1999 GMC Suburban Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 7%of 285 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1999 GMC Suburban, 7% of the 285 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The driver's side front axle shaft seal on the differential leaks fluid, which runs onto the hot exhaust pipe which produces a smell and a possible fire hazard I bought this 1999 Gmc Suburban vehicle used at crown motors in charlevoix michigan on 02/02/01, with 21904 miles on it. About 6 months after I bought the Suburban I started smelling a burnt oil odor when I would get out of the vehicle after driving the vehicle. I couldn't figure out what the odor was. About a year ago I had my Suburban serviced and was told that the front drivers side differential seal was leaking. …”
NHTSA complaint #10021511, filed 2003-06, 25,000 miles“The right rear transmission seal broke twice and leaked fluid onto the rear brake. This resulted in loss of braking ability. The positive battery terminal leaked acid and caused the battery tray to rust”
NHTSA complaint #10018246, filed 2003-05, 16,913 miles“Premature total transmission failure at 60,667 miles due to faulty design of sun gear hub assembly. The shaft collar broke off without warning causing transmission to fail. The replacement part from GM has the collar to hub mating strengthened from the factory original, so it is known in GM this part has a design flaw from the factory. I was and am unemployed and this was a terrible financial burden at a bad time. Contacting GM was no help - it is out of warranty . Further complaints to better business bureau auto line returned same answer - out of warranty . …”
NHTSA complaint #10010634, filed 2003-03, 60,667 miles“I realy would like to talk to some one about this problems on my truck. I probbably did not fill out the application correctly ,but I paid to much money on this truck to be having all this problems. Please call so that I can send some copies that that I sent to the manufacurer. Engine has also failed to start about 30 times with the first one in the show room of dealer. No safety defect listed.”
NHTSA complaint #766069, filed 2002-08“Rear axle fell off of the vehicle while driving on a major freeway. When the axle fell off we lost complete braking capability. The vehicle was just released to us from the dealership for repairs to the same parts under warranty. This was the fifth time it was repaired under warranty for the same parts that failed.”
NHTSA complaint #723123, filed 2000-05Related service bulletins
- 10115081Nov 2, 2015This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about cooler line fittings that come with the 4T65E General Motors remanufactured transmission…
- 10112681Dec 17, 2012This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a planetary gear whine noise in first and second gear. Technician…
- 10112600Nov 26, 2012This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician with the axel setup information from American Axle Manufacturing. Technician should be advised…
- 10112523Oct 30, 2012This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have slip in forward ranges immediately after replacing the input housing…
- 10021676Jun 15, 2007New design front axle side bearing adjusters.
- 10017299Nov 2, 2005Electronic transfer case unable to complete shift.
- 10016707Sep 28, 2005Four wheel drive inoperative and the 4wd service light will illuminate. Diagnosis may reveal that the atc fuse could be open, possible dtc c0308, or various u codes may be set…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1 | 14% |
| 2000 | 2 | 13% |
| 1999 | 21 | 7% |
| 1998 | 15 | 15% |
| 1997 | 24 | 12% |
| 1996 | 13 | 8% |
| 1995 | 11 | 5% |
| 1994 | 10 | 2% |
| 1993 | 10 | 5% |
| 1992 | 2 | 3% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
| 1990 | 2 | 9% |
| 1989 | 1 | 6% |
| 1987 | 1 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1999 GMC Suburban
123 complaintsTires
28 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsEngine cooling
23 complaintsSteering
23 complaintsFuel system
19 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsSeat belts
9 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
8 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 GMC Suburban
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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