2001 Chevrolet Van problems
The Chevrolet Van or Chevy Van (also known as the Chevrolet/GMC G-series vans and GMC Vandura) is a range of vans that was manufactured by General Motors from the 1964 to 1996 model years. Introduced as the successor for the rear-engine Corvair Corvan/Greenbrier, the model line also replaced the panel van configuration of the Chevrolet Suburban. The vehicle was sold both in passenger van and cargo van configurations as well as a cutaway van chassis that served as the basis for a variety of custom applications.
Produced across three generations (1964–66, 1967–70, and 1970–96), the model line was sold under a wide variety of model names under both the Chevrolet and GMC brands. The first two generations were forward control vehicles (with the engine placed between the seats); the third generation adopted a configuration placing the engine forward of the driver. The second and third generations shared powertrain commonality with the C/K pickup truck model line.
After the 1996 model year, GM retired the G-Series vans, replacing them with the GMT600-platform Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana.
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Common 2001 Chevrolet Van problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 2001 Chevrolet Express van, several common problems have been identified:
- Leaking Issues: Owners have reported leaks in various areas of the van, such as the gutter trim, which can lead to water entering the cabin. This leakage can be attributed to old seals and worn-out parts, causing inconvenience and potential damage to the interior of the vehicle.
- Cheap Plastics: The van is known for having cheap plastic components that tend to rattle, break, and become brittle over time. This issue is particularly noticeable in the grab handles, which are prone to breaking easily, making them essentially useless. The degraded plastic can create noise while driving, affecting the overall driving experience.
- Dash Peeling and Cracking: Another common problem is the dash peeling upwards and delaminating over time. This deterioration not only affects the aesthetics of the interior but can also lead to cracks, further diminishing the appeal and functionality of the dashboard.
- Braking Problems: Complaints include issues with braking performance, such as the van pulling hard to one side when braking. Despite replacing brake components like pads, calipers, and hardware, some owners have struggled to resolve the problem. In some cases, the root cause was traced back to the ABS unit, which required replacement to restore proper braking function.
These issues highlight some of the challenges faced by owners of the 2001 Chevrolet Express van. Addressing these common problems may require thorough inspection, maintenance, and potentially replacement of parts to ensure the vehicle's optimal performance and longevity.
Are Chevy Express vans reliable?
The Chevrolet Express 1500 Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 9th out of 21 for commercial vans. The average annual repair cost is $963 which means it has poor ownership costs.
How many miles do Chevy cargo vans last?
With proper maintenance, a used Chevy Express van will last up to 300 thousand miles on the original motor. There are four gasoline engines on the model to choose from: The most basic had a volume of 4.3 liters (200 hp). This is the only 6-cylinder unit for the Express model.
What engine came in a 2001 Chevy van?
8100 V-8 engine
A new 8100 V-8 engine is available for 2001, and an upscale LT model joins the base and LS vans. Express vans in unfinished form also are provided to conversion companies. Regular-length Express vans ride a 135-inch wheelbase and measure 218.7 inches long.
When did they stop making Chevy vans?
The Chevy Express has been around for 27 years; as of 2023, this vehicle replaced the Chevrolet van in 1996. General Motors has announced that there are plans in the work to revamp the Chevy Express for the 2027 model year. General Motors will keep this vehicle around since GM is transitioning to EV powertrains.
Are Chevrolet vans reliable?
The Chevrolet Express 3500 Reliability Rating is 2.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 13th out of 21 for commercial vans. The average annual repair cost is $1,013 which means it has poor ownership costs. The frequency of repairs is average, but when issues do arise, they are more likely to be severe than with other models.
What engine came in a 2001 Chevy van?
8100 V-8 engine
A new 8100 V-8 engine is available for 2001, and an upscale LT model joins the base and LS vans. Express vans in unfinished form also are provided to conversion companies. Regular-length Express vans ride a 135-inch wheelbase and measure 218.7 inches long.
How many miles can a Chevy van last?
A well-maintained 2021 Chevy Express can last around 200,000 miles, which is similar to other full size vans like the Ford Transit. Regular annual maintenance costs are also average for a large van, at $870 per year, according to data provided by Repair Pal.
What is the mileage on a Chevy van?
According to Kelley Blue Book's review of the 2022 model year, the base engine for the Chevy Express is a 4.3-liter V6. This engine has an estimated EPA fuel economy rating of 16 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.
2001 Chevrolet Van car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Van problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Fuel system problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2001 Chevrolet Van vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2001 Chevrolet Van complaints
The NHTSA has received 14 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2001 Chevrolet Van.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-12-03
- VIN: 1GCH35F4112
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
- Summary: 2001 CHEVROLET 3500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PUMP CONTROL MODULE FAILURE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE PUMP CONTROL FAILED, THE VAN STOPPED RUNNING. THE FIRST ONE FAILED AT 30,000 MILES AND THE SECOND PUMP FAILED AT 77,000. *JB
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-04-16
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: GSA ISSUED VEHICLE. 15 PAX VANS ARE FITTED WITH EITHER THE FIRESTONE STEELTEX OR GOODYEAR TIRES. DURING TWO DIFFERENT TRIPS TO NORFOLK, VA WITH TWO DIFFERENT VANS, WE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATIONS. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED WITH THE LONE STEELTEX ON THE VEHICLE. THE OTHER TIRES WERE THE GOODYEAR BRAND. THE SECOND INCIDENT INVOLVED A 15 PAX VAN FITTED WITH FOUR STEELTEX TIRES. ONE HAD THE TREAD SEPARATE AND WHEN WE PULLED TO THE SIDE I-95, WE NOTICED THE OTHER THREE WERE SEPARATING AS WELL. THE TREAD SEPARATION OF THE LEFT REAR ON THIS VAN RESULTED IN THE RUPTURING OF THE REAR COOLANT LINE FROM THE SECTION OF TREAD IMPACTING THE LINE. BOTH VANS WERE CHEVROLET. *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-04-12
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: AUTOMATIC DOORS (SIDE AND REAR) MALFUNCTIONS DURING COLD WEATHER AND WHEN IT RAINS. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-12-09
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: THE FUEL GAGE DOE NOT ACCURATELY REFLECT THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE TANK. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-02-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: OUR 2001 CHEVROLET VENTURE ONLY HAS 78,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FROM ABOUT THE TIME WE PURCHASED IT. IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS , FEBRUARY/MARCH 2007 WE HAVE PUT $5000 INTO OUR VAN. WE REPLACED THE INTAKE GASKET FOR THE SECOND TIME. THE FIRST ONE WAS DONE BY THE DEALER, VERY POOR JOB. WE HAD NUMEROUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE ENGINE WOULD TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING AT ANY GIVEN TIME. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS, ON AND OFF. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHILE UNDER WARRANTY, AND THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING. WE THEN TOOK IT AGAIN OFF WARRANTY AND THEY STILL COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING. AS TIME PASSED, IT BEGUN TO HAPPEN MORE OFTEN AND BECOME A PROBLEM. I BECAME A NERVOUS WRECK WHILE DRIVING, HOPING AND PRAYING IT WOULD MAKE IT TO EACH DESTINATION. IN FEBRUARY 2007 IT HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES TO AND FROM WORK AND THIS ONE WAS THE LAST STRAW, IT STALLED ON THE FREEWAY WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH AND BLOCKED TRAFFIC. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC TO GET THE JOB DONE. THE DEALER IS COMPLETELY USELESS. IN ADDITION TO MY PROBLEM, THE LIGHT PANELS MELTED IN THE REAR LIGHTS, THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH BURNED OUT, THE FUSE BOX WAS SHORTED OUT, THE DEALER INSTALLED ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY AND ALSO SHUT OUR SYSTEM DOWN, HAD TO HAVE REMOVED. REAR AC BLOWER HAD TO BE REPLACED, NOW THE AC SYSTEM DOESN'T WORK AT ALL, NEEDS NEW CONDENSER. LIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL FLICKERED DUE TO ALTERNATOR GOING OUT, HAD TO HAVE ALTERNATOR REPLACED. WE WILL NEVER BUY A CHEVROLET AGAIN... UNFORTUNATELY WE HAVE HAD A VERY BAD EXPERIENCE WITH THIS VEHICLE AND THE DEALER; COINCIDENTALLY, COULD NEVER FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-03-08
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AT 67,000 MILES AND 4 YEARS OLD OUR VENTURE IS HAVING TO UNDERGO A COMPLETE TRANSMISSION OVEHAUL. THE MECHANIC SAID HE HAS SEEN THESE AT 100000 MILES BUT NOT 67K000 THIS IS REDICULOUS.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-03-03
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1GNDX03E81D
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WELL ITS MY FIRST GM. IM A FORD MAN MYSELF BUT MY WIFE WANTED A CHEVY VENTURE SO I GOT HER A 2001. SO FAR IVE HAD THE AC CONDENSER REPLACED AND THE BACK HEAD GASKET IS NOW LEAKING AT 50,000MLS I WISH IT WAS A FORD. I HAVE A 1990 FORD F150 WITH OVER 300,000MLS I DID REPLACE THE MOTOR IN IT THOUGH AT 177,000 SO THEY ALL HAVE PROBLEMS BUT FORDS ARNT AS MANY.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-08
- VIN: 1GBJG31R111
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY STALLS. WHEN TAKEN TO GET SERVICED THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THIS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-06
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 2001 CHEVROLET VENTURE LT, TOOK INTO DEALER REGARDING THE ENGINE TOOK A LONG TIME TO WARM UP AND THE TEMPERATURE GUAGE FLUCTUATED. DEALER DIAGNOSED PROBLEM TO BE A LEAKING HEAD GASKET AND INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. DEALER REPLACED ITEMS AT COST TO CONSUMER.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-12-29
- VIN: 1GNDX13E31D
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THURSDAY DEC. 30TH OUR 2001 CHEVROLET VENTURE VAN EXPERIENCED A MAJOR COOLANT FAILURE THAT COULD HAVE LEFT MY WIFE AND 3 CHILDREN STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY. FORTUNATLY THEY WERE CLOSE TO HOME WHE IT HAPPENED. THE CHEVY DEALER REPLACED THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET AND THE VALVE COVER GASKETS AND THE DISTRIBUTOR O-RING. THE 2ND INCIDENT OCCURED ON FRIDAY JANUARY 7TH. THE WATER PUMP FAILED IT WAS REPLACED BY DEALER. 3RD INCIDENT, JANUARY 9TH COOLANT IS AGAIN LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE. WILL TAKE TO DEALER AGAIN ON MONDAY.*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-12-17
- VIN: 1GNDU23E01D
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: INTERMITTENT TRANSMISSION SLIP- INABILITY TO USE REVERSE AND/OR DRIVE. MY 2001 CHEVY VENTURE HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE AT MY LOCAL CHVEY DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM OVER THE PAST 3-4 MONTHS. THE VEHICLE HAS 22K MILES. GUESS WHAT THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME AFTER TODAY'S TOW TO THE DEALER ?? NO PROBLEM COULD BE FOUND - THE VEHICLE -"OPERATES AS DESIGNED" AMAZINGLY ENOUGH WHEN MY WIFE WENT TO BACK OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT WE WERE IN WE COULD NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING A LOUD GRINDING NOISE AND SOUNDED AS IF SOMETHING WAS SPINNING INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE AND ONE POINT LURCHED BACKWARD AS MY WIFE CONTINUED IN AN ATTEMPT TO BACK THE VEHICLE UP TO NO AVAIL -AND STOPPED ABRUPTLY. WE COULD NOT USE DRIVE EITHER IT WOULD ONLY MOVE AT A SNAILS PACE. UNFORTUNATELY THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED AND I'M STILL HAVING INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS. THE LAST TIME IT WAS IN FOR THIS PROBLEM I ALMOST INSTANTLY HAD THE PROBLEM AGAIN. WHEN I BROUGHT IT BACK FOR REPAIR - THEY SAID THEY FILLED THE FLUID AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE AND IT WAS UNTIL TODAY! - FOR THE AMOUNT OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON THIS VEHICLE - I WOULD HOPE FOR A RECALL SOON! ISN'T IT STRANGE HOW A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM HOWEVER MOST OF WHAT I'VE READ IN OTHER POSTS SAY "DEALER SERVICE COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM" ?? *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-01
- VIN: 1GHCG35R911
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR DUE TO A MALFUNCTION WITHIN BRAKE SYSTEM WHICH WAS DESIGNED WITH BRAKE LINE NEXT TO EXHAUST, CAUSING BRAKE LINE TO MELT. DEALER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-11-01
- VIN: 1GCHG35R911
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR DUE TO A MALFUNCTION WITHIN ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM, WHICH WAS DESIGNED WITH BRAKE LINE LOCATED NEXT TO EXHAUST SYSTEM ,CAUSING BRAKE LINES TO MELT. DEALER HAS YET TO BE CONTATCED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-11-01
- VIN: 1GCHC35R911
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR DUE TO A MALFUNCTION WITHIN BRAKE SYSTEM WHICH WAS A DESIGN FLAW WITHIN BRAKE LINE NEXT TO EXHAUST, CAUSING BRAKE LINE TO MELT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2001 Chevrolet Van problems:
Q&A: 2001 Chevy Express 1500 - Common Issues & Solutions
May 6, 2013 ... Was this answer helpful? up Yes. down No. Finish.
2001 Chevrolet Express 2500 Problems and Complaints - 16 Issues
Problem with your 2001 Chevrolet Express 2500? Our list of 16 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2001 Chevrolet Express 2500.
Chevy Astro Van 2001: Common Problems & Solutions | JustAnswer
Jan 18, 2010 ... If the spark going into the distributor cap is nice and strong and nothing coming out, then chances are the distributor cap and rotor are bad.
Chevy Venture Engine Problems — Car Forums at Edmunds.com
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Express 3500 nightmare - Chevrolet Forum - Chevy Enthusiasts ...
Apr 3, 2019 ... Hello, my name is John and I have been reading about the common problems with these Chevy express vans with the spider fuel injection sytems ...
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