Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
You'll be driving down the road the brakes will be working just fine then they'll just all sudden go out and then it backfires and blows it blows up a big cloud of fire out of the motor and that's the GMC 1999 Suburban four-wheel drive 7.4 l
Vehicle engine will intermittently stall or cut out at highway speeds. This condition occurs approximately once or twice a month under varied driving conditions. The vehicle will restart immediately after stalling. Several times when this has occurred, the service engine light will come on, but it will turn off after 20-30 miles of driving. This has been occurring for over a year now, I have taken the vehicle to three GM dealerships, and they claim they cannot replicate the problem. They have replaced the fuel pump at my expense, and the catalytic converter under warranty. I have also taken the vehicle to two independent shops for the same problem and they have also not been able to replicate the problem or offer a solution, other than replacing the basic components (spark plugs , plug wires, fule filter etc), which I have had done.. …
1999 GMC Suburban SUV: leaking intake manifold spilling coolant to environment. Engine damaged as coolant mixed with oil and/or fuel. 50K miles, driven by soccer mom to school, practice, church. Epidemic problem per family mechanic performs dozens of these repairs per month. High expense for this premature failre: repair $780.
Dt*: the contact stated the gas gauge located on the instrument panel failed. Also, while parked in the garage, there was a liquid observed on the floor. The dealership determined the intake manifold was leaking.
1999 GMC Suburban intake manifold gasket failure on 5.7l engine resulting in leaking antifreeze, and expensive fix. Thousands of similar failures, there should be a (forced) recall based on magnuson-moss !
Have owned '90gmc c1500 p/u & '99 GMC c1500 Suburban in past 12 years; both vehicles have had same problems w/ front brake pull/wear; suspension; brake pipes; engine/trans. Hesitation, hang....; corroded + battery cables, batteries; leaking HVAC ducts; and on & on. How in the world does 12+/- years of documented brake problems across vehicle lines/models not warrant a massive recall and/or compensation to owners for obviously faulty engineering, materials, etc.....????!!!! I suppose the Ford/Firestone problems took precedence? Can you say "class action"??
1999 GMC Suburban. Intake manifold gasket failed. This occurred after replacing the water pump which failed for the second time in less than a year. My mechanic says this is epidemic with the GM vehicles which use the dexcool antifreeze. My experience bears this out: my previous vehicle was a 1999 Chevy Suburban, which had the same problems. There should be a recall of all these vehicles!
While driving daughter to school, pulled into the parking lot and vehicle stalled, and would not start again. Had vehicle towed to the dealer, and they broke the fuel sending unit. Which they replaced. But, still having problem with vehicle stalling. Engine check light came on and stayed on. They pressurized the tank. Now the gas gauge does read properly.
I lost track of brake failures. The tires wear excessively and need balancing and rotation. There is a vibration from the gas pedal, but nothing is found. The better business bureau resulted in an unsatisfactory offer - I have to pay to clear the title to have the car taken back. No other '99 is like ours to replace it.
Left rear intake manifold leak. On a 1999 vehicle with only 48,520 miles (light useage for mom and kids) this problem seems a bit premature. My brother who owns a 1998 GMC with about 60,000 miles had simular problem. The part must be defective as both problems are very simular in nature. Cost to fix $700 to $1,000 . Thank you
Engine complaints in other Suburban years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1999 GMC Suburban?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1999 GMC Suburban, 8% of the model year's 285 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 GMC Suburban engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.