MotorDeets

2001 GMC Sierra 3500: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2001 GMC Sierra 3500: 2 recalls, 36 owner complaints.

2vehicle recalls
36owner complaints
3mention a crash
–best combined mpg
2001 GMC Sierra 3500
Photo: SsmIntrigue · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Interior lights Vehicle recall #01V220000 · 2001 · 38,863 vehicles

What's wrong: 6l diesel engines fail to comply with requirements of fmvss no. 105, "hydraulic and electric brake systems." these vehicles have a brake system warning light in the instrument cluster that May not illuminate when the brake fluid is low. In addition, when the brake fluid is low, the vehicle May not meet the partial system requirements of fmvss no. 105.

Why it matters: These conditions could result in reduced braking capability, which could lead to a crash.

The fix: Dealers will change the location of a wire connection in the underhood bussed electrical center. Owner notification began July 9, 2001.

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility Vehicle recall #04V562000 · 2004 · 1,660 vehicles

What's wrong: On certain vans equipped with sure-lok wheelchair securement systems, the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly is out of alignment.

Why it matters: In the event of a vehicle crash, the wheelchair May not be adequately secured possibly resulting in injuries to a wheelchair occupant.

The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the wheelchair securement retractors as necessary. Sure-lok will handle the repairs for this campaign. Owners should contact sure-lock at 1-908-231-1804 or mobilityworks at 1-800-769-8267.

1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
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. 1 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Brakes (hydraulic)10
Engine & cooling6
Fuel system4
Brakes4
Fuel system (other)3
Tires2
Body & structure2
Engine2

What owners describe

The 2001 GMC Sierra 3500 has 36 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 31 Sierra 3500 model years for complaints (1.9× the average Sierra 3500 year). Complaints peaked in 2006 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 63,540 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (26 complaints, 2 recalls), 2002 (20 complaints, 2 recalls).

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 3500.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2001 GMC Sierra 3500 manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2001 GMC Sierra 3500 manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2001 GMC Sierra 3500 manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2001 GMC Sierra 3500 manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 2001 GMC Sierra 3500 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2001 GMC Sierra 3500, plus 1 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 3500 problems?

Owners have filed 36 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (10), engine & cooling (6), fuel system (4).

Where can I get a 2001 GMC Sierra 3500 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.

Other Sierra 3500 years

1996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026