Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
1999 Chevrolet Silverado which I purchased on 01-06-2001, with 25,587 miles on the odometer reading. Brake lights have quit working on 3 different occasions. Third light (cab stop light) works. Blinkers work,and back up lights work. All fuses are good. Replaced break light bulbs. First occasion, I was pulled over by the police advising me my brake lights were not working. The dealer(huffines Chevrolet stated that a switch in the steering column had to be replaced. Vehicle was under warranty but I had to pay a $250 deductible. Second occasion I had to pay $280 and vehicle was out of warranty. Third occasion, it has been only six months since last repair was made. Repair has not been made of this date 11-13-03. Still trying to find what is causing the break lights to be defective for the reason that expenses for this same problem and for the third time is unsatisfactory.
The fuel gauge sending unit failed (I go by mileage to know if I need fuel or not). Driver's side seat belt locks up when you go to look to change lanes (dealer couldn't reproduce the problem--so it's never been fixed). Passenger seat belt locks up if you just lean forward to roll down the window (was told this was a mechanism for a baby seat--didn't think car seats were supposed to be in the front seat). Right side daytime running lamp burned out a long time ago. ABS module failed (had to pull the fuse so the pump wouldn't burn up) therefore the truck no longer has ABS. Driver's side front wheel hub failed due to lack of grease in the non-consumer maintainable bearing (the whole hub had to be replaced). The water pump has already failed (replaced that). The transmission is starting to slip here & there. …
Dt*: the contact stated the brake pedal became hard to depress at 5-10 MPH. A new wheel speed sensor was installed in 2002, but the problem returned. There is a NHTSA recall, # 05V379000, regarding the antilock brakes. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however, it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. Both frnt hub sensors were defective, they were both replaced on each side. Also,replaced rear tail lamp.
Rear brake light stopped working. Replaced the fuse, and hit the stop pedal. Fuse once again burned out again. Removed rear lamps. Replaced fuse again hit brake pedal again fuse burned out again. All most hit in the rear. Third brake light does work, other light in this socket does work.
Without any indication, front end of vehicle locked up, causing consumer to lose control of vehicle. Dealer was contacted, and stated that subframe needed to be replaced. The front differential was torqued sideways and broken apart, causing the frame to have 2 breaks, this caused the front to lock up, also prior to this consumer complained of a delay between the forward and reverse, when a bump was felt when accelerating, consumer also heard a clunk noise, dealer drained and replaced the transfer case fluid twice. The engine sputters in 4 wheel low and there is a whine noise or pulley noise from the engine. The front seat arm rest fell off. The left front daytime lamp was full of water due to the assembly being improperly sealed at the factory. …
Vehicle is equipped with daytime running lamps. Headlights work off light sensor that automatically switches between day light running lights and head lights. No way to deactivate this feature. Once headlights come on with the "auto" feature, there is no way to shut them off without turning off ignition. Headlights go on/off during daytime if you are in shade of buildings or trees. Annoys other drivers who think you are "flashing" headlights at them. In addition, in some circumstances where you May need to turn off head lamps (at a boat ramp for example) to keep from bothering others, there is no way to shut off head lamps without turning off ignition.
The following have all been replaced: 5.3 l engine, catalytic converter, four oxygen sensors, 1 starter sensor, 1 crank sensor, 1 window regulator, rear air-vent assembly, 1 shaft in the front suspension, 1 headlight bracket, 1 knock sensor, 4wd switch, 1 clamp for rear window. Vehicle is 15 months old and has 32 days of in-shop service. Service engine light has come on 4 times in 14 days. On 12/4, vehicle stalled when attempting to accelerate. Engine had a spare part left in at manufacturing and was destroyed from the part flying around inside. ABS has engaged too soon in the past and vehicle could not be stopped.
I work on a military base and am required to dim headlights when passing through a guard gate. The automatic headlamps cannot be disabled. GM claims this meets all 1999 safety standard and will not fix the headlight system. I have also discovered that the year 2000 model truck can have the automatic headlights disabled on a temporary basis. While I feel this is not directly related to driver safety I think this is an important issue for all the mps, guards, police that expect not to be blinded by drivers approaching a guard gate or checkpoint. Thank you for considering this issue. Dave schultz.
Emergency brake has been adjusted 4-5 times. When applied, brake holds vehicle, but pedal goes to the floor. Also, dealer replaced brake pads. Daytime running bulb blew out after it had just been replaced. Rear window assembly was leaking, power window was slow going up. Transfer case was replaced due to a clunk noise, transaxle shaft replaced due to leaking. Front brake hose experienced an abrasion. Vehicle was leaning, dealer adjusted front torsion bar.
The 4 wheel drive switch is going bad in my truck and I really never use the switch. Has there been a recall , will Chevy take care of this problem? Also the pulley or compressor for the heating and air makes a noise when I use the air system in my truck. I own a 1999 Chevy Silverado z71, and I feel Chevy should help me out and fix these problems. Also the fog lights have never worked on the truck and daniels would not fix them for me.
Headlight complaints in other Silverado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the lights of the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado, 1% of the model year's 1,660 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Chevrolet Silverado headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights 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 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to lights 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.