1999 Chevrolet Suburban
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 3 |
| 1984 | 6 |
| 1985 | 9 |
| 1986 | 7 |
| 1987 | 18 |
| 1988 | 30 |
| 1989 | 62 |
| 1990 | 54 |
| 1991 | 52 |
| 1992 | 189 |
| 1993 | 500 |
| 1994 | 876 |
| 1995 | 457 |
| 1996 | 360 |
| 1997 | 414 |
| 1998 | 201 |
| 1999 | 634 |
| 2000 | 282 |
| 2001 | 440 |
| 2002 | 286 |
| 2003 | 301 |
| 2004 | 204 |
| 2005 | 129 |
| 2006 | 23 |
| 2007 | 292 |
| 2008 | 213 |
| 2009 | 106 |
| 2010 | 117 |
| 2011 | 148 |
| 2012 | 101 |
| 2013 | 118 |
| 2014 | 59 |
| 2015 | 428 |
| 2016 | 218 |
| 2017 | 141 |
| 2018 | 81 |
| 2019 | 76 |
| 2020 | 44 |
| 2021 | 187 |
| 2022 | 113 |
| 2023 | 117 |
| 2024 | 39 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
44% of complaints: service brakes — 282 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE OWNER OF A 1999 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH DOWNHILL, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO SLOW THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190828
Also filed under STEERING
BRAKES FAILED DUE TO CORRODED BRAKE LINES. APPEARS THAT REAR LINES FAILED BUT NEITHER FRONT OR REAR BRAKES WORKED DURING INCIDENT. BRAKE LINES ARE VERY RUSTY WHEREAS THERE IS ALMOST NO RUST ON OTHER COMPONENTS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150826
UPON APPLYING BRAKES LOSS OF BRAKING OCCURRED ON THE REAR BRAKES. UPON INSPECTION THE REAR BRAKE LINES WERE VERY RUSTY WHILE THE FUEL VAPOR LINES BELOW THEM HAD NO RUST WHAT SOEVER . *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20141110
15% of complaints: tires — 93 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN EQUIPPED WITH CORNELL 1000 TIRES, SIZE: P235/75R15. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SHOOK SEVERELY, ESPECIALLY WHEN TRAVELING UP TO 65 MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20191227
10% of complaints: electrical system — 66 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and fuses and circuit breakers.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER STATED THAT ON THE MORNING OF FEBRUARY 23, 2004 HEARD THE ALARM GO OFF. SHE WENT TO THE WINDOW, AND SAW VEHICLE ENGULFED IN FLAMES. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED, AND THEY DETERMINED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS ELECTRICAL.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20040225
I WAS DRIVING MY VECHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, WHEN I NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE FRONT VENTS. WE GOT OUT AND THE VEHICLE SOON BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030707
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE AND STOPPED, TURNED OFF ENGINE, AND SMOKE SMELLS BEGAN SHORTLY AFTER THEY OPENED THE HOOD AND FIRE WAS EVERY WHERE. AAA TOWED VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA ODI report, 19990419
9% of complaints: steering — 60 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and gear box (other than rack and pinion).
CRASH INJURY8% of complaints: power train — 48 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and axle assembly.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
ERRATIC POWER STEERING ASSIST WHILE DRIV
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."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A TRAY INSERT ON THE TOP OF THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE TRAY INSERT CORRECTS THE NONCOMPLIANCE.
Campaign 00V122000 — check if this car was fixed
THROTTLE STICKING CLOSED
STEEL WHEEL RIM FRACTURE
UNWANTED LOW-SPEED ABS ACTIVATION
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 MANUFACTURE
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).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
Brake line corrosion failure
Brake line corrosion failure
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1999 Chevrolet Suburban — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (282 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (93 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (66 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 00V122000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1999 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Chevrolet Suburban is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Chevrolet Suburban?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Chevrolet Suburban have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.