2001 GMC Sierra: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2001 GMC Sierra: 4 recalls, 264 owner complaints and up to 17 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 3 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 #04V129000 · 2004 · 3,662,211 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the galvanized steel tailgate support cables that retain the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position May corrode, weaken, and eventually fracture. If both cables fractured, the tailgate would suddenly drop and strike the top surface of the rear bumper.
Why it matters: Anyone sitting or standing on the horizontal surface of the tailgate when both cables fractured could be injured by falling from the tailgate. On vehicles that have had the bumper removed, the tailgate May drop even lower. Additionally, if there is cargo on the tailgate the cargo May fall off if…
The fix: Dealers will replace the cables. Interim owner notification began on April 7, 20004. The recall began on September 24, 2004, when replacement parts were available, and will continue through October 29, 2004. Owners should contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at…
Parking brake Vehicle recall #05V161000 · 2005 · 90,242 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain pickup trucks equipped with manual transmissions and built with either pbr parking brake systems or trw parking brake systems, the parking brake friction linings May wear to an extent where the parking brake can become ineffective in immobilizing a parked vehicle.
Why it matters: If the parking brake does not hold, unintended vehicle movement could occur, which could result in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install a low-force spring clip retainer for vehicles equipped with a pbr parking brake system. On vehicles equipped with the trw parking brake system, dealers will install a redesigned parking brake cable assembly. The recall began on July 29, 2005.
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.
3 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Equipment Equipment recall #04E022000 · 2004 · 8,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Aftermarket pickup truck over-the-rail bedliners manufactured for installation on 1999-2004 Chevrolet silverado and GMC sierra pickup trucks. The toggle wing assembly used to attach the bedliner to the truck bed is not engaging fully in the stake pocket of the pickup truck.
Why it matters: The bedliner can become detached from the pickup while it is motion, possibly endangering following motorists or pedestrians.
The fix: Durakon will issue a press release in attempt to notify customers that could have purchased the defective bedliner. If you purchased either a durakon allstar of patriot overrail bedliner since August 1, 2003, for 1999 to 2004 Chevrolet silverado or GMC sierra trucks, or purchased one of these…
Equipment Equipment recall #07E066000 · 2007 · 175 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain cequent 90 degree 7-way right angle adaptors sold by distributors in tow packages for aftermarket sales to tow 5th wheel rv travel trailers. Due to incorrect wiring of the harness, the trailer lights May not operate properly.
Why it matters: If the trailer lights are not working properly, a vehicle crash can occur.
The fix: All of the defective tow packages are still at the distributor level and have not been sold to any consumers.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: Dope, Inc. is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 9 injuries and 5 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (100): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (29), rust / corrosion (22).
- Brakes (31): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (15).
- Engine & cooling (22): the most common themes are noise or vibration (10), stalls / loses power (6), rust / corrosion (2).
- Tires (17): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (16).
The 2001 GMC Sierra has 264 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 28 Sierra model years for complaints (1.9× the average Sierra year). Complaints peaked in 2005 (88 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 61,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (443 complaints, 8 recalls), 2002 (249 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.8 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.8 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 16 | 14 | Regular |
| 4.8 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 16 | 14 | Regular |
| 4.8 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 16 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 16 | 14 | Regular |
| 6.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 10 | 13 | 11 | 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 GMC Sierra.
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FAQ
Does the 2001 GMC Sierra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2001 GMC Sierra, plus 3 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 GMC Sierra problems?
Owners have filed 264 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (100), brakes (31), engine & cooling (22).
What gas mileage does the 2001 GMC Sierra get?
EPA ratings run up to 17 mpg combined (4.3 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 11 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2001 GMC Sierra 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.