Owners have filed 17 complaints
about the 1999 GMC Silverado with NHTSA between 2000 and 2011.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 4 worst.
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 — 58
Against the median year of the GMC Silverado. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 91
17.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
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 2000peak 3Sep 2011
NHTSA investigations into the 1999 GMC Silverado
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.
DP05009Opened 20 Dec 2005Closed 31 May 2006PARKING 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.
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...
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.
ODI IS UPGRADING RQ04-010 AND OPENING AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES INSTALLED IN 1998, 1999, AND PARTIAL YEAR 2000 SILVERADOS AND SIERRAS (C/K MODELS).GENERAL MOTORS IS CONDUCTING RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V-129 TO REPLACE THE TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES ORIGINALLY INSTALLED IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2000 - 2004 SIERRAS AND SILVERADOS.GENERAL MOTORS HAS ADVISED ODI THAT THE MATERIALS USED FOR THE TAILGATE CABLE SHEATHING INSTALLED IN C/K MODELS HAD INADVERTENTLY CHANGED IN OCTOBER 1999, INCREASING THE PROPENSITY FOR VOIDS IN AND AROUND THE GALVANIZED STEEL CABLE ST...
EA04011Opened 9 Apr 2004Closed 10 May 2005PARKING 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...
PE03057Opened 8 Dec 2003Closed 9 Apr 2004PARKING 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...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Upper Marlboro, MDCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
WHENEVER AT A COMPLETE STOP CONSUMER HAD TO TAP ON GAS PEDAL SO TH AT VEHICLE WON'T ACCELERATE TO FAST. BUT WHEN DOING THIS, PEDAL GOT STUCK, AND REARENDED OTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.
NHTSA complaint #890466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lorraine, OHCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CONSUMER FELL ASLEEP AT WHEEL, AND VEHICLE WENT OFF ROAD. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND CONSUMER WAS SEVERELY INJURED. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. PLEASE ADD ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #889569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 10,100 milesLauderdale, MN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
BRAKE LINES THAT ENTER ABS CONTROL UNIT RUSTED OUT AND RUPTURED.
NHTSA complaint #10424366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bowie, MD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE CONSUMER DEPRESSED THE BRAKES AND A POPPING SOUND WAS HEARD. BRAKE PEDAL DESCENDED TO THE FLOORBOARD, AND THE VEHICLE COASTED TO A STOP. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BY A TECHNICIAN WHO DETERMINED THAT A BRAKE LINE WAS THE CAUSE.
NHTSA complaint #10061132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jefferson, GA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH APPLIED BRAKES TO AVOID ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE PEDAL WENT DOWN TO THE FLOOR. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT NOR INJURIES TO REPORT. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR ANALYSIS, AND MECHANIC REPLACED THE ROTORS AND PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #10046358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ramona, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
FAILURE OF ABS CONTROL MODULE .*MR THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN THE CONSUMER FIRST STARTED THE VEHICLE. THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ABS PUMP/BRAKE MODULATION SYSTEM STARTED RUNNING. THE PUMP CONTINUED TO RUN WHEN I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. THE CONSUMER THEN DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY TO STOP THE PUMP FROM RUNNING. WHEN THE CONSUMER RECONNECTED THE BATTERY, THE PUMP STARTED RUNNING AGAIN. THE REPAIR SHOP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS BEING CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE EBC CONTROL MODULE (PN 88982286). CONSUMER FEELS THIS COULD RESULT IN A POSSIBLE LOSS OF BRAKES. CONSUMER HAS THE DEFECTIVE PART. *PH
NHTSA complaint #10044004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Trenton, TN
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
WHILE DRIVING ACCELERATOR STICKS.
NHTSA complaint #8016361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lexington, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS BRAKE PUMP WILL NOT STOP RUNNING. CONSUMER HAS REMOVED THE FUSE, DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED, BUT REFUSES TO FIX VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA complaint #899556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ontario, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
VEHICLE STARTED SQUEAKING NOISE. HE TOOK THE TIRE OFF TO CHECK BRAKES, AND ROTOR CASE HARDENED FINISH, AND HARDEN FINISH WAS FLAKING OFF, DUE TO RUSTED BRAKES ROTORS. ALSO, WHEN APPLYING BRAKES VEHICLE VIBRATED. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #895769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ontario, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
VEHICLE STARTED SQUEAKING NOISE. HE TOOK THE TIRE OFF TO CHECK BRAKES, AND ROTOR CASE HARDENED FINISH, AND HARDEN FINISH WAS FLAKING OFF, DUE TO RUSTED BRAKES ROTORS. ALSO, WHEN APPLYING BRAKES VEHICLE VIBRATED. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #895769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tavarus, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
CONSUMER HAS NOTICED THAT ABS BRAKE WARNING LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD, INDICATING A MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE SYSTEM. CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #891189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Upper Marlboro, MDCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
WHENEVER AT A COMPLETE STOP CONSUMER HAD TO TAP ON GAS PEDAL SO TH AT VEHICLE WON'T ACCELERATE TO FAST. BUT WHEN DOING THIS, PEDAL GOT STUCK, AND REARENDED OTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.
NHTSA complaint #890466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lorraine, OHCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CONSUMER FELL ASLEEP AT WHEEL, AND VEHICLE WENT OFF ROAD. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND CONSUMER WAS SEVERELY INJURED. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. PLEASE ADD ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #889569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Johnsonville, SC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
WHEN APPLYING PEDAL TO START GASOLINE FOR SPEED, PEDAL IS HARD. WHEN IT LOOSENS UP VEHICLE ACCELERATES. *AK CONSUMER STATES HE HAS COME CLOSE TO HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #887753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bluffs, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHILE DRIVING THROTTLE STUCK WIDE OPEN, CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. APPLIED BRAKES AND VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. PUT VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL TO GAIN CONTROL. *AK THE DEALER REPLACED THE THROTTLE VALVE BODY FOR SECOND TIME, BUT IT APPEARS THE DEALER HAS FAILED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE.
NHTSA complaint #881325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bluffs, IL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
WHILE DRIVING THROTTLE STUCK WIDE OPEN, CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. APPLIED BRAKES AND VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. PUT VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL TO GAIN CONTROL. *AK THE DEALER REPLACED THE THROTTLE VALVE BODY FOR SECOND TIME, BUT IT APPEARS THE DEALER HAS FAILED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE.
NHTSA complaint #881325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tavarus, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES,INDICATING A MALFUNCTION WITHIN SYSTEM, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #879557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colon, MI
SEAT BELTS
FRONT SEAT BELTS DO NOT LOCK UP WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED, DO NOT HOLD PASSENGER IN SEAT, CAUSING LOSS OF PROTECTION. SEATBELT SYSTEM HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. *AK SEAT BELTS SOMETIMES LOCK UP FOR NO REASON WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH WAY SPEED.
NHTSA complaint #877721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, GA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. CONSUMER IS HAVING TROUBLE WHEN HE COMES TO A SUDDEN STOP. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT.*AK CONSUMER STATES THAT RIPPLES, BUMPS, AND SLICK CONDITIONS CAUSE ABS TO RELEASE BRAKES AND AVOIDS STOPPING. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #876423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.