Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Continuously having to fill with coolant due to leak. No leak from hoses etc. The problem comes from a defect in heads that are produced by castech. Went on line to research this and found numerous complaints about this and GM/Chevrolet will not fix. Extended warranty companies will not fix because it is a defective part. Dealerships will not talk about it but if you talk to an mechanic at a dealership and describe the problem they are quick to tell you exactly what it is and that it is a defect. The coolant seeps through the poorly manufactured castech heads. Called some of the local mechanics and they are saying the same thing-defective part. Now like I said I have checked on line and hundreds or more people are having this problem and are having to have the heads replaced and engines at out of pocket. …
Suspected defective ignition switch and/or ignition switch passlock security on or about jan 17 2014 I was traveling about 30 MPH when the engine stalled with loss of power steering and brakes. I was able to stop without incident. After 10-15 minutes I was able to restart the vehicle and drive as normal. For several years after driving the ignition key was warm or hot when removed from the switch. In early 2013 the engine would occasionally stall immediately after starting but would restart after waiting 5 to 10 minutes. On jan 14 when at a gas station the engine stalled but I was able to move the car to the curb. After 10-15 minutes I was able to restart and drive normal. * passlock ignition security feature is widely reported to be a cause of these symptoms.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving the ABS activated, causing the contact' to lose control of the vehicle. The contact applied pressure to the brakes twice before the vehicle stopped. After the first incident there was extended stopping distance at low speeds. The dealership determined there was corrosion on the ABS sensors. The ABS sensors were cleaned in December of 2004. The ABS problem recurred, and outdoor temperatures decreased. The serpentine belt was replaced. Updated 01/19/06.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated the engine failed while driving 5 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the engine but shortly after, the replacement engine also failed. The manufacturer was not contacted to report the failure. The failure mileage was 141,000. Updated 5/9/11 the consumer stated the engine has been replaced four times. Updated 05/18/11.
350 cid engine threw rod at 69,000 miles. Replaced with new mr goodwrench engine. New engine stops mysteriously on highway after about 300 miles. Restarts easily before it coasts to a stop. One time it had to sit nearly half an hour before restarting. Dealer cannot fix the problem.
The consumer was unable to roll up the rear powered windows. The engine warning light also illuminated while vehicle was being operated. The cause was not determined. Please provide more information.
My husband and I were in route one evening when the check engine light came on. Following the manual's instructions: check the coolant gages, it had a reading of nearly 260. We pulled over at the next exit, into the parking lot of a gas station. We checked the coolant recovery tank, it was empty. Inspected the engine fan, it was operating normally. Waited 1 1/2 hrs to let engine cool down. Removed radiator cap. Radiator was dry. I asked the gas station for the recommended brand 'dex-cool'. Fortunately, they didn't carry that brand. (the reports I've read today, indicate brand dex-cool coolant is the #1 cause in gasket corrosions, it eats plastic. Added a 50/50 coolant and arrived home without further incident. The following morning I took my vehicle to a reputable mechanic. …
I brought my 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe to alexandria Buick-Pontiac-GMC in alexandria, virginia on December 14, 2005 because the ABS light kept coming on in the dashboard. Mechanic diagnosis was speed sensors were missing. He replaced the hub assemblies and speed sensors. Total repair was $1064.54. I then found out that a recall on the problem I had just repaired was going on in the "rust belt" states and Canada. The recall was for the whole northeast part of the country down to and including washington dc. I work in washington and live about 5 miles from the city. I wrote the GM claims department with copies of every receipt and a copy of the recall letter. …
The heater hose is attached at the intake manifold with a quick-connect fitting that is made of pot metal. When this fails (and it is inevitable due to the type of metal used) the engine loses all coolant and leaves you stranded. There is no "quick repair" for this failure. Older engines had a connector into the intake manifold made of steel or brass which was more reliable and usually did not break off flush with the manifold. Nlm
Engine just stops running without warning or symptoms as if the key were turned off. Starts again without problem.. No warning lights on dash except battery symbol at time of stall. Could be fatal if passing on 2 lane.. Extremely dangerous on freeway. Countless hours trying to locate problem to no avail... I traded the car. Unsafe to drive.. Worried it will be sold without being fixed.
Engine complaints in other Tahoe years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe, 5% of the model year's 552 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe, 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 Tahoe engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 106,000 miles, and 17% 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.