Most common 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems
Share of the 47 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Silverado 3500 complaints by model year
Best Silverado 3500 years: 2014, 2017, 2012. Years to avoid: 2024, 2025, 2021, 2020, 2022. Compare all years →
What 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 owners say
Brakes all 22 →
Chassis engine failed on single lane highway hill climb. Seemed like engine cut off allowing driver to quickly turn into" hole in the wall "quick stop store parking area. Engine turned over but would not run. The consumer stated he experienced two parking brake failures within 3,000 miles of travel. Each repair, consisted of replacing switches and adjustments. The last repair consisted of the replacement of the drum associated with the brake pads, switches and wheel brake disc. It was also discovered that the park assembly had burned up, when the brake assembly failed to release. In addition, a 10 amp fuse had blown when a short was discovered in a pressure switch. The park brake assembly and both pressure switches were replaced. Updated ivoq 12/19/12 the consumer stated while filling re-fueling the motor home, a passerby informed him gasoline was draining from the motor home. …
The brakes on my truck are being replaced almost yearly since 1999. The truck pulls hard to one way while traveling on the freeway. I have to grab my steering wheel and pull my truck back into my line.
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that there had been extreme hesitation with the engine power. The service engine warning light randomly illuminated for years and the part failed to function properly. The contact replaced the engine twice by a certified mechanic and, due to the failure continuing, the vehicle was diagnosed by a mechanic who stated that the part would need to be replaced a third time. A mechanic stated that there were five stress fractures in the engine block prematurely. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided no solution. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000. Updated 08/16/16 consumer stated lot of problems with the engine. Every mechanic consumer spoken to about the 6.5 Chevy turbo diesel said the same thing "they are junk" the blocks crack and they don't last. …
Chassis engine failed on single lane highway hill climb. Seemed like engine cut off allowing driver to quickly turn into" hole in the wall "quick stop store parking area. Engine turned over but would not run. The consumer stated he experienced two parking brake failures within 3,000 miles of travel. Each repair, consisted of replacing switches and adjustments. The last repair consisted of the replacement of the drum associated with the brake pads, switches and wheel brake disc. It was also discovered that the park assembly had burned up, when the brake assembly failed to release. In addition, a 10 amp fuse had blown when a short was discovered in a pressure switch. The park brake assembly and both pressure switches were replaced. Updated ivoq 12/19/12 the consumer stated while filling re-fueling the motor home, a passerby informed him gasoline was draining from the motor home. …
Steering
I need to know if this vehicle is a GMC or Chevy because I have taken it to the mechanic many occasions and I always have problems with parts that don't fit. No I have always had problems with the steering it's very hard to control while driving I picking up two mechanics different times relating that issue and they say everything is fine but it really isn't I purchased this vehicle use I would also like to know if there are any recallsor if it has been involved in major accidents thank you very much
11/09/04 I had to replace differential assembly: overhaul/rebuild front, replace brake pad (bendix)3/10/05 replaced idler arm. 3/23/05 replaced pitman arm. 10/25/05 6.5 liter diesel electronic pump (pmd) failure. Truck was moving on it's on, jerking, black smoke came from tail pipe and tires would spin then it cut off and wouldn't start. Called wrecker and had it taken to auto shop. He replaced pmd module kit with a note to leave plastic cover off engine because of heat build up. 6/25/06 same thing happened. Called wrecker and had it taken to auto shop. This time he replaced fuel pump on frame rail. 6/29/06 fuel filter rings blew off, it started pouring fuel onto highway, jerking,truck moving on it's on, black smoke coming from tail pipe wouldn't stop had to hold break to floor until it stalled. Almost hit a building.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 a good car?
Based on 47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Silverado 3500 rates average: 1.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the Silverado 3500 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 3500?
The brakes — 22 complaints, 47% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the engine & cooling (7) and steering (6).
How many recalls does the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Silverado 3500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2017 and 2012. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2024, 2025, 2021, 2020 and 2022. See the full Chevrolet Silverado 3500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 52,000 miles; 36% 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.