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5.3

fairly significant
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
17,705 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 engine problems

engine problem

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2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #35

Sep 082008

Silverado 2500

  • 60,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. While driving 65 mph, the vehicle suddenly shut off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drive 3-4 miles before it shut off again. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the camshaft position sensor needed to be replaced. The contact did not notice any differences beforehand. The current and failure mileages were 60,000.

- Kansas City, MO, USA

problem #34

Aug 292006

Silverado 2500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,900 miles
: the contact stated at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle restarted every time the engine stalled. Also, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle was taken to the dealership who determined the crankshaft sensor would have to be replaced. Updated 9/13/2006 - the crankshaft sensor was replaced but that did not correct the stalling problem. The check engine light did not come on the last time the vehicle stalled.

- Wilson, NC, USA

problem #33

Aug 232003

Silverado 2500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles
My Silverado trucks stalls, has almost gotten myself and my family run over numerous times, I have spent several thousand trying to get it fixed, and it keeps stalling, nothing that has ever been repaired on it fixes the problem, this truck is a accident waiting to happen.

- Mt. Pleasant, TN, USA

problem #32

Aug 142005

Silverado 2500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Contact states while driving the battery light will come on, and then the engine completely loses power, but does not lose the electrical power. There are no indications, such as the engine hesitates before the vehicle stalls. This happened on numerous occasions. The service dealer can not find what is wrong with the vehicle, but they have not checked the charging part of the vehicle. The owner's manual states it could be something wrong with the charging system. The vehicle has to sit and wait for approximately 3-4 minutes before it will restart. The vehicle has been to two different service dealers, but they cannot duplicate the problem. The consumer has contacted the manufacturer.

- Lindenwold, NJ, USA

problem #31

Jul 012005

Silverado 2500

  • miles
Consumer is requesting that a new engine be installed in the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado to rectify the oil consumption problem. The consumer stated the vehicle burned 1 quart of oil within 1,000 miles.

- Springfield, OH, USA

problem #30

Jun 052005

Silverado 2500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,000 miles
In June 2005 the consumer's truck stalled. While driving at highway speeds the engine stalled with a total loss of power steering and brakes, no warning lights. The vehicle operated normally before this occurred. There are no other apparent problems with vehicle. It is regularly serviced. The problem seems to be getting progressively worse. On 7/12/05 the dealer replaced the crankshaft position sensor. Since then the vehicle has not stalled.

- Grove Town , GA, USA

problem #29

Feb 152005

Silverado 2500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Engine dies without warning while driving, and steering becomes difficult. It happens most of the time when slowing and turning. No error codes appear. Took to the dealer, they have had it for 4 days, and can't duplicate the problem. Changed fuel filter, but did not change problem.

- Fairfield, CA, USA

problem #28

Dec 102003

Silverado 2500

  • miles
Clunk, squeak, or squawk when coming to a stop and starting up.

- Austin, MN, USA

problem #27

Mar 012005

Silverado 2500

  • 55,000 miles
Chevrolet Silverado 2001, replaced timing chain at 55,000 miles. The consumer stated when he attempted to apply the brakes, the vehicle skidded and would not stop and when it occurred the vehicle made a noise. The consumer was told it was just the anti-lock brakes kicking in. The consumer also stated when the roads were wet and he applied the accelerator from a stop the back tire would spin out.

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #26

Dec 022002

Silverado 2500 8-cyl

  • miles
Complaint on 2001 Chevrolet Silverado extended-cab. The vehicle made a knocking noise when it was first started or after being fully warmed up. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that GM was fully aware of the problem and that they were in the process of re-designing and manufacturing a new cylinder piston for the engine because it seemed the pistons were causing the problem. The consumer was informed that a combination of a timing adjustment or decarbon of the engine or valve adjustment would possibly take care of the problem for the time being, however the consumer stated the engine noise became louder. The consumer took the vehicle back to the dealer and this time he was told that GM stated the engine noise was normal.

- Mesa, AZ, USA

problem #25

Aug 152004

Silverado 2500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The consumer stated the engine failed while driving through an intersection. As a result, the steering failed as well. Please provide additional information.

- Elk Grove, CA, USA

problem #24

Sep 152001

Silverado 2500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,000 miles
We purchased our 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 new. Right around the 15,000 mile mark we noticed a slight tapping in the engine. This seemed to only occur on start up and mostly in the morning when cold. It would tap for several seconds and then dissipate. Initially we thought it was a lifter, but we have since come to find out it is not. The overall diagnosis is GM piston slap. This occurs when the pistons are ill fitted to the cylinder walls, and hence you get the noise. We were told it was nothing to be concerned about. GM knows of the problem (well they don't call it a problem), but refuse to do anything about it. They say they have tested these engines thoroughly and the piston slap causes no long term engine problems. The noise not only began to get louder, but also became non stop. It did not go away, and now we have to listen to it all the time. After repeated trips to the dealership for recording of this problem, we still have no resolution. And they have now put us off long enough that the factory warranty has expired. I must say that GM knows how to give you the run around. There is even a website dedicated to this such problem. www.pistonslap.com go visit, it is some interesting reading. Non the less, GM will do nothing about the problem, so we are stuck with a vehicle that embarrasses us each time we drive it. What a shame, because I really do otherwise like my truck.

- Crestview, FL, USA

problem #23

Apr 012004

(reported on)

Silverado 2500

  • miles
The consumer was told GM would have new pistons in 02/2002 to replace the defective piston slap in the engine. In 10/2002, he was informed the pistons were normal.

- Longview, WA, USA

problem #22

Jan 262000

Silverado 2500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,500 miles
I have had an engine knock on my vehicle since right after purchase.dealer says it is normal, but refuses to guaratee resale value, etc. This is widespread-why no recall or at least a guarantee of trade in value?

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #21

Mar 112004

(reported on)

Silverado 2500

  • miles
While driving tailgate cables snapped. This caused the tailgate to come, crashing down. Consumer was able to keep control of vehicle. Also when starting the vehicle there was a severe engine knock.

- Brighton, CO, USA

problem #20

Sep 102002

Silverado 2500 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,000 miles
Engine noise on acceleration was told by dealer several times normal condition then was presented a technical bulletin states noise on acceleration caused by balance shaft condition there is no fix. Paid 16000 for a new truck to find out that they build in normal engine noise"? is there no recourse"

- Homosassa, FL, USA

problem #19

Jun 162003

(reported on)

Silverado 2500

  • miles
Engine loses oil. In March engine lost two quarts of oil in 900 miles. At 49,000 miles rings and pistons were replaced. Currently, engine is smoking.

- Yucaipa, CA, USA

problem #18

Apr 102003

Silverado 2500 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36,950 miles
Last year my truck started developing a pause in the engine. I had my local dealer investigate the problem. They stated the fuel injectors needed cleaned so they put in an additive. They stated that the problem was normal after 15,000 miles. A little while longer my wife was driving me to the airport (two hours from my home) during the trip the truck started making the same noise and having the same hesitation problems but with a little more vengeance. When we arrived a the airport we had turned the vehicle off so that I could unload my travel bags. My wife tried to start the truck to leave and could not get it going. I had to leave to catch my flight leaving my wife at the curb with a defective vehicle. I did give her the information for roadside assistance. She contacted roadside help and the truck was towed to a local dealer. They were not able to get the vehicle started and fixed so they got my wife a rental and arrangements were made for the dealer to fix the truck and I would return after my trip to pick it up. During the time I had been gone I had found out through my wife that the dealer felt there was a cracked block and would have the truck fixed for me. On my arrival back in indianapolis I made my way to the dealer. Thinking I had a somewhat new engine. In fact I was told that their prognosis was wrong and that it was just a oxygen sensor that had failed. It was good as new! well here I am not even a year later and having the same problems. This time with all three kids and my wife in the truck and returning from toledo. 30 minutes on the side of the road at night, until it started and limped it home.

- Fort Wayne, IN, USA

problem #17

Feb 202003

Silverado 2500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,900 miles
While driving at highway speeds the engine shut down and caused loss of power steering. The vehicle was taken repeatedly to the dealer. The vehicle was taken back again and the dealer did not find the problem. The GM technician informed the consumer to not use chevron gas. After GM advised the dealer what to do, the problem was resolved.

- Brookhaven, MS, USA

problem #16

Nov 202001

Silverado 2500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 11,000 miles
Cold start knock or piston slap. My 2001 Silverado 6.0L sounds like a diesel when I start it up. Problem began at 11,000 miles. Now have 18,400 miles. - piston slap is louder and more persistent. GM has acknowledged problem, issued service request #, but no service and no response. Very disappointed in GM customer service and product. GM should remedy huge engineering mistake and fix these engines or buy vehicles back!

- Lewistown, MT, USA

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