2001 Chevrolet Tracker problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 105 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 7.8 times the median Tracker year — the 2001 model ranks #2 of 14 Tracker years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 18 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (15), body & structure (15), and suspension (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
105
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
17
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
18
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2001 compare to other Tracker years?
What are the most common 2001 Chevrolet Tracker problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body & Structure | 15 | 14% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 15 | 14% | — flat |
| Suspension | 11 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 10 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 10 | 10% | — flat |
| Airbags | 10 | 10% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 7 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 7 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 6 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 4% | — flat |
| Other | 3 | 3% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Child Seat | 1 | 1% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET TRACKER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, OIL LEAKED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND SMELLED A STRONG OIL ODOR. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE…”
“THE CAR WAS STEERING FUNNY AND PULLING TO THE LEFT ESPECIALLY WHEN BRAKING. I HEARD A METAL BANG NOISE AT ONE POINT AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE IT CHECKED WHERE THE MECHANIC WAS SHOCKED TO FIND THE CROSSMEMBER SUBFRAME FRACTURED WHICH WOULD HAVE CERTAINLY LEAD TO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AND I WAS…”
“10/29/2009, 2001 TRACKER ZR2 MODEL, VEHICLE TRAVELING 50 MPH WITH A SLIGHT RIGHT HAND TURN IN ROAD, WEST BOUND ON HWY 26 FAR LEFT HAND LANE. HEARD A LOUD BANG, VEHICLE BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE, WENT INTO RIGHT HAND SPIN, CROSSED THREE LANES OF TRAFFIC AND HIT CONCRETE BARRICADE ON FAR RIGHT HAND OF…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET TRACKER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS STOPPED IN THE ROAD. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.…”
“WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH TAPPED BRAKES TO DISENGAGE CRUISE CONTROL, BRAKES LOCKED UP, AND VEHICLE SPUN AROUND 180 DEGREES AND ROLLED 25 FEET DOWN A RAVINE. DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUFFERED NECK AND BACK INJURIES. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED.*AK”
2001 Chevrolet Tracker — common questions
Is the 2001 Chevrolet Tracker reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 105 complaints put the 2001 model at #2 of 14 Tracker years. It is one of the Tracker years to avoid.
What are the most common 2001 Tracker problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (15 complaints), body & structure (15 complaints), suspension (11 complaints).
Does the 2001 Chevrolet Tracker have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2001 Chevrolet Tracker.
Is the 2001 Chevrolet Tracker under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Chevrolet Tracker years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tracker years to avoid are 2000, 2001, 2003, 2002, 1999. The cleanest record among Tracker years belongs to 1993.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.