1999 Chevrolet Express
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Express › 1999
These records cover every 1999 Chevrolet Express. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1999 Chevrolet Express. Newest first.
Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
Vehicle description: passenger vans equipped with a brake warning indicator. some of these vehicles have a power steering cooler hose that can separate from the power brake booster fluid flow switch assembly.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this occurs, power steering fluid could flow onto hot engine parts and an engine compartment fire could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect for three screw clamps to the power steering hose joints. if the clamps are not the screw type, dealers will replace the clamps.
Owner complaints
68 complaints1 involved a crash2 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Exterior lighting
Without warning all headlamps went out drl,low beams and high beams. All other lights worked ok. Not fun at night to have occur. *Tr
- Latches/locks/linkages
TL* the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet express. The contact stated that the door locks would not function properly. She noticed that the door lock pins would freeze in cold weather. The dealer was contacted and advised of the procedure that would have to be performed in order to make repairs. There were no repairs made to the vehicle. The failure mileage was 100,000 and the current mileage was 200,000.
- Air bags
Vehicle air bag didn't deploy when I crashed into another vehicle doing between 30-40 mph. impact was mainly on the driver side front end. I was driving an chevy 1999 express 1500 van. *nm
- Unknown or other
1999 chevrolet express spare tire fell off while driving. *ts the spare tire was attached with a steel cable to the rear underside of the van. when the steel cable broke the tire bounced under the tow trailer bending it's axle. the consumer believes the cable may not have been strong enough. *nm
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Pump
Dt : the power steering pump shaft broke inside the pump on july 14, 2000, the dealer replaced it under warranty. On september 23, 2005 it broke again, took vehicle to the dealer again, and they did replace it. however, they charged the consumer $636.00. The steering locked and that was how…
Dt : the power steering pump shaft broke inside the pump on july 14, 2000, the dealer replaced it under warranty. On september 23, 2005 it broke again, took vehicle to the dealer again, and they did replace it. however, they charged the consumer $636.00. The steering locked and that was how consumer discovered the failure. there was no prior warning. This happened on a dry paved road and in warm weather. *Ak *nm
- Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and attachments
Dt: the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet express 3500 van. The hinge on the double doors on the side froze, they will not open anymore. Previously, they where hard to open, and now they are cracking. The dealership said this was bad design. Also, dealership told her that there was back order on…
Dt: the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet express 3500 van. The hinge on the double doors on the side froze, they will not open anymore. Previously, they where hard to open, and now they are cracking. The dealership said this was bad design. Also, dealership told her that there was back order on the hinges. obviously a lot of people were having similar problems. The consumer ran a day care center. it was difficult for children to go from the front of the van to the back. In an emergency it would be impossible to get the children out of the van fast enough. *Ak
- Steering
Dt: 1999 chevrolet express. the shaft on the power steering unit broke. the consumer states the power steering instantly quit working on the vehicle. There was no warning. they took the vehicle to a dealership and had it repaired. the mechanic did not tell him why the shaft broke. *Jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
After traveling for long periods of time on a highway and then slowing to a stop on the exit, the vehicle hard shifts in gears 1-2. if you shut off the engine, it appears ok until the next time. transmission fluid IS ok. vehicle only has 47500 miles. had mechanic check and gets computer code…
After traveling for long periods of time on a highway and then slowing to a stop on the exit, the vehicle hard shifts in gears 1-2. if you shut off the engine, it appears ok until the next time. transmission fluid IS ok. vehicle only has 47500 miles. had mechanic check and gets computer code 1870, with engine check light on. numerous posts on the web have similar complaints on chevy/gm vehicles with 4l60e transmission, but no recall to date. may now have to replace transmission.
- Air bags › Frontal
Dt: vehicle was parked and when placed key in ignition driver's side air bag deployed onto driver. vehicle had been estimated at an insurance claim agency for inspection of prior hail damage. no lights were displayed to warn and no lights illuminated afterwards as well. have not yet taken to dealer, plans to contact general motors. *ak
- Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and attachments
Passenger doors hinges are sticking
- Air bags › Frontal
Vehicle was parked in the garage, upon entering the vehicle, the driver side air bag deployed. Manufacturer stated that vehicle had to be inspected to determine the cause. consumer received a call from manufacturer, informing him that consumer was responsible to pay the repair costs. *ak
- Equipment · Wheels
Severe alloy wheel corrosion on all wheels. *Jb
- Equipment · Wheels
Normal wear and tear on alloy wheels should not result in the severe corrosion I have on my wheels. I don't know if there IS a failure risk, because I am not a metallurgical engineer, but the corrosion IS substantial. it looks to me like the clear coating on the wheel has trapped moisture and road salt, allowing the accelerated corrosion. I have emailed american racing and I have been ignored. *jb
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting › Brake lights · Exterior lighting › Turn signal
While applying the brakes brake lights/turn signals and other electrical system parts failed to come on. consumer replaced the fuse and bulbs on numerous occasions, but problem recurred. Consumer drove vehicle to dealer for inspection, but mechanic could not duplicate the problem. *ak
- Unknown or other
Paint flaking on mirrors and bumbers and trim
- Electrical system › Wiring
The vehicle stalled while driving. the driver was able to pull over then drove the vehicle home. the driver smelled burning wires coming through the vents. the cause has not been determined. please provide any additional information. *nm
- Parking brake · Power train › Driveline › Differential unit · Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Power steering fluid
I took my van in under warranty because my ABS doesn't work. my rear axle clanks and winds. two weeks after I bought it these problems started to occured. I took my van into the dealer ship right away and they replaced my rear axle. the problem with the axle still exists but was worse after…
I took my van in under warranty because my ABS doesn't work. my rear axle clanks and winds. two weeks after I bought it these problems started to occured. I took my van into the dealer ship right away and they replaced my rear axle. the problem with the axle still exists but was worse after the replacement of the axle. the problem IS progressing and I will be in need of a new axle soon and have never had ABS since I have owned the van and the dealership wouldn't repair the problems. They tell us there IS nothing wrong with the ABS or the rear axle. They tested my brakes by driving my van around the parking lot. My front brakes are spongy and they lock up on wet roads when braking hard. this IS a 1999 chevy express van. we also purchased a 1999 chevy monte carlo sight unseen at the same time we purchased our express van. We had problems with the front end alignment of the monte carlo and it was the tread off of the left front tire after two thousand miles. They kept telling us there was nothing wrong with the alignment after taking the car to the dealership numerous times. jim cox tried to tell us that my wife made too many left hand turns and insulted my wife about her weight neither vehicles were ever titled before we purchased them. problems on both vehicles started to occur immediatly and we have had nothing but trouble with trying to get the warranty work done on them. now the warranty has expired and the problems I have had with my van still exists and IS becoming increasingly worse. jim cox was the area service represenative for all of central florida chevy dealerships and told the service manager "if it's not broke don't fix it" and he had no problem stating that right in front of my wife and myself. called head office thay did not whont to nkow, never ever buy cheve ever ever again. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic
While driving left front brake malfunctioned, causing extended stopping distance. dealership tried to repair the problem 15 times before, but had not yet resolved the problem. This problem switched location after repairs. *Ak
- Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
Consumer complained about a problem with the driver's seat. the bracket that mounts the seat keeps cracking. Owner took vehicle to the dealership. Dealer insists that it IS a defect in the design that causes the bracket to crack. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
After the vehicle had been driven consumer would return to restart it from minutes to hours, and vehicle would not start. this happened intermittently, about six times. at this time neither the manufacturer or the dealership have been informed. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Driver said van was running rough and white smoke came out of the tail pipe. Took vehicle to mechanic. mechanic stated antifreeze was leaking into the manifold. *ak three head bolts on driver's side was loose. This allowed anti freeze to leak into the no. 1 cylinder. It was caught…
Driver said van was running rough and white smoke came out of the tail pipe. Took vehicle to mechanic. mechanic stated antifreeze was leaking into the manifold. *ak three head bolts on driver's side was loose. This allowed anti freeze to leak into the no. 1 cylinder. It was caught early enough so that the head was not damaged. It has to be removed, checked for cracks and re-installed with new gaskets for $1100.00 dollars. *ph *nlm
- Electrical system › Wiring · Interior lighting
The dome light went out suddenly, all back wires were melted. Dealer notified.*ak
- Electrical system
Wiring harness under fuse block at drivers feet not properly secured by s-clip and wires rub against access hole in sheet metal causing short in turn signal or 4-WAY flasher circuit causing fire. vehicle IS mark III conversion. *nlm
- Tires
While driving back from a field trip in our 15-passenger van full of children, the steeltex R4S tire had a blowout and tread separation. by some sort of miracle our driver, going 55 mph on the highway, manage to keep control of the vehicle. thankfully all the children are safe,but I am extremely…
While driving back from a field trip in our 15-passenger van full of children, the steeltex R4S tire had a blowout and tread separation. by some sort of miracle our driver, going 55 mph on the highway, manage to keep control of the vehicle. thankfully all the children are safe,but I am extremely concerned that I was unaware of other complaints regarding these tires. I would have never let the children ride in the van with those tires if I knew the problems with them. there was some damage to the drive shaft due to the blowout, but the vehicle IS still in the repair, so I don't know how the damage occurred. *nlm
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Steering wheel shakes when brake are applied. third set of front brakes in 65,000 miles. rotors turned each time. *nlm
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10242252This technical bulletin provides information and a solution to a condition of Brake Pedal Moves or Self Applies at Full Turns.
- 10237671This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10226382This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 10208027This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10190934Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion. This corrosion may be red in appearance (rust) if the component is steel, forged iron or cast iron. This corrosion may also be grey or white in color if the component is constructed of an aluminum alloy.
- 10190933Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion. This corrosion may be red in appearance (rust) if the component is steel, forged iron or cast iron. This corrosion may also be grey or white in color if the component is constructed of an aluminum alloy.
- 10190932Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. Only cosmetic refinishing of the wheel's coatings, using recommended procedures, is allowed. Evaluating Damage In evaluating damage, it is the GM Dealer's responsibility to inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. The Dealer must insure that such damage is not deeper than what can be sanded or polished off. The wheel must be inspected for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel. Any wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished. Wheels that have been refinished by an outside company must be returned to the same vehicle. The Dealer must record the wheel ID stamp or the cast date on the wheel in order to assure this requirement. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility Outside Company later in this bulletin.
- 10190931Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. Only cosmetic refinishing of the wheel's coatings, using recommended procedures, is allowed. Evaluating Damage In evaluating damage, it is the GM Dealer's responsibility to inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. The Dealer must insure that such damage is not deeper than what can be sanded or polished off. The wheel must be inspected for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel. Any wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished. Wheels that have been refinished by an outside company must be returned to the same vehicle. The Dealer must record the wheel ID stamp or the cast date on the wheel in order to assure this requirement. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility Outside Company later in this bulletin.
- 10178353This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 10171318This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10166638This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10162149This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 10161004This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 10160637This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about a customer?s request to remove or disable the Bi-Fuel Compressed Natural Gas system. General Motors does not condone the removal of the original equipped Compressed Natural Gas systems.
- 10157018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10154641This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10139019This preliminary informational bulletin provides information on High Oil Pressure on Startup After Engine Replacement Concern.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10137901This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
- 10129088This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 10115093This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about a customer?s request to remove or disable the Bi-Fuel Compressed Natural Gas system. General Motors does not condone the removal of the original equipped Compressed Natural Gas systems.
- 10115081This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about cooler line fittings that come with the 4T65E General Motors remanufactured transmission may not be the same as Original equipment manufacturer quick connect verses inverted flare. Dealer will need to contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
- 10114947This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114924This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114916This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that after a transmission or torque converter replacement the vehicle may have a harsh 1-2 upshift and the Check Engine Light or Service Engine Soon indicator is illuminated. If you have duplicated the customer?s concern and found Diagnostic Trouble Code P0894 or P1870 set in the Transmission Control Module please contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center.
- 10114876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician vehicles with a slight rough idle. Technician should compare the concern with a like vehicle. If the concern is worse than a like vehicle, technician should follow published Service Information diagnosis and repair as necessary.
- 10114453This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a buzz noise at idle after fuel pressure regulator replacement. Technician will need to gain access to the fuel pump. After gaining access to the fuel pump check the power and ground for voltage drop with the key in the off from the fuel pump to the battery post. Technician should also check the pin fit and terminal drag. Technician may replace the fuel pump connector with the updated part using the latest version service bulletin 04-06-04-088C. Technician should inspect voltage drop points at the UBEC, fuel pump relay, ground at the frame and the battery cable grounds. If excessive resistance is found at the crimps, replace the crimp n seal splice sleeves for the affected circuits. If the circuits do not have high resistance replace the regulator using part number 19236428.
- 10113443This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10113364This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 10113258This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint lamp, Service Vehicle Soon lamp on and/or radio locked, possibly after module replacement. Technician will need to check for an incorrect or non-existent VIN number in modules that require them. Technician should ensure that all modules that are replaced are programmed per currently published Service Information. Technician should also check the Sensing and Diagnostic Module part number if it was replaced.
- 10113188This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician vehicles with a slight rough idle. Technician should compare the concern with a like vehicle. If the concern is worse than a like vehicle, technician should follow published Service Information diagnosis and repair as necessary.
- 10113177This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on, engine misfire, and/or engine noise. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0300-P0308. If published Service Information diagnostics does not isolate the cause of this concern technician should check for a worn camshaft lobe and/or lifter roller, a sticking valve, valve leakage, a broken valve spring, and a collapsed active fuel management lifter.
- 10112702This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on, engine misfire, and/or engine noise. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0300-P0308. If published Service Information diagnostics does not isolate the cause of this concern technician should check for a worn camshaft lobe and/or lifter roller, a sticking valve, valve leakage, a broken valve spring, and a collapsed active fuel management lifter.
- 10112697This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on, engine misfire, and/or engine noise. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0300-P0308. If published Service Information diagnostics does not isolate the cause of this concern technician should check for a worn camshaft lobe and/or lifter roller, a sticking valve, valve leakage, a broken valve spring, and a collapsed active fuel management lifter.
Every Chevrolet Express model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.