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Chevrolet ExpressModel year report

1999 Chevrolet Express Problems

Complaints
68filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
68,612miles, 17 complaints with mileage
Recalls
1campaigns on record
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
14 mpgcombined, 5.0L 8-cyl RWD · 13 city / 16 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 1999 Chevrolet Express (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often write about the brakes — repeated pad and rotor work, a spongy or inconsistent pedal, and warning lights — along with Ford-era Firestone Steeltex tires that separated or blew out. Electrical complaints are also common, ranging from dead batteries and blown fuses to stalling, while the sample's median mileage is about 69,000 and problems appear across the life of the vehicle rather than in one narrow window.

  1. Electrical system

    Battery drain, blown fuses and sudden stalling

    • 10 complaints (15%)
    • median 68,000 mi at 4.7 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
    • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2000–2010

    Owners describe batteries going dead repeatedly, sometimes within days, and fuses blowing in the computer so that the engine quits along with power steering and power brakes. One complaint describes a wiring harness under the fuse block rubbing on sheet metal and shorting the turn signal or flasher circuit, and another reports a burning-wire smell after a stall. Electrical faults also show up as brake lights, turn signals and headlamps failing. Spread across the sample; several reports came between roughly 48,000 and 100,000 miles.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask whether the battery has been replaced repeatedly and have a mechanic check for parasitic draw and inspect the wiring under the driver-side fuse block. Confirm all lighting circuits work.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “While driving at a speed of 65mph on the highway, my van has completely lost all operation. My car quits running, steering freezes up and I lose my brakes. The car completely freeze up. I have had it towed twice in 2 weeks for this condition. The mechanic said a fuse blows in the computer. They cannot find a short or any reason for the problem. I am afraid to drive the car on the highway now. I never know when it will completely die while driving. What can it be? The mechanic ran diagnostic testing and thinks it could be something called ECM. …”

    NHTSA complaint #754448, filed 2001-11

    “Wiring harness under fuse block at drivers feet not properly secured by s-clip and wires rub against access hole in sheet metal causing short in turn signal or 4-way flasher circuit causing fire. Vehicle is mark iii conversion.”

    NHTSA complaint #10023396, filed 2003-06, 68,000 miles
  2. Brakes

    Front brakes wear out repeatedly; spongy or inconsistent

    • 8 complaints (12%)
    • median 64,078 mi at 4.7 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
    • filed 1999–2003

    Complaints describe front brakes needing replacement again and again, in several cases three to five times within the first 65,000 miles, with rotors turned or replaced each time. Owners also describe a spongy pedal, fade, longer stopping distance, and a steering wheel that shakes when braking; some report the ABS engaging easily and the van lurching forward. Dealers commonly told owners the wear was normal, and one complaint notes uneven wear between the left and right sides. Repeats every 10,000 to 20,000 miles on some vans, with some sets reported under 10,000 miles.

    10 related service bulletins

    What to check: Have the front pads and rotors measured and ask for service records showing how often they were replaced. Check whether the brake pedal moves or applies on its own during a full-lock turn, the symptom several service bulletins discuss.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Brakes are extreemely spongy and fade significantly requiring far greater stopping distance than anything I've ever driven. Pumping the pedal seems to help but pushing firmly activates the ABS which causes vehicle to lurch toward whatever is in front of you. I've never driven a vehicle where the ABS kicks in so frequently.”

    NHTSA complaint #753479, filed 2001-10

    “While driving left front brake malfunctioned, causing extended stopping distance. Dealership tried to repair the problem 15 times before, but had not yet resolved the problem. This problem switched location after repairs.”

    NHTSA complaint #10049904, filed 2003-12, 55,157 miles
  3. Tires

    Tire tread separation and blowouts

    • 8 complaints (12%)
    • typically at 2.4 yrs old
    • filed 2000–2004

    Owners report tread chunks missing, belt separation found on inspection, and sidewall or tread blowouts while driving at highway speed, often on Firestone Steeltex tires in the LT245/75R16 size. Several note the failures came with little or no warning and that the spare was affected too. Some complaints describe damage to the vehicle from the blowout, and owners said tire sellers told them no recall applied. Reported from within days of purchase and on tires with few miles, often on highway trips.

    What to check: Check tire date codes and the DOT numbers on all tires plus the spare, and look for sidewall bulges or belt separation. If the original-size Steeltex tires are still fitted, plan on replacement.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “While driving back from a field trip in our 15-passenger van full of children, the steeltex r4s tire had a blowout and tread separation. By some sort of miracle our driver, going 55 MPH on the highway, manage to keep control of the vehicle. Thankfully all the children are safe,but I am extremely concerned that I was unaware of other complaints regarding these tires. I would have never let the children ride in the van with those tires if I knew the problems with them. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10023324, filed 2003-06

    “Tire had complete castastrophic failure of the side wall while on highway driving 54 MPH. The entire side wall blew out. This tire had less than 15 days driving time on it since it was the spare that was replaced on monday, 21 may. The only other time it was used was for 2 days last summer. The tire was brand new!!! (DOT number: 120/116r tiresize: lt24575r16)”

    NHTSA complaint #746303, filed 2001-06
  4. Steering

    Power steering hose separation and shaft or pump failure

    • 5 complaints (7%)
    • median 85,297 mi at 5.9 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
    • filed 1999–2005

    Complaints describe a power steering line coming loose and losing fluid, a nut backing off the steering linkage with immediate loss of steering control, and the power steering pump shaft breaking, in one case twice. In each case assistance disappeared without warning, and a dealer replaced the pump but could not say why the shaft broke. Reported from low mileage up to about 94,000 miles.

    Recall 00V085000

    What to check: Check for power steering fluid leaks at the hoses and cooler line, and have the steering linkage and pump shaft inspected. Ask whether recall 00V085000 was performed on this van.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Dt : the power steering pump shaft broke inside the pump on july 14, 2000, the dealer replaced it under warranty. On september 23, 2005 it broke again, took vehicle to the dealer again, and they did replace it. However, they charged the consumer $636.00. The steering locked and that was how consumer discovered the failure. There was no prior warning. This happened on a dry paved road and in warm weather.”

    NHTSA complaint #10137980, filed 2005-10, 93,595 miles

    “Dt: 1999 Chevrolet Express. The shaft on the power steering unit broke. The consumer states the power steering instantly quit working on the vehicle. There was no warning. They took the vehicle to a dealership and had it repaired. The mechanic did not tell him why the shaft broke.”

    NHTSA complaint #10128567, filed 2005-07, 77,000 miles
  5. Body and structure

    Side door hinges freeze and break

    • 6 complaints (9%)
    • median 62,600 mi at 5.4 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2002–2005

    Owners of the side-loading double doors report hinges that stiffen, then freeze shut or crack, and in one case a lower hinge broke in two while the door was in use. Complaints say the hinges are hard to lubricate and that one dealer called the layout a design issue and had hinges on back order. In one case the sticking hinge also affected a wheelchair lift. Reported across a wide mileage range, with some complaints noting the problem in cold weather.

    What to check: Open and close both side doors fully and listen for creaks or binding, and inspect the hinges for rust, cracks and grease fittings.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Hinges on rear side door sticks. Bad design. Unable to grease thoroughly. I can only imagine that somewhere down the road this will lock and the hinge will detach from the side of the van. This is the second of the two side doors the one closer to the rear of the van.”

    NHTSA complaint #10005800, filed 2003-02, 48,200 miles

    “Dt: the contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Express 3500 van. The hinge on the double doors on the side froze, they will not open anymore. Previously, they where hard to open, and now they are cracking. The dealership said this was bad design. Also, dealership told her that there was back order on the hinges. Obviously a lot of people were having similar problems. The consumer ran a day care center. It was difficult for children to go from the front of the van to the back. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10132279, filed 2005-08

Buying note. On this model year, budget for brake work and a careful tire check, since those come up most often in complaints, and have the steering hoses and side door hinges inspected as well. Service records showing brake and tire history, plus confirmation that the power steering hose recall was completed, are worth asking for.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 55 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 68 consumer complaints for the 1999 Chevrolet Express. 17 of the complaints include a mileage, and 35% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 68,612 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 65 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Exterior lighting (2), Interior lighting (2), Other or unknown (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Wheels (2), Fuel system (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seat belts (1), Seats (1), Suspension (1).

Example complaints

Brakes: “I don't know if either problem is dangerous. I do know im worried to let my wife drive this vehicle with my children init. As far as the brakes are concerned, the Chevrolet service manager and Chevrolet tell me its normal for this to occur twice on a van with only 22,000miles?a fterfor this.”

NHTSA complaint #741643, filed 2001-02

Tires: “Approximately 6 weeks ago I noticed that the air pressure in my tires had lowered, & I shought with the weight variance that there wasn't a problem. I contacted firestone, & they had informed me of no recall. The problem continues, & I stopped by jenor tire in thiensville, wi, & they informed me that my front right tire was showing signs of seperation. I plan on having new goodyear tires installed on my van on oct. 3, 2000 (tiresize: lt24575r16)( DOT number: tire size: lt24575r16 )”

NHTSA complaint #733212, filed 2000-10

Electrical system: “Positive battery bolt came out of battery causing leak and rendering battery useless. Sounds like a major factory defect. (not cable from bolt - but bolt out of battery)”

NHTSA complaint #10005796, filed 2003-02, 48,200 miles

Transmission and drivetrain: “After traveling for long periods of time on a highway and then slowing to a stop on the exit, the vehicle hard shifts in gears 1-2. If you shut off the engine, it appears ok until the next time. Transmission fluid is ok. Vehicle only has 47500 miles. Had mechanic check and gets computer code 1870, with engine check light on. Numerous posts on the web have similar complaints on chevy/GM vehicles with 4l60e transmission, but no recall to date. May now have to replace transmission.”

NHTSA complaint #10125317, filed 2005-06, 47,469 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

35% of the 17 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 48,200 and 79,000 miles.

6%0–100%10–2529%25–5024%50–7535%75–1006%100–1500%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (17 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 68,612 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

1999200020012002200314200420052010
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 1999 Chevrolet Express version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Express 1500/2500 2WD4.3L 6-cyl4-speed automatic131815$4,450
Express 1500/2500 2WD5.0L 8-cyl4-speed automatic131614$4,800
Express 1500/2500 2WD5.7L 8-cyl4-speed automatic121714$4,800

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 1999 Chevrolet Express → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 65 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 65 bulletins →

Other model years of the Chevrolet Express

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20211311,5002———Not enough data
20201762,3761———Rising
201985,3924———Not enough data
2018119,9426———Not enough data
20172118,0006—13—Rising
20161521,2536—13—Stable
2015824,0003—13—Not enough data
20141430,9507—13—Not enough data
20132219,6628—14—Falling
20121338,5006—13—Not enough data
20111294,0365—12—Not enough data
20101547,8505———Falling
20091051,0007———Not enough data
20081442,47510—14—Not enough data
20071865,0004—15—Falling
20061262,52916—15—Not enough data
20052385,9348—15—Falling
20042187,0006—15—Falling
20035946,82410—15Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20025633,0000—14Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20014545,0002—14Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20008455,8751—14Not compared (before 2008)Falling
19996868,6121—14Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19982361,1251—14—Stable
19972982,0001—14Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19961558,5002—14—Stable

All Chevrolet Express model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1999 Chevrolet Express?

Owners of this model year most often write about the brakes — repeated pad and rotor work, a spongy or inconsistent pedal, and warning lights — along with Ford-era Firestone Steeltex tires that separated or blew out. The issues reported most often: Battery drain, blown fuses and sudden stalling; Front brakes wear out repeatedly; spongy or inconsistent; Tire tread separation and blowouts.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 1999 Chevrolet Express have?

NHTSA recorded 68 consumer complaints for the 1999 Chevrolet Express as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 1999 Chevrolet Express is reported most often?

Brakes is named most often, in 12 complaints (18% of the total), followed by tires with 9.

Has the 1999 Chevrolet Express been recalled?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 1999 Chevrolet Express get?

The EPA rates the 1999 Chevrolet Express (Express 1500/2500 2WD, 5.0L 8-cyl) at 14 mpg combined, 13 city and 16 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 1999 Chevrolet Express reported?

Among the 17 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 68,612 miles and the middle half falls between 48,200 and 79,000 miles; 35% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.