1999 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes2236.7%
- Engine711.7%
- Steering610.0%
- Fuel system46.7%
- Driver assistance46.7%
- Suspension35.0%
- Other / unspecified35.0%
- Tires & wheels35.0%
- Powertrain (other)23.3%
- Interior & seats23.3%
- Electrical23.3%
- Transmission11.7%
- Body & structure11.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
PUT BRAKES ON,BRAKE LINE BROKE. LOOKED AT LINES ALL RUSTED VARY BAD. *TR
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
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
11/09/04 I HAD TO REPLACE DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY: OVERHAUL/REBUILD FRONT, REPLACE BRAKE PAD (BENDIX)3/10/05 REPLACED IDLER ARM. 3/23/05 REPLACED PITMAN ARM. 10/25/05 6.5 LITER DIESEL ELECTRONIC PUMP (PMD) FAILURE. TRUCK WAS MOVING ON IT'S ON, JERKING, BLACK SMOKE CAME FROM TAIL PIPE AND TIRES WOULD SPIN THEN IT CUT OFF AND WOULDN'T START. CALLED WRECKER AND HAD IT TAKEN TO AUTO SHOP. HE REPLACED PMD MODULE KIT WITH A NOTE TO LEAVE PLASTIC COVER OFF ENGINE BECAUSE OF HEAT BUILD UP. 6/25/06 SAME THING HAPPENED. CALLED WRECKER AND HAD IT TAKEN TO AUTO SHOP. THIS TIME HE REPLACED FUEL PUMP ON FRAME RAIL. 6/29/06 FUEL FILTER RINGS BLEW OFF, IT STARTED POURING FUEL ONTO HIGHWAY, JERKING,TRUCK MOVING ON IT'S ON, BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM TAIL PIPE WOULDN'T STOP HAD TO HOLD BREAK TO FLOOR UNTIL IT STALLED. ALMOST HIT A BUILDING. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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 HAS NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000. RETURN USPS, MADE 2ND ATTEMPT 08/03/07 FAILED. *BF
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
UNWANTED ABS BRAKE ACTIVATION
WHILE DRIVING RPM'S WILL STAY AT 2025 FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS AFTER DRIVER HAS LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR. A TECHINCAL INSPECTOR FROM BBB INSPECTED VEHICLE AND ALSO NOTICED THIS DEFECT. ENGINE WILL NOT DECELERATE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY VEHICLE IS PULLING TO THE LEFT AND BRAKES ARE PULSATING, ABS ALSO FAILED.*AK *TT
I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TO SERVICE THE TRUCK BUT I DON'T KNOW I F THE PROBLEMS WILL WE SOLVED. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
1999 SILVERADO 3500 TIRE AND RIM ROLLED OFF VEHICLE. *TS THE TIRE AND RIM CAME OFF THE VEHICLE DUE TO CRACKED/BROKEN STUDS. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
BUBBLES DEVELOPED ON SIDEWALL OF ONE FRONT AND ONE BACK TIRE.- CONSUMER TOOK THEM TO DEALER, AND THEY REFUSED TO LOOK AT THE TIRES BECAUSE THEY WERE OFF THE RIM. *AK
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 245/75R16, DOT# UNAVAILABLE. VEHICLE SUSTAINED MINOR DAMAGE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK TIRES ARE FIRESTONE STEELTEX. *SLC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET C3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A TIRE DEALER DISCOVERED OIL ON THE REAR BRAKES WHILE PERFORMING A ROUTINE INSPECTION. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH BEFORE ARRIVING AT THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVE AXLE OIL SEALS FAILED AND CAUSED THE OIL LEAK. AS OF AUGUST 23, 2007, NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 52,000.
11/09/04 I HAD TO REPLACE DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY: OVERHAUL/REBUILD FRONT, REPLACE BRAKE PAD (BENDIX)3/10/05 REPLACED IDLER ARM. 3/23/05 REPLACED PITMAN ARM. 10/25/05 6.5 LITER DIESEL ELECTRONIC PUMP (PMD) FAILURE. TRUCK WAS MOVING ON IT'S ON, JERKING, BLACK SMOKE CAME FROM TAIL PIPE AND TIRES WOULD SPIN THEN IT CUT OFF AND WOULDN'T START. CALLED WRECKER AND HAD IT TAKEN TO AUTO SHOP. HE REPLACED PMD MODULE KIT WITH A NOTE TO LEAVE PLASTIC COVER OFF ENGINE BECAUSE OF HEAT BUILD UP. 6/25/06 SAME THING HAPPENED. CALLED WRECKER AND HAD IT TAKEN TO AUTO SHOP. THIS TIME HE REPLACED FUEL PUMP ON FRAME RAIL. 6/29/06 FUEL FILTER RINGS BLEW OFF, IT STARTED POURING FUEL ONTO HIGHWAY, JERKING,TRUCK MOVING ON IT'S ON, BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM TAIL PIPE WOULDN'T STOP HAD TO HOLD BREAK TO FLOOR UNTIL IT STALLED. ALMOST HIT A BUILDING. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
WE WERE LOADING SOME BOXES IN THE TRUCK I JUMPED UP ON THE TAILGATE TO MOVE THEM FORWARD AND THE CABLE JUST SNAPPED INTO. CAUSING ME TO LOSE MY BALLANCE AND FALL TO THE GROUND. THE TRUCK IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER BECAUSE OF A FAILURE IN THE FRONT SPINDLE. I HAVE MAY THEM AWARE OF THESE DEFECT, BUT AS USUAL THEY START THE OLE HO HUMMMM WE'LL HAVE TO SEE. THEN OF COURSE WHEN THEY GET IT ALL TORN DOWN THEN THEY DENIE ANY RESPONSIBILITY AND THEN TELL YOU WANT TO TAKE IT SOMEWHERE ELSE????? YEA I WANT TO PAY 2 WRECKER BILLS ONTOP OF THE REPAIRS ??????*AK
I HAVE A 1999 CHEVROLET CARGO VAN AND THE DOORS ON THE SIDE THAT SUPPOSED TO OPEN ONLY THE FIRST ONE OPENS THE SECOND ONE WILL NOT IF YOU FORCE IT TO OPEN IT DOES BUT YOU'LL DENT THE DOOR BECAUSE OF THE HINGES LOCKED ON IT. *LA
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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?
I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TO SERVICE THE TRUCK BUT I DON'T KNOW I F THE PROBLEMS WILL WE SOLVED. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN RELEASING ACCELERATOR PEDAL VEHICLE WILL NOT SLOW DOWN AND IT WILL MAINTAIN SPEED. DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED TO FIX DEFECT, BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO. PRESENTLY, DEALER CLAIMED IT WAS NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC.*AK PCM FAILURE CAUSE THE VEHICLE NOT TO SLOW DOWN WHEN ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED. *YH
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .