Most common 1999 Chevrolet Express problems
Share of the 68 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Express complaints by model year
Best Express years: 2025, 2012, 2015. Years to avoid: 2013, 2020, 2000, 1999, 2002. Compare all years →
1999 Chevrolet Express recalls (1)
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
Vehicle description: passenger vans equipped with a brake warning indicator. Some of these vehicles have a power steering cooler hose that can separate from the power brake booster fluid flow switch assembly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for three screw clamps to the power steering hose joints. If the clamps are not the screw type, dealers will replace the clamps.
What 1999 Chevrolet Express owners say
Brakes
The catalytic converter failed. This was the converter placed in this vehicle. The consumer was test driving when he felt a sluggishness and heard a rattling noise which occurred upon acceleration and in the exhaust. After the vehicle was repaired, the consumer felt the same problem(s) again. The dealer stated that the part was defective. The consumer had taken the vehicle to two other dealers and was told that the converter was never changed, only the doughnuts were replaced. The converter was replaced by larry h. Miller. Also, the brakes had become inoperative and were replaced. Scc
While driving left front brake malfunctioned, causing extended stopping distance. Dealership tried to repair the problem 15 times before, but had not yet resolved the problem. This problem switched location after repairs.
Wheels & tires
While driving back from a field trip in our 15-passenger van full of children, the steeltex r4s tire had a blowout and tread separation. By some sort of miracle our driver, going 55 MPH on the highway, manage to keep control of the vehicle. Thankfully all the children are safe,but I am extremely concerned that I was unaware of other complaints regarding these tires. I would have never let the children ride in the van with those tires if I knew the problems with them. There was some damage to the drive shaft due to the blowout, but the vehicle is still in the repair, so I don't know how the damage occurred.
Approximately 6 weeks ago I noticed that the air pressure in my tires had lowered, & I shought with the weight variance that there wasn't a problem. I contacted Firestone, & they had informed me of no recall. The problem continues, & I stopped by jenor tire in thiensville, wi, & they informed me that my front right tire was showing signs of seperation. I plan on having new Goodyear tires installed on my van on oct. 3, 2000 (tiresize: lt24575r16)( dot number: tire size: lt24575r16 )
Transmission & drivetrain
After traveling for long periods of time on a highway and then slowing to a stop on the exit, the vehicle hard shifts in gears 1-2. If you shut off the engine, it appears OK until the next time. Transmission fluid is OK. Vehicle only has 47500 miles. Had mechanic check and gets computer code 1870, with engine check light on. Numerous posts on the web have similar complaints on Chevy/GM vehicles with 4l60e transmission, but no recall to date. May now have to replace transmission.
The speedometer needle sticks after several hours of driving (long trips). The needle has stayed stuck at 70 MPH when comming off of the expressway until almost at a complete stop. It has also stayed at 20 - 30 MPH when the vehicle was going about 50 MPH. Dealer and Chevy will not authorize repairs until condition can be replicated by the service dept. Given the intermittent nature of this important safety device failure, it is no longer safe to drive the vehicle for long periods. Unrelated problem, both outside rear view mirrors vibrate in the wind making it difficult to see objects in them.
1999 Chevrolet Express engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 16 / 14 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 12 / 17 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: Van.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Chevrolet Express a good car?
Based on 68 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Express rates avoid: 4.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the Express at the same age. It is one of the Express years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Chevrolet Express?
The brakes — 12 complaints, 18% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the wheels & tires (11) and transmission & drivetrain (7).
How many recalls does the 1999 Chevrolet Express have?
There is 1 recall for the 1999 Chevrolet Express, the most recent from March 16, 2000 (hose, piping, and connections). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Express?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2025, 2012 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013, 2020, 2000, 1999 and 2002. See the full Chevrolet Express years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 Chevrolet Express problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 73,000 miles; 33% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.