1999 GMC Sierra 3500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › GMC › Sierra 3500 › 1999
These records cover every 1999 GMC Sierra 3500. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1999 GMC Sierra 3500. Newest first.
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. the affected filters are marked with a date code a61451 through a72571 sequentially. the date code and part number appear on the filter housing. fram racing…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition may cause inadequate sealing and loss of engine oil, possibly resulting in a fire.
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.
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 manufactured from october 18, 2005, through march 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition may cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
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).
On certain vans equipped with sure-lok wheelchair securement systems, the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly IS out of alignment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the wheelchair may not be adequately secured possibly resulting in injuries to a wheelchair occupant.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the wheelchair securement retractors as necessary. sure-lok will handle the repairs for this campaign. owners should contact sure-lock at 1-908-231-1804 or mobilityworks at 1-800-769-8267.
Owner complaints
19 complaints1 involved a crash2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes · Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
Bought a 1999 GMC sierra 3500 4door 8FT. Bed with 30000 miles on it in 2001. First brake line rusted out in 2005. Second line from front to back rusted and broke 2008. Fuel line rusted and leaked gas all over my driveway 2010. Today that same truck? IS in a repair shop because the frame by the…
Bought a 1999 GMC sierra 3500 4door 8FT. Bed with 30000 miles on it in 2001. First brake line rusted out in 2005. Second line from front to back rusted and broke 2008. Fuel line rusted and leaked gas all over my driveway 2010. Today that same truck? IS in a repair shop because the frame by the steeringbox and passenger side front rusted and cracked. Its a shame GMC used such bad materials for their trucks. My truck now has only 97000 miles on it. If it cant be fixed safely the scrap yard IS its next stop and a ford will take its place. To bad GMC you lost another customer. *tr
- Service brakes
I was driving in town closing in on an intersection as the light began to change red, two sedans were in front of me so I applied my brakes allowing plenty of time to stop when without warning the brake pedal sunk quickly to the floor and did not slow at all. I had to veer into the turn lane but…
I was driving in town closing in on an intersection as the light began to change red, two sedans were in front of me so I applied my brakes allowing plenty of time to stop when without warning the brake pedal sunk quickly to the floor and did not slow at all. I had to veer into the turn lane but could not make the turn due to speed and oncoming traffic. I cleared the intersection and had to veer into a busy parking lot ran over a stop block and continued through 2 yards and out a driveway back onto yet another road where the vehicle finally came to a stop. Both yards had people in them and it was a miracle no one was hurt. This was the most terrifying driving experience in my life. Upon inspection of the brake lines I found a tiny hole in the line crossing the engine yoke. As I furthered my inspection it came to my attention all the brake lines resembled burnt corn flakes and must all be replaced. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Every hydraulic brake line on my 75,000-mile 1999 GMC 3500 pickup has rusted out, and had to be replaced. They all blew out when pedal pressure was applied...including one time, when I was backing up at the transfer station to unload trash. The entire truck could have gone back and fallen into the dumpster. *Tr
- Air bags · Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and attachments
My 1999 GMC sierra 3500 crew cab was ordered new. I discovered later that it was fitted with a 1998 cab. the design IS different and the front doors are longer and heavier resulting in premature hinge failures. I also discovered that it was not equipped with airbags because the 1998 version…
My 1999 GMC sierra 3500 crew cab was ordered new. I discovered later that it was fitted with a 1998 cab. the design IS different and the front doors are longer and heavier resulting in premature hinge failures. I also discovered that it was not equipped with airbags because the 1998 version didn't require them even though I ordered a 1999 which does. I have a vin on the dashboard showing it as a 1999 and one on the door showing it as a 1998. I just found out about reporting it here. *Jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Fuel tank under negative pressure by apparent stuck valve caused fuel tank rupture. Happened twice. Gm engineers said no defect, apparently there IS and no further communication would be provided. Fuel spilled out and was very dangerous, in my opinion. I am a degreed (msme) engineer. With an extensive auto background. *jb updated 11/15/05. *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Dt: contact has 1999 GMC,. He had to replace the brake lines 6 times. the brake lines were corroded. when the brake pedal was pressed the brake line blew out. contact lost the front brakes on 4 different occasions, and lost rear brakes only once. vehicle has not been to a service dealer for repairs. contact has replaced the brake lines with after market equipment.*ak
- Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and attachments
GMC savanna & chevy express/sierra van side doors (60/40's ?). during service visit for defective speedometer at grossinger GMC in illinois, when vehicle was still in warranty, and doors were stiff, noisy and tough to open/close, dealership suggested "more lubrication". lubrication was applied…
GMC savanna & chevy express/sierra van side doors (60/40's ?). during service visit for defective speedometer at grossinger GMC in illinois, when vehicle was still in warranty, and doors were stiff, noisy and tough to open/close, dealership suggested "more lubrication". lubrication was applied regularly. Gmc's customer service hotline was of no help. I've since thrown out my shoulder trying to close the door. danger: middle seat passengers have no way of escaping vehicle in the event of an accident/emergency. The hinges are defective. the doors no longer function. Hinges frozen in place and cracked all the way through. per body shop (which the dealership referred me to), it IS "a design defect, a flaw". $2,000 to repair. please take note: it seems that when the city of chicago purchased this van in great numbers and was faced w/this product failure/design defect on all of their municipal vans (police dept., fire dept., streets & sanitation, etc...) GMC provided brand new hinges w/brass bushings at no charge. apparently, the original design (also used on my van) used steel bushings. they all were seizing up when exposed to the slightest bit of moisture (humidity, rain, car washes or snow). consequently, GMC recognized and acknowledged the design flaw/defect and replaced all hinges on those city of chicago vehicles w/brass (corrosion free) bushings/hinges. since GMC recognized this defect when it came to big corporate accounts, will they do the same for john q. Consumer?
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
While braking vehicle pulsated and the brakes locked up, causing extended stopping distance. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *Ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
We have 4 1999 GMC 3500 series long vans used to transport students to various functions. returning from a field trip (with children) one of the tires suffered a ply separation. the driver did an excellent job of maintaining control and the tire was changed out by our towing service. further…
We have 4 1999 GMC 3500 series long vans used to transport students to various functions. returning from a field trip (with children) one of the tires suffered a ply separation. the driver did an excellent job of maintaining control and the tire was changed out by our towing service. further inspection showed another tire possibly ready to fail, and odd wear patterns. our district in the interests of safety decided to replace all 16 tires on all 4 vans. we would like to know if there are other problems with this particular type of tire...the tires are firestone steeltex radial R4X - lt245/75r16 load range e - dot# VN11 - 81A - 169 and dot # sp872r - D15L. *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic
The vehicle failed to stop when the brakes were applied. *Jb ph
- Seats
Consumer states seat frame broke in 07/02, consumer had repaired. seat frames broke again on 9-21 causing a collision.*jb
- Electrical system › Wiring · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
The check engine light came on and vehicle began to run roughly and stall, the vehicle was inspected and dealer found negative temperature signals, consumer has experienced problems on six occasions where the engine would stall and run rough, and has had various componets replaced, such as radiator…
The check engine light came on and vehicle began to run roughly and stall, the vehicle was inspected and dealer found negative temperature signals, consumer has experienced problems on six occasions where the engine would stall and run rough, and has had various componets replaced, such as radiator coolant, coolant sensor, fuel pump, sending unit assembly, distributor, fuel injectors, spark plugs, wires, serpentine belt, throttle-positioning sensor, egr and oxygen sensor, the bracket that protects the main wire harness was never installed from the factory and consumer feels this was the problem to begin with, some of the componets were even replaced a second time and still did not resolve the problem.*jb
- Tires › Tread/belt
Firestone tire (P245 75 R16) experienced tread separation. *slc
- Tires › Tread/belt
Original equipment on a 1999 chevrolet, lt245/75r16. tread separated from right rear tire at highway speeds. firestone has replaced tire free of charge.*ak dot#v011 678 140. *slc
- Seats
I was traveling home on fwy where I was involved in a chain reaction auto accident . I was the number 3 out of a total of 6 involved. I struck the car in front at appox 5 miles an hour. Was then rear ended by a SUV going approx 30 miles an hour. When rearended, my drivers seat collapsed. The seat should not have failed with such minimal impact..
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Cab keeps filling up with exhaust fumes, causing passenger to get sick. Dealer claims engine gets too hot, causing engine manifold to warp and gasket to blowout. It IS a design flaw. *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads
Brakes had gone bad, and pads were completely gone on the left side. right side still had half pad. consumer has always had problems stopping, and has been complaining to dealer. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Consumer uses vehicle for everyday usages, and when the brakes get hot it IS hard to stop vehicle. Sometimes consumer has to increase the distance to stop. dealer has been notified, and has stated that they know of the problem. But, has not figured out a solution to fix vehicle. dealer has…
Consumer uses vehicle for everyday usages, and when the brakes get hot it IS hard to stop vehicle. Sometimes consumer has to increase the distance to stop. dealer has been notified, and has stated that they know of the problem. But, has not figured out a solution to fix vehicle. dealer has fixed consumer's car numerous times. But, the repaires have been at best guess repaires. They also said that there has not been enough repairs to determine the cause of problem, and fix it. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
When appyling the ABS brakes on dry pavement the pedal nearly traveled to the floor, causing extended stopping distance. Please give any further details. *ak
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
- 10246647Pre-Formed and Pre-Flared Hydraulic Brake Pipe Kits Now Available for Service
- 10246645Pre-Formed and Pre-Flared Hydraulic Brake Pipe Kits Now Available for Service
- 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.
- 10237648This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. Please communicate to the customer this condition is a normal operating characteristic of their vehicle.
- 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.
- 10211764This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. Please communicate to the customer this condition is a normal operating characteristic of their vehicle.
- 10209734This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 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.
- 10200090This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10193430This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. Please communicate to the customer this condition is a normal operating characteristic of their vehicle.
- 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.
- 10168206This technical bulletin provides a procedure to apply grease to the leaf springs to correct a condition of a squeak noise from the metals making contact.
- 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.
- 10156947This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a lean to the left or right. Technician will need to measure fender wheel-opening heights, front and rear, to quantify vehicle lean. Fender wheel-opening heights are related to, but distinct from, trim height. The front wheel-opening height is known as P height, and the rear wheel-opening height is known as R height. Adjust and heights that are out of specification. After all adjustments are done, perform a front-end alignment and check headlight aim.
- 10154601This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. Please communicate to the customer this condition is a normal operating characteristic of their vehicle.
- 10143757This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer technician thatLight Duty Trucks equipped with automatic transmissions and 4 wheel drive may exhibit a condition of grinding/ratcheting type noise when shifting the automatic transmission into park while the transfer case is in 4 wheel drive low (4LO) range. Dealers technician's are advised this condition should be deemed a normal characteristic of 4WD low operation.
- 10138191This warranty administration bulletin provides information on what should be considerd warranty damage or damage that was at fault of the cutomer and how to properly claim them on the warranty paperwork
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10137448This warranty administration bulletin provides information on what should be considerd warranty damage or damage that was at fault of the cutomer and how to properly claim them on the warranty paperwork
- 10129889This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a lean to the left or right. Technician will need to measure fender wheel-opening heights, front and rear, to quantify vehicle lean. Fender wheel-opening heights are related to, but distinct from, trim height. The front wheel-opening height is known as P height, and the rear wheel-opening height is known as R height. Adjust and heights that are out of specification. After all adjustments are done, perform a front-end alignment and check headlight aim.
- 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.
- 10112600This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician with the axel setup information from American Axle Manufacturing. Technician should be advised that the maximum pinion shim to be used or stacked behind the pinion is 0.050?, and the minimum pinion shim is 0.020? for an 8.6 axle. The range for available pinion depth shims for the 10.5? axle is 0.006? to 0.024?. When setting the backlash it should be set between 0.003? to 0.005? on a new ring and pinion for any American Axle Manufacturing application. The ring and pinion can be reused or adjusted if the mileage is less than 500 miles, if not used for towing. Technician should be advised that a ?roller coaster? or ?hourglass? pattern on the bearings may be normal up to 10,000 miles and possibly longer. With a mis-machined housing you may get a heel pattern on both sides of the gear teeth at build up can generally be corrected with backlash adjustments. When setting up an 8.6? axle with a 5 cut gear set is to use a 0.035? pinion shim and set backlash to 0.004?. When using the newer 2 cut gear set also use a 0.035? pinion shim and still set backlash to 0.004?. To set the gear pattern use backlash to adjust the pattern heel to toe. Use the pinion shim to adjust the height of the pattern. The proper drive pinion bearing pre-load is from 15 - 30 inch pounds with new bearings. The total torque to turn after the differential case is installed should increase 5 - 10 inch pounds at the pinion. A new pinion nut must be used whenever the old one is removed. The axle shaft end play specification is 0.012? per side and the radial specification is 0.002? - 0.003?. Technician should be advised that synthetic lube can be used in all new American Axle Manufacturing axle assemblies. The new pinion seal for the 8.6? axle assembly is a two piece design.
- 10112468This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the percentage of Ultraviolet protection or tint offered by the windshield or side glass. Technician should be advised Windshield reduces Ultraviolet rays down to 4% or less. Front side door glass reduces Ultraviolet rays down to 35% or less. Windshields are SOLAR glass with a light transmittance of >/=70%. Front door glass are Solar glass with a light transmission of >/=70%. Rear door glass, quarter windows and back windows can use either Solar glass (>/=70%) or Privacy glass, which has a light transmittance of 20%.
- 10082506This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest calibrations to correct a condition of the rear entertainment system not operating as intended in colder ambient temperature areas due to calibration concerns.
- 10013205Engine may have a condition in which the exhaust valve stem may become deformed. This includes 1999-01 chevrolet and GMC 4500 and 5500 models.
- 629551Subject regarding launch shudder on acceleration (install new one-piece propeller shaft)
- 627790Information regarding fuel transfer pump inoperative.
- 625259Information regarding collapsed fuel tank including gmt 400 sierra and chevrolet pick-up.
- 623047Some customers may comment on a vibration during acceleration from 0 - 40 km/h (0 - 25 mph).
- 619742This technical service bulletin states that technicians may experience difficulty in removing the connectors from the park / neutral position switch, usually when trying to remove the switch during transmission service.
- 619741Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) IS on; the transmission IS stuck in third gear; and / or the instrument cluster IS inoperative.
Every GMC Sierra 3500 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.