VehicleVerdict

1999 Chevrolet Suburban problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 861 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.8 times the median Suburban year — the 1999 model ranks #2 of 47 Suburban years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 74 injuries in total across these filings.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 285 reports (33% of the total).

861

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

6

Investigations

65

Crash-involved

15

Fires reported

74

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Suburban years?

Suburban NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted1,038 complaints1977: 3 complaints1978: 3 complaints1979: 1 complaints1981: 1 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 4 complaints1984: 6 complaints1985: 12 complaints1986: 7 complaints1987: 21 complaints1988: 35 complaints1989: 68 complaints1990: 67 complaints1991: 65 complaints1992: 226 complaints1993: 616 complaints1994: 1,038 complaints1995: 587 complaints1996: 531 complaints1997: 556 complaints1998: 299 complaints1999: 861 complaints2000: 382 complaints2001: 543 complaints2002: 352 complaints2003: 361 complaints2004: 265 complaints2005: 161 complaints2006: 33 complaints2007: 358 complaints2008: 276 complaints2009: 133 complaints2010: 161 complaints2011: 193 complaints2012: 139 complaints2013: 170 complaints2014: 77 complaints2015: 588 complaints2016: 297 complaints2017: 184 complaints2018: 111 complaints2019: 92 complaints2020: 60 complaints2021: 241 complaints2022: 149 complaints2023: 140 complaints2024: 50 complaints
Suburban NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Suburban years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Chevrolet Suburban problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes28533%
Tires & Wheels10712%
Electrical System698%
Steering607%
Transmission506%
Visibility & Wipers475%
Fuel System384%
Engine364%
Suspension344%
Latches & Locks233%
Lighting212%
Body & Structure202%
Speed Control192%
Airbags152%
Seat Belts132%
Seats111%
Other81%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)30%
Trailer Hitch20%

Does the 1999 Chevrolet Suburban have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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).

00V122000Seat BeltsApril 27, 2000 · 279,132 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE OCCUPANT PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEMS MAY NOT MEET THE NECK EXTENSION REQUIREMENTS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A TRAY INSERT ON THE TOP OF THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE TRAY INSERT CORRECTS THE NONCOMPLIANCE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“BRAKES FAILED TO STOP AND I HIT 2 OTHER CARS. THESE BRAKES DON'T NOT STOP THIS VEHICLE. AT THIS CRASH THE BRAKES WENT OUT TOTALLY. I HAD THE BRAKE PADS CHANGED 2 TIMES ON THIS VEHICLE ALREADY. THE MILAGE WAS ONLY 1800 THE FIRST TIME. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF ANYONE CAN CONTACT ME ABOUT A CLASS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 14, 2001 · crash

“THE TREAD OF RIGHT REAR FIRESTONE TIRE (LT245/75R) SEPARATED RESULTING IN A BLOWOUT, THE BLOWOUT CAUSED THE CAR TO SWERVE AND AS A RESULT THE TRAILER THEY WERE PULLING BEGAN TO FISHTAIL, THE CAR AND TRAILER LEFT THE HIGHWAY AND TRAVELED DOWN AN EMBANKMENT WHERE THEY OVERTURNED. NLM( DOT NUMBER:…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 18, 2000 · crash

“I PURCHASED A 1999 CHEVY SUBURBAN IN 2004. WHILE LEAVING MY DRIVEWAY IM MAY OF 2005 I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. I LOOKED DOWN AND THE MIRROR CONTROL SWITCH WAS ON FIRE. I WAS ABLE TO PULL THE PANEL OFF THE DOOR AND GET THE SWITCH OUT. IT MELTED THE SWITCH AND THE WIRE HARNESS INSIDE THE DOOR. I'M…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 12, 2005 · fire

“DRIVING FREEWAY SPEEDS WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON. VEHICLE STARTED TO DRIFT RIGHT W/O TURNING WHEEL. VEHICLE SWERVED RAPIDLY BACK AND FORTH. HIT LEFT MEDIAN BARRIER & SHOT ACROSS 4 LANES. CRASHED INTO RIGHT CEMENT BARRIER HEADON. SUV TOTALED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 8, 2000 · crash

“APARENTLY THE REAR AXLE BROKE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO GO OUT OR CONTROL HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE,CAREENING OFF THE ROAD AND ROLLING OVER COMING TO REST ON ITS TOP. MY WIFE THE DRIVER SUFFERED HEAVY BRUSIES,CUTS AND BUMPS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 29, 2000 · crash

1999 Chevrolet Suburban — common questions

Is the 1999 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 861 complaints put the 1999 model at #2 of 47 Suburban years. It is one of the Suburban years to avoid.

What are the most common 1999 Suburban problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (285 complaints), tires & wheels (107 complaints), electrical system (69 complaints).

Does the 1999 Chevrolet Suburban have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Chevrolet Suburban. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1999 Chevrolet Suburban under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 6 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Suburban years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Suburban years to avoid are 1994, 1999, 1993, 2015, 1995, 1997, 2001, 1996, 2000, 2003, 2007, 2002, 1998, 2016, 2008, 2004, 2021, 1992, 2011, 2013, 2010, 2022, 2023, 2012, 2009, 2014, 2024. The cleanest record among Suburban years belongs to 1982.

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.