Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While driving approximately 15 MPH, the transmission malfunctioned and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission components in first gear were shattered and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Also, brake fluid was leaking from the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the brake lines were rusted and corroded. The brake lines were replaced and the failure was remedied. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified and no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to accelerate and lost the ability to steer the vehicle. The bolts that held the gear box to the frame had been sheared off. The dealer (cooper Chevrolet Buick, 1300 s quintard ave, anniston, al 36201, [phone]) stated that the bolts looked like they were torqued too tightly. The dealer and manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was 230,000. Updated 12/07/18
I have had right rear brake line rust out. I had front brake lines rust out. I had the brake line to the ABS from booster rust out. Had the fuel lines rust out(leaking raw gas) had oil lines for automatic transmission rust out. Each time I was lucky that it happened in the city at low speeds and not while pulling a trailer.I also had trouble with the ABS kicking in falsely at slow speeds(also rust build up at wheel sensor mounting place.
Dt*: the contact stated while stopped at an intersection, the steering locked up, and the steering wheel could not be turned to the left. This was accompanied by the the sound of hydraulic resistance. The vehicle was not taken in for service. Second, a piece of plastic fell off the interior of the vehicle. Causing the driver seat to slide freely on the adjuster track when the contact sat in the seat. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer who was unable to determine the problem. Third, the contact replaced the daytime running lights twice. The lights only worked for 3 to 6 months at a time before having to be replaced. The lights were not addressed by a dealer or a private repair shop. Fourth, the headlamp switch constantly became excessively hot during operation of the headlamps. The vehicle was not taken in for inspection of the switch. …
I have been a life-long GM owner. In 1991 I owned a Buick regal and in 1992 I owned a GMC jimmy. By the late 1990's I had owned a '93 blazer and a ?94 c-1500. Never have I had as much trouble collectively with these four vehicles as I have had with my 1999 Silverado k-1500. It began in October of 2003 when after only 46,584 miles I had to have the right and left head gaskets replaced due to deterioration of the gaskets, which totaled $989.47. The life-long mechanic that repaired the head gasket believes that the GM/100,000 mile antifreeze deteriorated the gaskets and therefore replaced it with the time-tested standard green antifreeze. I was willing to overlook this problem but right before christmas of ?04 I had to have the automatic transmission and torque converter completely rebuilt due to the loss of second gear, fourth gear, and reverse for the total cost of $1234.00. …
I purchased my 1999 GM truck and I have had problems with the transmission since I purchased it. I had the transmission serviced twice and I was told that it was fine. Now my transmission is skipping first gear and going straight into second gear. The vehicle warranty, of course, has now expired. My sister-in-law also has a 1999 GM van, and her transmission has to be replaced. She was experiencing the same conditions I have and she had her vehicle into service for the same issues I have. My son's girlfriend's mother has a 1999 GM suburban and she has just had her transmission replaced. She had experienced the same problems my sister-in-law and myself have experienced and she too has had her vehicle in for service for the same issues. I cannot believe GM has not had a recall on their transmissions that were placed in 1999 GM truck-type vehicles. This is outrageous. …
The vehicle is driven 1 hour at freeway speeds then when accelerating from a stop the 1-2 up shift slams into 2nd. The resulting hard upshift causes a forward uncontrolled lurch forward. This is particularly hazardous in rush hour stop and go traffic. Correction is a known GM issue TSB 01-07-30-023a. But not available at manufacturers financial participation if out of basic warranty. The issue is a design defect in material selection and needs to be replaced across the board. The lurching upshift is not an if it will occur on a vehicle but a when will it occur symptom. Research on the commonality of this defect can be researched through any search engine using the DTC p1870.
ABS pump went out, luckly I had an extended warranty and only had to pay $100.00 instead of $800.00. Also many other trucks in the area with same problem. Had klunking noise in rear end carried to two different dealer ships and could not find anything. Sounded like transmission was playing catch up with rearend. Three months after warranty goes out it does the same thing and bust the gears in transmission. Motor sounds like it is knocking when you first crank it up. The dealerships around are quick to sell you a car but will not stand behind you when there are problems. This will probally be my last Chevy!!!
Tl*- the contact stated that the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1550 extended cab antilock brake pump continued to come on and stay on. He had to disconnect the antilock brake pump about one month after he purchased the vehicle. The contact stated that there was recall o5v379000 for the service brakes, hydraulic: antilock. He stated that the recall was repaired about six months ago, the pump already failed prior to recall. The failure mileage was 61,150, and the current mileage was 135,000. The 4 wheel drive light stays illuminated and there was a leak coming from the drivers door. Update 05/04/07
From the first day that I/we purchased this truck there have been trouble, we were sold an extended warranty for the amount of $2,200.00 which was null and void from the start, this is the 10th time it has been taken into the repair shop for the same issues alone, we have been charged repeatedly for these repairs which we were told would be covered through the warranty and yet there has been to coverage to date to our knowledge.
Transmission complaints in other Silverado 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 4% of the model year's 587 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.