CarBrief

The 1999 Suburban has more NHTSA complaints than any other Suburban model year, 708 in all[1][2], and brakes and tires lead the list[3][4]. It has one recall[5].

708owner complaints[1]
1recalls[2]
14MPG combined (EPA)[6]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 708 owner complaints on file for the 1999 Suburban[1]. Of those, 56 mention a crash, 12 mention a fire and 54 mention injuries[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part.

Brakes lead the list, then tires, then the electrical system:

Component group Complaints Crashes Fires Injuries
Brakes[3] 295 29 1 9
Tires[4] 93 1 0 0
Electrical system[7] 60 1 6 0
Steering[8] 56 4 0 5
Power train[9] 49 2 0 7
Visibility[10] 44 0 0 1
Engine[11] 39 0 1 2
Suspension[12] 35 1 0 3

Brakes. The median mileage at failure is 96,437 miles[3]. In a sample of brake complaints we read, owners describe the truck pulling to one side or swerving when they brake, and some went back to the dealer more than once. A few also mention warning sounds, squealing or smoke from the brakes[3].

Tires. The median mileage at failure is 53,000 miles[4]. In a sample of tire complaints we read, owners describe the tread peeling off or a tire blowing out at highway speed, in some cases while towing a trailer. A couple describe cracking or vibration instead[4]. Only 1 crash is tied to this group[4].

Electrical system. The median mileage at failure is 82,000 miles[7]. This group has 6 fires, more than any other group in the table[7]. In a sample of electrical complaints we read, owners describe battery, cable, fuse, wiring and light faults that dealers had trouble tracing[7].

Steering. The median mileage at failure is 90,491 miles[8]. In a sample of steering complaints we read, owners describe wandering, drifting or an erratic feel at highway speed, often after repeat dealer visits[8].

Power train, visibility, engine and suspension each have fewer complaints, and the numbers above are the best guide to their size. Suspension complaints show a median of 49,700 miles[12].

Recalls

NHTSA lists one recall for the 1999 Suburban[2].

Fuel economy

The EPA rates the Suburban 1500 2WD with the 5.7L 8-cylinder engine and a 4-speed automatic at 12 MPG city, 17 highway and 14 combined[6]. The EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $4,800[6]. That estimate uses the EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the truck was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings list this model as not rated[13]. That means there are no star scores to compare, so the recall and complaint data above are the main safety information we have.

Engine and size

The EPA test vehicle has a 5.7L 8-cylinder engine[6]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US trucks. They are converted to inches and pounds.

Variant Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
C1500 4x2[14] 220 in 77 in 71 in 131 in 5,031 lb
C2500 4x2[15] 220 in 77 in 71 in 131 in 5,454 lb
K1500 4x4[16] 220 in 77 in 73 in 131 in 5,487 lb
K2500 4x4[17] 220 in 77 in 73 in 131 in 5,886 lb

All four are listed as base, LS and LT versions[14][15][16][17]. The 4x4 versions are 2 inches taller and weigh more than the 4x2 versions[14][16].

How 1999 compares with other years

1995: 465 complaints, 6 recalls19951996: 369 complaints, 3 recalls1997: 430 complaints, 2 recalls1998: 215 complaints, 2 recalls1999: 708 complaints, 1 recalls70819992000: 349 complaints, 8 recalls2001: 532 complaints, 6 recalls2002: 406 complaints, 2 recalls2003: 476 complaints, 5 recalls20032004: 386 complaints, 4 recalls2005: 223 complaints, 6 recalls2006: 54 complaints, 2 recalls2007: 482 complaints, 4 recalls20072008: 314 complaints, 4 recalls2009: 161 complaints, 5 recalls2010: 170 complaints, 3 recalls2011: 228 complaints, 5 recalls20112012: 101 complaints, 4 recalls2013: 118 complaints, 4 recalls2014: 59 complaints, 3 recalls2015: 431 complaints, 11 recalls20152016: 220 complaints, 6 recalls2017: 142 complaints, 5 recalls2018: 84 complaints, 4 recalls2019: 78 complaints, 3 recalls20192020: 44 complaints, 4 recalls2021: 201 complaints, 12 recalls2022: 124 complaints, 4 recalls2023: 148 complaints, 4 recalls20232024: 44 complaints, 2 recalls2025: 31 complaints, 1 recalls2026: 18 complaints, 3 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Suburban model year. The 1999 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19954656
19963693
19974302
19982152
19997081
20003498
20015326
20024062
20034765
20043864
20052236
2006542
20074824
20083144
20091615
20101703
20112285
20121014
20131184
2014593
201543111
20162206
20171425
2018844
2019783
2020444
202120112
20221244
20231484
2024442
2025311
2026183

The 1999 model year has 708 complaints, the highest of any Suburban model year in the NHTSA data[2]. The next highest is 2001 with 532, then 2007 with 482[2]. The neighbors are far lower, with 215 complaints for 1998 and 349 for 2000[2].

Recalls tell a different story. 1999 has 1 recall, while 2000 has 8 and 2001 has 6[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold, so a high count can partly reflect sales. They are still a fair way to compare model years of the same model.

Should you buy a used 1999 Suburban?

This model year has more owner complaints than any other Suburban year in the data, with 708 on file[2]. Brakes and tires are the two largest complaint groups, with 295 and 93 complaints[3][4]. Before buying, have the brakes, steering and wiring inspected, check the age and condition of the tires, and confirm the recall 00V122 repair was done[5]. Fuel costs are a factor at 14 MPG combined and $4,800 a year by the EPA's estimate[6]. A well-kept example can still make sense, but the complaint record is a reason to inspect carefully rather than buy on looks.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1999 Chevrolet Suburban?
Brakes have the most complaints at 295, followed by tires at 93 and the electrical system at 60[3][4][7]. These are unverified owner reports.
Does the 1999 Chevrolet Suburban have any recalls?
NHTSA lists one, 00V122, for a passenger restraint that might not meet neck extension requirements. Dealers install a tray insert on the instrument panel[5].
What is the gas mileage of a 1999 Chevrolet Suburban?
The EPA rates the 1500 2WD with the 5.7L engine at 12 city, 17 highway and 14 combined MPG[6].
Is the 1999 Suburban a reliable year?
It has the most complaints of any Suburban model year, 708 compared with 532 for the next highest, 2001[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so inspect any truck before buying.
How big is a 1999 Chevrolet Suburban?
The listed size is 220 inches long, 77 inches wide and a 131 inch wheelbase, with curb weights from 5,031 to 5,886 pounds[14][17].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 708 owner complaints on file for the 1999 Chevrolet Suburban (56 mention a crash, 12 a fire, 54 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet Suburban model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. 295 complaints name the brakes component group (29 crashes, 1 fires, 9 injuries, median mileage at failure 96,437). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. 93 complaints name the tires component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 53,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  5. Recall 00V122, filed April 27, 2000: Seat Belts › Front › Webbing. NHTSA recall database
  6. EPA rating for Suburban 1500 2WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  7. 60 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 6 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 82,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 56 complaints name the steering component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 90,491). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 49 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 78,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 44 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 39 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 77,100). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 35 complaints name the suspension component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,700). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  14. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SUBURBAN C1500 4DR 4X2 BASE/LS/LT: length 220 in, width 77 in, height 71 in, wheelbase 131 in, curb weight 5,031 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  15. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SUBURBAN C2500 4DR 4X2 BASE/LS/LT: length 220 in, width 77 in, height 71 in, wheelbase 131 in, curb weight 5,454 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  16. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SUBURBAN K1500 4DR 4X4 BASE/LS/LT: length 220 in, width 77 in, height 73 in, wheelbase 131 in, curb weight 5,487 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  17. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SUBURBAN K2500 4DR 4X4 BASE/LS/LT: length 220 in, width 77 in, height 73 in, wheelbase 131 in, curb weight 5,886 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.