALL TO HAVE THIS VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM FIXED! WE BOUGHT OUR VEHICLES IN GOOD FAITH AND GM SHOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS, PARTICULARLY WHEN SAFETY IS AN ISSUE! GM...DO THE RIGHT THING! FOR YOUR REFERENCE, THE LOCAL NEWS CHANNEL IS NBC AFFILIATE CHANNEL 12 IN PHOENIX, AZ.*AK
Parking brake, Sep 15, 2004
PARKING BRAKE / EMERGENCY ON 2001 CHEVROLET TAHOE IS INOPERABLE. PARKING BRAKE HAS NEVER BEEN USED ON THIS VEHICKE. BROWN AND BROWN ADVISED 300.00 DOLLARS TO PUT NEW BRAKE PADS ON EMERGENCY BRAKE.*AK
Parking brake, Sep 2, 2004
MY PARKING BRAKES FAILED THE ANNUAL SAFETY INSPECTION. I WAS TOLD IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH A CABLE AND THAT IF NOT FIXED COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO A ROTOR. FORTUNATELY, I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY TO HELP PAY THE COST. HOWEVER, IT SEEMS THE PARKING BRAKE ON THIS VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN WEAK SINCE PURCHASE. YET IT HAS PASSED THE SAFETY INSPECTION IN THE PAST.*AK
Parking brake, Jul 5, 2004
PARKING BRAKE FAILED TO HOLD VEHICLE WITH ENGINE RUNNING AND IN GEAR AT IDLE. VEHICLE JUMPED CURB AND HIT SHRUBBERY BY BUILDING.*AK
Parking brake, Jul 1, 2004
AS WITH MANY OTHER TAHOE OWNERS, I HAVE THE PROBLEM OF PREMATURE PARKING BRAKE FAILURE IN MY 2001 TAHOE. I RARELY USE IT. AT 50,000 MILES IT NEEDS A SECOND REPLACEMENT. IT IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE, BECAUSE IF YOU DON'T TEST IT YOU WILL NEVER KNOW THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM UNTIL YOUR TRANSMISSION PARK FEATURE FAILS. THEN IT IS JUST A MATTER OF WHO OR WHAT IS DOWN HILL. *JB
Parking brake, Jun 21, 2004
PARKING BRAKE SHOW WEARING OUT PREMATURELY, GM HAS ISSUED A NEW RETAINING CLIP THAT ALLOWS THE SHOE TO BE CENTERED AND NOT WEAR PREMATURELY. *AK
Parking brake, May 25, 2004
I TOOK MY 2001 TAHOE TO GET A YEARLY INSPECTION. I WAS THEN NOTIFIED BY THE SERVICE DEPT. THAT THE PARKING BRAKE WAS NOT HOLDING THE VEHICLE AND IT WOULD COST APPROX. $400.00 TO REPAIR. I TOLD HIM THAT WAS CRAZY SINCE WE HAVE ONLY USED THE PARKING BRAKE A COUPLE OF TIMES AND THAT WAS THE FIRST VEHICLE THAT I HAVE EVER OWNED THAT HAD NEEDED A PARKING BRAKE REPAIRED AT JUST 40000 MILES. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH OF THE PROBLEM, I HAVE COME TO FIND OUT THAT THE 2001 TAHOE HAS HAD A PROBLEM WITH THIS. I CHECKED RECALLS AND WAS POSITIVE I WOULD FIND A RECALL FOR THE PARKING BRAKE, BUT TO MY MISTAKE, THERE HAS NEVER BEEN ONE FOR A FAULT PARKING BRAKE. I HAVE YET TO GET IT FIXED AS I HAVE JUST FOUND OUT, BUT I WOULD ONLY WISH THAT CHEVY WOULD TAKE A LOOK AT THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE IT RECALLED. I WOULD HATE TO FIND OUT ABOUT A VEHICLE PARKING BRAKE FAILING AND ROLLING OVER A CHILD. *NM
Parking brake, May 20, 2004
I WENT TO HAVE MY 2001 CHEVROLET TAHOE INSPECTED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED THE INSPECTION DUE TO THE PARKING BRAKE FAILING TO FUNCTION. I TOLD HIM THAT I HAD ONLY ENGAGED THE BRAKE NO MORE THAT 5 TIMES SINCE I HAD BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW. THE INSPECTOR TOLD ME THAT PRACTICALLY EVERY 2001 TAHOE HE INSPECTED FAILED DUE TO THE PARKING BRAKE NOT FUNCTIONING. I WENT TO ANOTHER REPAIR SHOP THAT DID INSPECTIONS AND ASKED IF THEY WERE AWARE OF ANY ISSUES RELATED TO MY 2001 TAHOE. THEY IMMEDIATELY MENTIONED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE PROBABLY DID NOT FUNCTION. I THEN SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND CAME TO THE NHTSA SITE AND FOUND ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS ISSUE. I TOOK MY TAHOE INTO CHAMPION CHEVROLET IN AUSTIN AND HAD THEM INSPECT THE PARKING BRAKE. THEY CALLED ME AND SAID THAT THE PARKING BRAKE SHOES WERE COMPLETELY WORN OUT AND THE PARKING BRAKE ROTOR/DRUM WAS RENDERED UNUSABLE. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE COST WOULD BE OVER $750 TO FIX. I TOLD THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT I WAS AWARE OF THE DEFECTIVE DESIGN OF THE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM AND REQUESTED THAT THE WORK BE DONE AT NO CHARGE. THEY CALLED ME BACK AND SAID THAT CHEVEROLET WOULD COVER APPROXIMATELY 60% OF THE COST. I ENDED UP PAYING OVER $300 TO FIX THE MANFACTURERS DEFECT. I TOLD THEM THAT I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE PARKING BRAKE BECOMING DEFECTIVE AGAIN AND THEY SAID THAT THE REPLACEMENT SYSTEM HAD BEEN REDESIGNED TO FIX THE PROBLEM WITH THE ORIGINAL PARKING BRAKE. I FEEL THAT THE NHTSA SHOULD BEGIN A DEFECT INVESTIGATION AND FORCE CHEVROLET TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND FIX THE DEFECTIVE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM.*AK
Parking brake, Mar 31, 2004
EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKES FAILED TO HOLD VEHICLE WHEN IT WAS ENGAGED DUE TO PREMATURE BRAKE PAD WEAR. DEALERSHIP INDICATED IF VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN WITHIN 10 FEET WITH THE PARKING BRAKE STILL ENGAGED THE PAD WOULD WEAR OUT. THAT WAS THE WAY THE PAD WAS DESIGNED. *AK *MR
Parking brake, Mar 25, 2004
PARK BRAKE FAILURE, PREMATURE WEAR-OUT. PARK BRAKE SHOES DROP AND RUB ON INSIDE OF DRUM. LOOKING AT THE SHOES, CLIPS AND THE WEAR ON THE SHOE SURFACE IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE DESIGN OF THE SHOE RETENTION SYSTEM IS NOT ADEQUATE FOR THE DUTY THESE BRAKES SEE. NORMAL DRIVING HEATS THE REAR BRAKE DISC REPEATEDLY. AFTER SEVERAL HUNDRED HEAT CYCLES THE SPRING CLIPS HOLDING THE PARK BRAKE SHOES RELAXES, ALLOWING THE SHOES TO DROP (BY GRAVITY) FROM THEIR INTENDED DESIGN POSITION, AND THE LOWER BRAKE SHOE RESTS ON THE NORMALLY ROTATING BRAKE DRUM. WITH A BRAKE SHOE RESTING ON THE ROTATING DRUM THE RESULT IS LOWER SHOE PREMATURE WEAR-OUT AND LEAVES THE UPPER SHOE WITHOUT WEAR. THIS WILL HAPPEN EVEN IF THE PARK BRAKE IS NEVER USED. HAVING WORKED FOR GM MYSELF, IN CPC-ADVANCED SUSPENSION DESIGN GROUP, I UNDERSTAND THE COMPLEXITIES OF BRAKE SYSTEM DESIGN. DURING MY EMPLOYMENT WITH GM, I WORKED WITH DELCO BRAKE ENGINEERS AND I AM SURE THIS FAILURE INFORMATION HAS BEEN REPORTED BACK TO THEM AND THE APPROPRIATE DEPARTMENT. I WILL BE REQUESTING TO SEE A 2004 TAHOE SYSTEM TO SEE IF THE DESIGN HAS BEEN IMPROVED. IF IT HAS CHANGED IT INDICATES THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM AND THAT GM ADDRESSED IT BY IMPLEMENTING A CHANGE. SINCE MANY GM CUSTOMERS ARE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM AT $200 PER FIX, AT 200,000 VEHICLES THATS $40,000,000.00 MIGHT BE A CLASS ACTION.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Parking brake, Mar 17, 2004
WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED THEY WOULD MAKE A NOISE. WHEN APPLYING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON AN INCLINE IT DID NOT HOLD. *AK *JB
Parking brake, Mar 16, 2004
PARKING BRAKE, STARTS TO MALFUNCTIONING EVERY 15K, EVEN WHEN IS RARELY USE, COST 130.00 TO GET IT ADJUSTED EVERY TIME. *JB
Parking brake, Feb 10, 2004
PARKING BRAKES ARE NOT DESIGNED TO HOLD VEHICAL ON SLOPES IN EXCESS OF 11 DEGREES. CHEVROLET "CLAIMS" THAT IT IS NOT A PARKING BRAKE BUT RATHER " A PARKING ASSIST". ON A VEHICAL THAT WEIGHS ABOUT 3 TONS, WITH A 8,000 LB TOWING CAPACITY IT SEEMS TO ME THAT A PARKING BRAKE IN A REQUIREMENT.*AK
Parking brake, Jan 21, 2004
I HAD MY VEHICLE SERVICED BECAUSE I WAS HEARING A SCRAPING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND THE PARKING BRAKE NOT ENGAGING. PARKING BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED AT 39,707 MILES. I PAID $246.99 TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED. I HAVE NEVER,(NEVER) DRIVEN THE VEHICLE WITH THE PARKING BRAKE ON AND WAS SHOCKED TO FIND OUT THAT THE PADS NEEDED REPLACED. I HAVE OWNED TWO NEW VEHICLES IN THE PAST 17 YEARS AS WELL AS USED VEHICLES AND HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PARKING BRAKE ISSUES. I FEEL THERE MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM WHICH IS CAUSING THE BRAKES TO ENGAGE ON THERE OWN.*AK
Parking brake, Nov 20, 2003
AT 24,000 MILES THE PARKING BRAKE FAILED. THE DEALER STATES BECAUSE THEY PRODUCED A THINNER PART THE BRAKE WEARS PREMATURELY. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *PH
Service brakes, Air, Parking brake, Power train, Exterior lighting, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 14, 2003
DEFECTS: ABS LIGHT ON AT 43,600 MILES. WHEN CAR IS TURNED OFF A LOUD NOISE IS HEARD BENEATH THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE MY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SAID THE ABS UNIT IS PURGING. AT 20 MILES AND REGULARLY THERE AFTER, WHEN THE FOG LIGHT POWER BUTTON IS PRESSED, THE REAR WINDOW WIPER BRIEFLY MAKES NOISE AS IF IT HAD BEEN ACTIVATED. AT 3000 MILES AND REGULARLY THERE AFTER , ALL FOUR DOORS SQUEAK AT THE HINGES AND MUST BE LUBRICATED WEEKLY. AT 10,600 MILES THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL BEGAN TO LEAK. BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT SQUEAK AND DO NOT FIRMLY LOCK INTO POSITION. THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEATS DO NOT LOCK INTO POSITION. THE PARKING BRAKE HAS NOT WORKED SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. *LA
Parking brake, Oct 1, 2003
I TOOK MY CHEVY TAHOE (2001) IN TO GET THE INSPECTION DONE ON 10/1/03 -- THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THE INSPECTION HAS BEEN DUE SINCE THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED. I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK USED 6 MONTHS AGO. THE INSPECTOR TOLD ME THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO FAIL MY TRUCK DUE TO A DEFECTIVE PARKING BRAKE. I WAS TOLD THAT HE HAD SEEN A LOT OF THEM RECENTLY AND THAT HE WOULD LET ME TAKE THE TRUCK BACK TO THE DEALER TO GET IT FIXED. HE SAID THE OTHER 5-6 THAT HE HAD SEEN VERY RECENTLY HAD TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER BECAUSE IT WAS A RECALLED PART AND THEY FIXED IT FOR FREE. UNFORTUNATELY, WHEN I TOOK IT TO MY DEALER, HE INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS NOT A RECALLED PART AND WOULD NOT BE COVERED -- IN FACT, WOULD COST ME $200-$300 TO FIX. HE SAID THAT SIX MONTHS AGO, WHEN HE INSPECTED THE CAR, IT WAS FINE. SO, IN THE PAST SIX MONTHS, MY PARKING BRAKE HAD GONE BAD. I ONLY DRIVE MY TRUCK BACK AND FORTH TO WORK AND HAVE NOT USED MY PARKING BRAKE, SO IT SEEMS TO ME THAT SOMETHING ELSE MUST BE WRONG!! PLEASE HELP -- IF IT IS KNOWN BY SO MANY THAT THESE ARE FAILING, WHY WILL CHEVROLET NOT DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT? IF I USED MY PARKING BRAKE EVERYDAY, THAT MIGHT BE ONE THING, BUT I HAVE NOT USED IT AT ALL.
Parking brake, Sep 26, 2003, crash
EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED CAUSING VEHICLE TO ROLL DOWN A HILL AND COLLIDE WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. PHONE INTERVIEW UPDATE (APRIL 5, 2006): MS. ARNECKE SAID THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT ROLL AWAY; THE VEHICLE FAILED THE TEXAS STATE INSPECTION BECAUSE OF THE PARKING BRAKES.
Parking brake, Sep 7, 2003
I BELIEVE THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE SYSTEM IN 2001 TAHOE'S. I LEARNED OF THIS PROBLEM WHEN I WENT TO HAVE MY CAR INSPECTED IN MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE. WHEN I DROVE UP, THE INSPECTOR SAID, " WE MIGHT AS WELL TRY YOUR EMERGENCY BRAKES FIRST SINCE THEY WILL PROBABLY FAIL." I ASKED HER WHY AND SHE SAID THAT ALMOST ALL TAHOE'S DO FAIL. MINE DID. THE INSPECTOR TOLD ME I NEEDED TO HAVE THE BRAKES FIXED AT A DEALER. I WENT TO A CHEVROLET DEALER AND I TOLD THEM I HAD A TAHOE AND IT HAD FAILED THE INSPECTION, THE SERVICE MANAGER INTERUPTED AND SAID, "YOUR EMERGENCY BRAKES FAILED, DIDN'T THEY?" I ASKED HOW HE KNEW AND HE SAID. " THEY ALMOST ALL DO." HE SAID THAT THE VAST MAJORITY OF THEM FAIL WITHIN ONE OR TWO YEARS. HE EXPLAINED THAT WHEN YOU DO NOT USE YOUR EMERGENCY BRAKE THERE IS SOMETHING THAT MAKES THEM ACTIVATE AND RUB AGAINST THE DRUM. EVENTUALLY THEY WEAR OUT. HE STATED HE WISHED CHEVROLET WOULD RECALL THE SYSTEM. I WROTE TO CHEVROLET. THEY CLAIM MY BRAKES WORE OUT WITH REGULAR USE. TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE, I HAVE NEVER USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKES ON MY CAR. IN FACT I STILL HAVE THE SAME FACTORY INSTALLED REGULAR BRAKES ON MY CAR. I BELIEVE THIS EVENTUAL EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILURE IN CARS COULD CAUSE A SERIOUSE ACCIDENT BY FAILING AT THE WRONG TIME. SO DO THE MECHANICS I SPOKE WITH AND THE CITY INSPECTORS IN MEMPHIS. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT CHEVROLET DOES NOT KNOW OF THIS PROBLEM. WHILE I DO NOT BELIEVE CHEVROLET WILL BE HONEST ABOUT THIS SITUATION, I BELIEVE ANY DEALER MECHANIC WILL. THE ONE THAT WORKED ON MY CAR VOLUNTEERED THAT IT WAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND RECOMMENDED I CALL YOU.*AK
Parking brake, Jun 25, 2003
THE EMERGENCY BREAK WENT OUT (WHICH MADE A METAL TO METAL NOISE ALL TIMES WHEN THE SUV IS MOVING) CAUSING THE REAR BRAKE TO GO OUT. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH THE DEALER ON PREVIOUS OCCASIONS AND THEY STATED THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY THEREFORE IF THEY LOOK IT WILL COST ME. THE DEALER STATED I DROVE WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, WHICH CAUSED THE BRAKE TO GO OUT, WHICH IS UNTRUE. I WENT TO A PERSONAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED AND IT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. AFTER SPEAKING WITH OTHER GMC / CHEVROLET OWNERS THEY ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUES WITH THE E BRAKE GOING OUT, ALL HAVE HAD THE SAME RESPONSE FROM THE DEALERS.. *NLM
Parking brake, Jun 12, 2003
EMERGENCY BRAKES - MISSING PARTS NEW FROM FACTORY. (NON FUNCTIONING) YR AND VEHICLE - 2001 TAHOE 1500 I HAVE ALL RECORDS ON THIS VEHICLE FROM NEW. THE EMERGENCY BRAKES ON THIS TRUCK, IS MISSING THE "ACTUATING PIN"(ONE PASSENGER SIDE) WHICH ALLOWS THE BRAKE EMERGENCY SHOE (INSIDE THE ROTOR) TO EXPAND WHEN THE CABLE IS PULLED. THIS CAUSED ONLY ONE REAR WHEEL TO WORK, ......WEARING OUT THE SHOE AND SCORING THE ROTOR..............(THE OTHER ROTOR AND SHOE ARE STILL NEW). SINCE THE VEHICLE HAS OVER 36,600 MILES, IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT IS HOW MANY OTHER, TAHOE, SUBURBAN ETC. ARE MISSING "ACTUATING PINS" INSIDE THE ADJUSTER, RENDERING IT USELESS. IN THE CASE OF A BRAKE FAILURE, THE E-BRAKES WOULD BE USELESS. THIS HAS BEEN THIS WAY SINCE NEW......I HAVE THE DIAGRAMS FROM GM SHOWING THE MISSING PART, AND PHOTOS OF MY BRAKES WITH THE MISSING PART (PLEASE NOTE THE PART IS INSIDE AN ENCLOSED PISTON........NOT ABLE TO GET LOST, ALSO ONE SHOE IS COMPLETELY GONE THE OTHER IS STILL NEW. *JB
Parking brake, Feb 6, 2003
THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON THIS CAR AND OTHER MODELS (SUBURBAN) IS FAULTY. REGARDLESS OF USE, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE NEEDS ADJUSTED EVERY 15-20K MILES.(RECOMMENDED BY THE DEALER). THE NEW EMERGENCY BRAKE DESIGN DOES NOT USE THE NORMAL REAR BRAKE PADS..IT HAS ITS OWN SEPERATE BRAKE PAD INSIDE THE WHEEL WELL. THIS "EMERGENCY" PAD BURNS OUT REGARDLESS OF USE. A CHEVROLET MECHANIC AND DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THIS IS A FAULTY SYSTEM AND THAT I WILL NEED TO RETURN EVERY 15-20 K MILES TO HAVE APPROXIMATELY $130 OF WORK DONE TO ADJUST IT...EVEN IF I DIDN'T USE IT. THIS IS A HORRIBLE DESIGN AND I WISH CHEVROLET WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR BAD ENGINEERING AND FAULTY SYSTEM.