Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 43 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median C/k Pickups year — the 1999 model ranks #4 of 13 C/k Pickups years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 9 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 58% of all reports (25 of 43), far ahead of engine at 4.
43
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
2
Investigations
6
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
9
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 25 | 58% | — flat |
| Engine | 4 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 4 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 2 | 5% | — flat |
| Other | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 1 | 2% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE SEAT BELTS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
Consequence
THE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT PROPERLY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELTS WITH NEW SEAT BELTS.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AND CAME TO A LIGHT. I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THEY WENT TO THE FLOOR. I HAD TO GO THROUGH THE LIGHT INTO A WALL. IT WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE AND WAS TOLD ALL THE BRAKE LINES WERE ROTTED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JS”
“THIS WILL BE THE 4TH FUEL INJECTOR PUMP INSTALLED ON MY VEHICLE. TWICE IT QUIT WHILE TRAVELING MORE THAN 50 MPH ON MAJOR HIGHWAYS. THIS CAUSES ALL LOST OF POWER TO THE STEERING AND BRAKING. THE COMPANY HAS REPLACED IT FREE UNTIL NOW. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED ALL 3 TIMES. THIS APPEARS TO BE A…”
“EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS ARE SNAPPING OFF ONE BY ONE. THIS IS CAUSING EXHAUST FUMES TO ENTER THE CAB OF THE TRUCK MAKING THE DRIVER SLEEPY OR SICK FROM THE FUMES. AFTER TALKING TO G.M MECHANICS A LOT OF THE CHEVY 3/4 TON WITH 6.0 MOTORS ARE DOING THIS. THIS IS A BAD SAFETY ISSUE. G.M DENIES THERE IS…”
“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER SIDE TAILGATE CABLE HAS BEEN REPLACED AND FRACTURED A SECOND TIME. THE PASSENGER CABLE IS IN THE PROCESS OF FRACTURING. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 06V066000, REGARDING THE TAILGATE CABLES. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER, IT…”
“SEVERAL YEARS AGO I FILED A COMPLAINT ON MY 1999 CHEVROLET C-1500 PICKUP WITH THE SAME BODY STYLE AS 1998. AN ELECTRICAL FIRE OCCURRED IN THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WHILE PARKED AT WORK, CONSISTENT WITH NHTSA 03V093000. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED ON A US NAVY BASE AND THE NAVY FIRE CHIEF INVESTIGATED THE…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 43 complaints put the 1999 model at #4 of 13 C/k Pickups years. It is one of the C/k Pickups years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (25 complaints), engine (4 complaints), fuel system (4 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1999 Chevrolet C/k Pickups. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the C/k Pickups years to avoid are 1998, 1997, 1994, 1999, 2000. The cleanest record among C/k Pickups years belongs to 1990.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.