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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
123,436 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 Suburban brakes problems

brakes problem

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2001 Chevrolet Suburban Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #54

Dec 062023

Suburban

  • miles

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

The ABS and Brake lights illuminate as per GM recall 05v379000. This occurs each time the vehicle is driven. I purchased this vehicle on 12/6/2023 from Kyle's Kars which is a used car dealership in Slatington, PA. A warranty was not offered due to the age, however I did purchase a warranty from Car Shield. This repair would not fall under the warranty guidelines.

- Slatington, PA, USA

problem #53

Jun 252023

Suburban

  • miles
this vehicle has a non-functioning parking brake. There was a recall in 2004 for 880,000 trucks and suv's. I have taken it to my garage twice but they cannot fix this problem because it is not fixable

- Irving, TX, USA

problem #52

Oct 272020

Suburban 8-cyl

  • 159,000 miles
The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving behind his father's vehicle, they had approached a stop and attempted to depress the brake pedal. As his foot was on the pedal, the contact could hear the ABS making an abnormal noise as the brake pedal failed to operate as needed. Due to the failure, the contact hit the back of his father's vehicle without warning. Due to the low impact of the crash, the airbags did not deploy. A police report was not filed and no injuries were reported. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure and they informed him that his vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 05V379000(service brakes, hydraulic) and offered no further assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 159,000.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #51

Jun 142019

Suburban

  • 209,357 miles

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

Fuel pump may falter or fail; fuel pump relay was non-functional, replaced it; other fuses passed testing with meter; vehicle started, would not run more than a few minutes. New fuel filter. Guy at service station banged on gas tank, and it would start then run great for a minute, then will not restart. Ordering a replacement fuel pump. Bought this vehicle in 2005 about the time of GM recall 05027. In doing online trouble-shooting today, I discovered the 2001 GM recall 05027. Have had this problem several times. Fuel filter was last changed in July 2009. Complete failure when in motion, backing out of service station onto main street (us 64 bus), just inches from lane of travel (6.14.19).what could be worse than fuel pump failure at a busy intersection during lunch hour? grateful it didn't catch fire, or get hit. As the service attendant tried to restart it, over and over, the relay in the ECU may have failed at that time. In the interim, my husband died. I replaced relay/fuses today 9/14/19, and vehicle started, but would not stay running. Another mechanic banged on fuel tank, it ran for a while, so he advised replacing pump, which is not rocket science after viewing youtube how-to videos. With the pump failing sporadically, and responding to the vibration of being banged, it seems like faulty wiring or connection problem, or that something is loose or not fully seated anymore. Lots of folks say the Chevy 1500 is widely known for fuel supply problems. Gas gauge has not been accurate ever. When full, it may show empty when turning or hitting a slight bump in the road. (track by computing mpg and mileage, to determine range). In short distances, it swings full-> empty->full. Wiring diagram shows tiny fuse labeled prime, none there. ABS indicator lights up because sensor cable at right front tire may fail on left turn, or hard right turn, yet brakes are fine.

- Tarboro, NC, USA

problem #50

Nov 142018

Suburban

  • 210,000 miles
The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban. While driving at low speeds, the vehicle experienced increased stopping distance when braking. The vehicle was taken to commonwealth Chevrolet (155 marston St, lawrence, MA 01841, (978) 687-3000) where it was diagnosed that the driver and passenger side wheel bearing assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 05V379000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 210,000.

- Lawrence, MA, USA

problem #49

Oct 152018

Suburban 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles
The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle was put on a lift and it was discovered that the brake line was corroded, causing a leak. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake lines needed to be replaced. The contact called the ed bozarth Chevrolet dealer (877-721-4901, 3731 sw topeka blvd, topeka, ks 66609) and was told that there was no recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 140,000. Consumer stated brake lines corroded and was leaking. Updated 12/18/18

- Topeka, KS, USA

problem #48

Aug 102016

Suburban

  • 153,000 miles

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

I was slowing for a stop sign while leaving a parking lot when the steel rear brake line spontaneously split and dumped all line pressure. The brake pedal went straight to the floor, and I rolled right into traffic before I was able to pump the pedal enough times to stop the vehicle against a curb. Had I neared the stop sign 2 seconds earlier or later, I would have either been T-boned by a box truck, or T-boned a small sedan. I emphasize that the brake lines showed no warning signs beyond the typical surface rust that can be found on any vehicle that has been driven for more than a few winters in the "rust belt". however, those vehicles do not have brake lines spontaneously fail at the rate that these GM trucks do. This truck's primary purpose is towing a camping trailer for vacations with my young family, so this could have ended very differently. I urge you to take GM to task and force them to fix their mistake of cheaping out on brake line materials!

- Sewell, NJ, USA

problem #47

Aug 032018

Suburban

  • 235,000 miles
I had a major brake failure the other day while driving. I had no brakes, but I was able to stop with the emergency brake. I had the truck towed to the mechanic and they reported that the brake failure was due to rusted brake lines.

- Marlborough, MA, USA

problem #46

Jul 042016

Suburban

  • 190,000 miles
This issue occurred in July of 2016 while we were on vacation in Florida. We began to lose braking ability until finally the vehicle became almost inoperable, only able to travel at about 20 mph and still be able to stop without hitting anything. One of the steel brakes lines had blown a hole in it. We had a shop repair it and when they tested it, it blew another line. We ended up having all the lines replaced because of the level of corrosion.

- Ridgeway, VA, USA

problem #45

Aug 172016

Suburban

  • 135,000 miles
While thankfully driving at a low speed, my brakes completely failed with no warning..peddle went to the floor, I was able to stop by shifting the trans down to 2nd then 1st. Mechanic said knew exactly what the problem was when I explained what happened after I stopped, pumped the brakes and brake fluid flowed from under the truck generally under where the driver sits. Mechanic explained that the brake line broke and is very common, and that it just started showing up a few years ago when these "C" body trucks aged. I spoke to another mechanic at a Chevy dealership near my home and he said the same thing that it's very common and that GM now sells a kit for a compete brake-line system replacement because it has become so common. A few days before I had been driving at high speeds through the mountains on I-81 with a carload full of people, had this happened at that time it could have been catastrophic. Reviewing consumer complaints on your site I see this is a reoccurring compliant and I can't believe there has not been a recall on this, as there is no more important safety system on a automobile than brakes....Chevy had a recall on my 98' Buick for a valve cover gasket leaking that didn't come close to this potential danger.

- Woodbridge, VA, USA

problem #44

Jul 012016

Suburban

  • 190,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban. While driving approximately 5 mph, the anti-lock brakes activated without warning, which made the vehicle hard to stop. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 05V379000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not provided. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.

- 601 Hamilton Dr, VA, USA

problem #43

Mar 312016

Suburban

  • 176,000 miles
Three times I had complete brake failure. Driving two times and had just arrived at my destination third time, which was today -- surprise!!!! had to slowly drive home, yet again, with no brakes!!!!!

- Culpeper, VA, USA

problem #42

Jan 292016

Suburban

  • 118,150 miles
Brake lines failed twice due to rust and corrosion because Chevy used a inferior steel product on all trucks from 1998 to 2005. The dealer repaired my 2002 Avalanche for $600 to replace all the brake lines. However they will not repair my 2001 Suburban which has the same problems. GM needs to re-call any vehicle or at least make a repair kit and installation at a reduced rate because this vehicle is unsafe to drive. This is not due to owner error of washing the frame during winter or winter maintenance. There is new lines that are coated to resist corosion and were used to repair my Avalanche. My 2001 Suburban brake lines failed in motion while in traffic applying the brake petal to stop.

- Hiwassee, VA, USA

problem #41

Aug 202015

Suburban

  • miles
I was applying the brakes on my 2001 Chevrolet Suburban, model 2500, as I turned into my driveway. The brakes failed to engage. This resulted in the vehicle running into the front of the garage. The brakes now appear to be working fine. The brakes have failed on previous occasions, but never to the point of allowing the vehicle to hit anything. According to the GM dealer, they can't fix the problem without a failure code in the computer. An independent service garage said the same.

- Fullerton, CA, USA

problem #40

Aug 062015

Suburban

  • 130,000 miles
Complete break failure. Break pedal went to floor and almost killed my family. Noticed leaking break fluid coming out of rusted break line under vehicle.

- Hebron, MD, USA

problem #39

Jul 012014

Suburban

  • 125,000 miles
The ABS activate without reason when I slow to a stop. The problem began infrequently and I attributed it to possible slippery surface conditions. Over the past year the problem has gotten much worse and happens frequently now. Research indicates that this is a known problem and the subject of a recall for "snow" states - like DC and Maryland which are just across the potomac river from where I live and use my Suburban. This is the second serious brake issue with this vehicle. All three brake lines have been replaced over an approximate 18 month period two years ago as a result of sudden brake failure caused by corroded brake lines. This is also a well known problem (though not one I was aware of when my brakes failed and were repaired). My research indicates that many owners have suffered from these problems. The NHTSA should further investigate these problems and expand/initiate recalls for these problems.

- Fairfax, VA, USA

problem #38

Feb 042015

Suburban 4WD 8-cyl

  • 115,000 miles
I was traveling around 40mph on a local road on my way from dropping the kids off at school. I tried to slow down to turn onto my street, and the Suburban brakes did not respond at all. Thankfully, there was nobody ahead of me, and I slowed the truck gradually. I then idled back home, without any functionality in my brakes. Upon inspection, we discovered the brake lines had ruptured. All maintenance is and had been up to date.

- Kenosha, WI, USA

problem #37

Jan 262014

Suburban 4WD 8-cyl

  • 139,000 miles
I pulled into a parking lot and proceeded to park my Suburban. I hit the brake pedal and the brakes did not work. They pulsate and gave out completely. No service lights or warning light came on previous to the incident. When the brakes didn't work I tried to pump them to get them to work but nothing worked and my Suburban smashed into a bush and over the curb. I just had my brake lines replaces which was quoted $1700 at my local Chevrolet dealership. I am no looking into the issues with the ABS system.

- Pelham , NH, USA

problem #36

Jan 062015

Suburban

  • 108,000 miles
Chevrolet has continued to ignore the ABS brake issue within the brake control module. This is separate from their wheel sensor issue.the brake control module.has a circuit board issue which deactivates the ABS system and shows a brake and ABS light on dash.in snow today my ABS failed and I slid through an intersection narrowly missing a school bus a F$%^ing school bus.there is so much info on this issue on the internet but Chevrolet seem to be ignoring it.the problem is centered around a circuit board in the brake control module.

- Newburgh, NY, USA

problem #35

Jan 012014

Suburban

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle was shifted into drive and the vehicle failed to move forward. The contact also stated that the brake warning light illuminated. On another occasion while driving at approximately 5 mph, the engine stalled without warning. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The mechanic also stated that the anti lock brake system failed and unknown parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired for the anti lock brake system failure but the fuel pump was not replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 05V379000 (service brakes, hydraulic) and 05V155000 (fuel system, gasoline). The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

- West Brook, CT, USA

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