VehicleVerdict

1999 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 73 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median Silverado 3500 year — the 1999 model ranks #6 of 32 Silverado 3500 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 44% of all reports (32 of 73), far ahead of engine at 7.

73

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Silverado 3500 years?

Silverado 3500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted114 complaints1994: 1 complaints1996: 2 complaints1997: 78 complaints1998: 100 complaints1999: 73 complaints2000: 114 complaints2001: 97 complaints2002: 64 complaints2003: 60 complaints2004: 46 complaints2005: 60 complaints2006: 60 complaints2007: 42 complaints2008: 35 complaints2009: 10 complaints2010: 4 complaints2011: 42 complaints2012: 31 complaints2013: 36 complaints2014: 10 complaints2015: 76 complaints2016: 72 complaints2017: 14 complaints2018: 27 complaints2019: 34 complaints2020: 49 complaints2021: 54 complaints2022: 34 complaints2023: 20 complaints2024: 67 complaints2025: 19 complaints2026: 5 complaints
Silverado 3500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Silverado 3500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes3244%
Steering710%
Engine710%
Tires & Wheels57%
Speed Control45%
Fuel System45%
Other34%
Suspension34%
Transmission34%
Latches & Locks23%
Electrical System23%
Body & Structure11%

Does the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“INTERMITTENTLY WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, AND SEVERAL ACCIDENTS. DEALER HAS INSPECTED AND REPAIRED BRAKES 15 TIMES. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · crash

“EXHAUST WHICH IS TOO CLOSE TO FLOOR BOARDS GETS OVERHEATED ON PASSENGER'S SIDE. THIS CAUSES THE PASSENGER TO PUT FEET ON DASHBOARD DUE TO HOT FLOOR BOARDS. BEEN TO DEALER & INFORMED BY MECHANIC THE PROBLEM CAN NOT BE SOLVED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 11, 1999

“WHILE MAKING A VERY SLOW AND SHARP U TURN LOST POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT POWER STEERING SHAFT HAD BROKEN. ALSO, DEALER HAS REPAIRED 6 OTHER VEHICLES FOR SAME PROBLEM.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 13, 2001

“PE 00 040/TREAD SEPARATION: VEHICLE EXPEREINCED TWO SEPARATE BLOWOUT/TREAD SEPARATIONS. FIRST OCCURRED WITH LEFT REAR TIRE, AND SECOND OCCURRED WITH RIGHT REAR TIRE WHILE TRAVELING AT 70 MPH WITH DRIVER AND ONE PASSENGER IN A 1999, CHEVROLET, 3500 PICK UP; ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT, TIRE SIZE LT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · November 15, 2000

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 35000. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. SHE HAD TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL TO RESTART. APPROXIMATELY AN HOUR LATER THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AGAIN. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED. AS OF AUGUST 3, 2007, THE DEALER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 25, 2006

1999 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 — common questions

Is the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 73 complaints put the 1999 model at #6 of 32 Silverado 3500 years. It is one of the Silverado 3500 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1999 Silverado 3500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (32 complaints), engine (7 complaints), steering (7 complaints).

Does the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Silverado 3500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Silverado 3500 years to avoid are 2000, 1998, 2001, 1997, 2015, 1999, 2016, 2024, 2002, 2011, 2007, 2013, 2008, 2012, 2009, 2014, 2010. The cleanest record among Silverado 3500 years belongs to 1994.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.