While pulling out of my driveway I experienced complete brake failure. Looked under truck and brake fluid was everywhere and the brake lines were severely rusted and had busted. Looked it up and this appears to be a common problem with this model truck but there has never been a recall?! This issue needs to be addressed with gm.
The worst 1999 GMC Sierra problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes338
- Acceleration39
- Suspension39
- Transmission37
- Tires31
- Body30
- Fuel system26
- Seats23
- Steering18
- Visibility18
- Engine17
- Seat belts15
- Airbags12
- Electrical12
- Lights8
- Wheels8
- Locks3
Specific symptoms reported on the 1999 GMC Sierra
ABS 175Brake failure 54Tire blowout 14Grinding brakes 10Fuel gauge 10Knocking 8Fuel pump 6Harsh shifting 6Headlights 6Jerking 6Seat belt 6Sudden acceleration 6No deployment 5Wipers 5
Recalls 5
Structure: body: tailgate: hinge and attachments
- What is wrong
- Certain pickup trucks have galvanized-braided-steel tailgate support cables used to support the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position. Over time these cables can corrode and fracture when loads are applied to them.
- Risk
- If one cable fractures, the remaining cable may retain the tailgate in a horizontal position. If both cables fracture, the tailgate would drop and strike the top surface of the rear bumper. If anyone is sitting or standing on the horizontal surface of the tailgate when both cables fractured, they could fall and be injured. On vehicles without a bumper, the tailgate may drop to a lower position.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the galvanized support cables with stainless steel support cables. In addition, dealers are to inspect the tailgate hinge and replace it, if necessary. The recall is expected to begin during april 2006. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 or gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.
Recall number 06V066000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
- 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 brake
- 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 fittings
- 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
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: extended cab 4-wheel drive pickup trucks. Some of these vehicles have a lower than specified torque on all three of the steering gear to frame attachment bolts. The bolts can loosen over time allowing the steering gear to move. This loosening can result in some unresponsive steering feel and some noise to the driver.
- Risk
- If this condition is ignored, the steering gear to frame can wear and/or fatigue the attaching bolts to the point of breakage or the bolts backing out. If all the bolts break or back out, the steering gear would separate from the frame resulting in a loss of steering control.
- Remedy
- Dealers will retorque the steering gear to frame bolts to proper specifications.
Recall number 98V242000 · Recall details
See all 5 recalls for the 1999 GMC Sierra
Defect investigations
Brake line corrosion failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received Defect Petition DP10-003 on March 2, 2010, requesting the investigation of model year (MY) 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 4WD pickup trucks for corrosion failures of the vehicle brake lines.DP10-003 was granted and on March 30, 2010, Preliminary Evaluation PE10-010 was opened on more than six million model year 1999 through 2003 light trucks and sport utility vehicles manufactured and sold by General Motors Corporation (GM).On July 2, 2010, ODI received GM's response to an information request, which included GM's assessment of the frequency and safety consequences of the alleged defect. GM stated that:(1) the brake system of the subject vehicles is split front/rear and should a brake pipe suddenly fail for any reason, the affected vehicle would be capable of stopping with the pressure supplied by the remaining circuit; (2) the subject vehicles were designed to meet the hydraulic circuit partial failure requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 105 and 135, Light Vehicle Brake Systems; and (3) should a brake fluid leak occur for any reason, the brake system malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) would illuminate and warn the driver before the brake fluid level was low enough to cause a loss of line pressure.ODI's and GM's analysis indicates that 85 percent of the complaints occurred on vehicles used primarily in States that use salt on the roads during Winter months (Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin).Overall the complaint rates per 100,000 vehicles for Salt Belt States is 43.0 and Non-Salt Belt is 3.0.In approximately 25 percent of the complaints the brake pipe failure occurred suddenly, with no warning (i.e., no MIL, Brake Fluid Loss Warning), and resulted in extended stopping distances.In 30 of these the increase in stopping distance that resulted was a factor in the crash and in 10 others the vehicle was intentionally steered off the road or into another lane of travel in order to avoid a crash.This investigation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA11-001) for subject vehicles sold or currently registered in Salt Belt States to further assess the scope, frequency and safety risks associated with sudden failures of corroded brake pipes that can result in decreased brake effectiveness. ODI will continue to gather information on subject vehicles outside the Salt Belt as well.
PE10010
Parking brake failure
Odi's review of complaint data received since the close of ea04-011 revealed no indication that the investigation should be re-opened.more details can be found in the federal register notice enclosed in the dp05-009 public file.odi reserves the right to reopen the investigation in the future should conditions warrant.
DP05009
Unwanted low-speed ABS activation
In a letter dated august 29, 2005, gm notified odi that it was recalling certain model year 1999 through 2002 c/k pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles to correct a problem with anti-lock brake system (ABS) wheel speed sensor corrosion that may result in unwanted ABS activation and extended stopping distances during low-speed braking (recall 05v‑379).gm's recall covers approximately 804,000 vehicles currently registered in the following 14 salt-belt states:connecticut, illinois, indiana, massachusetts, maine, michigan, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, and west virginia.the recall procedure will involve removing the sensor, cleaning the mounting surface, applying a rust inhibitor (zinc-x) to the surface, and reinstalling the sensor.if necessary, the sensor will be replaced. The population and failure report data given in this resume are for the full region that has been considered by odi as the salt-belt.that includes delaware, iowa, maryland, minnesota, missouri, wisconsin and the district of columbia in addition to the 14 states included in 05v‑379.the states covered by gm's recall have the highest incident rates for the subject condition, accounting for 91% of the incidents, but only 24% of subject vehicle sales in the united states.odi's analysis determined that 840 of the complaints, 244 of the crashes, and 16 of the injuries identified in this investigation occurred in those states.the resulting incident and crash rates are 96.2 and 28.0 per 100,000 vehicles respectively (note:rates are based on vehicle sales, not registered vehicles). The corresponding numbers in the excluded portions of the salt-belt are 399,000 vehicles, 81 incidents (20.3 per 100,000 vehicles), 3 crashes, and no injuries.the statistics in the remaining 30 states are 2,406,000 vehicles, 168 incidents (7.0 per 100,000 vehicles), 31 crashes, and one injury.gm and odi are continuing to monitor the problem experience in states that are not included in the recall.gm will provide odi with updated complaint, field report, and warranty data in november 2005.odi and gm will review that data and assess the appropriateness of the current scope of the recall at that time.
PE05020
Tailgate support cables
General motors is conducting a safety recall to remove and replace the tailgate support cables installed in 805,368 model year 1999 and 2000 gmt 800 model vehicles.the model year 1999 and 2000 gmt-800 series vehicles that will be campaigned had contributed a significant majority of the total complaints (87%) and injuries (79%) associated with the tailgate support cable breakage in the model year 1998 - 2000 c/k series vehicles addressed by this investigation.
EA05007
Parking brake failure
In a letter dated april 20, 2005, gm notified the federal safety agency that it had decided that defects that relate to motor vehicle safety exist in certain model year (my) 1999-2002 c/k 1500 series (pbr parking brake system) and my 2001-2005 c/k 2500 and 3500 series (trw parking brake system) pickups with manual transmissions.according to gm, some of these vehicles may have conditions that cause the friction linings to wear to an extent where the parking brake can become ineffective in immobilizing a parked vehicle.gm's action covers an estimated total of 142,585 vehicles.dealers will install a low-force spring clip retainer for vehicles equipped with the pbr parking brake system and install a redesigned parking brake cable assembly on vehicles equipped with the trw parking brake system. A total of 58 non-duplicative complaints were received by odi and gm concerning the approximately 59,000 my 1999-2002 c/k 1500 series pickup trucks with the pbr parking brake system.these included 22 alleged rollaway incidents, resulting in a rate of 38.5 rollaway incidents per 100,000 vehicles.odi is aware of 24 complaints regarding the my 2001-2005 c/k 2500 and 3500 series manual transmission trucks recalled by gm, including 5 alleging rollaway incidents.though the conditions described in gm's letter are also present in the c/k trucks with automatic transmissions, the rollaway rate in those vehicles was similar to those observed in peer vehicles studied by odi in this investigation.this engineering analysis is closed. For additional information, see the attached closing report.
EA04011
Tailgate cable breakage
General motors filed a defect notice 04v‑129 on march 17, 2004, which outlines a program to replace the tailgate cables installed in affected model year 2000-2004 vehicles.refer to odi's closing report for ea04-005 for additional information.odi is aware of reports of tailgate cable breakage occurring in model year 1999 and earlier vehicles.these vehicles were equipped with similar tailgate cables as addressed by 04v‑129, but are not being addressed by campaign o4v-129.odi is initiating a separate investigation to address these vehicles.the complaint-injury-fatality statistics summarized above pertain to model year 2000-2004 vehicles. The complaint-injury statistics for model year 1999 and earlier vehicles are summarized on the opening resume for that investigation.
EA04005
Parking brake failure
Odi opened pe03-057 to assess parking brake ineffectiveness in the subject vehicles.these vehicles are equipped with four wheel disc brakes that incorporate a single-shoe drum-in-hat parking brake independent of the service brakes.complaint and warranty data indicate that the parking brake linings tend to wear out early in the life of the vehicle (at an average of 24 months in service), reducing the parking brake system's torque below that needed to immobilize the vehicle.gm has attributed this accelerated wear to foreign material intrusion and a failure of the brake shoe to properly self-center within its brake drum.effective with the start of my 2003 production, a newer reduced force hold-down clip was introduced to facilitate brake shoe disengagement from the drum surface.this part is also available at the service level for the my 1999-2002 vehicles.gm has indicated that the paking brake is intended to operate in conjunction with the transmission to immobilze parked vehicles, and that in many cases, accelerated parking brake lining wear is caused by rough use, vehicle modifications, and driving with the parking engaged. Odi has upgraded the preliminary evaluation to an engineering analysis to gather further information concerning parking brake usage factors and the circumstances surrounding the seventeen reported vehicle crashes.
PE03057
Throttle sticking closed
This investigation involves the general motors corporation (gm)throttle body (tb) utilized in model year (my) 1999-2002 silverado, sierra, tahoe, suburban, avalanche and yukon (subject vehicle(s)) with 4.8l, 5.3l, and 6.0l engines. The tb valve may intermittently stick in a closed position.in such a situation, an operator may apply additional accelerator pedal force to increase engine speed.the application of additional accelerator pedal force, to open a stuck throttle valve, may open the throttle valve more than intended and, in turn, accelerate the engine and vehicle more than intended and reasonably expected by the driver.on august 1, 2002, the office of defects investigation (odi), of the federal safety agency, opened this engineering analysis.the investigation revealed that two factors may cause the defect: 1) tb manufacturing process problems; and 2) accumulation of deposits (a pcv system by-product) on or around the tb throttle valve and bore.odi concludes that the tb performs in a defective manner after analyzing gm?s data submissions, and test data collected by the vehicle research and test center (vrtc).fifty-nine crashes are alleged to have occurred as a result of gm?s tb defect.the majority of the crashes involve a single vehicle, engaging in a close quarter vehicle maneuver (or low speed), and causing only minor property damage.four out of the fifty-nine crashes involve injury, and those injuries were minor.although gm?s tb is defective, based on the evidence gathered, odi has found that the accelerator pedal force required to open a stuck throttle valve is negligible, and the throttle valve does not stick in the open position.therefore this engineering analysis (ea02-015) will be closed at this time.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist.for a detailed discussion of the tb component and testing, please see the attached report.
EA02015
Throttle sticking
There is no summary currently available
PE02021
Steering gear/grame attaching bolts
These vehicles may have lower than specified torque on the three steering gear to frame attachment bolts.these bolts may loosen causing unresponsive steering and eventually the bolts may back out or fracture, resulting in loss of steering control
RQ99005
Technical service bulletins for the 1999 GMC Sierra 229
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This technical bulletin provides a procedure to lube the rear leaf springs on vehicles with the condition...
- Structure: body: tailgate
- Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages
- Chevrolet/gmc/cadillac: anytime hydraulic brake pipes assembly need replacing, pre-formed and pre-flared...
- Visibility: windshield
- Equipment: mechanical
- Power train
- Electrical system
- Gm: the service engine soon light is on, there is also a misfire or engine noise
- Some customers whose vehicles are operated in dusty type environments, such as farming or mining off-road...
1999 GMC Sierra fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6‑cyl | RWD | 14-15 | 19-21 | 16-17 |
| 4.8L 8‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 19 | 16 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 18-19 | 15-16 |
| 4.3L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 13-14 | 16-19 | 14-16 |
| 5.0L 8‑cyl | RWD | 13 | 17 | 15 |
| 4.8L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 13-14 | 17-18 | 15 |
| 5.7L 8‑cyl | RWD | 13 | 17 | 14 |
| 5.0L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 13 | 17 | 14 |
What 1999 GMC Sierra owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I was driving and went to apply brakes for the stop sign ahead, and I had no brakes. Once I had the truck home I parked it. I determined that the brake lines had rusted through by having a piece of cardboard under the truck to locate the leaking brake fluid. I'm so lucky that I didn't have a camper on the truck and had gone on vacation to colorado, as I intended this to be my recreational vehicle for this purpose. I am haunted by the possible scenarios and crashes that could have occurred to me and my family. Wife, son, and two daughters. This needs to be addressed before other human beings end up seriously injured, traumatized, or death being very highly likely. So I have a near new truck sitting in the yard for nearly the past five years. My attempt to install after-market brake lines has been a failure. Gm should be responsible for this catastrophic failure. I know as time goes by other brake lines on these models will rust and fail. I will be here as a witness, and so will the truck as I have refused offers to sell it.
Driving down hill, approx speed of 45 MPH, went to apply brakes when did heard pop noise and brake pedal went to the floor with no stopping. Pumped on brakes and geared down truck to slow down. Pulled over to side of road to notice that fluid was coming out of the body. Was able to get mirror and research and find the brake line had corroded with rust, and it has split.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 gmc sierra. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the brakes failed. As a result, the contact had to switch gears in order to stop the vehicle. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the brake line had fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 196,000.
I was coming to a stop and I lost my brakes I was able to get it stopped. Took it to my mechanic right away and was told the brake line burst and hit my gas line busting it as well. They had the vehicle for over 3 weeks. They repaired the gas line easy enough but the brake line had to be completely replaced.
During many occasions since I purchased the truck(new) ,the ABS system would activate as I am applying the brakes and the truck is almost stopped: loud shudder,the truck would keep rolling even after pressing hard on the brake pedal(at walking speed);it has been a rather scary experience all along as more than once ,I came close to hit other vehicles and my garage door and back wall.
This is the continuing story of the unsafe braking system on my 1999 gmc truck. On 7/15/14 as I went to stop at a red light my brake pedal began to slow the truck and then the pedal travel almost to the floor, the red warning light came on and I had to use the emergency brake to stop. I was very close to home and managed to slowly make it safely back where I discovered, for the third time, that my brake line had rusted through. I had lost a pint of fluid and later found the leaking brake line. This will be the third time I have had to change the rusty brake lines on my truck. I realize my vehicle is old, but this has been a recurring problem for at least ten years. My 1976 pontiac firebird still has it's original brake lines that show no signs of rust. My gmc brake lines are completely rusted. I have spent more than $5000 on repairing the brakes on this vehicle since purchasing it new in 1999. I have had more than five very close close calls with assorted brake failures with the rusty brake lines, faulty ABS sensors and defective wheel hubs. I am glad that I am writing this complaint and not my next of kin.
The brake lines in my 1999 gmc sierra blew out, and I was barely able to stop the truck before entering a busy highway from my driveway - the brake pedal went all the way to the floor, providing very little breaking power and taking a much longer time to stop and a much longer distance to stop than normal . I was informed that my brake lines had completely rusted out, needing full replacement, which I had done last week at considerable expense. It is unconscionable that gm knew about this problem and failed to inform owners of their vehicles to have their brake lines inspected! I have owned this truck since it was new, and my address has not changed since it was purchased, so my address is in their files.
While driving my vehicle I was stopping and the brakes were shot. I had to push the pedal as hard as possible to the floor to get it to stop. Luckily I narrowly avoided an accident with the person in front of me. I took the truck to get looked at and the brake lines are leaking from the master cylinder to the ABS unit. They are extremely rusted and they need to be replaced. The estimate was over $1000.
Brake fluid leaking all over bottom of truck spraying out I took to a mechanic and had 1000 dollar brake line job done got truck back and ABS brakes worked like manual brakes had a sensor and 2 ball joints replaced im being ripped of from a gmc loyal customer I was I guess back to ford or toyota for my next new trucks I had warranty issues you cheap [xxx] wouldnt pay for a waterpump that was leaking only a 7 dollar gasket also had a transmission on my work van repair and then replaced after a month of run around. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
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Questions about the 1999 GMC Sierra
Is the 1999 GMC Sierra reliable?
Owners have filed 600 complaints about the 1999 GMC Sierra, 10.2 times a typical Sierra model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 GMC Sierra?
Brakes, with 338 complaints, typically around 60,000 miles. Next is acceleration (39).
How many recalls does the 1999 GMC Sierra have?
5 recalls, covering structure, service brakes, hydraulic and parking brake.
Was there a recall on the 1999 GMC Sierra brakes?
Yes, 3 recalls: 05V379000, 05V161000, 00V345000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the GMC Sierra have bad brakes?
The GMC Sierra model years with the most brakes complaints are 1999 (338 complaints), 2000 (228 complaints) and 2001 (150 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1999 GMC Sierra get?
Official estimates for the 1999 GMC Sierra range from 14 to 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.3L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 14-15 city and 19-21 highway.
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