Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Chevrolet Suburban owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact was able to push the vehicle to the side of the road with the assistance of Police Officers. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that fuel was leaking onto the ground and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred two more times while driving. The vehicle was then towed to the independent mechanic, who replaced the fuel pump two more times. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 06E043000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was bouncing while sitting in the seats and while driving. …
Tl contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact, who is a mechanic, stated that the vehicle would crank, but not turn over. He removed the fuel tank and fuel pump assembly and noticed that the connection to the fuel assembly had melted. There was a NHTSA campaign id number 05V155000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump) for the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban. The current and failure mileages were 140,000.
In May 2004 I noticed a gasoline smell in my garage. Upon investigating it was coming from inside the gas tank guard on my 1999 Chevrolet Suburban. After removing the guard a small pinhole leak was detected in the tank. The tank had rusted through due to an inability of water, salt, and debris to be cleared from the guard because it contains no drain holes. I repaired the tank with an over the counter repair kit due to the need of the vehicle. I contacted Chevrolet but was told that since I fixed the tank myself there was nothing they could do for me. On 11/07/04 I again noticed gas fumes in the garage. Upon looking I discovered two new holes rusted through the tank. At this point I don't know what to do because I fear the tank is rusted too thin to rely on for safety reasons. …
Vehicle is a 1999 Chevrolet Suburban k2500 with GM 6.5 liter turbo-diesel engine. The vehicle stalled in interstate traffic (I-270) multiple times on October 21, 2003. I called the dealer, and was informed that the likely cause was the electronic fuel injection pump, which GM has warranted for 10 years or 120,000 miles. The dealer thereafter replaced the injection pump under warranty. While I am pleased that the part was replaced at no cost to me, I believe that this represents an unacceptable defect. GM is obviously aware that the part is defective, or it would not have agreed to replace it for free after the rest of the vehicle warranty had expired. In this case, there was no harm, but these engine are often used in trucks and large suvs that are designed for towing and hauling. For example, we purchased this vehicle to tow a horse trailer that is weighs over 5000 lbs. …
Check engine warning light would illuminate during normal vehicle operation and subsequent mechanical inspections could not detect the following impending problem. My family and I were returning from a weekend vacation in arizona on our way home. While driving through the middle of the desert just past the california/arizona state line I heard a loud "pop" and our vehicle lost power. We were towed back into needles, ca and it was determined that the fuel pump had failed. We were forced to stay the night in a local hotel as a new pump had to be installed in the gas tank. I have been informed that there have been numerous problems with Suburban fuel pumps and some recalls have resulted from this situation. I would like to know if there is an avenue I can pursue for repair compensation as this was a costly replacement. Sincerely, [redacted].
I stopped at a store, did some shopping, came back out and the truck would not start. I then called a tow truck and had it taken to a shop. The next morning I got a call from the shop that the truck started just fine. I had them run $280 worth of test to find nothing that stood out but was informed that it was probably the fuel pump. They changed the fuel filter and everything has worked since; until today. Now my truck will not start. I have read hundreds of submissions on various web sites about the failure problems of GM fuel pumps (on suburbans) and have two good friends that have already been through this. Obviously I am going to have to have it replaced, but it should be time for GM to take responsability for a poorly designed system instead of profitting off of the consumers woes.
Purchased vehicle used for family vehicle, after having it for six months and 4,000 miles the brake lines have failed. Rusted to the point of total replacement, as well as the fuel line being rusted so bad that the repair shop would not touch the brake lines without replacing fuel lines, we have six children that could have been injured or killed because of this... Please do something, it is expensive and dangerous. I see all other complaints have felt useless, why is this not being taken care of? How many people will have to go through this same problem? And if it is a known fact, why has there been no kind of announcement made publicly? I hate to think that our government would take that risk, where is the safety that we as americans are guaranteed by our leaders and offices?
It will not start!! I have to listen for the fuel pump to start circulating before I turn the ket on all the way. I have dropped the fuel tank, and replaced the fuel pump 5 times, the plug and wires on the fuel pump, the fuel relay, you name it I have fixed it at least twice. After a month or no longer than two, I'm fixing it again. This will be the 6th time unless I got some more helpful information. We have a new motor in it and new transmission too. It has 140,000 miles on it and I take very good care of it.
Dt: caller says vehicle stalled. The lights on the dashbord came on and the vehicle died. This has happened 6 times, she did not know when it will happen. It stalled at any speed and under any condition. Dealer and manufacturer have not been contacted yet. The caller said the gas gauge malfunctioned, and there was a recall on other years of model. The gas gauge would show full and go down to empty and back up to full, now it will not move at all.
Tl- the contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that the fuel pump wire failed and the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA recall campaign id number: 05V155000 (fuel system: gasoline: delivery: fuel pump). The dealer advised the contact that the fuel pump wire was an updated version. The failure mileage was not available. Kmj updated 01/25//12 updated 01/27/12
Fuel System complaints in other Suburban years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1999 Chevrolet Suburban?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1999 Chevrolet Suburban, 6% of the model year's 634 complaints. The component named most often is delivery › fuel pump (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Chevrolet Suburban fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 1999 Chevrolet Suburban, though it has 1 recall 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 Suburban fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 4 injuries to fuel & propulsion system 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.