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1999 problems

FaultScore report

1999 GMC Sierra problems

Owners have filed 721 complaints about the 1999 GMC Sierra with NHTSA between 1998 and 2015. The largest single group is the brakes. Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 24 worst.

Read the complaints What breaks Worst years for the GMC Sierra All 1999 cars

FaultScore 73/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the GMC Sierra.

How this is worked out

The numbers

721

Complaints

Crashes reported

Fires reported

Injuries reported

1 complaint reports a death.

63,632 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

11%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.

Complaint volume — 100: Against the median year of the GMC Sierra. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 64: 12.3% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 19: 11% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 1999 compares with every other GMC Sierra

Click any bar to open that year's report.

2 4 1 5 2 6 22 30 12 33 109 221 327 310 302 230 721 557 333 291 248 224 152 65 71 84 48 43 67 46 46 132 67 8 77

76 77 82 83 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1999 GMC Sierra

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Brakes 355 49.2%

34 crashes, 0 fires · median 60,000 mi

Suspension 41 5.7%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 99,796 mi

Transmission & Drivetrain 41 5.7%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 75,500 mi

Acceleration & Cruise Control 40 5.5%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 31,000 mi

Tires 32 4.4%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 49,900 mi

Body & Structure 31 4.3%

Median failure at 79,500 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 26 3.6%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 60,098 mi

Seats 23 3.2%

Median failure at 68,351 miles

Engine & Cooling 19 2.6%

Median failure at 65,000 miles

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 18 2.5%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 79,700 mi

Steering 18 2.5%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 46,264 mi

Seat Belts 17 2.4%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 9,000 mi

Electrical System 13 1.8%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 58,850 mi

Airbags 12 1.7%

12 crashes, 0 fires · median 46,000 mi

Other & Unspecified 9 1.2%

Median failure at 79,650 miles

Lights 9 1.2%

Median failure at 57,000 miles

Wheels 8 1.1%

Median failure at 62,679 miles

Equipment & Accessories 5 0.7%

Median failure at 150,145 miles

Doors, Latches & Locks 4 0.6%

Median failure at 66,000 miles

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip 197 59.5%

Control Unit/Module 33 10.0%

Hinge AND Attachments 21 6.3%

Accelerator Pedal 20 6.0%

Automatic Transmission 19 5.7%

Control Unit/Module 16 4.8%

Front 14 4.2%

Tread/Belt 11 3.3%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 1 0.4%

1,000 – 9,999 miles 4 1.5%

10,000 – 24,999 miles 4 1.5%

25,000 – 49,999 miles 78 28.5%

50,000 – 74,999 miles 90 32.8%

75,000 – 99,999 miles 52 19.0%

100,000 – 149,999 miles 17 6.2%

150,000+ miles 28 10.2%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Dec 1998 peak 29 Aug 2015

NHTSA investigations into the 1999 GMC Sierra

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

PE10010 Opened 30 Mar 2010 Closed 5 Jan 2011 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Brake line corrosion failure

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received Defect Petition DP10-003 on March 2, 2010, requesting the investigation of model year (MY) 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 4WD pickup trucks for corrosion failures of the vehicle brake lines.DP10-003 was granted and on March 30, 2010, Preliminary Evaluation PE10-010 was opened on more than six million model year 1999 through 2003 light trucks and sport utility vehicles manufactured and sold by General Motors Corporation (GM).On July 2, 2010, ODI received GM's response to an information request, which included GM's assessment of the frequency a...

DP05009 Opened 20 Dec 2005 Closed 31 May 2006 PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL

PARKING BRAKE FAILURE

ODI'S REVIEW OF COMPLAINT DATA RECEIVED SINCE THE CLOSE OF EA04-011 REVEALED NO INDICATION THAT THE INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE RE-OPENED.MORE DETAILS CAN BE FOUND IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE ENCLOSED IN THE DP05-009 PUBLIC FILE.ODI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REOPEN THE INVESTIGATION IN THE FUTURE SHOULD CONDITIONS WARRANT.

PE05020 Opened 28 Apr 2005 Closed 13 Sep 2005 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

UNWANTED LOW-SPEED ABS ACTIVATION

IN A LETTER DATED AUGUST 29, 2005, GM NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT WAS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1999 THROUGH 2002 C/K PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES TO CORRECT A PROBLEM WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) WHEEL SPEED SENSOR CORROSION THAT MAY RESULT IN UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AND EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING LOW-SPEED BRAKING (RECALL 05V-379).GM'S RECALL COVERS APPROXIMATELY 804,000 VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING 14 SALT-BELT STATES:CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, V...

EA05007 Opened 14 Apr 2005 Closed 11 Apr 2006 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH

TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES

GENERAL MOTORS IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL TO REMOVE AND REPLACE THE TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES INSTALLED IN 805,368 MODEL YEAR 1999 AND 2000 GMT 800 MODEL VEHICLES.THE MODEL YEAR 1999 AND 2000 GMT-800 SERIES VEHICLES THAT WILL BE CAMPAIGNED HAD CONTRIBUTED A SIGNIFICANT MAJORITY OF THE TOTAL COMPLAINTS (87%) AND INJURIES (79%) ASSOCIATED WITH THE TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLE BREAKAGE IN THE MODEL YEAR 1998 - 2000 C/K SERIES VEHICLES ADDRESSED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.

EA04011 Opened 9 Apr 2004 Closed 10 May 2005 PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL

PARKING BRAKE FAILURE

IN A LETTER DATED APRIL 20, 2005, GM NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT HAD DECIDED THAT DEFECTS THAT RELATE TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY EXIST IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999-2002 C/K 1500 SERIES (PBR PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM) AND MY 2001-2005 C/K 2500 AND 3500 SERIES (TRW PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM) PICKUPS WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS.ACCORDING TO GM, SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE CONDITIONS THAT CAUSE THE FRICTION LININGS TO WEAR TO AN EXTENT WHERE THE PARKING BRAKE CAN BECOME INEFFECTIVE IN IMMOBILIZING A PARKED VEHICLE.GM'S ACTION COVERS AN ESTIMATED TOTAL OF 142,585 VEHICLES.DEALERS WILL INSTALL A LOW-FORCE SPRING...

EA04005 Opened 19 Feb 2004 Closed 28 Sep 2004 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH

TAILGATE CABLE BREAKAGE

GENERAL MOTORS FILED A DEFECT NOTICE 04V-129 ON MARCH 17, 2004, WHICH OUTLINES A PROGRAM TO REPLACE THE TAILGATE CABLES INSTALLED IN AFFECTED MODEL YEAR 2000-2004 VEHICLES.REFER TO ODI'S CLOSING REPORT FOR EA04-005 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.ODI IS AWARE OF REPORTS OF TAILGATE CABLE BREAKAGE OCCURRING IN MODEL YEAR 1999 AND EARLIER VEHICLES.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH SIMILAR TAILGATE CABLES AS ADDRESSED BY 04V-129, BUT ARE NOT BEING ADDRESSED BY CAMPAIGN O4V-129.ODI IS INITIATING A SEPARATE INVESTIGATION TO ADDRESS THESE VEHICLES.THE COMPLAINT-INJURY-FATALITY STATISTICS SUMMARIZED ABOVE...

PE03057 Opened 8 Dec 2003 Closed 9 Apr 2004 PARKING BRAKE

PARKING BRAKE FAILURE

ODI OPENED PE03-057 TO ASSESS PARKING BRAKE INEFFECTIVENESS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH FOUR WHEEL DISC BRAKES THAT INCORPORATE A SINGLE-SHOE DRUM-IN-HAT PARKING BRAKE INDEPENDENT OF THE SERVICE BRAKES.COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA INDICATE THAT THE PARKING BRAKE LININGS TEND TO WEAR OUT EARLY IN THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE (AT AN AVERAGE OF 24 MONTHS IN SERVICE), REDUCING THE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM'S TORQUE BELOW THAT NEEDED TO IMMOBILIZE THE VEHICLE.GM HAS ATTRIBUTED THIS ACCELERATED WEAR TO FOREIGN MATERIAL INTRUSION AND A FAILURE OF THE BRAKE SHOE TO PROPERLY SELF-CENT...

EA02015 Opened 1 Aug 2002 Closed 12 Jan 2004 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES

THROTTLE STICKING CLOSED

THIS INVESTIGATION INVOLVES THE GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION (GM)THROTTLE BODY (TB) UTILIZED IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999-2002 SILVERADO, SIERRA, TAHOE, SUBURBAN, AVALANCHE AND YUKON (SUBJECT VEHICLE(S)) WITH 4.8L, 5.3L, AND 6.0L ENGINES. THE TB VALVE MAY INTERMITTENTLY STICK IN A CLOSED POSITION.IN SUCH A SITUATION, AN OPERATOR MAY APPLY ADDITIONAL ACCELERATOR PEDAL FORCE TO INCREASE ENGINE SPEED.THE APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ACCELERATOR PEDAL FORCE, TO OPEN A STUCK THROTTLE VALVE, MAY OPEN THE THROTTLE VALVE MORE THAN INTENDED AND, IN TURN, ACCELERATE THE ENGINE AND VEHICLE MORE THAN INTENDED AND R...

Recalls on the 1999 GMC Sierra

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

09E025000 11 May 2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 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 THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

07E066000 28 Aug 2007

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.

Risk: IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.

06V066000 8 Mar 2006

STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS HAVE GALVANIZED-BRAIDED-STEEL TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES USED TO SUPPORT THE TAILGATE IN THE FULL OPEN (HORIZONTAL) POSITION. OVER TIME THESE CABLES CAN CORRODE AND FRACTURE WHEN LOADS ARE APPLIED TO THEM.

Risk: IF ONE CABLE FRACTURES, THE REMAINING CABLE MAY RETAIN THE TAILGATE IN A HORIZONTAL POSITION. IF BOTH CABLES FRACTURE, THE TAILGATE WOULD DROP AND STRIKE THE TOP SURFACE OF THE REAR BUMPER. IF ANYONE IS SITTING OR STANDING ON THE HORIZONTAL SURFACE OF THE TAILGATE WHEN BOTH CABLES FRACTURED, THEY COULD FALL AND BE INJURED. ON VEHICLES WITHOUT A BUMPER, THE TAILGATE MAY DROP TO A LOWER POSITION.

05V379000 29 Aug 2005

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE UNWANTED ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) ACTIVATION. THIS CONDITION IS MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR IN ENVIRONMENTALLY CORROSIVE AREAS. THIS RECALL WILL BE LAUNCHED IN THE "SALT BELT" STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ONLY.

Risk: THIS CAN CAUSE INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING LOW-SPEED BRAKE APPLICATIONS, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

05V161000 22 Apr 2005

PARKING BRAKE

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND BUILT WITH EITHER PBR PARKING BRAKE SYSTEMS OR TRW PARKING BRAKE SYSTEMS, THE PARKING BRAKE FRICTION LININGS MAY WEAR TO AN EXTENT WHERE THE PARKING BRAKE CAN BECOME INEFFECTIVE IN IMMOBILIZING A PARKED VEHICLE.

Risk: IF THE PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT HOLD, UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT COULD OCCUR, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

04E022000 23 Mar 2004

EQUIPMENT

AFTERMARKET PICKUP TRUCK OVER-THE-RAIL BEDLINERS MANUFACTURED FOR INSTALLATION ON 1999-2004 CHEVROLET SILVERADO AND GMC SIERRA PICKUP TRUCKS. THE TOGGLE WING ASSEMBLY USED TO ATTACH THE BEDLINER TO THE TRUCK BED IS NOT ENGAGING FULLY IN THE STAKE POCKET OF THE PICKUP TRUCK.

Risk: THE BEDLINER CAN BECOME DETACHED FROM THE PICKUP WHILE IT IS MOTION, POSSIBLY ENDANGERING FOLLOWING MOTORISTS OR PEDESTRIANS.

00V345000 30 Oct 2000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CLEARANCE CONDITION BETWEEN THE FRONT RIGHT-HAND BRAKE PIPE AND THE BODY CROSS SILL THAT COULD DECREASE TO THE POINT OF ALLOWING CONTACT DURING THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. IF CONTACT OCCURS AND THE BRAKE PIPE BECOMES DAMAGED, IN HALF OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM THERE CAN BE A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID AND PRESSURE. THE BRAKE WARNING LAMP WILL BE ACTIVATED WHEN THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL REACHES THE INDICATOR LIMIT.

Risk: DURING BRAKING, THE PEDAL WILL BE LOWER THAN NORMAL AND STOPPING DISTANCES WILL BE LONGER. IF THIS OCCURS WHEN STOPPING DISTANCE IS LIMITED, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

00X001000 23 May 2000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1/2 TON LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE SERVICE PROCEDURE SET FORTH IN THE SERVICE MANUAL FOR REMOVAL OF THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER CAN RESULT IN MOVEMENT OF THE FRONT BRAKE HOSE RELATIVE TO ITS KNUCKLE MOUNTING BRACKET. IF THIS MOVEMENT RESULTS IN INCREASED LENGTH BETWEEN THE BRACKET AND THE BANJO FITTING THAT ATTACHES TO THE BRAKE CALIPER, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE BRAKE HOSE TO COME IN CONTACT WITH THE WHEEL RIM.

Risk: THIS CONTACT WITH THE WHEEL RIM COULD, IN TIME, CAUSE THE BRAKE HOSE TO BECOME WORN TO THE POINT THAT BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR. IF THIS OCCURRED, LOSS OF FRONT BRAKES IS POSSIBLE.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2006057 9 Mar 2006 74,248 units in Canada

Other

On certain vehicles, the galvanized-braided-steel tailgate support cables used to support the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position can corrode over time and fracture when loads are applied to them. Tailgate support cable corrosion may not be visible because of the plastic sheathing covering the cable. If one cable fractured, the remaining cable may retain the tailgate in a horizontal position. If the remaining cable was weakened by corrosion, it could fracture within moments of the first cable fracture. If both cables fractured, the tailgate would suddenly drop approximately 10 degrees and strike the top surface of the rear bumper. If anyone is sitting or standing on the horizontal surface of the tailgate when both cables fracture, they could fall and be injured. On vehicles without a rear bumper, the tailgate may drop to a lower position. Correction: Dealers will replace the existing galvanized support cables with stainless steel support cables.

Recall 2005116 22 Apr 2005 6,920 units in Canada

Brakes

On certain 1999-2002 1500 series and 2001-2005 2500 & 3500 series trucks equipped with a manual transmission, the parking brake friction lining may wear to an extent where the parking brake can become ineffective in immobilizing a parked vehicle. Correction: Dealers will install a low-force spring clip retainer on vehicles equipped with PBR parking brake system and install a redesigned parking brake cable assembly on vehicle equipped with a TRW parking brake system.

Recall 2004395 5 Nov 2004 158,474 units in Canada

Brakes

Certain vehicles located in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador may experience unwanted Antilock Brake System (ABS) activation and increased stopping distances during low-speed brake application (less than 16 km/h and greater than 6 km/h). This condition does not set any ABS codes nor does it illuminate the ABS warning lamp. Correction: Dealers will remove the wheel speed sensor and thoroughly clean the wheel speed sensor mounting surface on the bearing, apply Zinc-X to the cleaned surface, grease the mounting surface, reinstall the wheel speed sensor, and check the output voltage to ensure the wheel speed signal is within specifications.

Recall 2001263 1 Nov 2001 63,484 units in Canada

Electrical

Certain vehicles: Light duty trucks. passenger vehicles and sport utility vehicles. Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of C.M.V.S.S. NO. 118, "POWER-OPERATED WINDOW, PARTITION & ROOF PANEL SYSTEMS." When the hazard flasher switch is used to turn the hazard flashers on or off, the retained accessory power (RAP) feature can be activated without a key in the ignition. Correction: There is no detrimental effect on vehicle safety so no corrective action is necessary.

Recall 2000270 17 Nov 2000 116,675 units in Canada

Brakes

On certain vehicles, the body cross sill may contact the front, right-hand brake pipe. This could eventually wear a hole in the brake pipe over the normal life of the vehicle and result in a brake fluid leak. This could ultimately result in a partial brake system failure and increased stopping distances. Correction: Dealers will inspect for brake pipe wear and replace worn section if necessary. A spacer clip will be installed to ensure adequate clearance.

Recall 2000194 15 Sep 2000 47,874 units in Canada

Seats And Restraints

Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 209 - Seat Belt Assemblies. These vehicles have front belt retractors that have higher G-force lock-up levels than those required by the standard. In addition, some retractors could have internal damage that could cause a "no-lock" condition. In the event of a vehicle crash, these conditions could result in increased occupant injury. Correction: Driver and passenger seat belt retractors will be replaced.

Recall 1999079 6 May 1999 175 units in Canada

Emissions

Certain vehicles equipped with 4.8 litre or 5.3 litre engines do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 1103 - Exhaust Emissions. Engines may have been built with the wrong Linear Exhaust Gas Recirculation (LEGR) valve which could limit the required air flow rate. A failed valve could cause the vehicle to fail to meet applicable emissions standards. Correction: Vehicles will be inspected and LEGR valve will be replaced with a new valve where required.

Recall 1998200 20 Oct 1998 890 units in Canada

Steering

Certain vehicles have lower than specified torque on all three of the steering gear to frame attachment bolts. In this condition, the bolts may loosen during the life of the vehicle. Relative movement of the steering gear to frame may wear and/or fatigue the attaching bolts to the point of breakage or the bolts backing out. This would result in steering gear separation and loss of steering control. Correction: Steering gear to frame bolts will be torqued to the proper specification.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Filed 11 Mar 2013 at 150,000 miles Davenport, FL Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON. SOMETIME THE NEXT DAY I STARTED UP MY TRUCK AND RELEASED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, ALL SEEMED FINE. I THEN RELEASED MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL TO PROCEED TO BACK UP. GAVE THE VEHICLE A LITTLE GAS TO DO SO, WENT TO APPLY THE BRAKES AGAIN AND HAD THEM GO ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR BOARDS. IN ORDER TO STOP I HAD TO ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO HIT INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. NO DAMAGE TO EITHER OTHER THAN A SCUFF. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND MECHANIC SAYS ALL LINES NEED REPLACING. GOING TO COST UPWARDS OF A $1000. THIS IS A VERY COMMON FAILURE WITH THIS VEHICLE AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO PREVENT LOSS OF LIFE!

NHTSA complaint #10502306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 26 Oct 2012 at 205,000 miles Dundee, MI Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

BRAKE LINE BURST WHILE SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE, RESULTING IN LOSS OF BRAKING AND SLOW SPEED CRAWL INTO GARAGE DOOR. ON INSPECTION, HEAVILY CORRODED SECTION OF REAR BRAKE LINE UNDERNEATH THE DRIVERS DOOR ON THE INSIDE OF FRAME RAIL WAS SPLIT LENGTHWISE AND LEAKING LARGE VOLUME OF BRAKE FLUID.

NHTSA complaint #10482304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 8 Apr 2010 at 142,000 miles Paulsboro, NJ 1 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SIERRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN; THEREFORE, HE USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. HE THEN NOTICED BRAKE FLUID ON THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE CONTACT RECEIVED MINOR BRUISES DUE TO THE SUDDEN STOP. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 142,000.

NHTSA complaint #10324448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 25 Apr 2007 Stephentown, NY Crash

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

1999 GMC SIERRA. CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED THE PEDAL DID NOT MOVE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HIT A PARKED VEHICLE. MECHANIC REPLACED THE ABS CONTROL VALVE. *MC THE CONSUMER STATED HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP SO THE RECALL COULD BE PERFORMED ON DEC 28, 2006, HOWEVER HE EXPERIENCED A FAILURE 1 MONTH LATER. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT LEFT SENSOR WAS DAMAGED WHICH WAS PROBABLY THE CAUSE OF THE CONTROL VALVE FAILURE.

NHTSA complaint #10189011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 13 Mar 2007 Stephentown, NY Crash

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

1999 GMC SIERRA PICKUP TRUCK CUSTOMER STATES THAT AFTER GETTING CAR FIXED DUE TO A RECALL ON BRAKES THE NEXT DAY THE BRAKES STOP WORKING CAUSING A ACCIDENT**CC THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED ON DEC 28, 2006 AND ON JANUARY 3, 2007 WHEN THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL WAS EXTREMELY HARD, THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND CONSEQUENTLY HIT A PARKED VEHICLE. THE NEXT DAY THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC WHO SAID THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE VALVE HAD BURNED OUT. THE MECHANIC STATED THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE FRONT LEFT SENSOR AND WANTED TO KNOW IF ANYONE HAD BEEN WORKING ON THE ABS SENSORS RECENTLY. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT SOMEONE HAD PIERCED INSIDE THE SENSOR AND DAMAGED IT, WHICH WAS THE PROBABLE CAUSE OF THE CONTROL VALVE FAILURE.

NHTSA complaint #10184804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 19 Jan 2006 at 80,000 miles Stoughton, WI Crash

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ABS ACTIVATED AT LOW SPEEDS CAUSING AN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE. DUE TO THE INABILITY TO STOP AT LOW SPEED, THE VEHICLE GENTLY TAPPED ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE REAR BUMPER. NO DAMAGE OR INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE POLICE WERE NOT CONTACTED REGARDING THIS INCIDENT. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 05V379000, REGARDING THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. *NM UPDATED 02/21/06.

NHTSA complaint #10148071 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Filed 10 Aug 2015 at 190,000 miles Sissonville, WV

SERVICE BRAKES

WHILE PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY I EXPERIENCED COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. LOOKED UNDER TRUCK AND BRAKE FLUID WAS EVERYWHERE AND THE BRAKE LINES WERE SEVERELY RUSTED AND HAD BUSTED. LOOKED IT UP AND THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL TRUCK BUT THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A RECALL?! THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED WITH GM.

NHTSA complaint #10747596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 29 Jan 2015 at 58,000 miles Spring Hill, KS

SERVICE BRAKES

I WAS DRIVING AND WENT TO APPLY BRAKES FOR THE STOP SIGN AHEAD, AND I HAD NO BRAKES. ONCE I HAD THE TRUCK HOME I PARKED IT. I DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE LINES HAD RUSTED THROUGH BY HAVING A PIECE OF CARDBOARD UNDER THE TRUCK TO LOCATE THE LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. I'M SO LUCKY THAT I DIDN'T HAVE A CAMPER ON THE TRUCK AND HAD GONE ON VACATION TO COLORADO, AS I INTENDED THIS TO BE MY RECREATIONAL VEHICLE FOR THIS PURPOSE. I AM HAUNTED BY THE POSSIBLE SCENARIOS AND CRASHES THAT COULD HAVE OCCURRED TO ME AND MY FAMILY. WIFE, SON, AND TWO DAUGHTERS. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE OTHER HUMAN BEINGS END UP SERIOUSLY INJURED, TRAUMATIZED, OR DEATH BEING VERY HIGHLY LIKELY. SO I HAVE A NEAR NEW TRUCK SITTING IN THE YARD FOR NEARLY THE PAST FIVE YEARS. MY ATTEMPT TO INSTALL AFTER-MARKET BRAKE LINES HAS BEEN A FAILURE. GM SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. I KNOW AS TIME GOES BY OTHER BRAKE LINES ON THESE MODELS WILL RUST AND FAIL. I WILL BE HERE AS A WITNESS, AND SO WILL THE TRUCK AS I HAVE REFUSED OFFERS TO SELL IT.

NHTSA complaint #10679788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 17 Sep 2014 at 81,000 miles Elizabethtown, KY

SERVICE BRAKES

DRIVING DOWN HILL, APPROX SPEED OF 45 MPH, WENT TO APPLY BRAKES WHEN DID HEARD POP NOISE AND BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WITH NO STOPPING. PUMPED ON BRAKES AND GEARED DOWN TRUCK TO SLOW DOWN. PULLED OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD TO NOTICE THAT FLUID WAS COMING OUT OF THE BODY. WAS ABLE TO GET MIRROR AND RESEARCH AND FIND THE BRAKE LINE HAD CORRODED WITH RUST, AND IT HAS SPLIT.

NHTSA complaint #10636912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 4 Sep 2014 at 196,000 miles Weirton, WV

SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT HAD TO SWITCH GEARS IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LINE HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 196,000.

NHTSA complaint #10630663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 25 Aug 2014 at 172,656 miles Columbia City, IN

SERVICE BRAKES

I WAS COMING TO A STOP AND I LOST MY BRAKES I WAS ABLE TO GET IT STOPPED. TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC RIGHT AWAY AND WAS TOLD THE BRAKE LINE BURST AND HIT MY GAS LINE BUSTING IT AS WELL. THEY HAD THE VEHICLE FOR OVER 3 WEEKS. THEY REPAIRED THE GAS LINE EASY ENOUGH BUT THE BRAKE LINE HAD TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #10628114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 25 Aug 2014 at 172,656 miles Columbia City, IN

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

NHTSA complaint #10628114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 18 Aug 2014 at 30,000 miles Colville, WA

SERVICE BRAKES

DURING MANY OCCASIONS SINCE I PURCHASED THE TRUCK(NEW) ,THE ABS SYSTEM WOULD ACTIVATE AS I AM APPLYING THE BRAKES AND THE TRUCK IS ALMOST STOPPED: LOUD SHUDDER,THE TRUCK WOULD KEEP ROLLING EVEN AFTER PRESSING HARD ON THE BRAKE PEDAL(AT WALKING SPEED);IT HAS BEEN A RATHER SCARY EXPERIENCE ALL ALONG AS MORE THAN ONCE ,I CAME CLOSE TO HIT OTHER VEHICLES AND MY GARAGE DOOR AND BACK WALL.

NHTSA complaint #10626188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 18 Jul 2014 at 81,000 miles Bethel Park, PA

SERVICE BRAKES

THIS IS THE CONTINUING STORY OF THE UNSAFE BRAKING SYSTEM ON MY 1999 GMC TRUCK. ON 7/15/14 AS I WENT TO STOP AT A RED LIGHT MY BRAKE PEDAL BEGAN TO SLOW THE TRUCK AND THEN THE PEDAL TRAVEL ALMOST TO THE FLOOR, THE RED WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND I HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP. I WAS VERY CLOSE TO HOME AND MANAGED TO SLOWLY MAKE IT SAFELY BACK WHERE I DISCOVERED, FOR THE THIRD TIME, THAT MY BRAKE LINE HAD RUSTED THROUGH. I HAD LOST A PINT OF FLUID AND LATER FOUND THE LEAKING BRAKE LINE. THIS WILL BE THE THIRD TIME I HAVE HAD TO CHANGE THE RUSTY BRAKE LINES ON MY TRUCK. I REALIZE MY VEHICLE IS OLD, BUT THIS HAS BEEN A RECURRING PROBLEM FOR AT LEAST TEN YEARS. MY 1976 PONTIAC FIREBIRD STILL HAS IT'S ORIGINAL BRAKE LINES THAT SHOW NO SIGNS OF RUST. MY GMC BRAKE LINES ARE COMPLETELY RUSTED. I HAVE SPENT MORE THAN $5000 ON REPAIRING THE BRAKES ON THIS VEHICLE SINCE PURCHASING IT NEW IN 1999. I HAVE HAD MORE THAN FIVE VERY CLOSE CLOSE CALLS WITH ASSORTED BRAKE FAILURES WITH THE RUSTY BRAKE LINES, FAULTY ABS SENSORS AND DEFECTIVE WHEEL HUBS. I AM GLAD THAT I AM WRITING THIS COMPLAINT AND NOT MY NEXT OF KIN.

NHTSA complaint #10614588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 8 Jul 2014 at 151,704 miles Zionsville, IN

SERVICE BRAKES

THE BRAKE LINES IN MY 1999 GMC SIERRA BLEW OUT, AND I WAS BARELY ABLE TO STOP THE TRUCK BEFORE ENTERING A BUSY HIGHWAY FROM MY DRIVEWAY - THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, PROVIDING VERY LITTLE BREAKING POWER AND TAKING A MUCH LONGER TIME TO STOP AND A MUCH LONGER DISTANCE TO STOP THAN NORMAL . I WAS INFORMED THAT MY BRAKE LINES HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT, NEEDING FULL REPLACEMENT, WHICH I HAD DONE LAST WEEK AT CONSIDERABLE EXPENSE. IT IS UNCONSCIONABLE THAT GM KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND FAILED TO INFORM OWNERS OF THEIR VEHICLES TO HAVE THEIR BRAKE LINES INSPECTED! I HAVE OWNED THIS TRUCK SINCE IT WAS NEW, AND MY ADDRESS HAS NOT CHANGED SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED, SO MY ADDRESS IS IN THEIR FILES.

NHTSA complaint #10608868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 5 May 2014 at 156,000 miles Williamsville, NY

SERVICE BRAKES

WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE I WAS STOPPING AND THE BRAKES WERE SHOT. I HAD TO PUSH THE PEDAL AS HARD AS POSSIBLE TO THE FLOOR TO GET IT TO STOP. LUCKILY I NARROWLY AVOIDED AN ACCIDENT WITH THE PERSON IN FRONT OF ME. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO GET LOOKED AT AND THE BRAKE LINES ARE LEAKING FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE ABS UNIT. THEY ARE EXTREMELY RUSTED AND THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE ESTIMATE WAS OVER $1000.

NHTSA complaint #10586578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 31 Jan 2014 at 150,145 miles Glendora, NY

POWER TRAIN

BRAKE FLUID LEAKING ALL OVER BOTTOM OF TRUCK SPRAYING OUT I TOOK TO A MECHANIC AND HAD 1000 DOLLAR BRAKE LINE JOB DONE GOT TRUCK BACK AND ABS BRAKES WORKED LIKE MANUAL BRAKES HAD A SENSOR AND 2 BALL JOINTS REPLACED IM BEING RIPPED OF FROM A GMC LOYAL CUSTOMER I WAS I GUESS BACK TO FORD OR TOYOTA FOR MY NEXT NEW TRUCKS I HAD WARRANTY ISSUES YOU CHEAP [XXX] WOULDNT PAY FOR A WATERPUMP THAT WAS LEAKING ONLY A 7 DOLLAR GASKET ALSO HAD A TRANSMISSION ON MY WORK VAN REPAIR AND THEN REPLACED AFTER A MONTH OF RUN AROUND. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).