Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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 at 40 MPH, the consumer smelled smoke and noticed smoke was coming from the left door the panel,the consumer pulled over and heavy smoke entered the vehicle. As a result, the door panel melted. The consumer indicated there was a recall regarding the same problem, NHTSA recall 03V093000, pickup trucks May develop a short circuit in the electric outside rearview mirror switch. Please provide further information.
Dt: the contact stated while driving the driver's side door developed a short circuit in the electric rearview mirror switch and caught on fire. He was able to put the fire out with the water hose. The manufacturer sent an inspector to estimate the damage, and the vehicle was repaired. Updated 1/11/2006 - recall 03V093000 was initiated but it only covered the 1997 and 1998 models.
I have a 1999 (manufactured April 1998) Chevrolet Tahoe. Was returning home with family in middle of thunderstorm, when windshield wipers totally stopped working. Had a heck of a time making it home safely. Immediately took Tahoe to dealer, where after mis-diagnosis of problem, was finally resolved with replacement of $400 wiper motor. I know that there was a recall of 97 models and this was manufactured in April of 1998. Could there be a link? Chevrolet/GM has stated in no uncertain terms, they will not fix this under a safety issue, and I am on my own. Not only is this the 1st vehicle I've ever had a wiper motor go bad, but that coupled with the recalls of the prior year's ??? That's my complaint.
Intermittently when the windshield wipers are engaged the motor buzzes but the wipers don't engage. A service rep,.told the consumer to bang on the casing when this occurs. The truck's VIN # is not included in the windshield wiper recall 03V159000... If GM knows ther eis a problem with this wiper motor and has recalled certain vins. I see no reason why my VIN shouldn't be considered- aproblem-is a problem-since this model was on early 1999-purchased in May of 1998. Is it possible it has parts that were recalled on other vehicles earlier models. I do not feel I should have to pay on other vehicles, earlier models? I do not feel I should hav eto pay for a known problem tha tis a factory recall.
Windshield wipers are erratic in operating. Sometimes they will not work at all , or start and stop on their own. Intermittent operation is almost non-exisistant. You have to either tap on the motor under the hood or pull on the arms to get them to work.sometimes you have to wait for the rain to stop so you can continue to drive. This has been an ongoing problem for months and I have called several dealers in my area with my only option was to pay for the repairs. I have since talked to a lot of other owners that have the same problem.
Wipers often fail when in use. They will run stop,run stop. They stop in the middle of the windshield,stop at the bottom of the windshield,stop anywhere. While driving in a rainstorm this is quite dangerous,you are unable to see. I owned a 1997 Chevrolet suburban that did the same thing,recall was issued. Why no recall on my Tahoe. I am sure it is the same problem. Do I need to be involved in a traffic accident first?
Drove into rainstorm. Turned on wipers. After two sweeps, they quit, but motor continued to run. Pulled into service station. Attendant raised hood, jiggled the wiper wiring harness. Wipers worked; then quit. Repeated jiggle; wipers worked until I reached home. Checked with local Chevrolet dealer. No recall listed, but service agent said she was familiar with problem and had seen it on several other chevrolets.
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.
Windshield wipers failed while driving in moderate rain resulting in near zero visibility through the windshield. Symptoms are exactly as described in NHTSA campaign #03V159000. Vehicle affected is a 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet customer service representatives say this vehicle is not affected by the recall issued for 94 through 96 model vehicles.
Faulty windshield wiper motor failure on 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe (not covered in GM recall #98043). Problem has persisted over 6 months during intense rainy season in central florida. I commute between 2 military bases macdill afb in tampa, and patrick afb in cocoa beach where wife and daughter are stationed.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Tahoe years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe, 6% of the model year's 552 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer › motor (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 1 injury to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.