1999 Chevrolet Express: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 68 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (15% of complaints); the 1997 and 1998 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 68 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Without warning all headlamps went out drl,low beams and high beams. All other lights worked ok. Not fun at night to have occur. *tr”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Sep 2010
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet express. The contact stated that the door locks would not function properly. She noticed that the door lock pins would freeze in cold weather. The dealer was contacted and advised of the procedure that would have to be performed in order to make repairs. There were no repairs made to the vehicle. The failure mileage was 100,000 and the current mileage was 200,000.”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Mar 2006
“Vehicle air bag didn't deploy when I crashed into another vehicle doing between 30-40 mph. Impact was mainly on the driver side front end. I was driving an chevy 1999 express 1500 van. *nm”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2005
Show 7 more owner reports
“1999 chevrolet express spare tire fell off while driving. *ts the spare tire was attached with a steel cable to the rear underside of the van. When the steel cable broke the tire bounced under the tow trailer bending it's axle. The consumer believes the cable may not have been strong enough. *nm”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2005
“Dt : the power steering pump shaft broke inside the pump on july 14, 2000, the dealer replaced it under warranty. On september 23, 2005 it broke again, took vehicle to the dealer again, and they did replace it. However, they charged the consumer $636.00. The steering locked and that was how consumer discovered the failure. There was no prior warning. This happened on a dry paved road and in warm weather. *ak *nm”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2005
“After traveling for long periods of time on a highway and then slowing to a stop on the exit, the vehicle hard shifts in gears 1-2. If you shut off the engine, it appears ok until the next time. Transmission fluid is ok. Vehicle only has 47500 miles. Had mechanic check and gets computer code 1870, with engine check light on. Numerous posts on the web have similar complaints on chevy/gm vehicles with 4l60e transmission, but no recall to date. May now have to replace transmission.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2005
“Dt: vehicle was parked and when placed key in ignition driver's side air bag deployed onto driver. Vehicle had been estimated at an insurance claim agency for inspection of prior hail damage. No lights were displayed to warn and no lights illuminated afterwards as well. Have not yet taken to dealer, plans to contact general motors. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2005
“Dt: the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet express 3500 van. The hinge on the double doors on the side froze, they will not open anymore. Previously, they where hard to open, and now they are cracking. The dealership said this was bad design. Also, dealership told her that there was back order on the hinges. Obviously a lot of people were having similar problems. The consumer ran a day care center. It was difficult for children to go from the front of the van to the back. In an emergency it would be impossible to get the children out of the van fast enough. *ak”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2005
“Vehicle was parked in the garage, upon entering the vehicle, the driver side air bag deployed. Manufacturer stated that vehicle had to be inspected to determine the cause. Consumer received a call from manufacturer, informing him that consumer was responsible to pay the repair costs. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2004
“Normal wear and tear on alloy wheels should not result in the severe corrosion I have on my wheels. I don't know if there is a failure risk, because I am not a metallurgical engineer, but the corrosion is substantial. It looks to me like the clear coating on the wheel has trapped moisture and road salt, allowing the accelerated corrosion. I have emailed american racing and I have been ignored. *jb”Owner report · Wheels · Nov 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VANS EQUIPPED WITH A BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A POWER STEERING COOLER HOSE THAT CAN SEPARATE FROM THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER FLUID FLOW SWITCH ASSEMBLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR THREE SCREW CLAMPS TO THE POWER STEERING HOSE JOINTS. IF THE CLAMPS ARE NOT THE SCREW TYPE, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLAMPS.
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
How other years compare
Check your exact Express by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Chevrolet Express reliable?
NHTSA has 68 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 Chevrolet Express. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (15% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1999 Chevrolet Express problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 68,612 miles or less.
Does the 1999 Chevrolet Express have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.