1999 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems & reliability
47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
1 complaint report injuries (1 injured).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic → | 21 | 45% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 6 | 13% |
| Steering | 6 | 13% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 | 9% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 3 | 6% |
| Power Train | 3 | 6% |
| Suspension | 3 | 6% |
| Tires | 3 | 6% |
| Electrical System | 2 | 4% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 2 | 4% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“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…”
Unknown OR Other · filed Apr 5, 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…”
Unknown OR Other · filed Mar 6, 2018
“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…”
Engine · filed Jun 17, 2016
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
30 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The 10 most recent:
This technical bulletin provides information and a solution to a condition of Brake Pedal Moves or Self Applies at Full Turns.
23-NA-144 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 18, 2023
This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
17-NA-073 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 21, 2023
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.
PIT3665L · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 18, 2022
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.
060309004N · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 31, 2019
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.
PIT3665H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 24, 2019
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…
PIT3227P · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 17, 2018
This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
17-NA-073 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 15, 2017
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest calibrations to correct a condition of the rear entertainment system not operating as intended in colder ambient…
16NA260 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 26, 2016
Pre-Formed and Pre-Flared Hydraulic Brake Pipe Kits Now Available for Service
130522001B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 1, 2014
Vehicle Recalls
Recalls · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 30, 2014
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 3500?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.