Most common 1999 GMC Sierra 3500 problems
Share of the 19 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Sierra 3500 complaints by model year
Best Sierra 3500 years: 2012, 2014, 2013. Years to avoid: 2024, 2020, 2023, 2025, 2022. Compare all years →
1999 GMC Sierra 3500 recalls (1)
Equipment adaptive/mobility
On certain vans equipped with sure-lok wheelchair securement systems, the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly is out of alignment.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the wheelchair securement retractors as necessary. Sure-lok will handle the repairs for this campaign.
What 1999 GMC Sierra 3500 owners say
Brakes
I was driving in town closing in on an intersection as the light began to change red, two sedans were in front of me so I applied my brakes allowing plenty of time to stop when without warning the brake pedal sunk quickly to the floor and did not slow at all. I had to veer into the turn lane but could not make the turn due to speed and oncoming traffic. I cleared the intersection and had to veer into a busy parking lot ran over a stop block and continued through 2 yards and out a driveway back onto yet another road where the vehicle finally came to a stop. Both yards had people in them and it was a miracle no one was hurt. This was the most terrifying driving experience in my life. Upon inspection of the brake lines I found a tiny hole in the line crossing the engine yoke. …
Bought a 1999 GMC Sierra 3500 4door 8ft. Bed with 30000 miles on it in 2001. First brake line rusted out in 2005. Second line from front to back rusted and broke 2008. Fuel line rusted and leaked gas all over my driveway 2010. Today that same truck? Is in a repair shop because the frame by the steeringbox and passenger side front rusted and cracked. Its a shame GMC used such bad materials for their trucks. My truck now has only 97000 miles on it. If it cant be fixed safely the scrap yard is its next stop and a Ford will take its place. To bad GMC you lost another customer.
Wheels & tires
We have 4 1999 GMC 3500 series long vans used to transport students to various functions. Returning from a field trip (with children) one of the tires suffered a ply separation. The driver did an excellent job of maintaining control and the tire was changed out by our towing service. Further inspection showed another tire possibly ready to fail, and odd wear patterns. Our district in the interests of safety decided to replace all 16 tires on all 4 vans. We would like to know if there are other problems with this particular type of tire...the tires are Firestone steeltex radial r4x - lt245/75r16 load range e - dot# vn11 - 81a - 169 and dot # sp872r - d15l.
Original equipment on a 1999 Chevrolet, lt245/75r16. Tread separated from right rear tire at highway speeds. Firestone has replaced tire free of charge. Dot#v011 678 140.
Body & structure
GMC savanna & Chevy express/Sierra van side doors (60/40's ?). During service visit for defective speedometer at grossinger GMC in illinois, when vehicle was still in warranty, and doors were stiff, noisy and tough to open/close, dealership suggested "more lubrication". Lubrication was applied regularly. GMC's customer service hotline was of no help. I've since thrown out my shoulder trying to close the door. Danger: middle seat passengers have no way of escaping vehicle in the event of an accident/emergency. The hinges are defective. The doors no longer function. Hinges frozen in place and cracked all the way through. Per body shop (which the dealership referred me to), it is "a design defect, a flaw". $2,000 to repair. …
Bought a 1999 GMC Sierra 3500 4door 8ft. Bed with 30000 miles on it in 2001. First brake line rusted out in 2005. Second line from front to back rusted and broke 2008. Fuel line rusted and leaked gas all over my driveway 2010. Today that same truck? Is in a repair shop because the frame by the steeringbox and passenger side front rusted and cracked. Its a shame GMC used such bad materials for their trucks. My truck now has only 97000 miles on it. If it cant be fixed safely the scrap yard is its next stop and a Ford will take its place. To bad GMC you lost another customer.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 GMC Sierra 3500 a good car?
Based on 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Sierra 3500 rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the Sierra 3500 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 GMC Sierra 3500?
The brakes — 9 complaints, 47% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the wheels & tires (3) and body & structure (3).
How many recalls does the 1999 GMC Sierra 3500 have?
There is 1 recall for the 1999 GMC Sierra 3500, the most recent from November 26, 2004 (equipment adaptive/mobility). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the GMC Sierra 3500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012, 2014 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2024, 2020, 2023, 2025 and 2022. See the full GMC Sierra 3500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 GMC Sierra 3500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 25% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.