1999 GMC Suburban

Above average

Owners filed 285 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the brakes. It has been recalled 2 times.

Not among the GMC Suburban years to avoid. Which GMC Suburban years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
79,900 milesMedian miles at failure

96 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000–105,000 miles.

Most common 1999 GMC Suburban problems

110 of the 285 complaints (39%) are about the brakes.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes76
906
Tires14
201
Tires › Tread/Belt12
100
Steering8
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission8
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes7
201
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery6
000
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor5
000
Suspension5
000
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System5
000

1999 GMC Suburban brakes problems

39% of all complaints

110 of the 285 complaints are about the brakes. This is what owners describe:

  • loses its brakes or the pedal sinks15% · 16
  • leaks oil or fluid6% · 7
  • vibrates or shakes6% · 7

Share of the 110 brakes complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
87,292 mi
median of 43 reports
Peak year of filing
1999
18 brakes complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
13 · 0 · 7
in these complaints
Recalls on the brakes
None
“Complete loss of brakes coming up to a stoplight in moderate traffic. Widespread heavy corrosion/deterioration of brake lines resulted in rupture of brake line over left rear wheel. Emergency/park brake used to avoid accident. Clearly a materials defect in the brake system, in my opinion. *tr”
Owner complaint, filed Oct 27, 2014 at 114,059 miles
“Dt*: the contact stated since purchase the front brakes failed intermittently. The vehicle required an excessive stopping distance when the brakes are damp or in the morning. The vehicle was taken to the dealership on the day of purchase, but the dealership could not determine a problem. The vehicle was taken to the dealership again, 3 years later, and there was no problem found.”
Owner complaint, filed Feb 17, 2006 at 50,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1998: 5 complaints, 4 about the brakes'981999: 37 complaints, 18 about the brakes2000: 51 complaints, 14 about the brakes2001: 36 complaints, 13 about the brakes2002: 28 complaints, 10 about the brakes'022003: 27 complaints, 4 about the brakes2004: 21 complaints, 3 about the brakes2005: 28 complaints, 18 about the brakes2006: 24 complaints, 14 about the brakes'062007: 7 complaints, 3 about the brakes2008: 2 complaints, 1 about the brakes2009: 6 complaints, 5 about the brakes2010: 2 complaints, 0 about the brakes'102011: 1 complaints, 0 about the brakes2012: 2 complaints, 0 about the brakes2013: 1 complaints, 1 about the brakes2014: 1 complaints, 1 about the brakes'142015: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes2016: 2 complaints, 1 about the brakes2017: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes2018: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes'182019: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes2020: 1 complaints, 0 about the brakes2021: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes2022: 3 complaints, 0 about the brakes'22Recall 00V122000 (seat belts)Recall 06E043000 (fuel system)
All complaintsAbout the brakesRecall (red: the brakes)

Complaints about the 1999 Suburban peaked in 2000, with 51 filed that year. No recall on file covers the brakes, the subject of 39% of the complaints. In 2022 owners filed 3 so far.

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline06E043000
Filed May 19, 200688,303 vehiclesHoneywell International, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

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).

Seat Belts › Front › Webbing00V122000
Filed Apr 27, 2000279,132 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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."

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEMS MAY NOT MEET THE NECK EXTENSION REQUIREMENTS.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A TRAY INSERT ON THE TOP OF THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE TRAY INSERT CORRECTS THE NONCOMPLIANCE.

All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.

Technical service bulletins

55 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1999 Suburban. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

transmission 16equipment 13electrical system 4engine 4fuel system 3brakes 3wheels 2equipment adaptive/mobility 2
020525002Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 1, 2002brakes

SUBJECT REGARDING REVISED WHEEL SPEED SENSOR REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. *TT

990524001AService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 1, 1999brakes

BRAKE LEAD/PULL AND FRONT BRAKE WEAR. *MJS

990524001Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 1, 1999brakes

SOME CAB CHASSIS, CREW CAB, AND PICKUP MODELS MAY EXHIBIT A BRAKE LEAD / PULL AND FRONT BRAKE WEAR. *TT

What owners reported

Newest filings
EngineFire
Filed Dec 11, 2022AR

You'll be driving down the road the brakes will be working just fine then they'll just all sudden go out and then it backfires and blows it blows up a big cloud of fire out of the motor and that's the GMC 1999 Suburban four-wheel drive 7.4 l

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage
Filed Jun 7, 2022IA

The original fuel tank in this vehicle way rusty and leaking. I replaced the original tank with a Dorman model 576-372 fuel tank. This tank included a new fuel pump lock ring, which was used to secure a new fuel pump in the tank prior to installation in the vehicle. The lock rung failed approximately one week after installation allowing the fuel pump to raise up out of the tank. At the next fuel up a large volume of gasoline escaped form the fuel pump opening and spilled. The defective lock ring was replaced with a OEM part and was subsequently discarded.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage
Filed Jun 7, 2022IA

The original fuel tank in this vehicle way rusty and leaking. I replaced the original tank with a Dorman model 576-372 fuel tank. The tank was installed in September 2021. The tank began leaking in February 2022. A repair shop discovered that the tank was defective and had failed. The Tank was discarded and replaced with a new unit. As no OEM parts are available the replacement was also and aftermarket part. That tank also was defective and began leaking within 90 days. A third aftermarket tank was installed and it also began leaking recently. When these leaks occur the tank fails in such a way that a large volume of fuel is spilled collects under the vehicle. As there seems to be only one company manufacturing these parts there seems be be a large potential that the issue will affect many vehicles.

Electrical System
Filed May 26, 202097,000 milesFL

GM PASSLOCK SYSTEM FAULTY LEAVING ME STRANDED FAR FROM HOME.THANKFULLY, I WAS NOT IN THE ROAD. MY VEHICLE WOULDN'T START. THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM AND MANY PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED IT. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 24, 2016190,000 milesMI

WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS OR COMING TO STOP THE ABS SEEMS TO ENGAGE AND CAUSE ERRATIC STOPPING AND EVEN HARD STOPPING AT TIMES. THE BRAKE PEDAL KICKS BACK AND IS HARD TO PRESS DOWN AND STOPPING IS VERY DIFFICULT.

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Jan 7, 2016229,000 milesLA

MY 1999 C1500 SUBURBAN CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED AND COMPLETELY OFF. IT HAD BEEN PARKED FRO 9 HOURS WHEN WE WERE AWAKENED AT 2AM BY NEIGHBORS AND POLICE TRYING TO EVACUATE OUR HOME. THE CAR BURNED TO THE GROUND AND WAS THE MOST FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE. I HAVE A 9 AND 6 YEAR OLD THAT ARE TRAUMATIZED BY THE INCIDENT. I REPORTED THE MATTER TO THE GMC CUSTOMER CARE AND THEY REPLIED SAYING THAT THEY WOULD CONTACT ME IN 2 DAYS. THIS IS UNFORGIVEABLE.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 27, 2014114,059 milesIL

COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKES COMING UP TO A STOPLIGHT IN MODERATE TRAFFIC. WIDESPREAD HEAVY CORROSION/DETERIORATION OF BRAKE LINES RESULTED IN RUPTURE OF BRAKE LINE OVER LEFT REAR WHEEL. EMERGENCY/PARK BRAKE USED TO AVOID ACCIDENT. CLEARLY A MATERIALS DEFECT IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM, IN MY OPINION. *TR

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Nov 4, 2013104,000 milesMD

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP IN A BUSINESS PARKING LOT, BRAKE PEDAL UNEXPECTEDLY WENT TO FLOOR, VEHICLE RAN OVER CURB/STOP, DAMAGING SUSPENSION. CAUSE OF INCIDENT WAS DETERMINED TO BE A RUPTURED METAL BRAKE LINE, CAUSED BY SEVERE CORROSION. A SECOND LINE WAS FOUND TO HAVE SMALL PIN HOLE, WHICH HAD NOT YET RUPTURED, BUT COULD HAVE FAILED AT ANYTIME. *TR

Steering
Filed Jun 20, 2012100,000 milesWA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING INTO THE NEXT LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER DID PERFORM AN ALIGNMENT AS A PRECAUTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 189,000.

Seat Belts › Front › Webbing1 injured
Filed Apr 25, 201295,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, HE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN HIS WIFE. THE WAS VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V122000 (SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 103,000. THE CONSUMER STATED HE PURCHASED AND REPLACED THE SEAT BELT. THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WAS FRAYED AND FAILED TO RESTRAIN HIM. THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THE CONSUMERS WIFE WAS INJURED, WHEN THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO PROPERLY RESTRAIN HER. ALSO, BOTH DOOR LATCHES WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 07/17/12

Fuel System, Other
Filed Feb 9, 201166,000 milesCO

ENGINE RPM INCREASES WHEN FOOT IS OFF THE ACCELERATOR WHILE DRIVING. THIS ISSUE STARTED APPROXIMATELY 4 MONTHS AGO AND IS ON GOING, EACH TIME THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN. THIS IS UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *TR

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/CoolerFire
Filed Mar 3, 2010125,000 milesCO

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SUBURBAN 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WARMER OVERHEATED AND BURNED A HOLE IN THE SEAT. THERE WAS AN OCCUPANT IN THE SEAT BUT THEY WERE NOT BURNED. HE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT IF THERE WERE ANY RELATED RECALLS AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE NONE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TO-DATE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 125,000.

TiresCrash
Filed Feb 14, 201028,000 milesUT

TIRE DELAMINATION. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Wheel Speed Sensor/Tone Ring
Filed Dec 21, 200990,000 milesIL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH THE ANTI LOCK BRAKING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND SHUT OFF THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM. TWO YEARS AGO THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND IS CURRENTLY MORE FREQUENT. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SPEED SENSOR HUBS PRIOR TO THE RECALL AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE DEALER ALSO DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE ON 12 18 09 AND STATED THAT THE SPEED SENSORS NEEDED TO BE CLEANED AND RESEALED. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT RECALL # 05068 IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE VIN IS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS QUOTED $300 TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Nov 24, 200941,000 milesMD

BRAKE LINES RUSTING THROUGH; LOST REAR BRAKES FIRST TIME (EARLY 2008) AND I HAD 2 BRAKE LINES MANUFACTURED THAT WERE OF HIGHER QUALITY THAN ORIGINAL; THIS TIME LOST FRONT BRAKES - METAL LINE STARTED LEAKING RAPIDLY; NOW HAVE TO REPLACE ALL REMAINING BRAKE LINES TO FEEL SAFE. SUBURBAN 2500. *TR

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed May 18, 200960,595 milesMA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SUBURBAN. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND BOTH REAR DOOR HANDLES FAILED ON FIVE OCCASIONS. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND REAR BARN DOORS FAILED TWICE. AS A RESULT, THE REAR PASSENGER DOORS COULD NOT BE OPENED MANUALLY. THE ELECTRIC DOORS WOULD WORK SPORADICALLY, BUT ALSO WOULD NOT WORK FOR DAYS AT A TIME. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE THE SOURCE OF THE FAILURES. THE OCCUPANTS SEATED IN THE THIRD ROW AND REAR SEATS ARE TRAPPED WHEN THE FAILURES OCCUR. THE DOORS ARE UNABLE TO BE OPENED WITHIN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE OCCUPANTS MUST CLIMB OUT OF THE VEHICLE FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER OR DRIVER'S SIDE DOORS. CURRENTLY, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HAS COMPLETELY FAILED AGAIN AND THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR OPERATES RANDOMLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE CYLINOID LOCKS ON THE DOOR, WHICH TEMPORARILY REMEDIED THE FAILURE FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 208,000. UPDATED 06/12/09 *BF THE POWER DOOR LOCKS FAILED. UPDATED 06/16/09

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Wheel Speed Sensor/Tone Ring
Filed Apr 24, 2009110,000 milesPA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS RANGING FROM APPROXIMATELY 20 TO 25 MPH AND BRAKING, THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM ENGAGED. THE FAILURE HAS BECOME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE AND INCREASED HIS STOPPING DISTANCE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY FOR ONE YEAR AND HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Mar 16, 200995,000 milesMA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM ENGAGED WITHOUT ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SPORADICALLY. IN ADDITION, THE STOPPING DISTANCE WOULD INCREASE DURING BRAKING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THEY STATED THAT THE ABS SENSOR FAILED. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V379000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 95,000. UPDATED 04/15/09. *LJ UPDATED 04/16/09.*JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jan 27, 200915,070 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED ABS FAILURE WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH. HE STATED THAT THE ABS ACTIVATES EVEN WHEN THE ROAD CONDITIONS ARE NOT SLIPPERY DUE TO RAIN OR ICE. THE ABS ENGAGES ITSELF WHENEVER THE VEHICLE IS COMING TO A STOP ON DRY PAVEMENT, WHICH INCREASES THE STOPPING DISTANCE. HE HAS NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO BE INSPECTED; HOWEVER, HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL THAT DID NOT INCLUDE HIS VEHICLE. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS NOT LOCATED IN THE NHTSA DATABASE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED AND THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT IT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE GMC ISSUED RECALL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 15,070. UPDATED 02/24/09. *LJ UPDATED 02/24/09. *JB

Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
Filed Oct 10, 200890,000 milesIL

WE OWN A 1999 GMC SUBURBAN . WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE WHICH HAS NEVER (TIL THIS TIME) BEEN IN A CRASH. ON PERFECTLY DRY PAVEMENT, THE BRAKES MALFUNCTION WHILE COMING TO A STOP. IT SOUNDS AND FEEL LIKE THE ANTILOCK BRAKES ARE PULSATING AND GREATLY REDUCES MY BRAKING CAPABILITY WHICH IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THIS OCCURS WHILE COMING TO A STOP FROM A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 5-10 MPH. I RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT AN IMMEDIATE REPAIR BE PERFORMED AND BE PAID FOR BY GM AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. KINDLY CONTACT ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AS WE TRANSPORT OUR CHILDREN AND OTHER ADULTS ON MANY OCCASIONS. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE. *TR

Structure
Filed Jan 24, 2008CA

PAINT ON MY 1999 GMC SUBURBAN HAS STARTED TO PEEL AND EXPOSE THE METAL. THERE IS NO VALID REASON FOR THIS OTHER THAN ORGINAL FAULT OF PAINT OR PROCESS OF PAINTING AT THE MANUFACTURER. HAS THERE BEEN A RECALL I HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF? THAT IS WHAT I WAS TOLD BY MY MECHANIC, BUT WHEN I WENT TO MY LOCAL GMC AUTHORIZED DEALER AND TOLD THEM ABOUT THIS, THEY DENIED THERE HAS BEEN SUCH RECALL. PLEASE INFORM ME OF ANY SUCH RECALL. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipCrash
Filed Dec 17, 200792,500 milesNJ

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING 1-5 MPH, THE ABS ACTIVATED WITHOUT CAUSE OR WARNING WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE STOPPING DISTANCE INCREASED. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, THE CONTACT'S WIFE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE ABS ACTIVATED WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. AS OF DECEMBER 17, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V379000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: ANTILOCK). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,500 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,000. UPDATED 03/14/08. *LJ THERE WAS DAMAGE TO EITHER VEHICLE, NO INFORMATION WAS EXCHANGED.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jun 14, 200795,000 milesIL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTILOCK BRAKES WOULD ENGAGE DURING SPEEDS UNDER 5 MPH AND A BUZZING NOISE COULD BE HEARD. A LOCAL MECHANIC REMOVED AND CLEANED THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. THE CONTACTED STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE ANTILOCK BRAKES, HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 111,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipCrash
Filed May 10, 2007NY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE MADE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE CLEAR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED AND NO OTHER FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 100,100 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 06/08/07. *JB

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Apr 24, 200780,000 milesNY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SUBURBAN. THE INTERIOR HANDLES HAD TO BE REPLACED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE HANDLES WERE MADE OF PLASTIC , AND ALL FOUR DOORS FAILED. TO OPEN THE DOOR THE WINDOW MUST BE USED TO OPEN THE VEHICLE FROM THE OUTSIDE HANDLE. GMC HASN'T DONE ANYTHING TO ASSESS THE FAILURE. THE DRIVER SIDE HANDLE HAS TO BE REPLACED MORE FREQUENTLY SINCE IT WAS USED DAILY. ACCORDING TO THE TECHNICIAN THEY HAVE SEEN THIS FAILURE REPEATEDLY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 80,000. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Apr 5, 200798,641 milesGA

GAS GAUGES ARE DEFECTIVE,FUEL SYSTEM AND GASOLINE SYSTEM ARE NOT WORKING PROPOPERLY.ALL DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND NOW THEY HAVE STOPPED WORKING AGAIN,OTHER PEOPLE WITH THIS SUV HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS,I'M A SINGLE FEMALE,AND I AM GETTING RIPPED OFF. *AK

Suspension › Front › Hub
Filed Apr 3, 200783,000 milesMI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SUBURBAN. THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES ACTIVATE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO A MECHANIC ,WHO REPLACED THE FRONT HUB BEARINGS. THIS VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL # 05V379000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 85,000, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000. *AK

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash
Filed Feb 19, 2007TN

WHILE DRIVING UP THE INTERSTATE, THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. MOVED THE TILT STEERING WHEEL A NOTCH OR TWO AND THE LIGHTS CAME BACK ON. WE DROVE A FEW MORE MILES AND THEY WENT OUT AGAIN, THIS TIME ACCOMPANIED BY A BURNING SMELL. TOOK IT TO GM GARAGE (WHO WANTED $90 AN HOUR) TO LOOK AT IT. I CHECKED IT OUT MYSELF AND FOUND WIRES CORRODED IN THE HARNESS (LOCATED IN STEERING COLUMN) AND TWO BURNED THROUGH. CLEANED THE WIRES AND SOLDERED THEM BACK. CONTACTED GM ABOUT PROBLEM, RECEIVED NO HELP. CHECKED WITH INSURANCE COMPANY AND FILED A STATEMENT WITH THEM. WIRING HARNESS WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Dec 12, 2006106,000 milesNY

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED DURING A LOW-SPEED BRAKING SITUATION, THERE WAS A VIBRATION IN THE PEDAL WHICH FELT AS IF THE ABS HAD ACTIVATED. AFTER THIS INCIDENT THERE WAS AN INCREASED THE STOPPING DISTANCE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE ABS SENSOR WAS RUSTED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL # 05V379000, WHICH PERTAINED TO THE HYDRAULIC ANTILOCK BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Dec 7, 2006165,000 milesFL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEAD LIGHTS WERE NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH DUE TO THE LENSES CLOUDING AND LOOKING MILKY. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THE HEAD LIGHTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE HEAD LIGHTS. UPDATED 01/10/07. *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Nov 14, 200612,000 milesMO

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR STOPPED WORKING. THE WIPER MOTOR WORKED INTERMITTENTLY EVER SINCE. NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED FOR ANY ASSOCIATED ELECTRICAL DEFECT. NEITHER A DEALERSHIP NOR THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED THE DEFECT SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO A RECALL DUE TO THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. UPDATED 03/15/07. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Oct 18, 2006112,386 milesMI

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AT LOW SPEEDS WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE ABS ENGAGED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 05V37900, REGARDING THE ANTILOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Oct 11, 2006SC

1999 GMC SUBURBAN. INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILED. THIS OCCURRED AFTER REPLACING THE WATER PUMP WHICH FAILED FOR THE SECOND TIME IN LESS THAN A YEAR. MY MECHANIC SAYS THIS IS EPIDEMIC WITH THE GM VEHICLES WHICH USE THE DEXCOOL ANTIFREEZE. MY EXPERIENCE BEARS THIS OUT: MY PREVIOUS VEHICLE WAS A 1999 CHEVY SUBURBAN, WHICH HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL OF ALL THESE VEHICLES! *NM

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Sep 22, 2006130,000 milesMA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 5 MPH, THE ABS ACTIVATED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, #05V379000 REGARDING THE SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: ANTILOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Sep 15, 2006118,000 milesVT

DT*: UPDATED 10/17/2006 - THE VEHICLE WHEEL SENSOR FAILED DUE TO CORROSION ON THE ABS SENSORS. THIS CAUSED THE ABS TO ACTIVE WHILE BRAKING AT LOW SPEEDS, LESS THAN 5 MPH. THE VEHICLE WOULD TRAVEL 5-20 FEET BEFORE CONING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THIS IS CAUSED WHEN THE WHEEL SENSORS LOSE OUTPUT VOLTAGE ON ONE OR MORE WHEELS WHICH TELLS THE CONTROLLER THAT THE WHEEL IS LOCKED UP AND RELEASES BRAKE PRESSURE SO IT WONT CONTINUE TO SKID. THIS FAILURE HAS CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO HIT HIS GARAGE DOOR WHILE PULLING INTO HIS DRIVEWAY. THE CONSUMER HAS PULLED THE FUSE ON THE ABS SYSTEM. *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Aug 18, 200699,000 milesOH

1999 GMC SUBURBAN INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILURE ON 5.7L ENGINE RESULTING IN LEAKING ANTIFREEZE, AND EXPENSIVE FIX. THOUSANDS OF SIMILAR FAILURES, THERE SHOULD BE A (FORCED) RECALL BASED ON MAGNUSON-MOSS ! *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Jul 26, 200669,000 milesGA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE GAS GAUGE LOCATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED. ALSO, WHILE PARKED IN THE GARAGE, THERE WAS A LIQUID OBSERVED ON THE FLOOR. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS LEAKING.

Steering
Filed Jul 18, 20065,000 milesMD

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING WHILE BRAKING AND MAKING TURNS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED FOR THE POWER STEERING ISSUE HOWEVER THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED THE VEHICLE PROBLEM MAY BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT.

Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Filed Jun 5, 2006MI

1999 GMC SUBURBAN'S LEFT FRONT WHEEL SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE. *TS ALL THE BOLTS WERE BENT AND THE BRAKE ASSEMBLY SUSTAIN SOME DAMAGE. *NM

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 12, 200675,000 milesNY

I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER, JIM MURPHY PONTIAC/GMC IN BUFFALO, NY THAT THE SPEED SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ON THE TRUCK. THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN# 020525002 FOR THIS EXACT PART. I WAS TOLD MY TRUCK IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THE VIN # FOR MY 1999 GMC SUBURBAN IS [XXX]. *NM UPDATED 07/16/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed May 5, 2006156,000 milesAZ

FUEL PUMP/CONNECTOR FAILURE. INITIALLY ENGINE WOULD SHUT DOWN INTERMITTENTLY. ON LAST OCCASION, VEHICLE ENGINE SHUT DOWN RESULTING IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKES, ETC. WOULD NOT RESTART. FORMER GM MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT HE WITNESSED THIS PROBLEM NUMEROUS TIMES AND FOUND MOST CASES INVOLVED FAILURE OF ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR OR GROUND CONNECTION AT FUEL PUMP. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Apr 10, 2006101,000 milesMI

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH THE ABS SENSORS CAUSE AN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 05V379000, REGARDING THE SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: ANTI-LOCK. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Mar 7, 2006100,000 milesKY

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE BRAKING AT SLOWER SPEEDS THE ABS ON THE VEHICLE ACTIVATED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 05V379000 REGARDING THE ABS. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE YEAR OF THE VEHICLE AND THE STATE IS NOT INCLUDED. THE REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE AND THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Feb 28, 2006CA

I HAVE A 99 GMC SLE SUBURBAN AND HAVE TROUBLE WITH THE REAR SEAT POWER DOOR LOCKS ON BOTH SIDES.THEY GET STUCK IN THE MIDDLE AND YOU CAN'T GET OUT OF THE CAR OR IN THE CAR. IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD. *NM

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Feb 22, 2006131,849 milesMI

1999 SUBURBAN RIGHT FRONT ROTOR WAS REPLACED WHEN ROTOR BODY SEPARATED FROM HUB. ABS HAS PREMATURE ACTUATION. *TS THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME ABS PROBLEMS AS STATED IN THE RECALL, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER FELL OUTSIDE OF PARAMETERS OF THE RECALL. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Feb 17, 200650,000 milesMI

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED SINCE PURCHASE THE FRONT BRAKES FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE REQUIRED AN EXCESSIVE STOPPING DISTANCE WHEN THE BRAKES ARE DAMP OR IN THE MORNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP ON THE DAY OF PURCHASE, BUT THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT DETERMINE A PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN, 3 YEARS LATER, AND THERE WAS NO PROBLEM FOUND. THE FRONT BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED AND THE ROTORS WERE TURNED FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 05V379000, REGARDING THE ANTILOCK BRAKES. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER, IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. UPDATED 3/9/2006 - *NM

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Feb 13, 2006130,644 milesMI

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ANTILOCK BRAKES ENGAGE AT 6 MPH. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 05V379000, REGARDING THE ANTILOCK BRAKES. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE AND THE PROBLEM HAS NOT REOCCURRED.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jan 31, 200677,700 milesWI

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THIS OCCURRED DURING NORMAL BRAKING ON DRY ROADS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALERSHIP CLEANED THE SPEED SENSORS, WHICH REMEDIED THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE SPEED SENSOR WAS CORRODED. UPDATED 03/17/06. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jan 12, 200692,850 milesVA

1999 GMC SURBURBAN VIN [XXX] I HAVE THE KNOW PROBLEM OF ANTI-LOCK BRAKES BEING ACTIVATED AT LOW SPEED. I LIVE IN VIRGINIA, 5 MILES FROM MARYLAND AND 10 MILES FROM WASHINGTON DC WHICH ARE COVERED BY A RECALL. I WANT MY VEHICLE COVERED BY THE RECALL. *JB INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jan 5, 200671,000 milesIL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDS THE ANTILOCK BRAKES ENGAGED, RESULTS IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. ALSO, THE VEHICLE JERKED WHEN THE ANTILOCK BRAKES ENGAGED.*AK UPDATED 1/25/2006 - THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER WHO CLAIMED THAT THE CONSUMER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *NM

Complaints 1-50 of 285, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1994
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20041000Routine
20035100Routine
20027100Routine
20015200Routine
200015200Routine
1999 — this page285260Above average
1998100331Fatalities reported
1997200340Above average
1996172424Fatalities reported
1995227723Fatalities reported
1994411640High concern
1993212240Above average
199280420Routine
199130200Routine
199022200Routine

Compare every Suburban year →

1999 GMC Suburban: questions buyers ask

Is the 1999 GMC Suburban a good car?

It is not among the Suburban years to avoid. Owners filed 285 complaints, against about 200 for a typical Suburban year. The most common complaint is about the brakes (39%).

What is the most common problem with the 1999 GMC Suburban?

The brakes: 110 of the 285 complaints (39%) are about it. Owners most often say it loses its brakes or the pedal sinks (15%), leaks oil or fluid (6%) and vibrates or shakes (6%). The typical report comes at 87,292 miles.

How many recalls does the 1999 GMC Suburban have?

2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed May 19, 2006. The largest, 00V122000, covered 279,132 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1999 GMC Suburban problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 79,900 miles. For the brakes the midpoint is 87,292 miles.

Are there service bulletins for the 1999 GMC Suburban?

The manufacturer filed 55 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the transmission (16), the electrical system (4) and the engine (4). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 19, 2006. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.