1999 Chevrolet Explorer
Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 5 |
| 1996 | 7 |
| 1997 | 9 |
| 1998 | 5 |
| 1999 | 5 |
| 2000 | 2 |
| 2002 | 7 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 5 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 5 total reports mentions: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AREA. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030808
1 of 5 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
THE CALIPER BOLTS WERE MISSING, WHICH CAUSED A VIBRATION. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030402
1 of 5 total reports mentions: exterior lighting.
Show complaint excerpts
IN GENERAL, HEADLIGHTS ARE AIMED TOO HIGH. I AIM MINE LOWER TO ILLUMINATE THE ROADWAY BUT NOT THE TREES. THE STANDARD FOR HEADLIGHT AIM NEEDS TO BE REVISED TO LOWER SUBSTANTIALLY. IN ADDITION, THE ADVENT OF FOG LAMPS IS A DISSAPPOINTMENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20010117
1 of 5 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
AT 5MPH PUT ON TURN SIGNAL AND STEERING COLUMN STARTED SMOKING. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSE A FIRE. CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020711
1 of 5 total reports mentions: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
CONSUMER STATES; WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, AIR BAG LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY FLASH ON AND OFF. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND FIXED COUPLE TIME AN THE PROBLEM STILL REOCCCURING. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20020924
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1999 Chevrolet Explorer — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (1 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 1999 Chevrolet Explorer reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Chevrolet Explorer?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Chevrolet Explorer have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.