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 Suburban owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Our 1999 Chevrolet Suburban had an automatic transmission that began slipping from 800 miles. Every time my wife took it to the dealer they said that they could not find anything wrong with it, nor could they duplicate the problem. The slipping only happened periodically and I would have been surprised if they could have duplicated it. She was also told by the dealer that this May be something that is normal with a computerized transmission. Maybe it was just a delay. Well, on dec 27, 2004 our transmission decided to act very strange and would not shift beyond 3rd gear. We took it to the dealer and it was locked up in 3rd gear. At this point the car was a year and a half and approx 33,000 miles past warranty. The dealer needed to speak to GM about any warranty coverage since it was beyond the warranty. …
On 8/29/00 my wife was traveling north on hwy 19 between meridian and collinsville ms, at approximately 2:20 p.m. When without any signs of vehicle trouble or malfunction the vehicle suddenly and misteriously when out of control and subsequently hiting another vehicle and running off the highway and over turning and coming to rest on upside down. Thankly my wife was wearing her seatbeat which probably saved her life. According to the highway patrolman that was at the accident scene and and eyewitness the rear axle on our vehicle broke causing a sudden and total loss of control. I have sent an email to general motor corporation regarding this accident but have not heard from anyone as of yet. This was very serious accident that has the appearence of a manufactor's defect. …
At just over 100000 miles, we lost 3rd gear. This ofcourse happened in traffic going up a hill. I have read several complaints regarding the Suburban transmission. Just wanted to share the warning signs: transmission began to "slip" several days prior to the total loss of 3rd gear. In stop and go traffic situations, when shifting from 2nd to 3rd, truck seemed to slip into neutral. RPM would rev and after backing off the accelerator seemed to straighten up. However, not long after, vehicle would not shift into 3rd. With an automatic, that leaves very few options when in the middle of traffic. I had manually shift from 1st to 2nd and manually down shift. Luckily, I was not on the highway; I was able to stay below 40mph and drive in 2nd and got it home. Now we are looking for further information that May help levy the cost of fixing the problem. Looks like GM is aware and refuses to recall.
I was driving and my vehicle (1999 Chevrolet Suburban 2wd) made a loud noise and vibrated for a few seconds, my check engine light came on and my vehicle would not shift into second gear until I let off the accelerator. I took my car to an automotive shop where the hooked up a machine to see why the check engine light had come on. The machine told them it was my transmission shift silenoid. When I went to leave in my vehicle from the automotive shop it would not go into reverse. I then had to take it to a transmission shop have an expensive complete transmission overhaul on a vehicle with only 97,000 mi. I shopped around at several transmission shops and was told this was very common in Chevy/GMC Suburban's and trucks made from 1997-2000. If this is the case, why isn't GM recalling the vehicles for repairs?
1999 Chevrolet Suburban. As of 4/28/04 with only 47K miles, A/C compressor defective & dealer will not replace in spite of several attempts to repair before warranty expired, as soon as 3 months after purchase in October of 2002. Replaced brakes 3 times at our expense. Dealer (bob neill Pontiac in winston-salem, nc refused to repair under warranty), steering problems, attempted repair, again at our expense. Replaced door locks and window mechanism's at our cost. Total piece of junk. Will never buy from bob neill Pontiac in winston-salem, nc again & will never buy another GM product. Just bought entire fleet (6 trucks) from Chevy. Dealer n kernersville, nc). Waiting with baited breath for the entire lot to break down. Completely disgusted with GM.
Transmission failure in 1999 k1500 Suburban with 49600 miles while towing 18 foot lightly loaded box trailer on level ground. Towing was in accordance with instructions in owners manual to tow in overdrive. Transmission failed 150 miles after starting tow. Subsequent checking over internet and with friends has revealed many others have experienced same type failure. Chev dealer states that there is no factory service bulletin concerning transmission failures. Failure appears to be do to excessive heat build up.
Purchased vehicle from dealer on oct 25th,2003 and on December 21st, 2003 the transmission went out completely leaving me stranded on the freeway.I had to have the truck towed at $275 then repairs were $2,567.95 plus rental car fees.dealer owner refuses to contact me .also dealer promised to match my down payment of $2500 and did not do so on the contract.
The rear differential failed for the second time. Vehicle has 83000 miles. The last repair used after market parts. The parts company will not warrant claiming improper installation. Dealer claims design defect. This problem has been very frustrating. Same thing happened to my 1997 tahoe at 70K miles.
1999 Chevy Suburban transmission problems before 50,000 miles. Starter problems before 60,000 miles. Both had to be replaced. Battery corroded. Truck constantly having to be jump started. Wiring system power locks giving out when over heated.
Aparently the rear axle broke causing the vehicle to go out or control hitting another vehicle,careening off the road and rolling over coming to rest on its top. My wife the driver suffered heavy brusies,cuts and bumps.
Transmission complaints in other Suburban years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1999 Chevrolet Suburban?
NHTSA has 47 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1999 Chevrolet Suburban, 7% of the model year's 634 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (19 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Chevrolet Suburban transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 6 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.