2001 Chevrolet Suburban: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban: 6 recalls, 440 owner complaints and up to 14 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #00V343000 · 2000 · 35,659 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: These gases could flow into the passenger compartment if the plug is missing or loose and could cause possible illness, unconsciousness, or death.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicle for loose or missing wheelhouse plugs and install new plugs if necessary.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #01V159000 · 2001 · 9,196 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: In a crash, increased occupant injury could result from the no-lock condition.
The fix: 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.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #03V094000 · 2003 · 3,674 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began March 7, 2003.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #05V155000 · 2005 · 316,508 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain trucks and sport utility vehicles were built with fuel module reservoir assemblies that contain fuel pump wires connectors May overheat under certain operating conditions.
Why it matters: If the ignition circuit wire is exposed, the fuel pump fuse will blow, disabling the fuel pump and causing an engine stall or no-start condition. If sufficient heat is conducted to the pass-through connector, a hole in the connector May result, which May cause a 'service engine soon' light to be…
The fix: Dealers will remove the fuel tank, and remove the module reservoir assemblies from the tank, and install a new service kit free of charge. An interim letter to owners was mailed on May 25, 2005. The owners were re-notified on October 19, 2005, since parts are now availabe.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #05V379000 · 2005 · 1,353,718 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: This can cause increased stopping distances during low-speed brake applications, which could result in a crash.
The fix: 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…
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #07V521000 · 2007 · 11,974 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain pickup trucks equipped with an 8.1l v8 engine, the crankshaft position can operate intermittently or fail completely. If the sensor operates intermittently, the ses light May illuminate and the vehicle May run rough. The engine May stall, and if so, May re-start immediately or after a cool down period.
Why it matters: If the sensor becomes completely inoperative, the engine will quit running and will not re-start. Either of these failures can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the crankshaft position sensor free of charge. The recall began on December 18, 2007.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E043000 · 2006 · 88,303 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 35 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (89): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (18), brake failure / soft pedal (15), warning light on (13).
- Fuel system (46): the most common themes are leaks (16), stalls / loses power (13).
- Parking brake (42): the most common themes are noise or vibration (4).
- Brakes (35): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (17).
The 2001 Chevrolet Suburban has 440 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 35 Suburban model years for complaints (1.9× the average Suburban year). Complaints peaked in 2005 (96 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 60,650 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (282 complaints, 8 recalls), 2002 (286 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 16 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 15 | 13 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban.
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FAQ
Does the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2001 Chevrolet Suburban problems?
Owners have filed 440 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (89), fuel system (46), parking brake (42).
What gas mileage does the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban get?
EPA ratings run up to 14 mpg combined (5.3 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.