2001 Chevrolet Tahoe

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 512 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the brakes. It has been recalled 8 times.

Avoid One of the Chevrolet Tahoe years to avoid: an unusual share of fires, crashes and deaths for a car of its age. Which Chevrolet Tahoe years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
69,551 milesMedian miles at failure

321 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe problems

188 of the 512 complaints (37%) are about the brakes.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Parking Brake66
100
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes53
602
Service Brakes · brakes52
402
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes34
310
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · brakes18
000
Tires16
000
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags15
15014
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission14
000
Air Bags · airbags10
8014
Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Control Unit/Module · brakes9
000

2001 Chevrolet Tahoe brakes problems

37% of all complaints

188 of the 512 complaints are about the brakes. This is what owners describe:

  • loses its brakes or the pedal sinks16% · 30
  • sets off warning lights on the dash9% · 17
  • leaks oil or fluid9% · 16

Share of the 188 brakes complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
87,500 mi
median of 145 reports
Peak year of filing
2005
41 brakes complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
15 · 1 · 7
in these complaints
Recalls on the brakes
“In the past I have sent several emails to Chevrolet corporate office re the ABS brake system on my Tahoe which first failed with only 130 miles on the vehicle. Vehicle almost tipped over but I recovered the braking system and stopped vehicle only inches from going off a cliff and into the ravine below.”
Owner complaint, filed Jul 9, 2021
“Live in minneapolis, and just lost the brakes on my 2001 chev tahoe lt this week. Had been going down I-494 at 65 MPH minutes before this. Four blocks from my house driving on a main road, snowy and icy, made a left hand turn to my side street, and the car kept going straight. Hit the brakes, the ABS activated, and the brake pedal went all the way to the floor.”
Owner complaint, filed Nov 25, 2016 at 170,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2000: 2 complaints, 1 about the brakes'002001: 37 complaints, 4 about the brakes2002: 48 complaints, 5 about the brakes2003: 61 complaints, 12 about the brakes2004: 69 complaints, 11 about the brakes'042005: 79 complaints, 41 about the brakes2006: 32 complaints, 13 about the brakes2007: 20 complaints, 6 about the brakes2008: 19 complaints, 8 about the brakes'082009: 11 complaints, 5 about the brakes2010: 21 complaints, 10 about the brakes2011: 23 complaints, 13 about the brakes2012: 15 complaints, 11 about the brakes'122013: 15 complaints, 10 about the brakes2014: 23 complaints, 16 about the brakes2015: 11 complaints, 7 about the brakes2016: 7 complaints, 6 about the brakes'162017: 8 complaints, 5 about the brakes2018: 3 complaints, 1 about the brakes2019: 1 complaints, 0 about the brakes2020: 1 complaints, 1 about the brakes'202021: 2 complaints, 1 about the brakes2022: 1 complaints, 0 about the brakes2023: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes2024: 1 complaints, 0 about the brakes'242025: 2 complaints, 1 about the brakesRecall 00V343000 (body and frame)Recall 01V159000 (seat belts)Recall 02V253000 (seats)Recall 03V094000 (body and frame)Recall 05V379000 (brakes)Recall 06E026000 (headlights)Recall 06E043000 (fuel system)Recall 07E106000 (wheels)NHTSA investigation EA11001NHTSA investigation DP05009NHTSA investigation PE03026NHTSA investigation PE02067
All complaintsAbout the brakesRecall (red: the brakes)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2001 Tahoe peaked in 2005, with 79 filed that year. Owners had filed 62 complaints about the brakes before the first recall that covers it, 05V379000 in August 2005; 126 more have come in since. In 2025 owners filed 2 so far.

8 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Wheels › Hub07E106000
Filed Dec 17, 2007130,000 vehiclesFederal-Mogul Corporation

Defect. 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.

Risk. WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline06E043000
Filed May 19, 200688,303 vehiclesHoneywell International, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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).

Exterior Lighting06E026000
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip05V379000
Filed Aug 29, 20051,353,718 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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.

Risk. THIS CAN CAUSE INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING LOW-SPEED BRAKE APPLICATIONS, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy. 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.

Structure03V094000
Filed Mar 7, 20033,674 vehiclesSouthern Comfort Conversions

Defect. 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.

Risk. THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.

Remedy. 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.

Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint02V253000
Filed Sep 17, 2002558,904 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Seat Belts › Front › Retractor01V159000
Filed May 17, 20019,196 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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.

Risk. IN A CRASH, INCREASED OCCUPANT INJURY COULD RESULT FROM THE NO-LOCK CONDITION.

Remedy. 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.

Structure › Body00V343000
Filed Oct 25, 200035,659 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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.

Risk. THESE GASES COULD FLOW INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT IF THE PLUG IS MISSING OR LOOSE AND COULD CAUSE POSSIBLE ILLNESS, UNCONSCIOUSNESS, OR DEATH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE FOR LOOSE OR MISSING WHEELHOUSE PLUGS AND INSTALL NEW PLUGS IF NECESSARY.

All 8 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 6 name the 2001 Tahoe.

Brake line corrosion failureEngineering analysis EA11001Closed
Opened Jan 5, 2011Closed Apr 8, 2015brakes

On January 11, 2011, ODI opened EA11-001 to investigate allegations of premature brake line corrosion failure in model year (MY) 1999 through 2003 General Motors (GM) full-size pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles sold or registered in the following region of the United States that NHTSA has viewed as salt states for investigations of corrosion related issues:Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and …

PARKING BRAKE FAILUREDefect petition DP05009Closed
Opened Dec 20, 2005Closed May 31, 2006parking brake

Odi's review of complaint data received since the close of ea04-011 revealed no indication that the investigation should be re-opened.more details can be found in the federal register notice enclosed in the dp05-009 public file.odi reserves the right to reopen the investigation in the future should conditions warrant.

UNWANTED LOW-SPEED ABS ACTIVATIONPreliminary evaluation PE05020Closed
Opened Apr 28, 2005Closed Sep 13, 2005Led to recall 05V379000brakes

In a letter dated august 29, 2005, GM notified odi that it was recalling certain model year 1999 through 2002 c/k pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles to correct a problem with anti-lock brake system (ABS) wheel speed sensor corrosion that may result in unwanted ABS activation and extended stopping distances during low-speed braking (recall 05v-379).GM's recall covers approximately 804,000 vehicles currently registered in the following 14 salt-belt states:connecticut, illinois, indiana, massachusetts, maine, michigan, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, …

STEEL WHEEL RIM FRACTUREPreliminary evaluation PE03026Closed
Opened Jun 12, 2003Closed Nov 3, 2003wheels

There have been less than 2 complaints per 100,000 subject vehicles related to the alleged defect.the oldest vehicles (my 1999) have only 2 complaints in over 140 thousand vehicles after over 4 years in service.the rate of warranty claims potentially related to the alleged defect is less than 0.1%.there are no known incidents involving rapid loss of tire pressure or loss of vehicle control. A defect trend has not been identified at this time.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect …

ALLEGED FAILURE OF 2ND ROW SEATBELT ALRPreliminary evaluation PE02067Closed
Opened Sep 25, 2002Closed Feb 11, 2003seat belts

The automatic locking retractor (alr) is a feature incorporated in the subject vehicle for locking the webbing to properly secure a child safety seat into a vehicle.this pe was opened based on a GM technical service bulletin stating that with certain child safety seats the webbing may not remain locked.there are no complaints in the odi database and only two complaints to GM.GM's instructions state for the final step in using the webbing lock feature to push and pull the child restraint to be sure it is secure. If the alr is not locked, the user would be fully aware of this condition prior to …

THROTTLE STICKING CLOSEDEngineering analysis EA02015Closed
Opened Aug 1, 2002Closed Jan 12, 2004throttle and acceleration

This investigation involves the general motors corporation (GM)throttle body (tb) utilized in model year (my) 1999-2002 silverado, sierra, tahoe, suburban, avalanche and yukon (subject vehicle(s)) with 4.8l, 5.3l, and 6.0l engines. The tb valve may intermittently stick in a closed position.in such a situation, an operator may apply additional accelerator pedal force to increase engine speed.the application of additional accelerator pedal force, to open a stuck throttle valve, may open the throttle valve more than intended and, in turn, accelerate the engine and vehicle more than intended and …

Technical service bulletins

510 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2001 Tahoe. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 125engine 96electrical system 48transmission 38brakes 30body and frame 25visibility 24steering 18
General CommunicationService campaignAug 26, 2024electrical system

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to …

23-NA-144Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsAug 18, 2023brakes

This technical bulletin provides information and a solution to a condition of Brake Pedal Moves or Self Applies at Full Turns.

PIT3665LService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 18, 2022brakes

This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.

PIP4723FService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 14, 2022brakes

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.

PIT3665JService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 26, 2020brakes

This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.

PIT3665HService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 24, 2019brakes

This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.

PIT3665GService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 13, 2019brakes

This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.

Showing the newest 6 of 30 bulletins about the brakes, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version testedOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
2001 Chevrolet Tahoe 4-DR. w/SAB———★★★★★—

New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical SystemFire1 injured
Filed Jul 5, 2025MI

Passenger side rear air conditioning blower motor caught on fire and burned vehicle out completely. Fire trucks called to put out fire but is completely burned out. My safety was at risk flames in back by the time I got stopped on highway. Thankful no one was riding in back seat. First issue I had with it and it torched the vehicle. No warnings on dash. Vehicle is waiting to be inspected by insurance adjuster.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Apr 15, 202591,632 milesFL

The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle pulled to the left very hard, almost causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The ABS and brake warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the EBCM motor relay circuit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,632.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 2, 2024AR

My 2001 Chevy Tahoe has been stolen an I been trying to get it back but I can’t bc I left the title in the Tahoe

Tires
Filed Jun 17, 2022AZ

I bought Achilles desert hawk uhp 285/50/R20 tires in late 2019 from Walmart . and had them mounted in 2020 from discount tire. Within 10 months of tires being mounted I had a vibration and it was getting worse every day so I started looking at it and found I had a separated tire on the driver's side front. I put my spare on and contacted Walmart which told me sorry for your luck and there is nothing they can or will do.so I contacted discount and they said to contact Achilles tire. I did and never heard back from them. I then forgot about it until roughly 5 months ago when passenger tire was separated. Then 3 days ago the passanger rear separated and now today the driver's rear has separated. I understand 1 tire possibly 2, but to have all 4 tires separate in less than 2 years and in under 10,000 miles is mind blowing to me..I have all the tires and I filed a complaint with Walmart and Achilles after the 2nd one. I honestly don't think it's discount tires responsibly. I only had them install tires because walmart would make excuse after excuse and I got fed up with it. There should be some sort of liability to the manufacturer and to Walmart. I am asking you if it's possible to look into this. 4 tires separate in 2 years you ée⁷⁷e77⁷e⁷

Power Train
Filed Jul 15, 2021CA

Bad transmission there's reverse but no forward gears

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 9, 2021NM

In the past I have sent several emails to Chevrolet corporate office re the ABS brake system on my Tahoe which first failed with only 130 miles on the vehicle. Vehicle almost tipped over but I recovered the braking system and stopped vehicle only inches from going off a cliff and into the ravine below. I love my Tahoe which now has 109000+ miles on it but the ABS brake system has never worked and on several occasions almost wiped out myself and a passenger because brakes failed to engage. I filed several complaints with the Chevrolet dealer in Austin, TX where I bought my Tahoe and also here in Taos, NM where I currently live. Recently I had the Chevrolet dealer here in Taos run a diagnostic on my ABS brakes. Result was that the brake system was defective and would cost $2000 to repair! I feel Chevrolet should pay for the repair since my Tahoe was delivered from the factory with defective ABS brakes. As it is, my Tahoe cannot be resold since the system as is could kill anyone in this vehicle if they did not know how to recover when pedal is all the way to the floor and vehicle is picking up speed rather than slowing down. Certainly even I could hit an elk standing in middle of highway because I would not be able to recover brake system in time.

Service Brakes
Filed May 11, 2020180,000 milesKS

EMERGENCY BRAKE WEARS ITSELF WITHOUT BEING ENGAGED TO THE POINT WHEN YOU NEED IT, IT DOES NOT WORK. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Apr 22, 2019AL

THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT LOCKS UP AND CAN'T BE ADJUSTED. IT CONTINUES TO GET TIGHTER AFTER FASTENING AND ALLOWS FOR NO MOVEMENT. IT IS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE AND DOES NOT ALLOW FOR ANY MOVEMENT. IT HAS BEEN THAT WAY SINCE ORIGINAL PURCHASE IN 2001. I HAVE BROUGHT TO ATTENTION OF CHEVY DEALERSHIP. ANSWER ALWAYS BEING THAT THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE.

Suspension
Filed Sep 11, 2018200,000 milesCA

WAS DRIVING TAKING KIDS TO SCHOOL IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBOR HOOD . WHEN I MADE A TURN ONTO A STREET THE TRUCK DROPPED TO RIGHT SIDE AND THE TIRE AND AXLE ROLLED INTO ANOTHER CAR. TURNING 5 MILE HR

Service Brakes
Filed May 6, 201841,000 milesPA

REAR STEEL BRAKE LINES RUSTED OUT. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 50 MILES PER HOUR AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR & HAD TO PUMP BRAKES. HAD TO TURN OFF TO BERM OF ROAD TO KEEP FROM HITTING CAR IN FRONT OF ME. HAD TO HAVE REAR BRAKE LINES REPLACED AND THE MECHANIC SUGGESTED ALL BRAKE LINES BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF THE RUST. I HAD ALL THE BRAKE LINES REPLACED FOR OVER $600 DOLLARS. THE TAHOE HAS ONLY 41000 MILES ON IT AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. IT HAPPENS ALL OF A SUDDEN & IT TAKE A FEW SECONDS BEFORE YOU CAN FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO, TAKING MUCH LONGER DISTANCE TO STOP. THEY NEED TO RECALL THESE BRAKES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BEFORE MORE ACCIDENTS HAPPEN.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 13, 2018208,586 milesVA

TWO RUSTED BRAKE LINES FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER TO MASTER DISTRIBUTION BLOCK UNDER THE TRUCK CAUSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO GO TO THE FLOOR AT 50 MPH AND RAN THRU A 4 WAY STOP INTERSECTION IN A RURAL AREA, THANK YOU JESUS I'M ALIVE, LOT'S OF RUST ON THE LOWER ROCKERS ETC. ON BOTH SIDES

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 21, 2017MO

MY ABS LIGHT IN ON AND WHEN I PUSH DOWN ON IT MAKES NOISE PLUS IT PUSH BACK A LITTLE

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Dec 17, 2017TX

MY PASSENGER SEAT COT ON FIRE. MY TRUCK WAS PARKED IN THE MALL PARKING LOT AS MY SELF HUSBAND AND TWO CHILDREN CAME OUT FROM SHOPPING TO MY THE CAR I OPENED MY PASSANGER DOOR I GOT IN AND ADJUSTED MY PASSANGER SEAT FOR COMFORT AND MY HUSBAND WAS GETTING THE GIFT AND KIDS IN THE TRUCK AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I SMELLED SMOKE.I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND I STARTED TO LOOK WHERE THE SMELL WAS COMING FROM AND LOOKED UNDER MY PASSENGER SEAT AND THERE WAS SPARKS COMING FROM UNDER THE SEAT THERE WAS A BLACK BOX UNDER THE SEAT THAT WAS SPARKING I CALLED 911 AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND PUT THE FIRE OUT MY WHOLE PASSANGER SIDE BURNED AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID IT WAS THE MOTOR BOX UNDER THE SEAT THAT COT FIRE BAD ELECTRICAL WIRING HE SAID. THE CAR WAS PARKED AND WE HAD NOT STARTED IT THE ONLY THING I DID WAS ADJUST MY SEAT AND AS I WAS WAITING FOR MY HUSBAND TO GET IN AND KIDS THO GET BUCKLED I SMELT SOMETHING BURNING AND MY SET GOT HOT. I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS HAPPENED

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 16, 2017160,000 milesAK

THE STEEL BRAKE LINE FROM THE ABS UNIT TO THE REAR BRAKES HAS CORRODED AND IS LEAKING FROM ABOVE THE STEEL FRAME FORWARD FROM THE LEFT REAR TIRE. FORTUNATELY THIS OCCURRED AS I PULLED INTO MY GARAGE AFTER DRIVING OVER 150 MILES ROUND TRIP AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND IN CITY TRAFFIC. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DISASTERIOUS, CAUSING SERIOUS INJURIES, DEATH, AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE IF THE LINE WOULD HAVE FAILED DURING THE TRIP! AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET, THIS BRAKE LINE FAILURE LOOKS LIKE IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM!

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jul 22, 2017220,000 milesGA

ERROR MESSAGE POP UPS C01960. MY ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT POPS UP WHILE I'M DRIVING ALMOST DAILY NOW. MY BRAKES FEELS AS IF THEIR SLIPPING WHEN I TRY TO DIRECTLY STOP OR TURN LEFT. IT SCARES ME BECAUSE MY BRAKES SYSTEM SEEMS TO FEEL LIKE THEIR LOCKED OR AS IF I'M SLIDING ON ICE AND CANNOT STOP. THIS IS WHEN THE ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT WILL APPEAR LIT AT THE SAME TIME

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 7, 2017205,000 milesIL

METAL BRAKE LINES RUSTED AND CORRODED. LINES PLACED IN AN AREA OF THE VEHICLE WHERE THEY WILL RUST AND CORRODE THEN CAUSING THEM TO BURST AT VERY UN-OPPORTUNE MOMENTS. CAUSING WRECKAGE. MY VEHICLE LOST ITS BRAKES ON A HIGHWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME CAME TO A STOP TO TURN OFF THE HIGHWAY, WAITING FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE TO CLEAR. I STARTED BRAKING AND LOST MY BRAKES, SO I TOOK THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. I GOT MYSELF HOME AND LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE

Electrical System
Filed May 14, 201770,000 milesCA

THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS STOP WORKING WHEN IN USE.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 24, 201789,000 milesOK

ANTI LOCK BRAKES ARE JERKING AND MAKE A NOISE AT SLOW SPEEDS.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 19, 2017145,000 milesUT

ABS LOW SPEED ACTIVATION. ANY TIME COMING TO A STOP OR SLOWING THE ABS WILL ACTIVATE AT LOW SPEEDS AROUND AND UNDER 10MPH. VERY UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS TO HAVE YOUR BRAKES LOCKING UP WHEN SIMPLY TRYING TO COME TO A STOP.

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 25, 2016170,000 milesMN

LIVE IN MINNEAPOLIS, AND JUST LOST THE BRAKES ON MY 2001 CHEV TAHOE LT THIS WEEK. HAD BEEN GOING DOWN I-494 AT 65 MPH MINUTES BEFORE THIS. FOUR BLOCKS FROM MY HOUSE DRIVING ON A MAIN ROAD, SNOWY AND ICY, MADE A LEFT HAND TURN TO MY SIDE STREET, AND THE CAR KEPT GOING STRAIGHT. HIT THE BRAKES, THE ABS ACTIVATED, AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. VIRTUALLY NO BRAKES, BUT I MANAGED TO COMPLETE THE TURN WITHOUT HITTING ANYTHING, AND LIMP IT HOME. IN THE GARAGE NOW GETTING FIXED, ESTIMATED $500 - $1,000. WITH SOME GOOGLING AND TALKING TO 4 GARAGES, IT SEEMS TO BE A PRETTY COMMON PROBLEM. AMAZING TO ME THAT GM HAS NOT BEEN FORCED INTO A RECALL OVER THIS. THIS COULD BE FATAL, IF IT HASN'T BEEN ALREADY.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 2, 2016185,000 milesNY

CORRODED/RUSTY BRAKE LINE RUPTURED CAUSING SUDDEN BRAKE LOSS IN HEAVY STOP AND GO TRAFFIC IN A WORK ZONE. USED THE PARKING BRAKE TO AVOID COLLISION.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Jul 28, 2016137,000 milesOH

MY DAUGHTER WAS RUNNING LESS THAN 35 MPH THROUGH TOWN WENT TO STOP AT A RED LIGHT, BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKE LINES FAILED LEADING TO ME REAR ENDING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. UPON INSPECTION BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WERE LEAKING FLUID DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION. I HAD TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED HOME AND HAVE BEEN UN ABLE TO DRIVE IT SINCE.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 19, 2016100 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN BY PUMPING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE ABS WARNING AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 12, 2016208,000 milesIA

AT LOW SPEEDS COMING TO A STOP, MY ABS HAS BEEN ENGAGING AND NOT ALLOWING ME TO STOP WHEN APPROPRIATE. I HAVE AVOIDED SEVERAL REAR ENDING INCIDENTS, 3 TODAY. I HAVE SEEN THAT THER HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE BUT MY VIN HASNT BEEN INCLUDED. I REALLY NEED THIS ISSUE TAKEN CARE OF. I HAVE FOUR CHILDREN THAT ARE WITH ME ON NORMAL OCCASIONS. THIS HAPPENS AT NEARLY EVERY STOP, STOP SIGN, LIGHT, PARKING ECT.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 18, 201670,000 milesMD

WHILE DRIVING MY CHEVY TAHOE I EXPERIENCED COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITH THE USE OF THE EMERGENCY BREAK AND I DID NOT HAVE AN ACCIDENT. I HAD NO INDICATION THAT THE BREAKS WERE GOING BAD UNTIL I LOST THEM COMPLETELY. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A SHOP THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT TWO BREAK LINES WERE BUSTED AND THAT THE REST WERE CORRODED. HE TOLD ME THAT HE HAS DONE 5 CHEVY BREAK LINE SYSTEMS IN THE LAST 3 MONTHS AN APPARENTLY THIS IS A KNOW ISSUE WITH CHEVY TRUCKS. IT SEEMS LIKE THE BREAK LINES ONLY LAST A FEW YEARS BEFORE THEY ARE CORRODED AND RUSTED AND EVENTUALLY THE BREAK WITHOUT WARNING OR NOTICE THIS IS UNSAFE AND I THINK CHEVY NEEDS TO DO A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY BREAK LINE ISSUES WITH ANY OTHER MAKE OF VEHICLE.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 15, 2016120,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE FAILED TO YIELD AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER SIDE OF THAT VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY REPAIR CENTER FOR BODY REPAIRS, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED FOR THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THREE YEARS LATER, WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO AN ANIMAL AND THEN INTO A GUARDRAIL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY REPAIR CENTER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 20, 2015220,000 milesTX

THE VEHICLE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN ACCIDENT WERE IT RECEIVED SEVERE FRONT END DAMAGE.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Sep 14, 2015183,320 milesPA

WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 676 APPROACHING A TRAFFIC STOP I PUSHED ON THE BREAKS AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR FORCING ME TO TRY TO AVOID A COLLISION IN FRONT AS I TRIED TO TURN INTO THE MIDDLE LANE VEERING RIGHT I HIT THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR OF ANOTHER CAR. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE TAHOE TO A REPAIR SHOP WHO SAID MY BREAK LINES WERE CORRODED ANT THE BREAK FLUID CAME OUT OF THEM ILVE IN NORTHEAST PA WHERE SALT ON THE ROADS IF USED A LOT IN THE WINTER.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 2, 2015140,000 milesMD

STARTED CAR AND BRAKE FELT SQUISHY AND UNRESPONSIVE. NO BRAKING POWER AND FOOT COMPLETELY DEPRESSED TO FLOOR IN ORDER TO EVENTUALLY STOP WHEN TRAVELING JUST WITH FOOT OFF ACCELERATOR OR LESS THAN 10MPH. WAS REAR BRAKES. SAME THING HAPPENED TO FRONT BRAKES IN APRIL 2015. VEHICLE DRIVING FINE. STOPPED TO GET GAS AND WHEN STARTED CAR UP BRAKES WERE SQUISHY AND FOOT HAD TO BE DEPRESSED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR IN ORDER TO STOP AND THAT WAS TRAVELING WITHOUT USING ACCELERATOR OR GOING LESS THAN 10MPH. BOTH TIMES COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF ALL HOSES AND BRAKE FLUID. DIDN'T SEEM LIKE NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AT ALL. IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING AT SPEED IT WOULD MOST LIKELY HAVE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT BOTH TIMES.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Aug 5, 2015SC

I WAS LOADING GROCERIES THROUGH THE OPEN LIFTGATE WINDOW. WHEN I FINISHED AND TRIED TO CLOSE THE WINDOW IT WOULDN'T CLOSE. IT WAS OFF CENTER, I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO CLOSE IT BY PUSHING UP ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE GLASS ALLOWING ME TO SECURE THE LIFTGATE GLASS. I BOUGTH THIS CAR THROUGH CARMAX IN CHARLOTTE AND NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BUT WITH RESEARCH I HAVE DISCOVERED IT TO BE A FAIRLY COMMON PROBLEM.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 5, 2015SC

I STARTED TO HAVE THE BRAKE LIGHT AND ONE OTHER LIGHT COME ON WHILE DRIVING. I DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS BUT IT WAS FOR VEHICLES IN 'SNOW-BELT STATES'. I BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM CARMAX IN CHARLOTTE NC WHICH WAS NOT ON THE LIST FOR 'SNOW-BELT STATES'. I HAVE SINCE LOST MY ABS SYSTEM. I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS NOW PART OF THE RECALL AND IS MY VEHICLE STILL ELIGBLE?

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 17, 2015103,803 milesNY

A BRAKE LINE BURST FROM ABS MODULE TO RR BRAKE AND PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. LOST HALF THE FLUID AND FLUID CONTINUED TO DRAIN WHEN BRAKE WAS APPLIED TO PARK THE VEHICLE. GM CLAIM THAT THE VEHICLE HAS A DUAL BRAKE SYSTEM APPARENTLY DOES NOT PREVENT COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. WIFE WAS VERY UPSET AS THE PEDAL WAS COMPLETELY AT THE FLOOR. LUCKILY VEHICLE WAS NOT ON THRUWAY AT 65 MPH WHEN FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE IS IN MINT CONDITION INSIDE AND OUT AND WASHED FREQUENTLY. REPAIR SHOP INDICATED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE BADLY RUSTED. GM SHOULD BE OBLIGATED TO NOTIFY OWNERS OF SIMILAR VEHICLES AND TRUCK OF THE DANGER OF COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. BRAKE LINES SHOULD NOT BE MADE OF MILD STEEL THAT IS SUBJECT TO RUSTING THROUGH AS THIS IS LIFE AND DEATH SAFETY ISSUE.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 13, 2015180,000 milesOK

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET TAHOE. AFTER REMOVING THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE ENGINE REMAINED ON. THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF SEVERAL MINUTES AFTER REMOVING THE KEY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 3, 201581,845 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT LIKE A SPONGE WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED AND CORRODED AND THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY DUE TO BRAKE FLUID LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,845.

Service Brakes
Filed May 21, 2015193,713 milesVA

ON MAY 20, 2015 OUR 2001 CHEVROLET TAHOE EXPERIENCED A HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE EXPLOSION DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT INDICATION. THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON LONG AFTER THE FACT WHEN TESTING THE BRAKES WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.THE STEEL HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE TO THE LEFT REAR WHEEL RUPTURED TOTALLY UNEXSPECTEDLY. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY RELATED PROBLEM. GENERAL MOTORS IS AWARE AND ONLY A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN HAS BEEN ISSUED, NO RECALL. THE NHTSA MUST DEMAND THAT GM RECALL THESE VEHICLES FOR REPLACEMENT OF ALL THESE INFERIOR HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINES BEFORE DEATHS AND SERIOUS INJURIES OCCUR. I AM SUBMITTING THIS FORM TO MAKE IT PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT COULD CAUSE DEATH AND SERIOUS PROPERTY DAMAGE IF NOT ADDRESSED ON ALL THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. I AM TRULY GRATEFUL THAT MY WIFE WAS NOT INJURED OR KILLED.

Electrical System
Filed May 12, 2015125,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHEN THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE VEHICLE REMAINED ON. THE CONTACT DETACHED THE BATTERY AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS/BRAKE SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 11, 2015137,400 milesOH

MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING OUR 2001 CHEVY TAHOE, THAT WE HAVE OWNED SINCE NEW, IN COLUMBUS OHIO. SHE WAS DOING 35 MPH DOWN A CITY STREET, WHEN SHE WENT TO STOP, THE BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR. AFTER RUNNING A FEW RED LIGHTS AND ALMOST GETTING INTO 2 ACCIDENTS, SHE SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN AND INTO A PARKING SPACE. I HAD IT TOWED TO JACK MAXTON CHEVY AND THEY SAID THE BRAKE LINES WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY AND GAVE ME A QUOTE OF $5000.00 TO REPLACE EVERYTHING. I DID NOT DO THE REPAIR AND AM CURRENTLY WEIGHING MY OPTIONS. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 21, 2014118,025 milesNC

STEEL BRAKE LINES ARE RUSTED. ALL OF THE UNDER BODY LINES SHOW A LOT OF RUST. REAR FEED LINE FROM ABS BLOCK RUPTURED AT REAR AXLE. I REPAIRED THAT LINE, WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO BLEED THE SYSTEM THE REAR FEED LINE AND THE IN FLOW LINE POPPED LEAKS. LUCKILY I HAD ENOUGH BRAKING TO STOP. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 16, 201471,000 milesPA

MY WIFE WAS EXECUTING A TURN, HEADED DOWNHILL, AND STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, ONLY TO HAVE IT TRAVEL TO THE FLOOR, AND NOT STOP THE TRUCK. I HAD BEEN TOWING A TRAILER WITH SURGE BRAKES THE DAY BEFORE, WHICH WOULD NOT HAVE ACTIVATED WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM WAS A FAILED FRONT BRAKE LINE FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE ANTILOCK ACTUATOR, RESULTING IN A COMPLETE LOSS OF FRONT BRAKE HYDRAULIC PRESSURE. I HAD ALSO HAD IT INSPECTED RECENTLY AND IT PASSED SAFETY. IN LOCATING THE BURST BRAKE LINE, IT WAS ABOVE THE FRAME RAIL, IN A SPOT I WOULD NOT EXPECT TO BE VISUALLY INSPECTABLE. I AM REPLACING ALL THE LINES IN THE TRUCK WITH THE SAME MATERIAL USED BY BMW AND VOLVO NOW, AND CONSULTING WITH MY SERVICE TECH ABOUT RELOCATING THE ANTILOCK ACTUATOR TO AN ACCESSIBLE AREA UNDER THE HOOD, FOR LESS LINE EXPOSURE TO ELEMENTS. THIS TRUCK HAS BEEN GARAGED MOST OF IT'S LIFE, AND UNDERCARRIAGE WASHED AFTER EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALT. THIS IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. I HAVE A 2006 TAHOE AT WORK, GARAGED ALL IT'S LIFE AND RARELY DRIVEN IN WET WEATHER, 60,000 MILES, THAT HAD A REAR BRAKE LINE FAIL IN 2011 OR 2012. I'LL FILE A SEPARATE COMPLAINT FOR THAT, BUT AS A FLEET VEHICLE, IT'S MAINTAINED METICULOUSLY. IT'S ALSO ESSENTIALLY THE SAME VEHICLE AS MY 2001, WHICH HAD IT'S LINES LAST LONGER, BUT STILL FAIL WITHOUT WARNING. I WANT GM TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND FIX THE PROBLEM. MINE WILL BE FIXED WITH BETTER MATERIALS, SO I DON'T WANT A RECALL ON MINE, TO HAVE CHEAP COST

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 28, 2014180,000 milesMI

WHEN COMING TO A STOP ANTILOCK FIRES NOISILY THEN THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR AND VEHICLE KEEPS ROLLING FORWARD (IN TRAFFIC- INTO BUILDINGS- INTO FENCES- ONTO CURBS) ANTILOCK BRAKES ARE FAILING AND MAKING THE SYSTEM NOT WORK PROPERLY. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 28, 201440,000 milesMS

THE LIFTGATE GLASS HINGE HAS SEPARATED FROM THE MOLDING CAUSING THE LIFTGATE GLASS WINDOW TO BECOME UNSAFE SINCE IT IS NOW HELD ONTO THE CAR BY ONLY ONE RUBBER HINGE BRACKET. THE GLASS IN THE LIFTGATE WILL NOT CLOSE AND COULD BECOME SEPARATED FROM THE CAR WHILE THE CAR IS MOVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY TO CARS FOLLOWING MY CAR. THE LOCAL DEALER STATED THAT HE HAD SEEN THE PROBLEM BEFORE BUT THERE IS NO RECALL AND MY ONLY RECOURSE WAS TO PURCHASE A NEW REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW AT A COST OF NEARLY $1000. I AM NOW ON RECORD AS HAVING STATED IN WRITING THAT, IN MY OPINION, THIS IS A SERIOUS SITUATION AND THIS MANUFACTURE DEFECT COULD CAUSE THE REAR GLASS TO BECOME SEPARATED FROM THE CAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY. THE ODOMETER ON MY CAR READS 40,000 MILES. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 17, 2014170,000 milesPA

BRAKES FAILED DUE TO BRAKE LINES RUSTED THROUGH. *TR

Wheels
Filed Aug 12, 201450,000 milesVA

WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH IN HEAVY (BUMPER TO BUMPER) TRAFFIC ON A 4 LANE HIGHWAY, I HAD A GUT FEELING TO GET OFF THAT MAIN ROAD SO, I TOOK A RIGHT ONTO A SMALL COUNTRY ROAD. NOT EVEN A MILE DOWN THE ROAD THERE WAS A LOUD THUMP FROM THE BACK OF THE TAHOE - SOUNDED AS THOUGH THE BUMPER FELL OFF AND HIT THE ROAD. LOOKED THROUGH MY REARVIEW MIRROR AND SAW SOMETHING SHOOT STRAIGHT BACK (WOULD HAVE BEEN EVEN WITH A CAR'S WINDSHIELD) AND THE THING CURVED UP AND WENT OVEN AN EMBANKMENT. HUSBAND GOT OUT WHILE I LOOKED UNDER THE BACK OF TAHOE - THE SPARE TIRE HAD BROKEN LOOSE AND IT WAS THE TIRE THAT WENT DOWN THE EMBANKMENT. THE BRACKET HOLDING IT HAD BROKEN. HAD I STAYED ON THE MAIN HIGHWAY, THE TIRE WOULD HAVE SHOT THROUGH THE CAR'S WINDSHIELD BEHIND ME AND CHANCES ARE 100% THE PERSON WOULD HAVE BEEN DECAPITATED. TOOK THE TAHOE TO THE DEALER FIRST THING MONDAY MORNING AND THEY FIXED IT. TELLING ME THEY HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE. THIS TAHOE HAD ABOUT 50,000 MILES, NEVER BEEN OFF ROAD, NEVER TOWED, NEVER ABUSED, AND NEVER BOTTOMED OUT. MY TAHOE IS 2001 AND JUST TURNED 122,000 MILES - DON'T DO A LOT OF DRIVING AND I KEEP IT SERVICED. DO TAKE CARE OF WHAT I OWN. JUST IN CASE YOU OWN A 2001 TAHOE, MAY WANT TO HAVE THE BRACKET CHECKED. MINE HAD JUST SNAPPED - THERE WAS NO RUST - NOTHING THAT WOULD CAUSE THIS. THAN GOODNESS NO ONE WAS HURT/KILLED. LAST YEAR THE TAHOE HAD A BENT ROD, FRONT END BRACKET/TIE ROD BROKEN, TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT GO OUT OF 4WD, HAD IT IN THE SHOP - A

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 25, 2014113,450 milesIL

OUR SON AND A FRIEND WERE TRAVELING ON MAJOR STREET APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT CONTROLLED INTERSECTION, APPLIED THE SERVICE BRAKE TO HAVE IT PUSH TO THE FLOORBOARD. HE NARROWLY AVOIDED REAR ENDING STOPPED TRAFFIC AND SWERVED ACROSS THE YELLOW LINE ONTO A SIDE-STREET IN ATTEMPT TO STOP VEHICLE WITHOUT A CRASH, NEXT TO THE POLICE STATION. ALL THE BRAKE LINES REQUIRED REPLACING DUE TO THE HIDDEN RUST ON THE LINES AS THEY ARE MOUNTED ON TOP OF THE FRAME. OUR SON HAD JUST RETURNED FROM COLLEGE WITH THE VEHICLE, HAD THIS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY AT 75 MPH THIS COULD HAVE HAD TRAGIC RESULTS. THE REPAIR SHOPS WERE FAMILIAR WITH THIS ISSUE AS A NUMBER OF CUSTOMERS WITH SIMILAR GM MODELS HAVE RECENTLY EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE. THIS WAS A VERY TIME CONSUMING AND EXPENSIVE REPAIR, AND WE CONSIDER OURSELVES LUCKY TO NOT HAVE A DIFFERENT CONCLUSION. *TR

Service BrakesCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 24, 2014141,597 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP, THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT AND SEVERAL TREES. THE CONTACT SUFFERED FROM A LEFT LEG INJURY, MULTIPLE HIP ABRASIONS AND CONTUSIONS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY A RUPTURED BRAKE LINE AND THE FACT THAT THERE WAS NO BRAKE FLUID IN THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,597.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 23, 2014130,000 milesWI

WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP MY VEHICLE GOING ABOUT 5 MPH, THERE WAS A VIBRATION IN MY BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ROLE IN THE PATH WAY OF A TRACTOR TRAILER. I THOUGHT MY LIFE WAS ABOUT TO END SO I HIT THE GAS AND ENDED DRIVING UP ON THE CURB TO GET OUT OF ONGOING TRAFFIC. MY BOSS TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON OUR DEPARTMENT VEHICLES THAT WERE TAHOES BECAUSE OF AN ANTILOCKING BRAKE ISSUE. I LOOKED UP THE RECALL ON MOTORTREND AND THE RECALL EXPLAINS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO ME WHEN I ALMOST DIED. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE CHEVY DEALER AND THE GUY RAN MAN VIN NUMBER AND STATED THERE ARE NO ACTIVE RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE. I CALLED THE CHEVY DEALER AND THE FEMALE ON THE PHONE STATED THAT RECALLS ARE DONE BY VIN NUMBERS AND MAYBE MY NUMBER WAS ACCIDENTALLY SKIPPED. THIS IS OFF MOTORTREND. RECALL DATE: AUG 29, 2005 MODEL AFFECTED: 2001 CHEVROLET TAHOE SUMMARY: 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. CONSEQUENCES: THIS CAN CAUSE INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING LOW-SPEED BRAKE APPLICATIONS, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 9, 2014130,000 milesTX

BRAKES FAILED DO TO RUSTED BRAKE LINES. DRIVING ON 55 MPH ROAD STOPLIGHT TURNED JUST AS I APPROACHED IT STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDDLE AND IT SLOWLY WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD. I COULD NOT STOP IN TIME AND WENT THROUGH A RED LIGHT, I WAS LUCKY, THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTER WITH LOSS OF LIFE. I WAS TOLD ALL MY BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1500.00. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 4, 2014NC

THE PARKING BRAKES DO NOT WORK HAVE OWNED THE TAHOE FOR 2 YEARS AND NEVER USED THE PARKING BRAKES NOW ALL THE SUDDEN THE PARKING BRAKES MAKES A LOUD SQUEALING NOISE AND I THINK THERE IS ENOUGH COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE BRAKES TO WARRANT A RECALL BEFORE SOME ONE DOES GET KILLED OR INJURED .ALSO THEY HAD A RECALL ON THE BRAKES AND ABS BUT ONLY IN THE SO CALLED SALT BELT AND THE OWNERS THAT DON'T LIVE THERE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY TO GET THE SAME THING FIXED THAT THE RECALL SHOULD COVER IN THE FIRST PLACE NO MATTER WHERE YOU LIVE. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 30, 2014MI

ABS BRAKE LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHEN TRYING TO STOP THEN IT WOULD NOT STOP CORRECTLY AND ALMOST RAN OVER CURB ONTO SIDEWALK. REPLACED SENSOR TWICE BEFORE THE LIGHT AND BRAKES WORKED CORRECTLY. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 30, 2014MI

2 DOOR LATCHES AND REAR DOOR WILL NOT OPEN AS THE DOOR HANDLE WILL NOT SPRING BACK IN PLACE AFTER OPENING. NEED TO PUSH IN THE HANDLE ON THE OUTSIDE AFTER CLOSING THE DOOR TO BE ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR AGAIN FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 512, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2007
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202628300Do not drive
202552110Routine
202469300Routine
2023233500Above average
2022197430Routine
20214641630Above average
202057300Routine
2019109200Do not drive
2018105301Fatalities reported
2017175410Do not drive
2016256810Do not drive
20156591421Do not drive
201490301Fatalities reported
2013233400Above average
2012178310Routine
2011447520Above average
2010314400Above average
2009284500Above average
2008528450Above average
20071,1774270High concern
2006114440Routine
20052937140Above average
2004467571Fatalities reported
2003507791Fatalities reported
2002449684Fatalities reported
2001 — this page512878Fatalities reported
20002821050Above average
199955231210Fatalities reported
1998263470Above average
1997410231Fatalities reported
1996283552Fatalities reported
1995246853Fatalities reported
199419200Routine
19938000Routine
19926000Routine
19913000Routine

Compare every Tahoe year →

2001 Chevrolet Tahoe: questions buyers ask

Is the 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Tahoe years to avoid: an unusual share of its 512 complaints describe fires, crashes or deaths for a car of its age. The most common complaint is about the brakes (37%).

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe?

The brakes: 188 of the 512 complaints (37%) are about it. Owners most often say it loses its brakes or the pedal sinks (16%), sets off warning lights on the dash (9%) and leaks oil or fluid (9%). The typical report comes at 87,500 miles.

How many recalls does the 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe have?

8 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Dec 17, 2007. The largest, 05V379000, covered 1,353,718 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 69,551 miles. For the brakes the midpoint is 87,500 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe?

Yes, 6 times. The latest, EA11001 ("Brake line corrosion failure"), was opened Jan 5, 2011 and closed Apr 8, 2015.

Are there service bulletins for the 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe?

The manufacturer filed 510 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (96), the electrical system (48) and the transmission (38). They include a service campaign, General Communication, filed Aug 26, 2024. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

8 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Dec 17, 2007. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.