1999 Chevrolet Silverado Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 33about this part
- Share
- 2%of 1,660 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 160,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 33 complaints about the air bags of the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado, 2% of the 1,660 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 160,000 miles. 29 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Driver hit a stopped vehicle on the interstate at approximately 60 MPH. Occupant of stalled vehicle was killed and our airbags did not deploy. We felt that it should have deployed and gmc is arguing that it should not have. Any information about airbags would be appreciated.”
NHTSA complaint #746679, filed 2001-06“The contact owned a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, he dozed off as the vehicle drifted off to the right shoulder of the highway. The contact regained alertness once the vehicle drove over the highway's rumble strip. As the contact attempted to regain control of the vehicle; the vehicle crashed into a tree. The contact's face smashed into the steering wheel as both the driver's seat belt shoulder strap and the driver's air bag failed to operate as needed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11612838, filed 2024-09, 160,000 miles“While driving approximately 20 MPH driver lost control of the vehicle and it crashed into a brick wall. Upon impact, both frontal air bags failed to deploy. Driver sustained major injuries, and was transported to the hospital by a helicopter. The vehicle was towed to a garage for inspection.”
NHTSA complaint #10113304, filed 2005-03“While driving 45 MPH vehicle collided head on into a jeep cherokee. Air bags failed to deploy upon impact. Thornton Chevrolet in lithia springs seemed to think that air bags didn't go off due to the angle of impact. Estimated extent of damage was $9,000. Consumer was aware of Chevrolet 2000's that were being recalled for preventive air bag deployment. Please describe details.”
NHTSA complaint #8018260, filed 2002-09“1999 Chevrolet Silverado faulty driver restraint system. The vehicle was involved in an accident. The safety belt failed to the restrain the driver, and the air bag did not deploy. . The driver received serious head injuries. (lawyer john kelly on behalf of client, james scott).”
NHTSA complaint #10026451, filed 2003-07Related service bulletins
- 10013523Apr 21, 2005Sir light on steady after bulb test and no diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs).
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 6 | 5% |
| 2016 | 2 | 40% |
| 2015 | 6 | 8% |
| 2014 | 8 | 6% |
| 2013 | 11 | 17% |
| 2012 | 15 | 22% |
| 2011 | 13 | 17% |
| 2010 | 8 | 13% |
| 2009 | 16 | 21% |
| 2008 | 62 | 38% |
| 2007 | 40 | 22% |
| 2006 | 11 | 6% |
| 2005 | 28 | 9% |
| 2004 | 31 | 5% |
| 2003 | 21 | 3% |
| 2002 | 30 | 4% |
| 2001 | 48 | 5% |
| 2000 | 53 | 4% |
| 1999 | 33 | 2% |
| 1998 | 7 | 3% |
| 1997 | 8 | 3% |
| 1996 | 11 | 6% |
| 1995 | 10 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado
1,003 complaintsSuspension
107 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
97 complaintsVehicle speed control
95 complaintsTires
90 complaintsBody and structure
84 complaintsSteering
69 complaintsEngine cooling
61 complaintsElectrical system
51 complaintsSeat belts
48 complaintsSeats
48 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
44 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology