1999 Chevrolet Express 3500 problems

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The Chevrolet Express (also known as the GMC Savana) is a series of full-size vans produced by General Motors since 1996. The successor to the Chevrolet G-series van, the Express is produced in passenger and cargo variants. Alongside the standard van body, the line is offered as a cutaway van chassis; the latter vehicle is a chassis cab variant developed for commercial-grade applications, including ambulances, buses, motorhomes, and small trucks.

In production for a single generation since 1995, over 2.5 million examples of the Express and the Savana have been produced. One of the longest-produced designs in American automotive history, the Express/Savana are rivaled only by the Jeep Wagoneer and Dodge Ram Van for longevity.

Since 1995, General Motors has assembled the Express and Savana at its Wentzville Assembly facility (Wentzville, Missouri). Also, since 2017, GM has sourced commercial cutaway-chassis production from Navistar through its Springfield Assembly Plant (Springfield, Ohio).

1999 Chevrolet Express 3500

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Common 1999 Chevrolet Express 3500 problems

The 1999 Chevrolet Express 3500 has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners of this car. The most-reported problem is with the 1999 Chevrolet Express for fuel pump failure. This issue has been reported by multiple owners, with an average repair cost of $3,000 and an average mileage of 25,000 miles. Additionally, there have been reports of fuel pump failure at an average repair cost of $4,000 and an average mileage of 70,000 miles, and at an average repair cost of $8,300 and an average mileage of 67,000 miles.

Another common issue with the 1999 Chevrolet Express 3500 is related to the tail light wiring in the cargo area, which may be damaged. This problem can lead to issues with the vehicle's electrical system and can be difficult to diagnose and repair.

There have also been several recalls for the 1999 Chevrolet Express 3500. One recall is for certain trucks, sport utility vehicles, and vans equipped with Bosch hydro-boost brake assemblies, where the hydraulic brake booster pressure accumulator may crack and separate from the hydro-boost assembly during normal operating conditions. This issue can lead to a loss of brake function and an increased risk of a crash.

Another recall is for certain vans that were built without a wheel bearing assembly retaining nut, which could lead to a possible bearing separation. If this were to occur, the ABS system would be disabled, and the driver would notice a grinding noise, a decrease in the vehicle speed, and the steering will pull in the direction of the affected brake assembly. This could result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Additionally, there have been recalls for front safety belt buckles that may not release after a crash, or may cause the buckle to unlatch in a crash, resulting in an increased risk of personal injury.

It is important for owners of the 1999 Chevrolet Express 3500 to be aware of these common problems and recalls, and to take appropriate action to have their vehicles inspected and repaired as needed.

1999 Chevrolet Express 3500 engine

How many miles does a Chevy Express 3500 last?

The 2019 Chevrolet Express lasts around 200,000 miles, with some alternator and A/C issues reported. At $24,975 to $39,975, it's a decent value for a practical old-school full-size van if you need to haul a lot of people or cargo.

How many miles per gallon does a Chevy Express 3500?

Fuel Economy

City11 mpg
Highway16 mpg
Combined12 mpg

Are Chevy Express vans reliable?

The Chevrolet Express 1500 Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 9th out of 21 for commercial vans. The average annual repair cost is $963 which means it has poor ownership costs.

Why does my Chevy Express 3500 stall at idle?

The most common reasons a Chevrolet Express 3500 engine stalling are the fuel system, the air intake system, or the ignition system.

How many miles does a Chevy Express 3500 last?

The 2021 Chevrolet Express lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average wheel noise and fuel pump issues reported.

Is the Chevrolet Express a reliable van?

The Chevrolet Express 1500 Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 9th out of 21 for commercial vans. The average annual repair cost is $963 which means it has poor ownership costs.

How many MPG does a Chevy Express 3500 get?

Fuel Economy

City12 mpg
Highway16 mpg
Combined14 mpg

What's the difference between 2500 and 3500 Chevy Express van?

The difference between the 2500 and 3500 models are in the gross weight each can handle and the payload. The 2500 can carry up to 8,600 pounds and tow up to 3234 pounds. The 3500 can carry up to 9900 pounds and two up to 4,192 pounds.

1999 Chevrolet Express 3500 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Express 3500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Wheels problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Structure problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1999 Chevrolet Express 3500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1999 Chevrolet Express 3500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1999 Chevrolet Express 3500.

2018-05-05

WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2018-04-30
  • VIN: 1GAHG39R2X1
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: AN ASE/AAA CERTIFIED MECHANIC INSTALLED A PASSENGER CAR RATED TIRE ON THE VEHICLE, INFLATED TO 36 PSI. THE PLATE ON THE VEHICLE IS FOR AN E RATED TIRE (LT245/75R16E 80 PSI). THE TIRES INSTALLED WERE DOT R88Y 25BR0418 (OHTSU P245/75R16). WHEN ORIGINALLY CHALLENGED, THE SHOP ATTEMPTED TO HAVE ME KEEP THE TIRE ON THE VEHICLE. AFTER COMPLAINING THROUGH AAA THE TIRE SHOP ACCEPTED RETURN ON THE TIRES. AS I WAS REQUIRED TO WAIT FOR SOME TIME TO GET THE ORIGINAL SHOP TO ACCEPT RETURN I WENT TO ANOTHER SHOP TO HAVE THE P TIRES REPLACED WITH LT E-RATE TIRES. AT ANOTHER SHOP (A NATION CHAIN RETAIL CENTER) I WAS OFFERED FOR SALE C-RATE TIRES. NOW THAT THE FORD EXPLORER / FIRESTONE RECALL IS NOW A FADING MEMORY, I AM CONCERNED THAT MULTIPLE TIRE SHOPS OFFERED FOR SALE UNDER RATED TIRES FOR MY VEHICLE.
2015-07-31

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2014-10-15
  • VIN: 1GBJG31R2X1
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FIVE DIFFERENT DEALERS. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR, OXYGEN SENSOR, FUEL FILTER, DISTRIBUTOR, COIL SPARK PLUG WIRES, TIMING GEARING CHAIN, AND FUSES WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED OVER FIVE TIMES, HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED EACH TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
2013-04-25

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2013-04-20
  • VIN: 1GAHG39R2X1
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET EXPRESS G3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE BRAKE PEDAL SUDDENLY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKES LINE WERE CORRODED UP TO THE MASTER CYLINDER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
2009-06-08

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2009-06-06
  • VIN: 1GCHG35R9X1
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: BADLY RUSTED FRAME. *TR

1999 Chevrolet Express 3500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1999 Chevrolet Express 3500.

2007-10-24
  • Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
  • Components: EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
  • 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.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1999 Chevrolet Express 3500 problems:

Q&A: Troubleshooting Idle Problems on 1999 Chevy Express 3500
Q&A: Troubleshooting Idle Problems on 1999 Chevy Express 3500
https://www.justanswer.com/chevy/4tnmk-chevrolet-express-3500-idle-problem-chevy.html

Apr 4, 2011 ... Check for the following conditions: Poor connection at PCM or IAC motor. Inspect harness connectors for backed out terminals, improper mating, ...

Chevrolet Express 3500 Problems and Complaints - 22 Issues
Chevrolet Express 3500 Problems and Complaints - 22 Issues
https://repairpal.com/problems/chevrolet/express-3500

Top Chevrolet Express 3500 Problems · Tail Light Wiring in Cargo Area May be Damaged · Fuel Level Sensor Failure · Replace Fuel Filter Every 30,000 to Prevent Fuel ...

Common Problems with 1998 Chevy Express 3500 Cargo Van ...
Common Problems with 1998 Chevy Express 3500 Cargo Van ...
https://www.justanswer.com/chevy/5j2p5-1998-chevy-express-van-blowing-i-bad-fuel-pump.html

Sep 9, 2011 ... I have a 1998 chevy express van. I have a problem with my emc-1 fuse blowing as soon as I try to start the car. At first - Answered by a ...

1999 Chevrolet Express 3500 Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
1999 Chevrolet Express 3500 Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
https://repairpal.com/cars/chevrolet/express-3500/1999

The Chevrolet Express 3500 Reliability Rating is 2.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 13th out of 21 for commercial vans.

Q&A: 1999 Chevy 3500 Express Van - Common Issues & Towing ...
Q&A: 1999 Chevy 3500 Express Van - Common Issues & Towing ...
https://www.justanswer.com/chevy/ajeu1-1999-chevrolet-3500-express-van-5-7-liter-runs-fine.html

Jul 11, 2017 ... Install a fuel pressure gauge and monitor fuel pressure while driving at Wide Open Throttle (WOT). The pressure should stay at 60 PSI or higher.

Other years of Chevrolet Express 3500

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Express 3500 2000
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1999 Chevrolet Express 3500 photo