Most common 1999 Chevrolet Silverado problems
Share of the 1,660 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Silverado complaints by model year
Best Silverado years: 2016, 2010, 2013. Years to avoid: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 1999. Compare all years →
1999 Chevrolet Silverado recalls (5)
Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
Certain pickup trucks have galvanized-braided-steel tailgate support cables used to support the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position. Over time these cables can corrode and fracture when loads are applied to them.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the galvanized support cables with stainless steel support cables. In addition, dealers are to inspect the tailgate hinge and replace it, if necessary.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles May experience unwanted antilock brake system (ABS) activation. This condition is more likely to occur in environmentally corrosive areas.
Remedy: Dealers are to remove the wheel speed sensor and thoroughly clean the wheel speed sensor mounting surface on the bearing, apply rust inhibitor to the cleaned surface, grease the mounting surface, reinstall the wheel…
Parking brake
On certain pickup trucks equipped with manual transmissions and built with either pbr parking brake systems or trw parking brake systems, the parking brake friction linings May wear to an extent where the parking brake can become ineffective in immobilizing a parked vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will install a low-force spring clip retainer for vehicles equipped with a pbr parking brake system. On vehicles equipped with the trw parking brake system, dealers will install a redesigned parking brake cable…
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. Some of these vehicles have a clearance condition between the front right-hand brake pipe and the body cross sill that could decrease to the point of allowing contact during the life of the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the front right-hand brake pipe for wear. If there are signs of wear, this section of the brake pipe will be replaced with a new designed brake pipe section.
Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Vehicle description: extended cab 4-wheel drive pickup trucks. Some of these vehicles have a lower than specified torque on all three of the steering gear to frame attachment bolts. The bolts can loosen over time allowing the steering gear to move.
Remedy: Dealers will retorque the steering gear to frame bolts to proper specifications.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 14 possible defects involving the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado:
Steering gear/grame attaching bolts
These vehicles May have lower than specified torque on the three steering gear to frame attachment bolts.these bolts May loosen causing unresponsive steering and eventually the bolts May back out or fracture, resulting in loss of steering control
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…
Brake line corrosion failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received Defect Petition DP10-003 on March 2, 2010, requesting the investigation of model year (MY) 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 4WD pickup trucks for corrosion failures of the vehicle brake lines.DP10-003 was granted and on March 30, 2010, Preliminary Evaluation PE10-010 was opened on more than six million model year 1999 through 2003 light trucks and sport utility…
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…
Tailgate cable breakage
During the pe, odidiscovered that one or both of the tailgate support cables can break due to the effects of metal fatigue at the point where the cable flexes when the lift gate is opened and closed. Concurrently, the strength of the cable degrades over time due to corrosion of the wire strands in the support cables.when the vehicle is stationary and cargo is being loaded or unloaded, the tailgate can tip downward…
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.
Throttle sticking
There is no summary currently available
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…
Throttle sticking closed
This investigation involves the general motors corporation (GM)throttle body (tb) utilized in model year (my) 1999-2002 silverado, sierra, tahoe, suburban, avalanche and yukon (subject vehicle(s)) with 4.8l, 5.3l, and 6.0l engines. The tb valve May intermittently stick in a closed position.in such a situation, an operator May apply additional accelerator pedal force to increase engine speed.the application of…
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 Silverado owners say
Brakes all 1,003 →
Was going to work at about 3:40 pm about 15 miles from my house had stopped at 2 stop signs and 3 red lights was going down hill towards 4th stop light cars were slowing down in front of me speed limit was 45 I was slowing my vehicle at about 25mph or less lost all brakes pedal went completely to floor was not able to stop vehicle hit truck in front of me no one was injured thank god this vehicle was bought brand new buy us at shelor motor mile Chevrolet in christiansburg virginia it came with lifetime inspection by them had always been inspected by them last inspection 7 month this year last day of month never got any call of recall notice from GM or check brake line information from them I think GM should pay to have my truck brake lines replaced and be held liable for damages to my and the other persons truck this is a much more severe problem then ignition switch cutting off I think …
Brakes: since approximately 136,000 miles to present miles, the vehicle has exhibited an ABS and brake warning light intermittently on the dash. This is a known GM issue that was recalled in certain states, but not all. It stems from faulty soldering points in the ABS control module and can affect the vehicles ability to stop correctly which could result in an accident. Engine/ emissions: the passenger side exhaust manifold bolt has broken off. This is a known issue with this 5.3l engine as well as the 4.8l and 6.0l engines. GM has failed to recall in spite of having thousands of complaints. The issue can cause failed emissions and potentially engine fires. Engine: as of 164,000 miles, the engine is experiencing loud "piston slap". This is a known issue which GM addressed through redesign in later models. It leads to excessive engine wear and potential engine failure. …
Suspension all 107 →
I was driving to my home from work when I noticed an excessive knocking sound coming from the front of the truck. I pulled into my driveway looked at the front suspension and around both tires. That's when I saw that the passenger side front upper shock mount had broken free from the frame. The shock was just banging freely against the frame. The truck is 15 years old so I know its not under warranty, but that's just poor construction. The truck has been my daily driver and has never been offroad. Judging from the other complaints regarding the frame cracking and/or breaking that I've read, I'm assuming GM isn't going to do anything about it. It's just sad. Regardless, I think NHTSA should issue a recall because this is a safety concern. The excess bounce can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
While pulling into a driveway at 7 MPH consumer depressed the brakes and vehicle did not slow down and collided with another vehicle already in the driveway. No injuries were reported. Dealer examined the vehicle, and determined that left front hub was defective and needed to be replaced.
Wheels & tires all 99 →
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado equipped with cooper dean mud terrain radial sxt, size: 119/116n. While driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel started to wobble and made a loud abnormal noise under the vehicle. The contact stated that the front driver side tire blew out. An independent mechanic replaced the tire. The tires were replacement tires. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate vehicle failure mileage was 149,910 and the tire failure mileage was unknown. Ma 10/23/15
I am not sure what happened. I was driving along on a relatively straight stretch of road and the next thing I knew I was having an air-bag for brunch. The investigating officer and the insurance adjuster both said that the left front tire looked suspicious. It appeared to have blown out the sidewall and tread area.due to the restraints and vehicle design I was fortunate to not be seriously injured however I did total a fairly new vehicle when I hit a concrete culvert abutment.( dot number: not avail. Tire size: lt24575r16 )
1999 Chevrolet Silverado engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 4.8L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 4.8L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 4.8L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 17 / 15 |
| 4.8L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 16 / 15 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 16 / 14 |
| 6.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 11 / 15 / 12 |
EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado a good car?
Based on 1,660 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Silverado rates avoid: 8.9× as many complaints as a typical year of the Silverado at the same age. It is one of the Silverado years we suggest avoiding. 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?
The brakes — 1,003 complaints, 60% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the suspension (107) and wheels & tires (99).
How many recalls does the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado have?
There are 5 recalls for the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado, the most recent from March 8, 2006 (hinge and attachments). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Silverado?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2016, 2010 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 1999. See the full Chevrolet Silverado years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 Chevrolet Silverado problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 64,000 miles; 30% 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.