Total Complaints
73 filings
CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500 · model year
73 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash report for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 1999CHEVROLETSILVERADO 3500 carries 73 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 1 crash, 0 fires, 1 injury, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 1999 SILVERADO 3500 is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip with 15 filings, followed by service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc (5) and vehicle speed control (3). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.
NHTSA currently has 57 investigation files overlapping the 1999 SILVERADO 3500, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
73 filings
Crashes Reported
1 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 15 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC | 5 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS | 3 |
| STEERING | 2 |
| TIRES:TREAD/BELT | 2 |
| SUSPENSION:FRONT | 2 |
| WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 2 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL | 2 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2 |
| STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE | 1 |
| STEERING:LINKAGES | 1 |
| SUSPENSION | 1 |
I NEED TO KNOW IF THIS VEHICLE IS A GMC OR CHEVY BECAUSE I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE MECHANIC MANY OCCASIONS AND I ALWAYS HAVE PROBLEMS WITH PARTS THAT DON'T FIT. NO I HAVE ALWAYS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING IT'S VERY HARD TO CONTROL WHILE DRIVING I PICKING UP TWO MECHANICS DIFFERENT TIMES RELATING THAT ISSUE AND THEY SAY EVERYTHING IS FINE BUT IT REALLY ISN'T I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USE I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY RECALLSOR IF IT HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN MAJOR ACCIDENTS THANK YOU VERY MUCH
I NEED TO KNOW IF THIS VEHICLE IS A GMC OR CHEVY BECAUSE I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE MECHANIC MANY OCCASIONS AND I ALWAYS HAVE PROBLEMS WITH PARTS THAT DON'T FIT. NO I HAVE ALWAYS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING IT'S VERY HARD TO CONTROL WHILE DRIVING I PICKING UP TWO MECHANICS DIFFERENT TIMES RELATING THAT ISSUE AND THEY SAY EVERYTHING IS FINE BUT IT REALLY ISN'T I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USE I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY RECALLSOR IF IT HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN MAJOR ACCIDENTS THANK YOU VERY MUCH
GET IN THE TRUCK WHEN ITS COLD STARTS ON FIRST TRY. YOU DRIVE THE TRUCK WHEN IT GETS HOT AND STOP TO PURCHASE SOMETHING THEN YOU GET BACK INTO THE TRUCK PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION TRY TO START . IT WILL NOT START JUST CRANKS . I HAVE TO LET THE TRUCK SIT FOR ABOUT 10 TO 15 MINUTES THEN IT MAY START. THIS PROBLEM HAS COST ME (2) NEW FUEL PUMPS AT THE GM DEALERS STRANDED ME IN THE PARKING LOTS IN THE DESERT TOWING ETC. AFTER RESEARCHING THEY SAY IT IS A PASS LOCK PROBLEM SOMETHING ABOUT SECURITY/ THEFT. I'M THE ORIGINAL OWNER TRUCK WAS ALWAYS HARD TO START MORE THAN3TO 4 CRANKS. WHY HASN'T THIS BEEN ON A RECALL FOR GM?
GET IN THE TRUCK WHEN ITS COLD STARTS ON FIRST TRY. YOU DRIVE THE TRUCK WHEN IT GETS HOT AND STOP TO PURCHASE SOMETHING THEN YOU GET BACK INTO THE TRUCK PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION TRY TO START . IT WILL NOT START JUST CRANKS . I HAVE TO LET THE TRUCK SIT FOR ABOUT 10 TO 15 MINUTES THEN IT MAY START. THIS PROBLEM HAS COST ME (2) NEW FUEL PUMPS AT THE GM DEALERS STRANDED ME IN THE PARKING LOTS IN THE DESERT TOWING ETC. AFTER RESEARCHING THEY SAY IT IS A PASS LOCK PROBLEM SOMETHING ABOUT SECURITY/ THEFT. I'M THE ORIGINAL OWNER TRUCK WAS ALWAYS HARD TO START MORE THAN3TO 4 CRANKS. WHY HASN'T THIS BEEN ON A RECALL FOR GM?
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE HAD BEEN EXTREME HESITATION WITH THE ENGINE POWER. THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT RANDOMLY ILLUMINATED FOR YEARS AND THE PART FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE ENGINE TWICE BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND, DUE TO THE FAILURE CONTINUING, THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE PART WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED A THIRD TIME. A MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WERE FIVE STRESS FRACTURES IN THE ENGINE BLOCK PREMATURELY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO SOLUTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 08/16/16*LJ CONSUMER STATED LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE. EVERY MECHANIC CONSUMER SPOKEN TO ABOUT THE 6.5 CHEVY TURBO DIESEL SAID THE SAME THING "THEY ARE JUNK" THE BLOCKS CRACK AND THEY DON'T LAST. SINCE I HAVE CONTACTED YOU THE ENGINE HAS BEEN PULLED AND THERE ARE 12 STRESS CRACKS IN THE ENGINE INSTEAD OF 5. UPDATED 06/12/18*JB
Mileage: 50,000
PUT BRAKES ON,BRAKE LINE BROKE. LOOKED AT LINES ALL RUSTED VARY BAD. *TR
Mileage: 1,200,036
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET C3500 DIESEL TRUCK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAITED APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES AND THE VEHICLE STARTED. THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. CHEVROLET REPLACED THE ENGINE IN MAY OF 2002 AT 63,000 MILES. IN JULY 2003, THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL INJECTIONS AT 67,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS AT AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHEN THE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER ORDERED A FUEL PUMP FOR THE VEHICLE BUT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PAY FOR IT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000 MILES.
Mileage: 62,000
CHASSIS ENGINE FAILED ON SINGLE LANE HIGHWAY HILL CLIMB. SEEMED LIKE ENGINE CUT OFF ALLOWING DRIVER TO QUICKLY TURN INTO" HOLE IN THE WALL "QUICK STOP STORE PARKING AREA. ENGINE TURNED OVER BUT WOULD NOT RUN. *TR THE CONSUMER STATED HE EXPERIENCED TWO PARKING BRAKE FAILURES WITHIN 3,000 MILES OF TRAVEL. EACH REPAIR, CONSISTED OF REPLACING SWITCHES AND ADJUSTMENTS. THE LAST REPAIR CONSISTED OF THE REPLACEMENT OF THE DRUM ASSOCIATED WITH THE BRAKE PADS, SWITCHES AND WHEEL BRAKE DISC. IT WAS ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THE PARK ASSEMBLY HAD BURNED UP, WHEN THE BRAKE ASSEMBLY FAILED TO RELEASE. IN ADDITION, A 10 AMP FUSE HAD BLOWN WHEN A SHORT WAS DISCOVERED IN A PRESSURE SWITCH. THE PARK BRAKE ASSEMBLY AND BOTH PRESSURE SWITCHES WERE REPLACED. UPDATED IVOQ 12/19/12 THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE FILLING RE-FUELING THE MOTOR HOME, A PASSERBY INFORMED HIM GASOLINE WAS DRAINING FROM THE MOTOR HOME. HE QUICKLY REMOVED THE HOSE AND SAW A LARGE PUDDLE OF FUEL UNDER THE GAS TANK. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT SU
Mileage: 27,990
CHASSIS ENGINE FAILED ON SINGLE LANE HIGHWAY HILL CLIMB. SEEMED LIKE ENGINE CUT OFF ALLOWING DRIVER TO QUICKLY TURN INTO" HOLE IN THE WALL "QUICK STOP STORE PARKING AREA. ENGINE TURNED OVER BUT WOULD NOT RUN. *TR THE CONSUMER STATED HE EXPERIENCED TWO PARKING BRAKE FAILURES WITHIN 3,000 MILES OF TRAVEL. EACH REPAIR, CONSISTED OF REPLACING SWITCHES AND ADJUSTMENTS. THE LAST REPAIR CONSISTED OF THE REPLACEMENT OF THE DRUM ASSOCIATED WITH THE BRAKE PADS, SWITCHES AND WHEEL BRAKE DISC. IT WAS ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THE PARK ASSEMBLY HAD BURNED UP, WHEN THE BRAKE ASSEMBLY FAILED TO RELEASE. IN ADDITION, A 10 AMP FUSE HAD BLOWN WHEN A SHORT WAS DISCOVERED IN A PRESSURE SWITCH. THE PARK BRAKE ASSEMBLY AND BOTH PRESSURE SWITCHES WERE REPLACED. UPDATED IVOQ 12/19/12 THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE FILLING RE-FUELING THE MOTOR HOME, A PASSERBY INFORMED HIM GASOLINE WAS DRAINING FROM THE MOTOR HOME. HE QUICKLY REMOVED THE HOSE AND SAW A LARGE PUDDLE OF FUEL UNDER THE GAS TANK. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT SU
Mileage: 27,990
CHASSIS ENGINE FAILED ON SINGLE LANE HIGHWAY HILL CLIMB. SEEMED LIKE ENGINE CUT OFF ALLOWING DRIVER TO QUICKLY TURN INTO" HOLE IN THE WALL "QUICK STOP STORE PARKING AREA. ENGINE TURNED OVER BUT WOULD NOT RUN. *TR THE CONSUMER STATED HE EXPERIENCED TWO PARKING BRAKE FAILURES WITHIN 3,000 MILES OF TRAVEL. EACH REPAIR, CONSISTED OF REPLACING SWITCHES AND ADJUSTMENTS. THE LAST REPAIR CONSISTED OF THE REPLACEMENT OF THE DRUM ASSOCIATED WITH THE BRAKE PADS, SWITCHES AND WHEEL BRAKE DISC. IT WAS ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THE PARK ASSEMBLY HAD BURNED UP, WHEN THE BRAKE ASSEMBLY FAILED TO RELEASE. IN ADDITION, A 10 AMP FUSE HAD BLOWN WHEN A SHORT WAS DISCOVERED IN A PRESSURE SWITCH. THE PARK BRAKE ASSEMBLY AND BOTH PRESSURE SWITCHES WERE REPLACED. UPDATED IVOQ 12/19/12 THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE FILLING RE-FUELING THE MOTOR HOME, A PASSERBY INFORMED HIM GASOLINE WAS DRAINING FROM THE MOTOR HOME. HE QUICKLY REMOVED THE HOSE AND SAW A LARGE PUDDLE OF FUEL UNDER THE GAS TANK. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT SU
Mileage: 27,990
CHASSIS ENGINE FAILED ON SINGLE LANE HIGHWAY HILL CLIMB. SEEMED LIKE ENGINE CUT OFF ALLOWING DRIVER TO QUICKLY TURN INTO" HOLE IN THE WALL "QUICK STOP STORE PARKING AREA. ENGINE TURNED OVER BUT WOULD NOT RUN. *TR THE CONSUMER STATED HE EXPERIENCED TWO PARKING BRAKE FAILURES WITHIN 3,000 MILES OF TRAVEL. EACH REPAIR, CONSISTED OF REPLACING SWITCHES AND ADJUSTMENTS. THE LAST REPAIR CONSISTED OF THE REPLACEMENT OF THE DRUM ASSOCIATED WITH THE BRAKE PADS, SWITCHES AND WHEEL BRAKE DISC. IT WAS ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THE PARK ASSEMBLY HAD BURNED UP, WHEN THE BRAKE ASSEMBLY FAILED TO RELEASE. IN ADDITION, A 10 AMP FUSE HAD BLOWN WHEN A SHORT WAS DISCOVERED IN A PRESSURE SWITCH. THE PARK BRAKE ASSEMBLY AND BOTH PRESSURE SWITCHES WERE REPLACED. UPDATED IVOQ 12/19/12 THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE FILLING RE-FUELING THE MOTOR HOME, A PASSERBY INFORMED HIM GASOLINE WAS DRAINING FROM THE MOTOR HOME. HE QUICKLY REMOVED THE HOSE AND SAW A LARGE PUDDLE OF FUEL UNDER THE GAS TANK. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT SU
Mileage: 27,990
CHASSIS ENGINE FAILED ON SINGLE LANE HIGHWAY HILL CLIMB. SEEMED LIKE ENGINE CUT OFF ALLOWING DRIVER TO QUICKLY TURN INTO" HOLE IN THE WALL "QUICK STOP STORE PARKING AREA. ENGINE TURNED OVER BUT WOULD NOT RUN. *TR THE CONSUMER STATED HE EXPERIENCED TWO PARKING BRAKE FAILURES WITHIN 3,000 MILES OF TRAVEL. EACH REPAIR, CONSISTED OF REPLACING SWITCHES AND ADJUSTMENTS. THE LAST REPAIR CONSISTED OF THE REPLACEMENT OF THE DRUM ASSOCIATED WITH THE BRAKE PADS, SWITCHES AND WHEEL BRAKE DISC. IT WAS ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THE PARK ASSEMBLY HAD BURNED UP, WHEN THE BRAKE ASSEMBLY FAILED TO RELEASE. IN ADDITION, A 10 AMP FUSE HAD BLOWN WHEN A SHORT WAS DISCOVERED IN A PRESSURE SWITCH. THE PARK BRAKE ASSEMBLY AND BOTH PRESSURE SWITCHES WERE REPLACED. UPDATED IVOQ 12/19/12 THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE FILLING RE-FUELING THE MOTOR HOME, A PASSERBY INFORMED HIM GASOLINE WAS DRAINING FROM THE MOTOR HOME. HE QUICKLY REMOVED THE HOSE AND SAW A LARGE PUDDLE OF FUEL UNDER THE GAS TANK. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT SU
Mileage: 27,990
UNWANTED ABS BRAKE ACTIVATION
Mileage: 65,000
PAINT PEELING ON HOOD AND BED, SUBMITTED TO GM FOR MANUFACTURE DEFFECT AND TO REPAINT TRUCK , IT WAS DENIED DUE TO AGE OF TRUCK , MILEAGE OF TRUCK IS 71,000. *TR
Mileage: 70,000
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET C3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A TIRE DEALER DISCOVERED OIL ON THE REAR BRAKES WHILE PERFORMING A ROUTINE INSPECTION. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH BEFORE ARRIVING AT THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVE AXLE OIL SEALS FAILED AND CAUSED THE OIL LEAK. AS OF AUGUST 23, 2007, NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 52,000.
Mileage: 52,000
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 35000. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. SHE HAD TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL TO RESTART. APPROXIMATELY AN HOUR LATER THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AGAIN. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED. AS OF AUGUST 3, 2007, THE DEALER HAS NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000. RETURN USPS, MADE 2ND ATTEMPT 08/03/07 FAILED. *BF
Mileage: 10,000
1999 SILVERADO 3500 TIRE AND RIM ROLLED OFF VEHICLE. *TS THE TIRE AND RIM CAME OFF THE VEHICLE DUE TO CRACKED/BROKEN STUDS. *JB
11/09/04 I HAD TO REPLACE DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY: OVERHAUL/REBUILD FRONT, REPLACE BRAKE PAD (BENDIX)3/10/05 REPLACED IDLER ARM. 3/23/05 REPLACED PITMAN ARM. 10/25/05 6.5 LITER DIESEL ELECTRONIC PUMP (PMD) FAILURE. TRUCK WAS MOVING ON IT'S ON, JERKING, BLACK SMOKE CAME FROM TAIL PIPE AND TIRES WOULD SPIN THEN IT CUT OFF AND WOULDN'T START. CALLED WRECKER AND HAD IT TAKEN TO AUTO SHOP. HE REPLACED PMD MODULE KIT WITH A NOTE TO LEAVE PLASTIC COVER OFF ENGINE BECAUSE OF HEAT BUILD UP. 6/25/06 SAME THING HAPPENED. CALLED WRECKER AND HAD IT TAKEN TO AUTO SHOP. THIS TIME HE REPLACED FUEL PUMP ON FRAME RAIL. 6/29/06 FUEL FILTER RINGS BLEW OFF, IT STARTED POURING FUEL ONTO HIGHWAY, JERKING,TRUCK MOVING ON IT'S ON, BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM TAIL PIPE WOULDN'T STOP HAD TO HOLD BREAK TO FLOOR UNTIL IT STALLED. ALMOST HIT A BUILDING. *JB
11/09/04 I HAD TO REPLACE DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY: OVERHAUL/REBUILD FRONT, REPLACE BRAKE PAD (BENDIX)3/10/05 REPLACED IDLER ARM. 3/23/05 REPLACED PITMAN ARM. 10/25/05 6.5 LITER DIESEL ELECTRONIC PUMP (PMD) FAILURE. TRUCK WAS MOVING ON IT'S ON, JERKING, BLACK SMOKE CAME FROM TAIL PIPE AND TIRES WOULD SPIN THEN IT CUT OFF AND WOULDN'T START. CALLED WRECKER AND HAD IT TAKEN TO AUTO SHOP. HE REPLACED PMD MODULE KIT WITH A NOTE TO LEAVE PLASTIC COVER OFF ENGINE BECAUSE OF HEAT BUILD UP. 6/25/06 SAME THING HAPPENED. CALLED WRECKER AND HAD IT TAKEN TO AUTO SHOP. THIS TIME HE REPLACED FUEL PUMP ON FRAME RAIL. 6/29/06 FUEL FILTER RINGS BLEW OFF, IT STARTED POURING FUEL ONTO HIGHWAY, JERKING,TRUCK MOVING ON IT'S ON, BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM TAIL PIPE WOULDN'T STOP HAD TO HOLD BREAK TO FLOOR UNTIL IT STALLED. ALMOST HIT A BUILDING. *JB
11/09/04 I HAD TO REPLACE DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY: OVERHAUL/REBUILD FRONT, REPLACE BRAKE PAD (BENDIX)3/10/05 REPLACED IDLER ARM. 3/23/05 REPLACED PITMAN ARM. 10/25/05 6.5 LITER DIESEL ELECTRONIC PUMP (PMD) FAILURE. TRUCK WAS MOVING ON IT'S ON, JERKING, BLACK SMOKE CAME FROM TAIL PIPE AND TIRES WOULD SPIN THEN IT CUT OFF AND WOULDN'T START. CALLED WRECKER AND HAD IT TAKEN TO AUTO SHOP. HE REPLACED PMD MODULE KIT WITH A NOTE TO LEAVE PLASTIC COVER OFF ENGINE BECAUSE OF HEAT BUILD UP. 6/25/06 SAME THING HAPPENED. CALLED WRECKER AND HAD IT TAKEN TO AUTO SHOP. THIS TIME HE REPLACED FUEL PUMP ON FRAME RAIL. 6/29/06 FUEL FILTER RINGS BLEW OFF, IT STARTED POURING FUEL ONTO HIGHWAY, JERKING,TRUCK MOVING ON IT'S ON, BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM TAIL PIPE WOULDN'T STOP HAD TO HOLD BREAK TO FLOOR UNTIL IT STALLED. ALMOST HIT A BUILDING. *JB
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
Loss of Motive Power due to the Battery Energy Control Module
Electric Vehicle Battery Fires
Outboard Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
Fuel Line Leak
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.