Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 GMC Suburban owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 1999 GMC Suburban. While driving 1-5 MPH, the ABS activated without cause or warning when the brake pedal was depressed. As a result, the stopping distance increased. On another occasion, while driving 2 MPH, the contact's wife depressed the brake pedal and the ABS activated without warning and crashed into another vehicle. As of December 17, 2007, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 05V379000 (service brakes, hydraulic: antilock). The failure mileage was 92,500 and current mileage was 93,000. Updated 03/14/08. There was damage to either vehicle, no information was exchanged.
We own a 1999 GMC Suburban . We are the original owners of this vehicle which has never (til this time) been in a crash. On perfectly dry pavement, the brakes malfunction while coming to a stop. It sounds and feel like the antilock brakes are pulsating and greatly reduces my braking capability which is extremely dangerous. This occurs while coming to a stop from a speed of approximately 5-10 MPH. I respectfully request that an immediate repair be performed and be paid for by GM as quickly as possible. Kindly contact me as soon as possible as we transport our children and other adults on many occasions. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
While traveling at low speed in a parking lot vehicle failed to stop as brake pedal was low and ABS pump came on. Vehicle came to a stop into a pile of construction concrete debris. Vehicle was presented to a GMC dealer on November 3 2005 and dealer refused to perform safety recall or contact GMC to consider vehicle for repair. Dealer claimed vehicle VIN not in range for assistance. Owner regained possession on November 3 2005 and filed complaint
While attempting to stop in a business parking lot, brake pedal unexpectedly went to floor, vehicle ran over curb/stop, damaging suspension. Cause of incident was determined to be a ruptured metal brake line, caused by severe corrosion. A second line was found to have small pin hole, which had not yet ruptured, but could have failed at anytime.
1999 GMC Suburban ABS brakes fail to stop vehicle at slow speeds and when on inclines leading to a stop sign or traffic signal. As a result an accident occurred. Nothing was done because my mechanic said that the brakes are good and there was nothing wrong with them.
Repeated total brake failure when quickly and forcefully applying brakes. Brakes pull or lead when hot. One accident, four brake failures, constant brake pulling. Vehicle taken to dealer five times and they only adjust the brakes.
While driving at low speeds or coming to stop the ABS seems to engage and cause erratic stopping and even hard stopping at times. The brake pedal kicks back and is hard to press down and stopping is very difficult.
Vehicle was moving on the interstate while at 65 MPH on cruise control. The automatic gear shift column was struck by the passenger and the transmission was sent into reverse. This action caused the brakes to lockup and the control mechanical lock on the wheel column was locked into a right hand turn with no way to control the vehicle. The vehilce started to skid out of control and then proceeded to roll over three times. All occupants were in saftey belts except my daughter who was int the back seat asleep. The vehicle was totally destroyed. It took resecue crews to remove myself the driver and daughter who was trapped in the back. We were transported via ambulance to a local hospital. All five passengers were released with only minor bruises and cuts. …
Repeated excessive wear on front brake pads and now on rear brake drums. We are very conservative drivers and typically get 80-100,000 miles on a set of brakes. This is our second set of front pads. We do tow heavy loads. The Suburban is equipped with a heavy duty towing package . It has already had the steering gear box replaced by the dealer. The front pads have been replaced once and the rear brakes have been adjusted, also the master cylinder has been replaced by the dealer. The brakes just do not seem of sufficient capacity to stop a vehicle of this mass towing load. We've owned Suburban's since 1973 so we do feel we have a degree of experience in this area. Finally when the vehicle is driven at highway speeds and a bump is hit, the entire electrical system shorts out for approximately 1/6-1/5 of a second causing everything to go dark. I suspect an exposure in a wiring harness. …
We became aware of a recall on Chevy and GMC SUV's in August. We were having trouble with our brakes and just assumed it was time to have them looked at. In the following days, the problem got worse. We were unable to stop when necessary. It was as if I slowed down to stop, the ABS brakes would thump and the car would continue to go forward. Our trustworthy mechanic new of the recall and also assumed our car was involved. It was the same exact problem that was reported in the news and on the internet. However, when I contacted GMC, they said our car was not affected. That is absolutely wrong. They told me that in some cases they make exceptions, but we would not qualify. Their reasons were ridiculous and insulting , in addition to the fact that the people I spoke to were very rude. I did not make up the problem. It existed , we fixed it , and they need to reimburse us. …
Brake complaints in other Suburban years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1999 GMC Suburban?
NHTSA has 123 complaints about the brakes of the 1999 GMC Suburban, 43% of the model year's 285 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (91 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 GMC Suburban brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1999 GMC Suburban, 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 GMC Suburban brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 86,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 14 crashes, 0 fires and 10 injuries to brakes 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.