2001 GMC Sierra engine problems

The 2001 GMC Sierra has 24 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 7% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

Engine complaints

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Engine complaints by year

Sierra engine complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

07V521000EngineNovember 7, 2007 · 11,974 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN 8.1L V8 ENGINE, THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION CAN OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY OR FAIL COMPLETELY. IF THE SENSOR OPERATES INTERMITTENTLY, THE SES LIGHT MAY ILLUMINATE AND THE VEHICLE MAY RUN ROUGH. THE ENGINE MAY STALL, AND IF SO, MAY RE-START IMMEDIATELY OR AFTER A COOL DOWN PERIOD.

Consequence

IF THE SENSOR BECOMES COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE, THE ENGINE WILL QUIT RUNNING AND WILL NOT RE-START. EITHER OF THESE FAILURES CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 18, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

What owners report

“WHILE PARKING ON AN ICY PAVEMENT, THE ABS FAILED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HIT AND ROLL OVER THE CONCRETE PARKING DIVIDER. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER CLEANED THE CORROSION OFF BOTH FRONT WHEEL SENSORS. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT HIS BRAKES FAILED 3 TIMES UNDER 5MPH. THE CONSUMER…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 8, 2005 · crash

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2001 GMC Sierra have?

NHTSA has 24 complaints about the 2001 GMC Sierra engine — 7% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2001 GMC Sierra engine?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the engine: 07V521000.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.