Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The SUV does not stop and the ABS activates when coming to a stop (approximately 5 MPH). I noticed there is GM recall no. 05068 but my model is not included. That is strange because all of the SUV and pickup trucks around that time are included, my model is not. ABS light sometimes is on and sometimes not during these episodes. This safety issue happens periodically over many years with this vehicle.
Brake lines rusted through front passenger side causing minor accident dec 2015 separate incident:: high-pressure fuel line rusted through causing fuel to spray around the front of gas tank area unnoticed for 2 trips. Thankfully no fire resulted.
While traveling at very slow speeds, I have noticed that the vehicle takes longer than usual to stop. When I apply the brakes the vehicle will continue to move before coming to a complete stop. Brakes are in good condition, brake fluid is at the right level and it is not leaking any brkae fluid at all. The vehicle takes longer to stop and could cause an accident if not inspected by manufacturer. Request a one time inspection on barake system on this model and any other model that uses the same brake/parts for braking systems. There is a NHTSA recall # 05V379000 pertaining to the hydraulic antilock brakes, howver some VIN#s are not included in this recall even though my vehicle is experiencing the same symptoms and seem to get worse.
Model 1999 Chevrolet Suburban 1500lt bought new in 2000. When attempting to brake at low speeds (< 10 MPH) the ABS system kicks in, the brakes pulsate heavily, but the vehicle keeps rolling for a few feet, depending on the moving speed at the time the brakes are applied. This has recently LED to an accident whereby the vehicle slid into my garage door, luckily causing minimal damage to both car and garage door. The current mileage on the vehicle is 39,900 miles. I have found a recall, but this recall only applies to the 2000 model year Suburban., whereas the symptoms are exactly the same in my vehicle.
Driving on interstate and was slowing down to exit onto off-ramp. Brakes went to floor. Was able to coast and use emergency brake to stop vehicle. After getting the vehicle home, found the right back metal brake line was leaking with a hole in it and was rusted. Never had a brake line rust and go bad in 60 years. I saw there is a investigation with the Chevy brake lines corroding.
July 21, 2010 my 1999 Chevrolet Suburban's brakes failed under normal usage at a traffic light, resulting in extreme loss of brake effectiveness. It was safely parked without injury or accident. A brake line failed draining the brake fluid. The rest of the braking system has been maintained and was in working order. The burst failure of the hydraulic brake tubing was due to corrosion. The vehicle has 201,400 miles, mostly in the louisville area, which is not an aggressive corrosion environment. I had it towed to a Chevrolet dealer. After inspection, the service manager recommended all brake lines be replaced due to corrosion, not just the one that failed. The tow and repair cost $1105. I have documentation and failed parts. This unacceptable safety failure is design - manufacturing related and should be recalled; the repair costs should covered by Chevrolet. …
I was turning left into a parking lot in dry weather and the anti-lock brakes kicked in when they should not have. I complained about this previously, but was not aware that this should not have happened and my complaint stated that they did not work properly when they came on almost causing a wreck. This has happened several times since, most recently yesterday. I was trying to stop at 8 MPH, the ABS came on, they pulled my vehicle to the left, and I have 106,870 miles on her now. My brake pedals is going lower to the floorboard each year and I have been told that this is normal and it cannot be adjusted! My master cylinder is not leaking, nor is my brake fluid at this time. I have had my front calipers replaced twice! I maintain my vehicle and have a lot of money put in my black beauty, with repair records to show for it. …
Was preparing 1999 Chevrolet Suburban k1500 for trip. Drove approximately 5 miles before the brake pedal felt spongy, then went to the floor. Drove home slowly. When parked, the brake warning light came on. Looked under car and found brake fluid leaking from rear driver side metal brake line. Fluid in brake reservoir front compartment almost empty. Appears metal brake line cracked and leaked near manifold above axle. The brake warning light never came on until stopped. I could only tell there was a problem by brake feel and then pedal moving to floor. I have not corrected the problem yet but will most likely replace all metal brake lines. I have never had this happen on any vehicle I have driven. Could have been catastrophic if vehicle had been on the highway and needed to stop suddenly. Could have been stranded on family vacation. …
I started up my 1999 Chevy Suburban in my driveway this afternoon and the brake pedal went to the floor. I opened the hood and noticed brake fluid splattered all over the area below the master cylinder and all over the ground. I discovered that the line to the left front wheel rusted to the point of failure. I checked the other brake lines and they are badly corroded. This truck has never left me stranded in 13 years. I do not want to see it go, but this May be the end. Also, a little over 1 year ago, I sold my 2005 tahoe to a man who told me he had a 1999 tahoe. He was buying my tahoe because the brakes lines on his had corroded and ruptured. He was careful to climb all around and under my tahoe to check for brake line corrosion before buying. I just researched this problem, and it appears to be common. Many of these trucks are still on the road. …
Anti-lock braking system on 1999 Chevrolet Suburban 1500. This vehicle has the exact same symptoms as the recall of pe-05020 and 05V379000. Low speed activation of the anti lock ABS. General motors states"the vehicle in question is not on the recall, it was manufactured in Mexico". Correction to the reported recall on 2000 to 2002 models is for the "dealer" to clean apply anti rust and then grease to the hub and reluctor. The recall and correction however does not apply to the 1999 chrevolet Suburban even thought the vehicle is used in the "salt belt". Low speed activation can and May lead to increased stopping distance and a crash. The dealers refuse to correct teh porblem due to the 1999 Chevrolet Suburban is no on recall. The vehicle has exact same problems as the 200 to 2002.
Brake complaints in other Suburban 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1999 Chevrolet Suburban 1500?
NHTSA has 50 complaints about the brakes of the 1999 Chevrolet Suburban 1500, 68% of the model year's 74 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (22 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1999 Chevrolet Suburban 1500. 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 Suburban 1500 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 2% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to brakes 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.