1999 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Problems & Complaints

Better than average52% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Silverado 2500 at the same age

Owners have filed 81 complaints about the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 52% fewer than a typical Silverado 2500 model year at the same age, making the 1999 one of the better Silverado 2500 years. The most reported problem area is the brakes (47 complaints, typically around 100,000 miles).

81complaints
0recalls
2crashes
2fires
5injuries
1deaths

Most common 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 problems

  • Brakes~100,000 miles
    4758%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~98,000 miles
    810%
  • Wheels & tires~44,000 miles
    810%
  • Engine & cooling~120,000 miles
    56%
  • Electrical system~190,000 miles
    45%
  • Speed control & acceleration~146,000 miles
    34%
  • Steering~46,000 miles
    22%
  • Seat belts~130,000 miles
    22%
  • Air bags~138,000 miles
    22%
  • Body & structure
    22%
  • Transmission & drivetrain
    11%
  • Lights
    11%
  • Seats~200,000 miles
    11%
  • Locks & latches~155,000 miles
    11%

Share of the 81 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 complaints by model year

’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’2664738113238835144936826917820419161211045351401791235453741088897471432912
Owner complaints per model year, Chevrolet Silverado 2500. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Silverado 2500 years: 2014, 2012, 2013. Years to avoid: 2024, 2022, 2020, 2015, 2025. Compare all years →

What 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 owners say

Brakes all 47 →

Rusted brake lines ! Driving down the street, hit brakes to slow down to turn into a drive, brake peddle went to the floor, no brakes at all, I found the brake line going to the rear had broken by the gas tank, brake lines are very corroded and rusty, truck is keep indoors, and came from new Mexico, no rust on the body at all, tow bill was 200 bucks,around 50 miles from home. Stainless steel break lines are around 200 to 300 bucks, around 200 to 300 for labor, very expensive so far, and the truck is not fixed yet. The truck only has 90,000 miles on it. When the rear line broke, I should have, still had front breaks, in a two part brake system, but I had no brakes at all. I'm lucky, it caused, no accidents, or injuries, or any other damage. It could have been very worse, even deadly under different circumstances. …

90,000 miles · Dec 2015

I started to backup out of my driveway, when I pressed on the brake pedal they went all the way to the floor. Pulled back into driveway and saw where brake fluid would shoot out when the brake pedal was pushed under the driver's side door. Further investigation showed the brake line had corrosion in for about 4 inches. Replaced the brake line. Yesterday, September 13, 2015 again went to back up and pedal to floor. Upon examination the brake fluid shoots out in a steady stream when pedal is depressed.

124,000 miles · Nov 2014

Fuel & propulsion system

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked inside the garage all winter. The contact attempted to move it out and noticed fuel on the ground. The contact observed that the fuel line was severely rusted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

80,000 miles · Apr 2017

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the power steering and brakes malfunctioned. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the hydroboost malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 193,348.

193,000 miles · Aug 2014

Wheels & tires

Submission regarding automobile accident caused by bf goodrich tires (Land terrain lt 245/75r 16 load range e dot n911) seeking reimbursement for repairs. While driving the consumer noticed a severe vibration. As the consumer pulled over to inspect the vehicle the passenger side rear tire blewout. The blowout damaged the right rear quarter panel, muffler, muffler support and tail pipe. It appear to the consumer that the tire tread separated and caused the tire to blowout.

Tread/belt · 31,000 miles · Jul 2006

While driving, the right rear kelly trail mark tire lt235/85r16e experienced a blowout causing vehicle to swerve uncontrollably and into another vehicle, the impact caused both vehicles to leave the roadway and a fire to ensue, there was one fatality and 4 injuries. (attorney for client)

Apr 2000 · fire · 4 injuries

1999 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
5.3L 8-cyl4-speed automaticRWD14 / 18 / 15
6.0L 8-cyl4-speed automaticRWD11 / 15 / 12

EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 a good car?

Based on 81 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Silverado 2500 rates better than average: 52% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Silverado 2500 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 Silverado 2500?

The brakes — 47 complaints, 58% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (8) and wheels & tires (8).

How many recalls does the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Silverado 2500?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2012 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2024, 2022, 2020, 2015 and 2025. See the full Chevrolet Silverado 2500 years comparison.

At what mileage do 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 98,000 miles; 10% 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.