Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
At 33,000 miles, oct 2002 -approximately 55mph, acted like it was not in gear then the transmission fluid hot light came on. Immediately pulled off to side of road - checked transmission fluid, it checked OK and the light went off. Pulled back onto highway - it was fine. Immediately took to local dealership; they hooked it up to the computer and didn't find anything wrong. In jan 2003, upon acceleration, around 25-30mph, it acted as though it wouldn't go into 3rd & 4th gear. Same as oct 2002, but nothing registered on the truck's message center this time. And this time, the problem didn't go away. I took to another local dealer - mechanic drove vehicle and noted the problems. Still, nothing registered on the truck's message center. Mechanic even hooked up the truck to his computer and drove it while it was still failing. To his suprise, nothing registered on his computer either. …
I purchased this truck used with slightly over 26,000 miles on it with the remainder of the original 3yr/36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. Since the purchase there has been a popping and ratcheting sound coming from the rear end. The differential unit was improperly operating. Tried for 22,000 miles to get the dealer to replace the differential unit but was told several times that the unit was fine and the noise was to be expected. When the truck reached 40,000 mile the differential became completely inoperable. Just over 27,000 miles later the differential exploded destroying the entire internal axle assembly. The dealer still refuses to help. The dealer refused to fix the problem for the orignal owner and is still refusing to fix the problem. I have contacted Chevrolet customer service and they are trying to resolve this problem. …
1999 GM Silverado 71,000 miles. New ventura 246 transfers case has developed a hole. The hole caused the loss of transfer case fluid under vehicle. Dealer and GM customer service content that is not there problem or fault and will not repair under defect of material or manufacturing. Dealer has also noted with GM customer service that the hole was a "puncture" indicating abuse. Local transmission shop (goodale transmissions. Columbus ohio) indicate that this is a common problem with this transfer case. The holes are caused by a retaining spring (used to hold an internal pump? Per service shop) break and rub on the inside of the case. Safety issues cased by this failure are possible fire when fluid is deposited on the exhaust system. Loss of rear brakes due to contamination by transfer case fluid. Possible loss of vehicle control if transfer case freezes due to lack of fluid. …
Good morning, I own a 1999 Silverado, long bed, with an automatic transmission and I am having a few problems, any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated... First the ABS motor continues to run after the engine has been shut off, I had to disconnect the ABS fuse so the battery will not get drained. Second the automatic transmission is shifting hard from 1st to 2nd and from 2nd to 3rd, I am forced to shut the engine off for a couple of minutes and when I restart the engine the problem disappear, I have read your safety bulletins and GM is aware of these problems. My truck looks and acts practically like new except for the intermittent transmission problems and the ABS. I had babied my truck since I bought it, and I have owned GM products all my life and I don't think is fair for me to spend thousands of dollars for GM's manufacturing problems... Please advice... Thanks...!!!
Manual transmission locked in gear. Emerg. Brk. Cable will not adjust. ABS module has noise. Stopped by removing fuse, ABS feature not functioning. Trans failed in feb. 2003 @ 65K miles. Repair made by valencia Chevrolet in valencia calif. Cost was handled by a extended service warranty. Cost to me after a lot of heated negotiation was 85.00. The agency wanted me to authorize a new trans. And clutch. Cost: 3600.00 the emergency brake cable failed @21K miles in 2001, the ABS module failed @42K miles. In 2002. Neither brake item has been repaired. Valencia Chevrolet wants 2300.00 to repair the ABS problem, no quote to repair brake cable.
Emergency brake failed three times. The consumer contacted the manufacturer. While driving consumer tried to down shift and the vehicle would not go into gear. The brakes locked up and the anti-lock braking system did not work. The emergency brakes also failed to work causing the driver to hit a tree. The driver or passenger side air bag did deployed. The driver's seat ejected off of the floor with the driver strapped into the seat. The vehicle had caught on fire upon the side impact. Consumer has had trouble shifting threes times previously and the transmission along with the clutch had been replaced once before.
On jan. 17,2000 we were driving through norman,it was foggy, and we hit a slick spot. I over corrected and the truck spun. We hit the crub with the left rear tire and jumped the crub. It looked to be flat but when we tried to pull the truck off the crub and straighten out to put the spare wheel on it would not move or turn. We had it towed to a repair shop who looked at the damage and fixed it. We filed with the insurance because we thought it wasn't covered under warranty. We were told later that the axle should not have bent like it did to begin with.( dot number: tire size: p235/75r16 )
Parking brake has never been effective to hold vehicle, at 66000 miles the rear axle pinion bearings wore out. At 68 k000miles the ABS controller stopped working/ fuse had to be pulled to stop motor. [should there have been a recall on this part as a lot of silverados have the same problem] 73000 miles front axle housing split in two halves literally/ had to remove axle. 50000 miles battery corroded and leaked at positive terminal tailgate straps broke, luckily one first.
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.
My truck has 68000 miles on it and I am now on my third transmission. I have the 1999 lt model with the 4 speed auto. One failure was while on vacation trans failed while stuck in traffic. It would not hold pressure. Next failure was only 4 months later lost reverse and 1st gear completly car had to be towed again. Now 3rd trans is not shifting correctly something is not right in these transmissions.
Transmission complaints in other Silverado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado?
NHTSA has 97 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado, 6% of the model year's 1,660 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (46 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Chevrolet Silverado transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles, and 16% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 4 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.