Most common 1999 Chevrolet Sierra problems
Share of the 11 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Sierra complaints by model year
Best Sierra years: 2001. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 9 possible defects involving the 1999 Chevrolet Sierra:
Tailgate support cable breakage
Odi is upgrading rq04-010 and opening an engineering analysis to further investigate the tailgate support cables installed in 1998, 1999, and partial year 2000 silverados and sierras (c/k models).general motors is conducting recall campaign 04v-129 to replace the tailgate support cables originally installed in certain model year 2000 - 2004 sierras and silverados.general motors has advised odi that the materials…
Unwanted low-speed ABS activation
In a letter dated August 29, 2005, GM notified odi that it was recalling certain model year 1999 through 2002 c/k pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles to correct a problem with anti-lock brake system (ABS) wheel speed sensor corrosion that May result in unwanted ABS activation and extended stopping distances during low-speed braking (recall 05v-379).GM's recall covers approximately 804,000 vehicles currently…
Parking brake failure
Odi opened pe03-057 to assess parking brake ineffectiveness in the subject vehicles.these vehicles are equipped with four wheel disc brakes that incorporate a single-shoe drum-in-hat parking brake independent of the service brakes.complaint and warranty data indicate that the parking brake linings tend to wear out early in the life of the vehicle (at an average of 24 months in service), reducing the parking brake…
Steel wheel rim fracture
There have been less than 2 complaints per 100,000 subject vehicles related to the alleged defect.the oldest vehicles (my 1999) have only 2 complaints in over 140 thousand vehicles after over 4 years in service.the rate of warranty claims potentially related to the alleged defect is less than 0.1%.there are no known incidents involving rapid loss of tire pressure or loss of vehicle control.
Brake line corrosion failure
On January 11, 2011, ODI opened EA11-001 to investigate allegations of premature brake line corrosion failure in model year (MY) 1999 through 2003 General Motors (GM) full-size pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles sold or registered in the following region of the United States that NHTSA has viewed as salt states for investigations of corrosion related issues:Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia,…
Tailgate support cables
General motors is conducting a safety recall to remove and replace the tailgate support cables installed in 805,368 model year 1999 and 2000 gmt 800 model vehicles.the model year 1999 and 2000 gmt-800 series vehicles that will be campaigned had contributed a significant majority of the total complaints (87%) and injuries (79%) associated with the tailgate support cable breakage in the model year 1998 - 2000 c/k…
Parking brake failure
In a letter dated April 20, 2005, GM notified NHTSA that it had decided that defects that relate to motor vehicle safety exist in certain model year (my) 1999-2002 c/k 1500 series (pbr parking brake system) and my 2001-2005 c/k 2500 and 3500 series (trw parking brake system) pickups with manual transmissions.according to GM, some of these vehicles May have conditions that cause the friction linings to wear to an…
Tailgate cable breakage
General motors filed a defect notice 04v-129 on March 17, 2004, which outlines a program to replace the tailgate cables installed in affected model year 2000-2004 vehicles.refer to odi's closing report for ea04-005 for additional information.odi is aware of reports of tailgate cable breakage occurring in model year 1999 and earlier vehicles.these vehicles were equipped with similar tailgate cables as addressed by…
Parking brake failure
Odi's review of complaint data received since the close of ea04-011 revealed no indication that the investigation should be re-opened.more details can be found in the federal register notice enclosed in the dp05-009 public file.odi reserves the right to reopen the investigation in the future should conditions warrant.
What 1999 Chevrolet Sierra owners say
Brakes
Dt: the brakes failed on September 8, 2005, causing the vehicle to hit a concrete pole. The consumer was not injured. There was recall 05V379000 concerning ABS brakes. When the consumer contacted the dealer, they told him that they had no recall information as of yet.
Dt: contact stated ABS brakes were not working correctly. While traveling under 10 MPH they were activating, making the braking very hard, almost causing an accident. Contact noticed a problem with the brakes almost one year and a half ago. He pulled the fuse. Has been waiting on a recall. He could not get an inspection sticker because the ABS light was on.
Electrical system
The dealer replaced the front seat belts at a very low mileage. Cost $100 deductible to the consumer. The alr caused the retractor to constantly lock up. The dealer replaced the retractors when the vehicle was brand new without the consumer bringing the vehicle in for this issue. Consumer states that it was handled like a recall but was not aware the retractors were recalled. Also stated he thinks the buckles were replaced at that time. The positive battery post broke and the battery leaked acid all over the engine compartment. The post broke around 8/01/03. It was an ac delco battery. ABS motor constantly ran and killed the battery. The ABS light had come on , the pump kept running, the ABS cable had broke. …
Dealer replaced the positive battery cable which was broke n at the terminal at very low mileage. Cost $198, deductible to the consumer.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Chevrolet Sierra a good car?
Based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Sierra rates average: 1.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the Sierra at the same age. 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 Sierra?
The brakes — 7 complaints, 64% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the electrical system (3) and suspension (2).
How many recalls does the 1999 Chevrolet Sierra have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1999 Chevrolet Sierra. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Sierra?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2001. See the full Chevrolet Sierra years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 Chevrolet Sierra problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 50% 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.