RoadVitals

1999 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
47
Latest Apr 5, 2018
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest May 19, 2006
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 47 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, most frequently naming the brakes, engine and steering categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 30 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Brakes2236.7%
  • Engine711.7%
  • Steering610.0%
  • Fuel system46.7%
  • Driver assistance46.7%
  • Suspension35.0%
  • Other / unspecified35.0%
  • Tires & wheels35.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

May 19, 2006
88,303 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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).
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Steering
Filed Apr 5, 2018

I NEED TO KNOW IF THIS VEHICLE IS A GMC OR CHEVY BECAUSE I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE MECHANIC MANY OCCASIONS AND I ALWAYS HAVE PROBLEMS WITH PARTS THAT DON'T FIT. NO I HAVE ALWAYS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING IT'S VERY HARD TO CONTROL WHILE DRIVING I PICKING UP TWO MECHANICS DIFFERENT TIMES RELATING THAT ISSUE AND THEY SAY EVERYTHING IS FINE BUT IT REALLY ISN'T I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USE I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY RECALLSOR IF IT HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN MAJOR ACCIDENTS THANK YOU VERY MUCH

NHTSA ID
11083359
Incident
Apr 4, 2018
Electrical
Filed Mar 6, 2018

GET IN THE TRUCK WHEN ITS COLD STARTS ON FIRST TRY. YOU DRIVE THE TRUCK WHEN IT GETS HOT AND STOP TO PURCHASE SOMETHING THEN YOU GET BACK INTO THE TRUCK PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION TRY TO START . IT WILL NOT START JUST CRANKS . I HAVE TO LET THE TRUCK SIT FOR ABOUT 10 TO 15 MINUTES THEN IT MAY START. THIS PROBLEM HAS COST ME (2) NEW FUEL PUMPS AT THE GM DEALERS STRANDED ME IN THE PARKING LOTS IN THE DESERT TOWING ETC. AFTER RESEARCHING THEY SAY IT IS A PASS LOCK PROBLEM SOMETHING ABOUT SECURITY/ THEFT. I'M THE ORIGINAL OWNER TRUCK WAS ALWAYS HARD TO START MORE THAN3TO 4 CRANKS. WHY HASN'T THIS BEEN ON A RECALL FOR GM?

NHTSA ID
11076499
Incident
Jul 12, 2016
Engine
Filed Jun 17, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE HAD BEEN EXTREME HESITATION WITH THE ENGINE POWER. THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT RANDOMLY ILLUMINATED FOR YEARS AND THE PART FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE ENGINE TWICE BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND, DUE TO THE FAILURE CONTINUING, THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE PART WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED A THIRD TIME. A MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WERE FIVE STRESS FRACTURES IN THE ENGINE BLOCK PREMATURELY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO SOLUTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 08/16/16*LJ CONSUMER STATED LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE. EVERY MECHANIC CONSUMER SPOKEN TO ABOUT THE 6.5 CHEVY TURBO DIESEL SAID THE SAME THING "THEY ARE JUNK" THE BLOCKS CRACK AND THEY DON'T LAST. SINCE I HAVE CONTACTED YOU THE ENGINE HAS BEEN PULLED AND THERE ARE 12 STRESS CRACKS IN THE ENGINE INSTEAD OF 5. UPDATED 06/12/18*JB

NHTSA ID
10874829
Incident
Jul 27, 2006
Mileage
50,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Sep 14, 2013

PUT BRAKES ON,BRAKE LINE BROKE. LOOKED AT LINES ALL RUSTED VARY BAD. *TR

NHTSA ID
10543586
Incident
Sep 12, 2013
Mileage
1,200,036 mi
Engine
Filed Sep 3, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET C3500 DIESEL TRUCK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAITED APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES AND THE VEHICLE STARTED. THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. CHEVROLET REPLACED THE ENGINE IN MAY OF 2002 AT 63,000 MILES. IN JULY 2003, THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL INJECTIONS AT 67,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS AT AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHEN THE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER ORDERED A FUEL PUMP FOR THE VEHICLE BUT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PAY FOR IT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000 MILES.

NHTSA ID
10353731
Incident
May 1, 2002
Mileage
62,000 mi
BrakesEngineFuel system+1 more
Filed Jun 21, 2010

CHASSIS ENGINE FAILED ON SINGLE LANE HIGHWAY HILL CLIMB. SEEMED LIKE ENGINE CUT OFF ALLOWING DRIVER TO QUICKLY TURN INTO" HOLE IN THE WALL "QUICK STOP STORE PARKING AREA. ENGINE TURNED OVER BUT WOULD NOT RUN. *TR THE CONSUMER STATED HE EXPERIENCED TWO PARKING BRAKE FAILURES WITHIN 3,000 MILES OF TRAVEL. EACH REPAIR, CONSISTED OF REPLACING SWITCHES AND ADJUSTMENTS. THE LAST REPAIR CONSISTED OF THE REPLACEMENT OF THE DRUM ASSOCIATED WITH THE BRAKE PADS, SWITCHES AND WHEEL BRAKE DISC. IT WAS ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THE PARK ASSEMBLY HAD BURNED UP, WHEN THE BRAKE ASSEMBLY FAILED TO RELEASE. IN ADDITION, A 10 AMP FUSE HAD BLOWN WHEN A SHORT WAS DISCOVERED IN A PRESSURE SWITCH. THE PARK BRAKE ASSEMBLY AND BOTH PRESSURE SWITCHES WERE REPLACED. UPDATED IVOQ 12/19/12 THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE FILLING RE-FUELING THE MOTOR HOME, A PASSERBY INFORMED HIM GASOLINE WAS DRAINING FROM THE MOTOR HOME. HE QUICKLY REMOVED THE HOSE AND SAW A LARGE PUDDLE OF FUEL UNDER THE GAS TANK. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT SURE, WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM, BUT IT DID APPEAR TO FLOW FROM A CONNECTING PIPE AT THE VERY REAR OF THE MOTOR HOME FILLING SECTION AND ABOUT 4 INCHES AT THE TANK INTERFACE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MOTOR HOME IS CURRENTLY IN STORAGE. UPDATED 04/30/13

NHTSA ID
10339300
Incident
Jun 13, 2010
Mileage
27,990 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Mar 31, 2010

UNWANTED ABS BRAKE ACTIVATION

NHTSA ID
10322989
Incident
Jul 16, 2008
Mileage
65,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Mar 12, 2008

PAINT PEELING ON HOOD AND BED, SUBMITTED TO GM FOR MANUFACTURE DEFFECT AND TO REPAINT TRUCK , IT WAS DENIED DUE TO AGE OF TRUCK , MILEAGE OF TRUCK IS 71,000. *TR

NHTSA ID
10220866
Incident
Feb 15, 2008
Mileage
70,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

23-NA-144

SERVICE BRAKES

This technical bulletin provides information and a solution to a condition of Brake Pedal Moves or Self Applies at Full Turns.

17-NA-073

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

PIT3665L

SERVICE BRAKES

This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.

060309004N

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY

This technical bulletin provides a procedure to apply grease to the leaf springs to correct a condition of a squeak noise from the metals making contact.

PIT3665H

SERVICE BRAKES

This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.

PIT3227P

STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. Please communicate to the customer this condition is a normal operating characteristic of their vehicle.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Chevrolet Silverado 3500 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026230
2025121052.0
2024473055.2
2023151039.3
2022273059.6
2021385161.0
2020408160.2
2019217057.7
2018186049.1
2017136041.2
2016506052.8
2015527163.5
2014103156.1
2013264151.9
2012234157.5
2011295149.4
2010251
2009106158.4
2008314364.5
2007395361.9
2006520046.3
2005461033.7
2004411043.6
2003421034.7
2002502252.9
2001722356.9
2000802254.6
1999Viewing471037.4
1998671042.7
1997611147.3
1996100
1995000
1994100

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.