Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
I have 99 Tahoe I purchased new, I know its old , but its was always a 3rd vehicle, only 188,000 miles on it, just writing to let people know the entire frame rusted out ,always garaged, brackets for shocks etc, something is wrong when these cars can last longer then this, car was in being serviced every 3,000 miles,and not once did they say there was any issues.
Excessive frame rust, which to date the vehicle only has 73,000 miles. The rust is so bad I will probably stop driving, until I can find a good frame. Large layers are coming off, and can be just crumbled. The rest of the truck is mint, the under body still looks new, the frame is ouch!, not just local areas, the whole frame structure.
I doing research I noticed another common complaint from others about something I am also experiencing. When traveling at high speeds, my steering wheel will jerk. For instance, when I am changing lanes, my steering wheel will jerk, causing the wheel to turn more than I want to. This causes a real sharp turn, and I am afraid that I will one day lose control and flip my vehicle with my children inside with me. Is there something I need to do to fix this? I also submitted a complaint about ABS failure and want to know if there is something I can do about that, also.
Dt: the contact stated there was a problem with the ABS sensors. The ABS was activating at low speeds. She took the vehicle to dealer for repairs. They replaced the ABS sensors. Also, the rotors and hubs were replaced, allowing them to access the sensors. The problem occurred again in October 2005. She was having the problem diagnosed today.
The sway bar in the front right passenger side of my 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe broke while driving the vehicle causing the right arm of the sway bar to hang by itself while the rest of the sway bar is still connected through the front and across to the left front side of the vehicle.
Ever since I purchased this auto I have been complaining about a front end problem. The auto dealer kept telling me it was nothing. Sensing it was a male/female problem I took my son in one day and they finally looked and said it was because I had "glazed brakes". The siutation did not improve after the so called fixed it. Shortly thereafter, I noticed something very funny about the tire on the front passenger side of my vehicle. I had already had the tires rotated so there would be not reason for excessive wear and bubbling on one tire only. I then took the auto a front end alignment shop. It was determined that the front end was out over 3/4" and could not be aligned without proper manufacturer adjustment of the holes. They refused. Chevy has acknowledged this problem by manufacturing the elongated hole on the 2000 model. …
Leaf springs hitting nerf bars. Previously notified don hewlett Chevrolet dealer October 13, 1998 with 11,694 miles during 12K mile checkup. During review we checked another Tahoe which also had the exact wear/damage markings on the nerf bars. Referred to covert dealership where vehicle was purchased. Vehicle in for service at covert dealership, this is one of the items to be inspected/repaired. Service manager (danny nichols) indicated the nerf bars only fit one way and no adjustment is possible. I'm concerned that continued damage caused by the nerf bars design going too far back under the vehicle allowing the leaf springs to bottom out and damage the nerf bars will create a safety hazard. Damage to nerf bars May in time cause corrosion and weak spots which May break while passengers are exiting / entering vehicle. …
This veh. Has been in the shop 7 times and problem is the same. At high speeds the front end vibrates. When you go around a curve at certin speed and hit a bump you lose control of the vehicle. This has happened twice to me . One time I lost partial control into oncoming traffic at 75mph. They have blamed the tires (although they replaced them 5 times) they have realigned the front, balanced the tires endlessly and tried everything they could think of and accomplished nothing. This is truly a dangerous to have on the road and is going to kill someone one of these days.
My Tahoe has been brought in for repairs 6 times for a knocking or crunching noise when turning stopping or going over bumps. The dealer has changed both rear springs,shackles, u-bolts and re-tourqued the front control arms, trans cross member bolts, fuel tank mounting straps and brackets to proper specs. The vehicle contiues to make this noise.
Vehicle drifted hard to the right. After repairs drifted to the left, the vehicle wandered on the road. Also, there is alot of play in the steering, more than it should be. Dealer contacted and stated the problem was a characteristic of the vehicle, and could not duplicate the problem.
Suspension complaints in other Tahoe years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the suspension of the 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe, 5% of the model year's 552 complaints. The component named most often is front (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 120,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to suspension 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.