Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 GMC Sierra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tail gate cables have failed due to rust, this is the 2nd set of cables that have failed I was loading hay on to the truck when the cables gave way I fell to the ground twisting my ankle. I have replaced the cables with the new style cables that were made due to a recall in 2003 of one year truck. The galvanized cables were used on more than the year recalled and are clearly of poor design. GM is not willing to replace them free of charge because NHTSA has not issued a recall for my year truck I put NHTSA partly at fault for this for not recalling all years using this cable.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that while having the vehicle inspected by an independent repair shop, he was informed that all of the brake lines were rusted and corroded. The brake lines were replaced by the repair shop. Approximately two years later, the vehicle was again being examined by an independent repair shop and the contact was informed that the frame was cracked due to corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 15mph, the tailgate cables broke and the tailgate fell down and struck the rear bumper. The contact purchased replacement cables from an authorized dealership and performed the repair. There is a NHTSA recall, # 06V066000, regarding the structure. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN.
Dt*: the contact stated the tailgate cables rusted through and are ready to break. The contact verbally spoke to the manufacturer. There is a NHTSA recall # 06V066000, concerning the tailgate attachments. This vehicle is having the same problem; however is not included in the recall because of the VIN. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for inspection.
Corrosion in tailgate restraint straps caused failure while sitting on tailgate to unload sewing machine.minor injury to person. No damage to sewing machine.minor damage to tailgate.looking for replacement straps.(g.m.dealer insists straps cannot be purchased seperately.purchase of complete latch assembly required at 40 dollars per side).
Was loading a Honda rincon atv into the bed of a 1999 GMC serria pickup truck,using loading ramps attached to the tailgate.tailgate cables broke while loading atv.causing tailgate to slam down on rear bumper,damaging tailgate.this is the second time cables have broken.I replaced the broken cables with OEM cables,and have old cables.
While driving at 30 MPH the consumer applied the brakes and the pedal went to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance. The dealer replaced the rotors and pads twice, however the problem recurred. The vehicle also had tailgate and engine problems. The tires were replaced due to thread cracks.
Tailgate cables have broken twice since I have purchased the truck new. GM has recall model years 200 and up. The model change for this truck was in 1999. The recall should be extended to include the 1999 model year vehicles.
Hauling fire wood and the cable on the tailgate broke. There was no damage, but if I had been hauling something large on the back with the tailgate down, I could have dropped part of a load in front of someone behind me.
I was sitting on the tailgate of my 1999 GMC Sierra when one tailgate cable broke then the other one broke the next day when I opened the tailgate.I replaced both cables with GM replacement parts at my expense .
Related recalls
Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
Certain pickup trucks have galvanized-braided-steel tailgate support cables used to support the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position. Over time these cables can corrode and fracture when loads are applied to them.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the galvanized support cables with stainless steel support cables. In addition, dealers are to inspect the tailgate hinge and replace it, if necessary.
Body complaints in other Sierra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 1999 GMC Sierra?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the body & structure of the 1999 GMC Sierra, 5% of the model year's 600 complaints. The component named most often is body › tailgate › hinge and attachments (21 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 GMC Sierra body problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 06V-066 (hinge and attachments, Mar 8, 2006). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1999 GMC Sierra body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to body & structure 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.