Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Since consumer has owned vehicle, three brake pads have worn out and needed to be replaced. Front right brake pad tended to wear out more than the left - but both were replaced.front left brake overheated and glowed red during normal operating conditions. *note: while traveling over bumpy surfaces, consumer attempted to apply brakes and it felt as if there was no pressure for brakes to function. Dealership has examined the vehicle, but could not remedy the problem. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
Consumer owns two Chevrolet trucks g3500, 99 vehicles, and has experienced vehicle pulling to one side or the other when applying the brakes. The second vehicle's VIN #[redacted].- the dealership gave consumer a loaner with less than 600 miles that does the same. GMC is using consumer's vehicle for testing, they've indicated that there has been a problem since 97, and they cannot find a remedy.
Vehicles brakes do not release they stick frequently wearing brake pads out. The vehicle has been in service 7 times for brake problems and dealer state they cannot find anything wrong. However they have replaced the brake pads 3 times due to irregular brake ware on the pad. The brakes will pull servely to the left at any given time causing vehicle to pull to the left into other lane of traffic.
Front brakes wear out about every 4,000 miles. On August 24th, the front brakes went out totally, which could have resulted in a crash . This happened during normal stopping. Pads have been replaced 4 times but problem was not solved. Dealer contacted, aware of brake problem, but all they are allowed to do is replaced the pads.
When consumer puts foot on the brakes truck pulls to the right, and it makes a loud squealing noise. Also, they grab as if they are stopping too fast. Dealer can't find the cause of the problem. Consumer indicated if it was raining it would be a problem with the brakes.
Premature wear of brake pads and drums. Dealer has put 4 sets of pads and drums on vehicle. Consumer states that rear drums do not adjust properly, which cause the front brake pads to wear at approximately 10000 miles, sometimes brakes smoke and rattle.
While making a very slow and sharp u turn lost power steering and power brakes. Vehicle was towed to dealer who determined that power steering shaft had broken. Also, dealer has repaired 6 other vehicles for same problem.
Intermittently when the brakes are applied the padal goes to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance due to air getting in the system. Dealer has inspected and repaired the vehicle severcel times.
Brake complaints in other Silverado 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 3500?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the brakes of the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, 47% of the model year's 47 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. 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 3500 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 28,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to brakes 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.