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 GMC Sierra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt: at slow speeds there is a clanking sound in the brakes, and can be felt in the brake pedal on the consumer's foot. This has been a problem since 2002. The vehicle has been in the repair shop 3 times for the same problem. The first time, the vehicle was involved in an accident in the parking lot. The owner was driving 5 MPH or less and had no brake control, and the pedal was working against the driver. The owner took the vehicle back to the shop 2 more times for the same problem. GM, the manufacturer came and inspected the truck. GM would not allow the truck to be fixed by the dealership until they inspected it. The dealerships report stated that they replaced the right front hub bearing after testing and the found bearing caused unwanted ABS operation during slow speeds. There were no injuries in the crash.
Brake fluid leaking all over bottom of truck spraying out I took to a mechanic and had 1000 dollar brake line job done got truck back and ABS brakes worked like manual brakes had a sensor and 2 ball joints replaced im being ripped of from a GMC loyal customer I was I guess back to Ford or Toyota for my next new trucks I had warranty issues you cheap [redacted] wouldnt pay for a waterpump that was leaking only a 7 dollar gasket also had a transmission on my work van repair and then replaced after a month of run around.
Consumer states: anti-lock brake system, when applying it makes weird noise, and has to push brakes to the floor. Had to do 4 times, was under 5 MPH and pedal kicked back, and it grabbed. Just got ABS serviced and new fuse put in. Had to take out fuse for the brakes to work properly. Could hear whinnying noise before taking out the fuse, and light came on at the same time. Dealer hooked up vehicle to diagnostic machine, replaced right front hub and bearing assembly, and still having the same problem.
Odd noise from vehicle. Stopped and noticed the center of the vehicle was low (box and back of cab were in contact at the top and separated by several inches at the bottom. Looked at frame and saw that right side of frame was rusted and is cracked almost all the way through, allowing frame to sag and presenting the danger of frame separation which would cause an accident.
Structural cross member between frame rails just above rear wheels rusted away leaving rt rear shock unattached.....further investigation this week by body shop will determine amounts of rust to left side and possible danger by unsupported gas tank?
I have experienced excessive wearing of the front brakes, which has resulted in the rotors being replaced first, then the pads replaced 2 weeks later, and upon replacing the pads the new rotors required resurfacing. Since then after driving approx 5K miles, I was told that the new pads are appox 40% worn. I required the right front balljoint to be replaced when the rotors were done. When applying the brakes & hitting a bump in the road, the brake pedal goes down to the floor and has a complete lose of braking. It failed the annual inspection, due to a leaking donnut gasket. The tailgate squeaks & rattles, and appears out of alignment. The front driver's door creaks requiring repeated greasing. There appears to be excessive wearing in the front end and braking system, as well as excessive creaking & noise from the rear area of the truck, tailgate, and driver's door. …
On multiple occasions the truck after traveling 6 to 10 miles at 70+ miles per hour would start to violently shake and it would not stop until you came to a complete stop. It started out doing it once a week. But got progressively worse until it was doing it every day. It has been to the dealer on 8/5/99, then again the week of 8/23 through 8/27/99, and returned again 9/14/99. They called me back, and they could not get it to duplicate the problem. I returned to the dealer on 9/16/99 and took the service manager for a ride. Just like before after traveling 7 miles at 72 miles per hour the truck began to violently shake with him being the third witness besides myself. The truck is still at the dealership as of 10/19/99 and I think it needs to be filed as a lemon under the nc general statute 20-351, so that no one else ends up with it or gets hurt or killed in an accident.
On multiple occasions the truck after traveling 6 to 10 miles at 70+ miles per hour would start to violently shake and it would not stop until you came to a complete stop. It started out doing it once a week but got progressively worse until it was doing it every day. It has been to the dealer on 8/5/99, then again the week of 8/23 through 8/27/99, and returned again 9/14/99, they called me back they could not get it to duplicate the problem. I returned to the dealer on 9/16/99 and took the service manager for a ride and just like before after traveling 7 miles at 72 miles per hour the truck began to violently shake with him being the third witness besides myself. The truck is still at the dealership as of 10/27/99 and I think it needs to be filed as a lemon under the nc general statute 20-351, so that no one else ends up with it or gets hurt or killed in an accident.
After service department replaced several components in the front end of my 1999 GMC Sierra sle xcab 2wd short box it now pulls to the left on flat highway where as it pulled to the right before the parts where installed. If there is ruts from wear in the highway then it will maintain or track them. I explained to the service manager that a 300 pound person will pull the front end alignment approximately 1 degree so it has to be right on and he said it was. Well it still pulls to the left after they replaced all the parts in the front end on there bullentin for the vibration problem. The service manager tells me there is nothing more they can do for me.( dot number: m63d tire size: p235/75r16 )
ABS brakes fail when you apply brakes when there is a bump in the road. I have had 14 failures in 2095 miles. The brake pedal drops down slightly and becomes solid, you can not push down anymore and the vehicle glides to a slow stop. It will not stop in an emergency in this case. The problem seems to be in the suspension and the ABS brakes. The vehicle vibrates and does not recover fast when you go over a slight bump in the road. At highway speed the whole vehicle and steering wheel vibrates. The plastic hub nuts always come loose when driving.
Suspension complaints in other Sierra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1999 GMC Sierra?
NHTSA has 39 complaints about the suspension of the 1999 GMC Sierra, 7% of the model year's 600 complaints. The component named most often is front (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 GMC Sierra suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 1999 GMC Sierra, though it has 5 recalls 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 GMC Sierra suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.