2001 Gmc C3 problems
The fourth generation of the C/K series is a range of trucks that was manufactured by General Motors. Marketed by the Chevrolet and GMC brands from the 1988 to the 2002 model years, this is the final generation of the C/K model line. In a branding change, GMC adopted the GMC Sierra nameplate for all its full-size pickup trucks, leaving the C/K nomenclature exclusive to Chevrolet.
Internally codenamed the GMT400 platform, GM did not give the model line a word moniker (e.g., "Rounded-Line series" for its predecessor). After its production, the model line would informally become known by the public as the "OBS" (Old Body Style), in reference to its GMT800 successor. In starting a different tradition, the model line overlapped production with both its predecessor and successor; the model line again shared body commonality with GM medium-duty commercial trucks.
Over nearly a 14-year production run, the fourth-generation C/K was assembled by GM in multiple facilities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. After the 2000 model year, the fourth-generation C/K was discontinued and was replaced by the GMT800 platform (introduced for 1999); the C3500HD heavy-duty chassis cab model remained in production through 2002. In line with the GMC Sierra, Chevrolet subsequently adopted a singular Chevrolet Silverado nameplate for its full-size truck line (which remains in use).
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Common 2001 Gmc C3 problems
The 2001 GMC Sierra C3, a full-size pickup truck, has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues span across various categories, including brakes, electrical, engine, fuel system, interior accessories, body/paint, cooling system, steering, transmission, and wheels/hubs.
One of the most common problems is related to the hydraulic brake line failure due to corrosion of the steel line. This issue has been reported by 116 NHTSA complaints, with an average cost to fix of $400 and an average mileage of 71,000 miles. This problem can lead to a complete loss of braking ability, posing a significant safety risk.
Another common issue is related to the fuel gauge, which is reported to be erratic and inaccurate. This problem has been reported by 17 NHTSA complaints, with an average mileage of 122,000 miles. The inaccurate fuel gauge can lead to unexpected fuel shortages and potential stranding, making it a significant inconvenience for drivers.
The four-speed automatic transmission in the 2001 GMC Sierra C3 has also been reported to have issues, particularly with harsh kickdowns with or without the tow/haul feature. This problem has been reported by several drivers, and it is unusual for a GM automatic transmission. The issue can make the driving experience uncomfortable and can potentially lead to excessive shifting up and down when the truck is carrying a heavy load.
The engine in the 2001 GMC Sierra C3 has been reported to have a subdued clicking sound on cold starts, which has been described as sounding like a sticky valve lifter. This problem has been reported to persist intermittently from about 14,000 miles to the end of the line, and despite attempts to isolate and quell the problem, it has not been resolved.
The fuel system in the 2001 GMC Sierra C3 has been reported to have issues with inaccurate fuel gauges, which can lead to unexpected fuel shortages and potential stranding. This problem has been reported by 6 NHTSA complaints, with an average mileage of 64,000 miles.
The interior accessories in the 2001 GMC Sierra C3 have been reported to have issues with intermittent squeaks in the dashboard, which can make the driving experience uncomfortable and can potentially lead to distractions while driving. This problem has been reported to show up late in the test, with just over 4000 miles on the clock.
The body/paint in the 2001 GMC Sierra C3 has been reported to have issues with fraying at the edges of the cloth tonneau cover sheltering the cargo box. This problem has been reported to show signs of fraying at the edges with just over 4000 miles on the clock, making it a significant inconvenience for drivers.
The cooling system in the 2001 GMC Sierra C3 has been reported to have issues with overheating, which can lead to engine damage and potential stranding. This problem has been reported by 6 NHTSA complaints, with an average mileage of 108,000 miles.
The steering in the 2001 GMC Sierra C3 has been reported to have issues with power steering failure, which can make the driving experience difficult and can potentially lead to loss of control. This problem has been reported by 1 NHTSA complaint, with an average mileage of 109,000 miles.
The transmission in the 2001 GMC Sierra C3 has been reported to have issues with harsh shifting and slipping, which can make the driving experience uncomfortable and can potentially lead to loss of power. This problem has been reported by 2 NHTSA complaints, with an average mileage of 111,000 miles.
The wheels/hubs in the 2001 GMC Sierra C3 have been reported to have issues with wheel bearing failure, which can make the driving experience uncomfortable and can potentially lead to loss of control. This problem has been reported by 1 NHTSA complaint, with an average mileage of 125,000 miles.
In conclusion, the 2001 GMC Sierra C3 has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners, including issues with brakes, electrical, engine, fuel system, interior accessories, body/paint, cooling system, steering, transmission, and wheels/hubs. These problems can lead to significant safety risks, inconvenience, and discomfort for drivers, and they can potentially lead to engine damage, loss of control, and potential stranding. It is important for owners of the 2001 GMC Sierra C3 to be aware of these common problems and to take appropriate measures to address them.
2001 Gmc C3 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Gmc C3 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Visibility problems
- Parking brake problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2001 Gmc C3 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2001 Gmc C3 complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2001 Gmc C3.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-03-09
- VIN: 2GTEK69U111
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON AT THE SAME TIME! I AM CONCERNED THAT MY BRAKES WILL FAIL! SOUNDS LIKE THIS IS A ON GOING AND EXPENSIVE PROBLEM. EBCM IS AT FAULT. *TR
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-08-21
- VIN: 2GTEK69U111
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: AUTO DIMMING MIRROR ( ON A 2001 GMC SIERRA C-3 PICKUP IS MALFUNCTIONING) TOOK TO DEALERSHIP ON AUG 21 TO HAVE MIRROR AND A/C WORKED ON. AUTO DIMMING FEATURE IS MALFUNCTIONING AND AT NIGHT CAUSES YOU TO SEE 3 IMAGES WHEN THERE IS ONLY ONE ACTUAL. FOR CITY DRIVING ESPECIALLY, THIS CAUSES A SAFETY PROBLEM, CAN'T TELL WHAT LANE OTHER VEHICLES ARE IN BEHIND YOU. DURING THE DAYLIGHT HOURS, A PURPLE HAZE OUTLINE IS AROUND ALL MIRROR IMAGES AND DEPENDING ON ANGLE LOOKED AT, SOMETIMES DUPLICATE IMAGES. DAYLIGHT HOURS ARE NOT REALLY A SAFETY PROBLEM, BUT NIGHT TIME DRIVING IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE IN MY OPINION. DEALER SAID THEY COULD NOT WORK ON AND STATED DOC. # 1841960 FROM GM STATING THAT THIS IS NORMAL ON AUTO DIMMING MIRRORS AND THAT NO REPAIRS WERE TO BE MADE ON SAID CONDITION. MY DRIVER SIDE MIRROR IS ONLY ONE WITH MALFUNCTION. CALLED THE CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE #'S WITH GM AND EVEN OFFERED TO PURCHASE NEW MIRROR AT MY COST. CA SAID THEY WOULD CHECK WITH THEIR FIELD REP'S AND CALL ME BACK IN 48 HOURS. AS OF NOW, 9 DAYS, LATER, HAVE CALLED TWICE MORE AND STILL HAVE NO CALLBACK OR FURTHER INFORMATION. *NM
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-25
- VIN: 2GTEK69U011
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: I WAS RECENTLY TOLD BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER OF MY TRUCK THAT HE THOUGHT THERE WAS A RECALL IN REGARDS TO THE BRAKES. SINCE I HAD NOT RECEIVED A NOTICE OF RECALL, I WENT TO YOUR WEBSITE AND LOOKED IT UP. I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL IN REGARDS TO THE REAR PARKING BRAKE. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 05V161000. IN JANUARY OF THIS YEAR I TOOK MY GMC SIERRA C3 TO THE DEALERSHIP DUE TO A PULSING WHEN I WENT TO STOP. I THOUGHT THAT THE ROTORS MAY NEED TO BE REGROUND OR REPLACED. I WAS INSTRUCTED HOWEVER THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY THE REAR PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY SEIZING UP. I CALLED GMC AND INQUIRED ABOUT THIS, (GMC CUSTOMER SERVICE TRACKIING #1-337051820) BECAUSE THE PROBLEM FROM YOUR WEBSITE IS IDENTICAL TO WORK THAT WAS PERFORMED ON MY VEHICLE. GMC INDICATED THAT MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT AFFECTED, AND WOULD NOT DISCUSS THE MATTER FURTHER. THE WORK THAT WAS PERFORMED ON MY VEHICLE IS AS FOLLOWS: CONCER: CK BRAKES PULSATE CORRECTION: REPLACE REAR BRAKE PADS ROTORS AND PARK BRAKE SHOES NESS TO REPLACE LR PARK BRSAKE MOUNTING PLATE R AND R TRANS IF ANY FURTHER INFORMATION OR DOCUMENTATION IS NEEDED PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-10-12
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG IN MY 2001 GMC SIERRA C3 DID NOT DEPLOY IN MY ACCIDENT. THE IMPACT WAS HEAD ON AND PRIMARILY DAMAGED THE VEHICLE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH AND I STRONGLY FEEL THAT MY INJURIES SUSTAINED FROM THE ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN FAR LESS SEVERE IF THE AIRBAG HAD DEPLOYED AS DESIGNED. *LA
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