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 Tahoe owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving with my family in the car and without warning, the car stopped moving. In the middle of an intersection it was as if it was in neutral. This was terrifying, then all of a sudden it felt like I was hit from behind and the car popped into gear and shot forward. I now have no reverse and unsure which gears might work, as I immediately got it home. I am a disabled veteran on a limited income and no am facing possibly huge expenses for transmission repairs that I now have read have been complaints on my car for years! I can't understand how GM/Chevrolet doesn't see transmission issues as a safety problem. This transmission has had way too many complaints. Having no warning and the inability to be able to move the car in an intersection could have been catastrophic!! Alos when calling a local dealership they should be better informed about any TSB's as to inform consumers. …
When driving to work in the morning I came to a stop light a couple of blocks from my house and when I came to a stop the 99 Tahoe lurched forward a couple of times and then stopped. I had to hold the brake down hard to keep from hitting the car in front of me. After that light the automoble worked fine. After work the same thing happened on the way home. This happens every morning and afternoon or when the car sits for a long period of time. The dealer had a hard time finding the problem but what he came up with was that the wiring harness inside the transmission had shorted out causeing the PCM modual to burn up. They didn't seem to think it was a safty hazard. The car is in the dealer now getting the wire harness and the PCM modual replaced and reprogramed. I cannot find any recall notices for this problem. …
The consumer complained about six month ago about problems with the transmission. The dealer replaced the torque converter, six month later, the transmission failed while driving 40 MPH. The dealer rebuilt the automatic transmissions at the owner expense. The transmission was completely rebuilt and had been serviced prior to purchase which included a transmission flush. The vehicle leaked fluid, found front pump leaking due to the bearing failure(both were removed and replaced), when the vehicle would get warm, a loud rattling noise would be heard, the A/C would get warm, the fan would stop blowing(fond terminal burnt/wiring repaired), the transmission slipped upon acceleration(found the input carrier bearing coming apart and metal throughout/the transmission was completely reconditioned).
This is the second time I have had to repair my transmission in my '99 Tahoe. The first incident left me stranded at 50K miles. Lucky I had and extended warranty. The repair shop had to do a full analysis to determine the failure which had something to do with a weak ringreverse gear? This time it appears the same problem has occurred again, only now I have 170K miles. I would have expected the engine to go first. The repair shop said something similar has happened this time as well.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 5 MPH slowing down to a stop, the antilock brakes engaged without warning. This occurred on a normal road during normal braking. The dealership and manufacturer were notified however no repairs were made. Updated 3/17/2006 - the consumer's vehicle was not included int he ABS recall. The consumer heard a squeaking noise in the driveline. The dealer replaced the rear universal joint in the driveshaft.
Just driving down the highway and car just stopped going after several attempts I got the vehicle to go into gear and drove to dealer the vehicle was working fine and the was no indication of pending transmission failure. Have to put in new transmission this is the second one in this vehicle that has 119,900 on it.
Windshield wipers, junk, transmission junk,transfer case junk and rear end junk. Had the exact same problems with 1997 4x4 suburban, know many people having same problems now. There should be some type of recall or service bulletin. These problems have existed for years. May start buying foreign at least they stand by what they build. Must we wait until people are injured.
Fuel leaks from the central port injections into the onboard computer. As a result, the vehicle becomes inoperative. A recall was issued. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. The PCM was replaced. A misfired in the 3 cylinders and 3 injector were replaced.
Transfer case for the 4x4. This was the most expensive item to repair. GM needs to get a grip on all problems wrong with this Tahoe. Grinding noise when engaging the 4x4 you thought the bottom of the SUV was to drop out. Also the knocking in the axle when you start from a stop.
Transmission on 1999 Chevy Tahoe I took to elliott Chevrolet 3 days after I purchased it. Was told that their was not a recall but I was informed by an employee that there was on some part and it was covered. I could not get the dealer to cover this.
Transmission complaints in other Tahoe years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe?
NHTSA has 45 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe, 8% of the model year's 552 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.