Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Chevrolet Silverado owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
The gas pedal sticks. I have to clean my throttle body out with cleaner about every 1000 miles. Even after a cleaning it still sticks a little. This is a safety concern, because I have to use more pressure on the gas pedel, then it unsticks and the truck lurches foword with no control.
I have a 1999 Chevy Silverado that has been diagnosed with piston slap. This all started shortly after I purchased the vehicle in 1999. However, the dealer refused to fix it, stating that it is normal noise. (normal? Then why didn't the engine make this noise when I first drove it off the lot)? I continued asking the dealer about the noise but they continued to say that it was normal noise. Finally, I took the vehicle to another GM dealer on April, 2004. The vehicle had 48,799 miles. I asked the mechanic and service representative to listen to the engine, both determined the noise was not normal, and needed repaired. They performed numerous engine repairs that seemed, at that time, to make the noise go away. In June, 2004, the vehicle now had 49,023 miles, the noise had returned, and the GM dealer again stated the noise was not normal. …
I have a loud ticing noise coming from the left rear of the engine. While I was pulling my 5th wheel the noise kept getting louder and louder and had loss of power. By the time we got to the camp ground it sounded like I had lost my mufler. We took it to muffler man of ludington and they discovered that 4 exhaust manifold bolts had sheared off, 2 on left year and 2 on right rear of both manifolds. They took the manifolds off and replaced all the bolts with new ones except for the very left rear was sheared off flush and could not get a drill in to drill out and tap. In order for them to get this out they would have to pull the head which would have cost $1000.00. They put it back together and the tic was gone. This only cost me 6 hours of vacation with my family and $200.00. The tic has returned.
Dt: the contact's husband vehicle stalled without warning while being driven. There were no warning lights to indicate any problem. The vehicle was towed. It was taken to the dealer for service, where they added insulation to an air conditioning line and replaced the distributor cap. The vehicle was repaired. Updated 1/19/2006 - the second time the vehicle stalled the dealer advise the consumer to remove the distributor cap and remove the corrosion from the cap and rotor. The vehicle was able to be restarted and was taken to the dealer for service.
Started my truck one day and heard a noise I haven't heard before. Looked under hood to see where it was coming from and noticed noise was coming from the exhaust manifold. The bolts have broken off leaving the manifold leaking exhaust fumes. Came to find out that this is a common but very dangerous problem on Chevy trucks. Many Chevy vehicles have this issue and if not corrected could lead to more engine troubles or worse yet a fire.so now my vehicle is a safety hazard! Chevy should recall this safety hazard, which could become dangerous.
The transmission was serviced more than four times while under warranty for the vehicle revving and sticking in gear. The vehicle has been maintained as it should have been. The manufacture offered no help. The engine had come on, the fuel gauge did not read correctly, transmission slipped, the c control would not engage and a green and white wire at the pin circuit was loose, and the sensor in the washer jug was bad.
Around 40,000 miles the engine began ticking and tapping after start-up when the rngine is cold. Now its happening all the time when you start it up. I heard from other owners its called (piston slap). I took ithe vehicle to the dealer and they said they had quite a few complaints about this and said the manufacture is working on the problem. Does'nt look like anything will be done about it!!!! Please help?
Throttle linkage sticks, ongoing problem, itermittently, mostly sticks from idle, but recently did not return to idle, had to reaccelerate and then it returned. Mechanic contacted Chevrolet dealer and was told it is a problem in around 50% of the throttle bodies in this type of vehicle. Refused to provide correction for problem and stated that it is a major problem.(not dealer where purchased)
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that the exhaust manifold studs detached from the cylinder head causing exhaust fumes to leak from the engine. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Engine complaints in other Silverado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado?
NHTSA has 63 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado, 4% of the model year's 1,660 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (27 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Chevrolet Silverado engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado, though it has 5 recalls for other components. 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.