1999 GMC Sierra: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1999 GMC Sierra: 5 recalls, 600 owner complaints and up to 17 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 4 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #98V242000 · 1998 · 8,367 vehicles
What's wrong: Some of these vehicles have a lower than specified torque on all three of the steering gear to frame attachment bolts. The bolts can loosen over time allowing the steering gear to move. This loosening can result in some unresponsive steering feel and some noise to the driver.
Why it matters: If this condition is ignored, the steering gear to frame can wear and/or fatigue the attaching bolts to the point of breakage or the bolts backing out. If all the bolts break or back out, the steering gear would separate from the frame resulting in a loss of steering control.
The fix: Dealers will retorque the steering gear to frame bolts to proper specifications.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #00V345000 · 2000 · 1,383,922 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the front right-hand brake pipe for wear. If there are signs of wear, this section of the brake pipe will be replaced with a new designed brake pipe section. If there are not signs of wear on the brake pipe, the dealer will install a spacer clip to ensure sufficient clearance…
Parking brake Vehicle recall #05V161000 · 2005 · 90,242 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the parking brake does not hold, unintended vehicle movement could occur, which could result in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install a low-force spring clip retainer for vehicles equipped with a pbr parking brake system. On vehicles equipped with the trw parking brake system, dealers will install a redesigned parking brake cable assembly. The recall began on July 29, 2005.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #05V379000 · 2005 · 1,353,718 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: This can cause increased stopping distances during low-speed brake applications, which could result in a crash.
The fix: Dealers are to remove the wheel speed sensor and thoroughly clean the wheel speed sensor mounting surface on the bearing, apply rust inhibitor to the cleaned surface, grease the mounting surface, reinstall the wheel speed sensor, and check the peak-to-peak output voltage to ensure the wheel speed…
Body & structure Vehicle recall #06V066000 · 2006 · 805,368 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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…
The fix: Dealers will replace the galvanized support cables with stainless steel support cables. In addition, dealers are to inspect the tailgate hinge and replace it, if necessary. The recall is expected to begin during April 2006.
4 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Brakes (hydraulic) Recall #00X001000 · 2000 · 777,873 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will attach a notice label to the front brake hoses stating that the calipers must be supported when removed.
Equipment Equipment recall #04E022000 · 2004 · 8,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: The bedliner can become detached from the pickup while it is motion, possibly endangering following motorists or pedestrians.
The fix: Durakon will issue a press release in attempt to notify customers that could have purchased the defective bedliner. If you purchased either a durakon allstar of patriot overrail bedliner since August 1, 2003, for 1999 to 2004 Chevrolet silverado or GMC sierra trucks, or purchased one of these…
Equipment Equipment recall #07E066000 · 2007 · 175 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the trailer lights are not working properly, a vehicle crash can occur.
The fix: All of the defective tow packages are still at the distributor level and have not been sold to any consumers.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 31 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (280): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (59).
- Suspension (39): the most common themes are noise or vibration (26).
- Speed control / throttle (39): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (3).
- Transmission & drivetrain (37): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (13), noise or vibration (10).
The 1999 GMC Sierra has 600 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 28 Sierra model years for complaints (4.3× the average Sierra year). Complaints peaked in 2002 (103 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 62,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (190 complaints, 0 recalls), 2000 (443 complaints, 8 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.8 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.8 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.8 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.8 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 16 | 14 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1999 GMC Sierra.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 1999 GMC Sierra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 1999 GMC Sierra, plus 4 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1999 GMC Sierra problems?
Owners have filed 600 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (280), suspension (39), speed control / throttle (39).
What gas mileage does the 1999 GMC Sierra get?
EPA ratings run up to 17 mpg combined (4.3 L, Manual 5-spd), across 16 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1999 GMC Sierra repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.