Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
1. Power window passenger door: operates slowly and if it gets too warm will quit. After 30 seconds will continue slowly 2. Other - cd player: plays tract 1 then skips & ejects cd (laser out of line) 3. ABS system has failed - automatic brake control module has to be replaced. This is a common problem for the '99 siverado. (the local auto wrecker won't even sell a used one unless there are less than 40000 km. This should say something!) I feel this should be a recall
Anti lock brakes; when going slower the anti lock brakes engage themselves. Was never repaired. Main brakes, both front and rear were replaced ( pads and rotors) after an unusually short amount of time. Left door glass was inoperative. Tech replaced broken door glass regulator.
My driver's side seatbelt consistently gets stuck and won't come out. Also both my front windows are broken. The mechanism that moves them up and down has broken and they now fall down into the door as a result. There was no accident or incident of any kind to initiate these problems.
Windshield wipers worked intermittently during inclement conditions. Dealer was contacted. Dealer informed consumer that the vehicle was not covered under that recall. The consumer stated that both the 1997 Chevrolet and the 1999 tahoe had problems with wipers.
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. …
Gas pedal sticks if foot is removed for any reason, be it coasting into a turn, starting out from a stop. Speed of vehicle does not matter. When the foot pedal engages there is sudden excelleration, cause passengers head to wipe forward. On icy conditions this has become a danger in itself. At the gas station inching up to pump it has locked up and lunged forward almosting hitting a vehicle in front. I have notifed the dealership. I have also spoke to three other people who have this same, year, make and model and all say they have the same problem. Two of them have had repairs done on the gas pedal. Window on driver side (electric) was being rolled up half way up window cable broke and window slammed down inside door. Both passenger and drivers doors seem loose when rolled down as you can hear them rattleing inside. …
Vibration in drivetrain at speeds less than 45mph. Engine only runs 1,000-1,100 RPM's at speeds less than 45mph. Transmission shifts into 3rd at approx. 20mph and 4th at approx. 30mph. Engine feels like it is struggling at speeds less than 50mph. Two different dealerships stated there was a problem, but said that everything was electronic and nothing could be adjusted. A/C is not cooling sufficiently. It only cools on full cool with re-circulation and fan on high. Even then, air coming directly from center vent does not get below 48 degrees. I tested two other vehicles and both blew 40 and 42 degrees from center vent. Two different dealerships admitted there was a problem, but stated there was no fix. Driver-side outside mirror vibrates. Dealer replaced twice and both manufacurer and dealer refuse to replace again. …
Initial air leak occurred approximately 1 month after delivery, the window was replaced, and has been replaced 5 other times including next service appointment, in sept. Or oct. Of this year a thumping sensation was felt through the steering wheel, after one attempt to service, dealer was unable to reproduce problem, I requested appointment with service advisor in which problem was noticed. I was told it was a lower control arm bushing and that was occurring with the 99 Silverado frequently. With that said the service advisor at parks Chevrolet in beaufort, sc [phone] stated that both the window would be repaired at the same time the front was repaired; he would order the parts; I have received no calls from the dealer.
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.
ABS light came on while driving also, when engine was shut off fan kept going. Dealer replaced ABS motor. The rear window on passenger side leaks water. Driver side window rattles when closing door. Driver door squeaks when opening and closing. The front seat belt locks up. The front end was leaking due to front differential vent failure. Wiper blades failed. Driver?s seat would not move due to seat adjuster failure. The ABS light came on because the ABS motor was defective. Transmission was leaking. The battery was leaking and was replaced. The coolant light came on due to a leaking water pump.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Silverado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado?
NHTSA has 43 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado, 3% of the model year's 1,660 complaints. The component named most often is power window devices and controls (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Chevrolet Silverado window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 92,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 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.