1999 GMC Sierra 1500: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 158 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (44% of complaints); the 1997 and 1998 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2007
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 158 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I got under the truck to change the oil then I noticed a crack in the frame where the cross member is. Cross member runs across frame support”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2018
“I have a 1999 gmc sierra 1500 z71 with 107000 on it a frame cracked under passengers door and at rear shock mount call gm told me to bring it to a dealer for a frame inspection told me frame is rotted nothing they would do I think it's a safety issue shouldn't rot out had a 1997 chevy 1500 never any rust on that truck it had 245000 miles when I sold it .if you need pictures of the rot on my 1999 gmc sierra I will get”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 gmc sierra 1500. While driving approximately 30 mph, the brake pedal traveled to the floor when the pedal was depressed. The vehicle came to a stop and the contact noticed fluid leaking underneath the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to quality chevrolet (1292 route 9 south old bridge, nj, 08857; 732-316-2600) where it was diagnosed that the brake line exploded and areas of the braking system were rusted, which caused the braking system to fail. The vehicle's braking system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 216,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2017
Show 7 more owner reports
“During normal straight stop from 50 mph on rural county road, intersection with 70 mph crossing 4-lane divided state highway, pedal went to floor and braking ability was minimal. Emergency brake needed to complete the stop before entering crossing high-speed traffic. Upon inspection, discovered brake line ruptured due to rust with massive instantaneous fluid loss.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2017
“Brake line failer do to poor routing from factory and substandard material used on oem lines (bare steel) . Always replace oem lines with powder coated aftermarket or stainless "only" inspect "all lines & hardware & clips to frame ect for corrosion". Brake failer occured while towing another auto with trailer attached no warning.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2017
“While driving on a street in my neighborhood, we found that the ignition switch could be moved to the "off" or "accessory" position while driving. Noticed that steering, brakes, and other components became disabled. Luckily we were able to safely move the vehicle to the roadside and assess the situation. A problem like this could result in catastrophic system failure in the vehicle while driving at high speeds, and could cause possible death if we weren't aware of this problem. Please inform other vehicle owners of this possible dangerous issue.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 gmc sierra 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound from the rear end after hitting a pothole. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear differential was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The rear differential was replaced four times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 186,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2017
“Brake lines rusted , ABS failure ,gas lines rusted, trans cooling lines rusted. These were all failures that needed replacement through the years I have owned it. Now frame rusted and cracked . Truck basically shot .”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jan 2017
“Frame cross member behind the cab is rusted through. I have owned vehicles in "salt" states and not had the frame rust out. This should not be considered a "wear item". This can lead to a failure whereby the fuel tank falls down leading to a high risk of fire. This was found during a replacement of the brake line (3rd set) assembly and removal of the truck bed.”Owner report · Structure · Oct 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 gmc sierra 1500. While the vehicle was in neutral, the instrument panel gauges failed and flickered without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2016
When filing, owners marked a crash in 9 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
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.
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).
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.
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."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A TRAY INSERT ON THE TOP OF THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE TRAY INSERT CORRECTS THE NONCOMPLIANCE.
How other years compare
Check your exact Sierra 1500 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 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?
NHTSA has 158 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 GMC Sierra 1500. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (44% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1999 GMC Sierra 1500 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 107,000 miles or less.
Does the 1999 GMC Sierra 1500 have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning equipment. 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.