1999 Chevrolet Tracker problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 82 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.1 times the median Tracker year — the 1999 model ranks #4 of 14 Tracker years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (14), electrical system (10), and transmission (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
82
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
7
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1999 compare to other Tracker years?
What are the most common 1999 Chevrolet Tracker problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body & Structure | 14 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 10 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 9 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 8 | 10% | new |
| Brakes | 7 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 7 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 6 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 5 | 6% | new |
| Steering | 4 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 3 | 4% | new |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 3 | 4% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 1% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING WHEN SUDDENLY VEHICLE STARTED SLIDING AND SPUN AROUND 2 TIMES, VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP AFTER HITTING THE STREET CURB WHICH CAUSED THE TIRE TO BLOW AND TOTALED THE RIM, CONSUMER FEELS THE VEHICLE WAS MADE TOO LIGHT AND STATES THAT ANYTIME DURING WET WEATHER, THE VEHICLE IS…”
“CONSUMER'S WIFE WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 35MPH ON THE HIGHWAYAND ANOTHER VEHICLE DIDN'T YIELD AND VEERED INTO HER VEHICLE, AND FORCE HER OFF THE ROAD. THEN SHE WENT INTO A UTILITY POLE. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK ALSO HORN IS DIFFICULT TO LOCATE ON THE STEERING WHEEL. *YH ”
“WHEN I SHIFT MY CAR IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE I HAVE A HARD TIME PUTTIN IT INTO GEAR AND WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION IT SHIFTS OUT OF 4 WHEEL DRIVE AND MAKES A HARD THUD SOUND. I HAVE HAD ALOT OF PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR WHICH IS UNFORTUNATE THING BECAUSE I DO BELIEVE THAT CHEVROLETS ARE GOOD CARS . *AK”
“WHEN PUTTING ON BRAKES VEHICLE WILL JUST SLIDE UNLESS DRIVER PRESSES BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR. ALSO, VEHICLE VIBRATES IN THE BACK. DEALER REPLACED AXLE, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. AT TIMES, WHEN STOPPING CONSUMER HAS ALMOST REAR ENDED OTHER VEHICLES BECAUSE CAR WON'T STOP. *AK *ML”
“RECENTLY HAD SERVICE BULLETIN #06186, NHTSA # 10023633 PERFORMED ON VEHICLE, REGARDING RUSTED AND CORRODED FRONT CROSSMEMBER. WHEN I GOT THE VEHICLE HOME AND WAS INSPECTING THE WORK, I NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE OIL PAN IS ALSO VERY RUSTED AND CORRODED TO WHERE OIL IS SEEPING THOUGH THE METAL. *TR”
1999 Chevrolet Tracker — common questions
Is the 1999 Chevrolet Tracker reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 82 complaints put the 1999 model at #4 of 14 Tracker years. It is one of the Tracker years to avoid.
What are the most common 1999 Tracker problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (14 complaints), electrical system (10 complaints), transmission (9 complaints).
Does the 1999 Chevrolet Tracker have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1999 Chevrolet Tracker.
Is the 1999 Chevrolet Tracker under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Chevrolet Tracker years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tracker years to avoid are 2000, 2001, 2003, 2002, 1999. The cleanest record among Tracker years belongs to 1993.
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.