Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
The driver's side front axle shaft seal on the differential leaks fluid, which runs onto the hot exhaust pipe which produces a smell and a possible fire hazard I bought this 1999 GMC Suburban vehicle used at crown motors in charlevoix michigan on 02/02/01, with 21904 miles on it. About 6 months after I bought the Suburban I started smelling a burnt oil odor when I would get out of the vehicle after driving the vehicle. I couldn't figure out what the odor was. About a year ago I had my Suburban serviced and was told that the front drivers side differential seal was leaking. This was told to me as a quite common problem with this type vehicle. I went to crown motors and told them about the problem. I was referred to the service manager who said that he would not do anything about the problem because the vehicle had almost 70,000 miles on it. …
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. …
Premature total transmission failure at 60,667 miles due to faulty design of sun gear hub assembly. The shaft collar broke off without warning causing transmission to fail. The replacement part from GM has the collar to hub mating strengthened from the factory original, so it is known in GM this part has a design flaw from the factory. I was and am unemployed and this was a terrible financial burden at a bad time. Contacting GM was no help - "it is out of warranty". Further complaints to better business bureau auto line returned same answer - out of warranty". This vehicle has been babied and well cared for. No trailers have been towed and no off-road use. Ridiculous a $41,000 vehicle has this problem at only 60,000 miles. I have also talked to 3 other Suburban owners in my small town and all have experienced the same problem. …
Rear axle fell off of the vehicle while driving on a major freeway. When the axle fell off we lost complete braking capability. The vehicle was just released to us from the dealership for repairs to the same parts under warranty. This was the fifth time it was repaired under warranty for the same parts that failed.
While engine was on and emergency brake was not applied vehicle shifted into reverse and went backwards. Consumer tried to apply emergency brake, but was dragged until vehicle stopped. Consumer suffered injuries.
The right rear transmission seal broke twice and leaked fluid onto the rear brake. This resulted in loss of braking ability. The positive battery terminal leaked acid and caused the battery tray to rust
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"??
Fuel pump has been replaced two times due to loud noises. Also, transmission was replaced because it did not shift gears automatically, rough switch. ABS brakes did not operate properly, causing extended stopping distance. In addition, two tires replaced in the rear due to vibration of vehicle. Dealer contacted, and are attempting to remedy the problems that exist. Provide further information.
I realy would like to talk to some one about this problems on my truck. I probbably did not fill out the application correctly ,but I paid to much money on this truck to be having all this problems. Please call so that I can send some copies that that I sent to the manufacurer. Engine has also failed to start about 30 times with the first one in the show room of dealer. No safety defect listed.
Every time vehicle is driven with the headlights on, headlights flicker on and go off. Vehicle has been taken to the dealership four times in a six-month period. Dealer was not able to fix the problem. Also, doors are warped/engine runs rough/replaced differential/brakes are locking up.
Transmission complaints in other Suburban years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1999 GMC Suburban?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1999 GMC Suburban, 7% of the model year's 285 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 GMC Suburban transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 6 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.