11th Mar 2008, 12:02
1999 Silverado, LT 4x4 5.3 Xcab.
94k miles. Runs great, pulled a 7k trailer from DC to California 75 mph the whole way, 12 hours driving per day and no problems. Ran like a champ and I drove the crap out of it.
Throttle stuck a bit before the trip. Cleaned the throttle body and some good old fuel injector cleaner took care of that no problem.
My brakes would sometimes not work, pedal would hit the floor, took it in under a recall for state of Maryland, got it fixed and worked great. My buddy has the same truck, but Texas plates and couldn't get it fixed because Texas didn't issue a recall. Ended up rear ending someone because he couldn't stop in time. GM said sorry and good luck.
Now my throttle is sticking again, need to re-clean it, and my ABS light and Emergency brake lights are coming on and staying on until I shut the vehicle off and then it goes away. Just gonna pull the fuse and be done with it. Next time I am rotating the tires I guess I'll clean the sensors. But from what everyone is saying, 700-1200 for parts, GM can shove that where the sun don't shine. I'm not going to replace that.
Only 94-95k miles, but I beat the crap out of it on the ranch. Holds up good.
Ball joints are popping and need to be replaced soon.
Hate that torsion bar system. It's junk.
23rd Mar 2008, 12:24
I own a 2001 Chevy Silverado 4wd pickup 4.3 v6 engine.
At 70,000 miles the ABS module started running even with the engine off and key removed. I had the wheel speed sensors recall done two years ago. Don't know if cleaning these will fix it but I am going to try it. I haven't had any braking problems other than replacing the front pads and being told that the rear rotors are rusty and will need replacing soon. However, the ABS module thing is crazy. If so many owners are having this problem, then GM should issue a recall and fix it. Especially when it costs $1100 or more. I lodged a complaint with the NHTSA and encourage everyone else to do so.
31st Mar 2008, 15:11
I own a 1999 Chev Silverado 4wd 5.3L.
At 70,000 miles the ABS and brake light started coming on, on the dash. I haven't experienced buzzing from the frame area, though. Just so I can't see the lights, I took the dash apart and used model paint to paint over the idiot lights. You can't even tell I did it, but it's nice not seeing lights every time I drive. ($5 and 20 minutes of my time)
At 90,000 miles the fuel gauge started acting up. It would go from working to not working about 10 times just on my 7 mile drive to work. Then eventually, it work one day and not the next. ($340 for new unit; wholesale price)
At 105,000 miles the service 4wd light started coming on in the message center. I bought a replacement relay switch from a Chev dealer ($65) and that solved the problem.
At 135,000 miles my transmission went out and had to be rebuilt. I was backing down my drive way at about 3 mph when a loud crunch occurred followed by a whining sound. I had no reverse. Because reverse and 1st are the same... wasn't moving forward very well. Truck as never had a load over 500 lbs in the bed, and the trailer I have towed has 1 jet ski, not exactly heavy. Lucky for me my buddy owns 5 tranny shops and did the work for me. ($1,600 and he installed the fuel pump above for me for free)
I understand that this is the first year for the chassis and engine, so problems are expected. But for GM to ignore some of these issues is not helping to retain customers. But like most companies customer satisfaction is #2, PROFIT is #1. Sorry guys!!!
2nd Apr 2008, 15:48
I Have a 1999 Chevy Z71 truck with 5.3 engine. I bought it used in 2000. Until the last couple of years it was a great truck. At 125,000 miles I started have instrument panel issues. My gas guage would not always work, my odometer and shifter lights would go off and on. After a while they just quit working. Last year I spent $850 replacing the instrument panel cluster and the tow/haul switch. Now the service 4 wheel drive is coming on. The ABS & brake lights are coming on. The security light is coming on. My cruise turns off when I turn on my blinker and sometimes doesn't work at all. I just replaced the fuel pump/sending unit assembly. These trucks seam to have major electrical issues. I still love this truck but I think my next truck will be a Toyota.
11th Apr 2008, 16:48
1999 Chevy Silverado LS 4x4 with 4.8L and 5-speed.
Have the various recalls done.
Rear brakes completely gone at 50,000, replaced by dealer for $1500.
Front brake rotors and pads replaced at 70,000 by dealer for $150. (yes 150 vs 1500)
Both power front window regulators failed (cables came off pulleys because of worn bushing on pulleys). I DIY replaced at $90 each (plus about 1 hour of my time).
E-brake has failed 3 times, first time was a little arm that broke under warranty, 2nd time was the same, 3rd, the cable broke and the whole parking brake pedal was replaced.
Hood release plastic thingy broke in -20f (i was opening the hood to detatch the plug-in engine block heater).
Also around 70,000, the heater blend door actuator failed. Common problem on suburban. Fixed myself for $50 in parts.
Steve.
14th Apr 2008, 11:38
I have a 1999 Silverado with all the same problems as everyone else. ABS at 22,000. Fuel pump constantly, and now the transmission.
Today I have 72,000 gentle freeway miles and I would never buy this truck again. I wanted a Chevy all my life after 2 Datsuns (380,00 miles total, 20 years service).
A side note, I fixed the ABS module myself, easy job, using the www.absfixer.com, cost about $100 and it's got a 5 year warranty.
Also the butterfly T.B. cleaner trick is the way to go.
The thing about this truck is it's just like a great looking lady; nice to look at, but very HIGH maintenance.
I too am buying a new truck, and will NOT go with America's truck again.
4th Mar 2008, 09:48
I own a 1999 Silverado Extended Cab Z71 with 5.3 engine. I went 80,000 miles on rear brakes and 140,000 on front brakes. No ABS problems and now have 170,000 miles. My problem is with transmissions. I am now on my fourth, but I suspect it is self inflicted from pulling a fifth wheel travel trailer with a GVWR of 8440, with a small triler with a four wheeler attached to the back. The only problem with lights are the ones on the radio. A couple of them are not working on the buttons. Will by another one when this truck wears out.