Is the 1999 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 GMC Sierra 1500 is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1999 GMC Sierra 1500?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 68% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1999 GMC Sierra 1500 have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

1999 GMC Sierra 1500

▲ Better than typical

1999 GMC Sierra 1500
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:45:54.361Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 158
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Service brakes

Complaints per year

1999: 158 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1994	13
1995	3
1996	5
1997	83
1998	59
1999	158
2000	181
2001	140
2002	166
2003	180
2004	212
2005	177
2006	145
2007	263
2008	380
2009	234
2010	167
2011	284
2012	107
2013	115
2014	740
2015	720
2016	342
2017	354
2018	302
2019	648
2020	479
2021	585
2022	585
2023	486
2024	376
2025	117
2026	133

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Service brakes

68% · 107 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Brake line failer do to poor routing from factory and substandard material used on OEM lines (Bare steel) .

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-08-15

I am the original owner of a 1999 GMC sierra that just had brake line failure on 7/14/16 on the interstate that caused an acccident. I had complete loss of brakes, pedal to the floor.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-07-24

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

While operating the vehicle at approximately 45 MPH, I was approaching an intersection when I applied the brakes to slow the vehicle. One of the rear brake lines bursted causing me to have to abruptly pump the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-02-25

Seats

6% · 10 reports

Structure

6% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing body and underbody shields.

Electrical system

5% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.

Suspension

5% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing hub and leaf spring assembly.

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2000-12-29Seat belts00V122000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2003-12-08Preliminary evaluationClosed 2004-04-09 Parking brake failure
I
2004-04-09Engineering analysisClosed 2005-05-10 Parking brake failure
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2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 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…

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).

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2007-11-08Equipment07E088000 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.…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2008-02-07Wheels07E106000 Certain federal-mogul replacement wheel hub assemblies with the brand names: national, carquest p/nos. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, and 515060, shipped between January 23, 2006…

Remedy: Federal-mogul will notify customers and will replace the hub assembly free of charge. The recall began on February 7, 2008. Owners can contact federal-mogul toll-free at 877-489-6659.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1999 GMC Sierra 1500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Service brakes: 107 reports on file for this year.
Seats: 10 reports on file for this year.
Structure: 9 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 00V122000 · Seat belts
Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 07E088000 · Equipment
Recall 07E106000 · Wheels

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1999 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 GMC Sierra 1500 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1999 GMC Sierra 1500?: The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 68% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 GMC Sierra 1500 have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.