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: service brakes
205 reports, newest first. Show all
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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 22, 2004
BOTH BRAKE LINES TO THE REAR WHEELS HAVE CRACKED, LEAVING ME WITH NO BRAKES AFTER THE FLUID LEAKED OUT. PEBBLES CONTINUALLY GET WEDGED BETWEEN THE REAR CALIPERS AND WHEEL RIMS, CAUSING WHEEL LOCKUP, AND SCOURING OF THE ALUMINUM RIMS AND ROTORS. THE RIGHT REAR TOP CALIPER BOLT FELL OUT, ALLOWING THE CALIPER TO ROTATE FORWARD AND LOCK UP THE WHEEL. I WAS TOLD THAT THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT DESIGNED TO TRAVEL ON A GRAVEL LANE, BUT WHERE WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI ARE THERE NOT GRAVEL LANES? THIS IS A VERY WIDESPREAD PROBLEM , AND DEALERS IN RANCHING COUNTRY ARE GETTING A FLOOD OF COMPLAINTS, AND HAVE EVEN DESIGNED ROCK SHIELDS FOR THE REAR DISC BRAKES. IT IS A VERY LARGE SAFETY PROBLEM, FOR IF THE BRAKES DO NOT COMPLETELY FAIL THEY ARE IMPAIRED DUE TO SCOURED ROTORS, ETCHED WHEELS, AND DETERIORATED PADS. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 12, 2004
WHEN TRAVELING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE BRAKING SYSTEM HAS FAILED. IT USUALLY OCCURS WITHIN THE FIRST COUPLE OF MINUTES OF DRIVING. IT HAS PROBABLY HAPPENED 6 OR 7 TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF OWNING THE VEHICLE (3 YEARS). NO LIGHTS ARE ON. WHEN YOU PRESS THE BRAKE, IT GOES FURTHER THAN NORMAL, AND THEN IT FINALLY WORKS AFTER TAKING SEVERAL EXTRA FEET TO STOP. IT HAPPENS IRREGULARLY, SO WE CAN'T DUPLICATE IT FOR SERVICE. *LA
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 23, 2003
THE TRUCK FAILED STATE INSPECTION BECAUSE THE PARKING BRAKE WOULDN'T HOLD. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THIS FAILURE IS DUE TO PREMATURE WEAR OF THE BRAKE SHOES. THIS IS ALSO A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE MODEL VEHICLE. THERE'S A TSB FOR THIS ISSUE 020526002. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. . *NLM
Service brakes, Air, Nov 28, 2003
MY ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ABS MOTOR STARTED TO RUN. I TURNED THE CAR OFF, BUT THE ABS MOTOR CONTINUED TO RUN. I HAD TO GO UNDER THE HOOD AND PULL THE FUSE TO PREVENT THE MOTOR FROM BURINING OUT AND TO PREVENT THE BATTERY FROM DRAINING. THE DEALER WANTS $1000 TO REPLAVE THE EBCM, BUT SOME COMPAINES ON THE INTERNET WHO WERE FORMED SOLELY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WILL DO IT FOR CHEAPER. THERE ARE MANY MANY PEOPLE ON THE INTENET SITES WHO HAVE THIS PROBLEM FOR ALL TYPES OF CHEVY TRUCKS FROM 1999-2003.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Nov 3, 2003, crash
WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH DRIVER HIT THE BRAKES SUDDENLY AND VEHICLE HIT THE CURB AND ROLLED TWICE. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PEOPLE WERE EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT,THEY DIED. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 18, 2003
2001 CHEVROLET TAHOE--ABS LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF, NOISE HEARD BELOW VEHICLE. SERVICE TECH ADVISED THE ABS SENSOR MODULE HAD GONE BAD--@$1,000.00 REPAIR. SAW SIMILAR INCIDENTS ON NHTSA WEBSITE--THOUGHT IT MAY HELP TO INCLUDE THIS INCIDENT. *LA
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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 6, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, AND THERE WERE NO BRAKES. AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP REPLACED ALL FOUR ROTORS. CONSUMER PAID $1,200.00 FOR REPAIRS. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 14, 2003
THE ABS WARNING LIGHT FLASHES ON AND STAYS ON WHILE DRIVING, WHEN THIS OCCURS IT DRAINS THE BATTERY. THIS PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY THE ABS CONTROL MODULE SHORTING OUT. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 24, 2003
THE VEHICLES ABS MODULE FAILED WHICH CAUSED THE ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. *AK *CB *NLM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 30, 2003
CONSUMER STATED THAT BRAKE SYSTEM HAS FAILED 3 TIMES WITHIN 1 YEAR.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 24, 2003
2001, CHEV TAHOE, 28000 MI BRAKES SQUEAL. HAVE TAKEN THE TAHOE TO THE DEALERSHIP 5 TIMES SINCE PURCHASE. FINALLY TOOK IT TO A TRUSTED MECHANIC AND HE AGREES THAT THERE IS NOT A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES MECHANICALLY EXCEPT THE LOUD SQUEAL. I AM TOLD THAT I CAN REPLACE THEM IF I WANT TO GET RID OF THE SQUEAL, BUT I DON'T THINK I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY TO REPLACE THE BRAKES SINCE THEY SOLD THE VEHICLE TO ME WITH A SQUEAL. THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY 5 DAYS OLD THE FIRST TIME I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. *JB
Service brakes, Air, Jun 6, 2003
BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Feb 22, 2003
IMMEDIATELY AFTER APPLICATION OF THE ANTI-LOCH BRAKES AT LOW SPEEDS IN 2 WHEEL HIGH MODE, THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO "LOCK UP" THE WHEELS AS IF IT WERE IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE. WE GET SEVERE WHEEL HOP AND WHEN WE STOP THE VEHICLE, THEN RESTART IT THERE IS A VERY LOUD CLUNKING SOUND. AFTER THAT THE VEHICLE PREFORMS NORMALLY. THE PROBLEM ALSO GOES AWAY IF THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE GOES INTO 4 WHEEL AUTO, 4 WHEEL LOW AND 2 WHEEL HIGH NORMALLY AT ALL OTHER TIMES. AGAIN, THE PROBLEM ONLY HAPPENS WHEN THE ANTILOCK BRAKES ARE ACTIVATED AT LOW SPEEDS (NO PROBLEM FROM HIGH SPEED STOPS) AND IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE IN THE PAST 5 MINTHS.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Tires, Jan 23, 2003
THE PROBLEM(S) ARE AS FOLLOWED: BELT SEPARATION FROM TIRE (LOSS CONTROL), ANTI LOCK BRAKE/LOSS PEDAL, PEDAL HEIGHT AND STOPPING ABILITY. SCC
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 10, 2003
VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED 4 TIMES FOR MALFUNCTION OF THE BRAKES. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED BUT NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. CONSUMER FEELS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE. *TT *JB
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 9, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MPH THE FRONT END AND THE STEERING WHEEL WILL SHAKE VIOLENTLY. AT THE SAME TIME THE BRAKE PEDAL PULSATES AND IS VERY FIRM. VEHICLE HAS TO BE BROUGHT TO A COMPLETE STOP TO RETURN IT TO HELP ELIMINATE THE SHAKING. DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN NOTIFIED BUT FEELS THIS CONDITION IS NOT A PROBLEM. *TT *NLM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 12, 2002
WHEN THE BRAKES WERE BEING APPLIED, THE PEDAL WOULD TRAVEL FURTHER THAN NORMAL. MR ALTHOUGH THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED, THE DEALER STATED THAT IF THE ABS LIGHT DID NOT NOT ILLUMINATE, THEN THERE WAS NOT A PROBLEM. *JG *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 16, 2002
WHILE DRIVING BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED. HAD HEAVY VIBRATION, AND WOULD BE HARD TO STOP. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 22, 2002
CUSTOMER REPORTS EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM FAILURES DETECTED AT 11,000 MILES, WITH COMPLETE IN-OPERABILITY BY 19,000 MILES. DEALER/MANUFACTURER ONLY WARRANTIES THIS SAFETY DEVICE TO 7,500 MILES, WHILE "VEHICLE WARRANTY" STATES 36,000 MILES.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Tires, May 14, 2002
WHILE TRAVELING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER TIRE HAS NO TRACTION. VEHICLE WILL SLIDE WHILE APPLYING BRAKES. GOODYEAR, WRANGLER ,T30/5135-955. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK. CONSUMER STATES THE TIRES ARE NOT ADEQUATE FOR VEHICLE OR BRAKING SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, WHICH CAUSE THE ABS TO ENGAGE FREQUENTLY.*JG
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 30, 2002
IN COLD WEATHER WHEN APPLYING BRAKES VEHICLE SWERVED LEFT INTO OTHER LANE OUT OF CONTROL WITHOUT WARNING.*AK *JG
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 23, 2002
WHENEVER BRAKES ARE APPLIED IN A PANIC/SUDDEN STOP DURING HIGHWAY SPEED OF 50 OR MORE IT CAUSES EXTNDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 13, 2001, crash
WE REPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP 5 TIMES THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE. WE TOOK IT TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED THAT ABS SYTEM WAS FAILING. WE ATTENDED AN ARBITRATION WHERE OUR 2001 TAHOE WAS RULED DEFECTIVE BY THEHARBITRATOR AND CHEVROLET WAS ORDERED TO REPURCHASE IT. THE REPURCHASE DATE WAS NOV. 8. ON NOV 5, THE ABS LOST CONTROL AND MY HUSBAND ROLLED DOWN A 200 FT CLIFF. WE ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING ANY HELP WE CAN GET. *AK