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1999 Chevrolet Silverado: ABS light or ABS activating

582 of the 1,659 complaints about the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado describe ABS light or ABS activating.

owner complaints
582
of this car's complaints
35%
typical repair cost reported
$1,000
typical mileage
57,000
recalls
3
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls and 26 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

ABS light or ABS activating by model year

What owners say

Filed Dec 14, 2015 · Brakes · 230,000 miles · MI

Driving along road, brake pedal went to the floor when I attempted to stop. Upon inspection, discovered that the hydraulic line going from the ABS module to the rear brakes had ruptured due to corrosion. Upon further inspection it has been determined that all of the hydraulic brake lines are swollen and corroded to the point of failure and must be replaced at a cost of over $1200. My truck has not moved since, as I cannot afford to repair this issue.

Filed Apr 5, 2015 · Brakes, Engine · 164,000 miles · WA

Brakes: since approximately 136,000 miles to present miles, the vehicle has exhibited an ABS and brake warning light intermittently on the dash. This is a known gm issue that was recalled in certain states, but not all. It stems from faulty soldering points in the ABS control module and can affect the vehicles ability to stop correctly which could result in an accident. Engine/ emissions: the passenger side exhaust manifold bolt has broken off. This is a known issue with this 5.3l engine as well as the 4.8l and 6.0l engines. Gm has failed to recall in spite of having thousands of complaints. The issue can cause failed emissions and potentially engine fires. Engine: as of 164,000 miles, the engine is experiencing loud "piston slap". This is a known issue which gm addressed through redesign in later models. It leads to excessive engine wear and potential engine failure. It appears to be a factory defect, yet gm has claimed it is not important despite numerous complaints from customers that the engines have required replacement as a result.

Filed Nov 17, 2014 · Brakes · 185,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet silverado. While driving 35 MPH and approaching a traffic light, the brake pedal sank to the floorboard when depressed. The contact had to quickly shift the transmission in order to stop the vehicle safely. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The contact determined that the ABS hydraulic unit would need to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was not informed if the vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 00v345000 (service brakes, hydraulic) and the federal safety agency campaign number: 00x001000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The approximate failure mileage was 185,000.

Filed Sep 11, 2014 · Brakes · 150,000 miles · VA · crash

Was going to work at about 3:40 pm about 15 miles from my house had stopped at 2 stop signs and 3 red lights was going down hill towards 4th stop light cars were slowing down in front of me speed limit was 45 I was slowing my vehicle at about 25mph or less lost all brakes pedal went completely to floor was not able to stop vehicle hit truck in front of me no one was injured thank god this vehicle was bought brand new buy us at shelor motor mile chevrolet in christiansburg virginia it came with lifetime inspection by them had always been inspected by them last inspection 7 month this year last day of month never got any call of recall notice from gm or check brake line information from them I think gm should pay to have my truck brake lines replaced and be held liable for damages to my and the other persons truck this is a much more severe problem then ignition switch cutting off I think gm is putting this off because of cost and labor charges the truck is being towed to dealership today by the way brake lines at left under drivers door at ABS valve burst with no warning due to corrossion.

Filed Aug 18, 2014 · Brakes · 156,386 miles · OH · crash

Abs failure to stop vehicle. Accident occurred.

Filed Jul 26, 2014 · Brakes · 72,602 miles · WI

In 2013, the ABS began routinely activating during braking at speeds of 5-10 MPH. I found recall 05068: unwanted ABS activation. My gm maintenance records noted this recall service was completed 3/31/2006. The 3/31/06 service notes were "inspections: electrical/wiring." I contacted gm corporate customer service in jan.2014 to notify them that currently my ABS were erroneously activating on nearly all braking events. Additionally, I asked what recall service was actually performed on 3/31/06 because the notes only indicate an inspection occurred. A conference call ensued between gm customer service, the local gm service dealership, and myself. Gm allowed 1 hour to diagnose the ABS problem on 1/22/14 at the local gm dealer. The resulting 1/22/14 service notes were: "diagnose & found left front wheel speed sensor dropping out. Inspect wiring for poor connections or damaged wiring. All ok. Gave estimate to replace left front wheel hub assembly." in person, the dealership said this bearing was worn & was causing ABS activation. I left upset, without the $642 wheel hub assembly install because I didn't believe the bearing was worn. On 5/30/2014, I had another service shop independently diagnose my trucks bearings, tie rods and suspension. They confirmed my original belief that the bearings did not need to be replaced. I did have both inner tie rods replaced at this time. On 6/17/14, I took my truck to a 3rd service shop to have them complete a front end alignment because inner tie rods were recently installed. I also asked them to determine if this bearing was worn. Their opinion was the bearing was ok and no maintenance was required. In summary, the gm service shop had opportunities on 3/31/06 and 1/22/14 to complete the recall remedy and failed. I have removed the fuses to disengage the ABS and prevent an accident because this condition still exists.

Filed Jul 6, 2014 · Body · 78,352 miles · PA · crash

While on my way home from work my 1999 silverado s ABS brakes went off and would not stop. Hit my house. Called gm said they never herd of their trucks doing this. Well did some reseach and found their was a problem with corrosion on the ABS sensor which would set off the ABS 4 no reason. It was scary and is a huge gm problem.. Found my truck was fixed at one point but it still happend again.. It is fixed again. But I know it will happen some time in the near future.. Which is scary to think I could have ran into a school bus or kid and killed them. Gm did fix my truck. And pay 4 the house to be repaird.. I dont want to sue or be compensated any further!!!!! I just want them to have to fix these trucks or pull them off the road!! I did not know at the time of incodent that you guys exhisted.. So this is why I am reporting now.. And if somthing happens latter I have prooff that I complained. I am a pa state inspection mechanic. And will give my liscense number if asked to.. I see this happen to much! And if I can save one life it is worth it to me.. I hope this will be looked at and delt with the way the gm recall is now being held. Just look at all the complaints on this ishue.. Again I dont want money!!! I just want to try to save a life! Thanks.

Filed Aug 11, 2013 · Brakes · 110,000 miles · MI

On my driveway, I applied my brakes and the pedal went to the floor. Brake fluid poured from below the truck behind the driver's door. Inspection underneath revealed a brake line had burst. All brake lines mounted to the frame forward of the ABS unit are severely corroded and will need to be replaced.

Filed May 7, 2013 · Brakes · 180,000 miles · NJ

Abs activates when stopping at slow speeds, greatly increasing stopping distance. I quoted gm safety bulletin number 05068c to the local dealer, and was told it does not apply to my VIN. Dealer could not provide info on why my VIN is excluded.

Filed Apr 23, 2013 · Brakes · 145,210 miles · MD

I was traveling down hill on a four lane road, two lanes oncoming traffic when a vehicle in front of me brake suddenly. I applied the brakes, but my foot pushed the pedal down to the bottom of its travel. The vehicle slowed down enough that so that I avoided colliding with the vehicle in front of me. With the help of an auto mechanic, it was determined that the brakes failed because the brake lines had completely rusted out. I had all of the brake lines (front and rear) replaced by an independent mechanic. Currently the vehicle runs fine but there are some issues with the ABS locking up in 4 wheel mode (not sure if the brake line failure is the cause). Note: did not report this incident to the authorities because there was no resultant accident.

Filed Sep 6, 2012 · Brakes · 39,000 miles · MA

I as driving my 1999 silverado to work . Approaching a traffic signal ,I applied brakes and felt the line let go as my pedal went to the floor. My mechanic was shocked at the amount of rust under my truck with only 40000 miles. I had already replaced rotted rotors,ABS sensors,etc. More recently I had two other brake lines fixed.really dont feel safe driving this anymore. Gm should recall pronto before someone gets killed.

Filed May 14, 2012 · Brakes · 109,000 miles · KY

I started the vehicle, depressed the brake pedal(normal) to shift into a forward gear, subsequently applied the brake pedal, but this time the pedal traveled all the way to the floor. Brake efficiency was drastically reduced, but did stop the vehicle after several feet, albeit from a very slow speed. Subsequent inspection revealed that all brake lines leading into the ABS module, located on the left underside of the vehicle just aft of the driver's door, were severally corroded; one of the lines leading to the module was ruptured. When the brake pedal was depressed, brake fluid streamed from the ruptured line.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipReported August 29, 2005 · 1,353,718 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles may experience unwanted antilock brake system (ABS) activation. This condition is more likely to occur in environmentally corrosive areas. This recall will be launched in the "salt belt" states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maryland, massachusetts, maine, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin and the district of columbia only.
Risk
This can cause increased stopping distances during low-speed brake applications, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers are to remove the wheel speed sensor and thoroughly clean the wheel speed sensor mounting surface on the bearing, apply rust inhibitor to the cleaned surface, grease the mounting surface, reinstall the wheel speed sensor, and check the peak-to-peak output voltage to ensure the wheel speed signal is within specifications. The recall began september 22, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 or gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.

Recall number 05V379000 · Recall details

Parking brakeReported April 22, 2005 · 90,242 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain pickup trucks equipped with manual transmissions and built with either pbr parking brake systems or trw parking brake systems, the parking brake friction linings may wear to an extent where the parking brake can become ineffective in immobilizing a parked vehicle.
Risk
If the parking brake does not hold, unintended vehicle movement could occur, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install a low-force spring clip retainer for vehicles equipped with a pbr parking brake system. On vehicles equipped with the trw parking brake system, dealers will install a redesigned parking brake cable assembly. The recall began on july 29, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 or gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.

Recall number 05V161000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported October 30, 2000 · 1,383,922 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. Some of these vehicles have a clearance condition between the front right-hand brake pipe and the body cross sill that could decrease to the point of allowing contact during the life of the vehicle. If contact occurs and the brake pipe becomes damaged, in half of the brake system there can be a loss of brake fluid and pressure. The brake warning lamp will be activated when the brake fluid level reaches the indicator limit.
Risk
During braking, the pedal will be lower than normal and stopping distances will be longer. If this occurs when stopping distance is limited, a crash could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the front right-hand brake pipe for wear. If there are signs of wear, this section of the brake pipe will be replaced with a new designed brake pipe section. If there are not signs of wear on the brake pipe, the dealer will install a spacer clip to ensure sufficient clearance between the brake pipe and the body cross sill.

Recall number 00V345000 · Recall details

Questions about the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado abs

Is ABS light or ABS activating a common problem on the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado?

582 of 1,659 owner complaints about the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado (35%) mention ABS light or ABS activating. The model year with the most reports is 1999.

How much does it cost to fix ABS light or ABS activating on the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,000 (median of 124 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado?

There are 3 recalls and 26 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado

Brake failure 124Tire blowout 31Grinding brakes 26Seat belt 21No deployment 20Knocking 19Harsh shifting 18Fuel gauge 17Stalling 16Jerking 15Pulling 11Headlights 10Steering noise 10Sudden acceleration 10Power steering loss 9Battery drain 8Loss of power 8Spongy pedal 8Fuel pump 7Water leak 7Ball joint 6Fire or smoke 6Power windows 6Slipping 6Won't shift 6Whining noise 6Premature wear 5

All model years of the Chevrolet Silverado

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