1999 Chevrolet Sierra problems

General information about Chevrolet-Sierra
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

The Chevrolet C/K is a series of trucks that was manufactured by General Motors from the 1960 to 2002 model years. Marketed by both the Chevrolet and GMC divisions, the C/K series encompassed a wide range of vehicles. While most commonly associated with pickup trucks, the model line also included chassis-cab trucks and medium-duty trucks and served as the basis for GM full-size SUVs. Through its entire production, the model line competed directly against the Ford F-Series and the Dodge D series (later the Dodge Ram pickup).

Used for both the model branding and the internal model code, "C" denoted two-wheel drive, while "K" denoted four-wheel drive. Four generations of the C/K series were produced, including the GM monikered second-generation "Action Line" and third-generation "Rounded Line" vehicles (colloquially aka Square-Body trucks). For the fourth-generation (colloquially also known as OBS trucks), Chevrolet kept using the C/K designation while GMC revised its branding, changing to a singular GMC Sierra nameplate (C/K remained as an internal model code).

For South America, the model line was manufactured by General Motors de Argentina from 1960 to 1978, Sevel Argentina from 1986 to 1991, and General Motors Brazil, who produced versions of the model line for Brazil, Argentina, and Chile from 1964 to 2001.

As GM entered the 1990s, the company revised its truck ranges, replacing the medium-duty C/K trucks with the Chevrolet Kodiak/GMC TopKick for 1990. For 1999, GM replaced the fourth-generation C/K pickup trucks with an all-new model line; in line with GMC, Chevrolet dropped the C/K nameplate (in favor of a singular Chevrolet Silverado nameplate). Initially marketed with its successor, the final C/K pickup trucks were produced for the 2000 model year. From 2001 to 2002, the final vehicles of the C/K model line were medium-duty chassis cab trucks.

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Common 1999 Chevrolet Sierra problems

The 1999 Chevrolet Sierra is a popular pickup truck, but like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues by owners of this model:

Intake Manifold Gaskets: The intake manifold gaskets on the 1999 Chevrolet Sierra are prone to developing coolant leaks. These leaks can lead to engine overheating and potential engine damage. Replacing the intake manifold gaskets is a complex and time-consuming process, so it's recommended to have a professional mechanic handle this repair.
Front Abs Sensors: The front abs sensors on the 1999 Chevrolet Sierra tend to fail prematurely. These sensors are critical for the proper operation of the anti-lock braking system (ABS). Faulty sensors can cause the ABS warning light to illuminate on the dashboard, and in some cases, may cause the ABS system to malfunction.
Front Differential Bearings: The front differential bearings on the 1999 Chevrolet Sierra are known to experience premature failure, leading to noise while driving. This issue is more common on trucks with larger than stock wheels and tires.
Transfer Case Shift Motor: The transfer case shift motor on the 1999 Chevrolet Sierra can malfunction or fail completely, causing issues with shifting between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.
Plastic Door Handles: The plastic door handles on the 1999 Chevrolet Sierra tend to break easily and frequently. This can be a frustrating issue for owners, as it may require replacement of the entire handle assembly.
Front Wheel Bearings: The front wheel bearings on the 1999 Chevrolet Sierra can also experience premature failure, especially on trucks with larger than stock wheels and tires. This issue can cause a humming or growling noise while driving and may require replacement of the entire hub assembly.
Gauges in the Instrument Cluster: The gauges in the instrument cluster on the 1999 Chevrolet Sierra can malfunction and may even stop working completely. This can be a safety concern, as it may prevent the driver from being aware of critical vehicle information.
Fuel Pump Circuit Board: The fuel pump circuit board on the 1999 Chevrolet Sierra can fail, causing the fuel pump to stop working and the engine to stall. This issue may require replacement of the entire fuel pump assembly.
Fuel Level Sending Unit: The fuel level sending unit on the 1999 Chevrolet Sierra can malfunction, causing inaccurate readings on the fuel gauge. This issue may require replacement of the sending unit.
NOx Sensors: The NOx sensors on the 1999 Chevrolet Sierra can fail before the truck reaches 100,000 miles. These sensors are located under the intake manifold, making replacement a complex and time-consuming process.

It's important to note that not all 1999 Chevrolet Sierras will experience these issues, and many owners report trouble-free operation of their vehicles. However, being aware of these common problems can help owners take proactive steps to maintain their vehicles and address potential issues before they become serious problems.

How many miles can a 1999 GMC Sierra last?

With proper maintenance, a GMC Sierra 1500 should run for a minimum of 200,000 miles, with some units having topped half a million. Annual maintenance costs average in the low-$700 range, with less frequent major problems than most pickups.

What years did the GMC Sierra have transmission problems?

GMC's Sierra 1500 is one of the toughest pickups there is, offering a plethora of powertrain options to suit buyers' needs. However, owners report transmission problems in models from 2009 to 2013, including hesitating between shifts.

What year Sierra is most reliable?

Overall, the GMC Sierra 1500 is worth it if you're willing to keep up with regular maintenance for the machine. We recommend 2004, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017, and 2018 options as your top picks on the market.

Does GMC Sierra have engine problems?

The 2022 GMC Sierra engine issues are one of the largest GMC scandals in recent years. It is more than likely that customers will be dissuaded from buying this truck in the near future but hopefully, General Motors will manage to address all the issues quickly.

How many miles can a 1999 GMC Sierra last?

With decent care, you'll get a baseline mileage expectancy of 200,000 miles, but for many Sierras, they're just getting started at that number. It's not unusual to find them with 400,000 miles on the odometer, with the original transmission and engine.

What year Sierra is most reliable?

What years did the GMC Sierra have transmission problems?

Does GMC Sierra have engine problems?

1999 Chevrolet Sierra car problems categorized by type of issue

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

Service brakes problems
Hydraulic problems
Electrical system problems
Steering problems
Suspension problems

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

1999 Chevrolet Sierra complaints

The NHTSA has received 12 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1999 Chevrolet Sierra.

2005-09-26

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-09-09
Crash: 1
VIN: 1GCEK14V2XZ
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: DT: THE BRAKES FAILED ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2005, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HIT A CONCRETE POLE. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT INJURED. THERE WAS RECALL 05V379000 CONCERNING ABS BRAKES. WHEN THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER, THEY TOLD HIM THAT THEY HAD NO RECALL INFORMATION AS OF YET. *AK

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2005-07-28

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-07-28
VIN: 1GTEK19M3XR
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: DT: CONTACT STATED ABS BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING CORRECTLY. WHILE TRAVELING UNDER 10 MPH THEY WERE ACTIVATING, MAKING THE BRAKING VERY HARD, ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. CONTACT NOTICED A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES ALMOST ONE YEAR AND A HALF AGO. HE PULLED THE FUSE. HAS BEEN WAITING ON A RECALL. HE COULD NOT GET AN INSPECTION STICKER BECAUSE THE ABS LIGHT WAS ON.*AK

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2003-10-22

STEERING,SUSPENSION,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2001-06-08
VIN: 1GTEX19T8XE
Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT
Summary: PROBLEMS WITH STEERING SHAFT, DRIVER DOOR SPEAKER, ACCELERATOR PEDAL, NOISE FROM REAR END OF VEHICLE,ETC.*MR THE CONSUMER WAS DISSATISFIED WITH THE COUNTLESS AMOUNTS OF PROBLEMS THAT OCCURRED WITH THE VEHICLE AND NO LONGER WANTED TO LEASE THE VEHICLE. PLEASE RESPOND PROMPTLY IN HELPING RESOLVE MATTERS. *CB

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2003-09-08

STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2003-08-01
VIN: 1GTEK19T511
Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS
Summary: THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT SEAT BELTS AT A VERY LOW MILEAGE. COST $100 DEDUCTIBLE TO THE CONSUMER. THE ALR CAUSED THE RETRACTOR TO CONSTANTLY LOCK UP. THE DEALER REPLACED THE RETRACTORS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BRAND NEW WITHOUT THE CONSUMER BRINGING THE VEHICLE IN FOR THIS ISSUE. CONSUMER STATES THAT IT WAS HANDLED LIKE A RECALL BUT WAS NOT AWARE THE RETRACTORS WERE RECALLED. ALSO STATED HE THINKS THE BUCKLES WERE REPLACED AT THAT TIME. *AK THE POSITIVE BATTERY POST BROKE AND THE BATTERY LEAKED ACID ALL OVER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE POST BROKE AROUND 8/01/03. IT WAS AN AC DELCO BATTERY. ABS MOTOR CONSTANTLY RAN AND KILLED THE BATTERY. THE ABS LIGHT HAD COME ON , THE PUMP KEPT RUNNING, THE ABS CABLE HAD BROKE. THE TORQUE BOLTS WERE RUSTED OUT, THE STEERING AND SUSPENSION WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT, THERE WAS A THUMPING NOISE THAT HAD COME FROM THE FRONT END, WHEN TURNING RIGHT THERE WAS A BOUNCING AND BINDING SOUND, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT CRANK, THE BRAKES MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE, AND THE FRONT WERE WORN. THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REMOVED AND REPLACED. *SCC *JB

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2003-08-01

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2003-08-01
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: DEALER REPLACED THE ABS BRAKE CABLE AT VERY LOW MILEAGE. COST $100, DEDUCTIBLE TO THE CONSUMER.*AK

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2003-08-01

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2003-08-01
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: DEALER REPLACED THE MODULE SENSOR INDICATING THAT FOUR WHEEL LIGHT WAS ON AT VERY LOW MILEAGE. COST $100, DEDUCTIBLE TO THE CONSUMER.*AK

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2003-08-01

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2003-08-01
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: DEALER REPLACED THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE WHICH WAS BROKE N AT THE TERMINAL AT VERY LOW MILEAGE. COST $198, DEDUCTIBLE TO THE CONSUMER. *AK

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2003-05-14

SEATS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 1GTFC29U7XV
Components: SEATS
Summary: THE DRIVER'S SEAT DID NOT LOCK INTO PLACE, WHICH CAUSED THE SEAT TO MOVE BACK AND FORTH. *JB

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2002-04-18

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2002-04-16
VIN: 2GPEC19TXX1
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE ABS MODULE SHORTED OUT AND WHEN TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE THE ABS MOTOR WILL CONTINUE TO RUN. CONTACTED DEALER AND THE DEALER IS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. NLM

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2002-01-28

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 1GTHK33F0XF
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: THE FIRST SET OF BRAKES WENT OUT AT 35000 MILES. THEN AFTER APPROXIMATELY 4000 MILES CONSUMER TOOK THE TRUCK IN AGAIN AND THE BRAKES AND DRUMS WERE REPLACED FOR A SECOND TIME, CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE NOW NEEDS ANOTHER SET OF BRAKES. *YD

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2002-01-28

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 1GTHK33F0XF
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: THE FIRST SET OF BRAKES WENT OUT AT 35000 MILES. THEN AFTER APPROXIMATELY 4000 MILES CONSUMER TOOK THE TRUCK IN AGAIN AND THE BRAKES AND DRUMS WERE REPLACED FOR A SECOND TIME, CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE NOW NEEDS ANOTHER SET OF BRAKES. *YD

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2002-01-11

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1999-10-23
VIN: 1GTEK14W3XE
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: CONSUMER STATES THE ABS IS HIGHLY SENSITIVE WHEN APPLIED AND KICKS IN AT INAPPROPRIATE TIMES, VEHICLE IS DIFFICULT TO STOP.*AK CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY DEALER THAT THE CONDITION IS NORMAL.*SLC

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1999 Chevrolet Sierra problems:

99-06 vs 07-13 common.problems | Chevy Silverado and GMC ...

https://www.silveradosierra.com/threads/99-06-vs-07-13-common-problems.451577/

Sep 24, 2015 ... 07-10 (early in the generation) the trucks had an issue where it would randomly say "reduce engine power" and run at only 15mph. GM I do not ...

Chevy S10 1999: Common Problems & Q&A | JustAnswer

https://www.justanswer.com/chevy/61cz9-chevrolet-s10-1999-chevy-s10-two-problems.html

Jan 1, 2012 ... 1999 Chevy s10, there are two problems that I'm having at this time. First of all my son gave me this truck, so I am not - Answered by a ...

99 Silverado 4wd issue - Chevrolet Forum - Chevy Enthusiasts Forums

https://chevroletforum.com/forum/silverado-fullsize-pick-ups-21/99-silverado-4wd-issue-58174/

May 11, 2013 ... It is also very exposed under the truck and can easily be damaged and rusted by debris, salt etc. So this one is a common problem but also easy ...

Been having problems with my '99 GMC truck. Doesn't always ...

https://www.quora.com/Been-having-problems-with-my-99-GMC-truck-Doesn-t-always-happen-Turns-over-like-it-s-about-to-start-but-never-does-Once-I-get-it-started-runs-great-Have-got-a-new-fuel-pump-and-filter-but-that-didn-t-solve-the-issue

Oct 27, 2023 ... Flat battery · Loose battery connection · Short in lead to starter motor · Burnt out winding in starter motor · Faulty Bendix spring · Popped fuse to ...