2001 GMC Suburban: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2001 GMC Suburban: 2 recalls, 5 owner complaints.

Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Seats (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Seat belts (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Airbags (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Tires (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2001 GMC Suburban has 5 owner complaints, ranking #13 of 15 Suburban model years for complaints (well below the 118 average). Complaints peaked in 2001 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 0 years old. Neighboring years: 2000 (15 complaints, 2 recalls), 2002 (7 complaints, 1 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 Suburban.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2001 GMC Suburban have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2001 GMC Suburban. 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 Suburban problems?
Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are seats (2), seat belts (1), airbags (1).
Where can I get a 2001 GMC 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.