1999 Chevrolet Suburban LT 5.7 Vortec

Summary:

The absolute best

Faults:

Door handles don't work.

A/C hose leaked out all the freon.

Tailpipe hangs off the muffler.

General Comments:

The greatest vehicle ever made. After being in my family for 9 years, the only money we have into it is the gas.

The most dependable vehicle you will find. I love being to go out in the -20 degree Iowa winter and being able to start it up on the first try. Also 9 years of boat hauling was done easily with this beast.

Now working as a Toyota technician, I can easily say this is the best vehicle on the road.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th July, 2009

1999 Chevrolet Suburban K2500 LS 6.5 turbo diesel

Summary:

Love the truck, disappointing reliability in the 6.5TD

Faults:

The PMD (pump mounted driver) failed.

The plug between the fuel pump and PMD was bad and had to be replaced; pull the intake manifold off, replace parts, new gaskets, and then re-install (not very easy)

Replaced all brakes, typical for a truck this size, however the rotors & hubs were shot.

Glow plugs & glow plug relay three time! That is just poor design as they continue to not perform and every other diesel out there can in cold weather.

Both front power-lock controllers and handle parts within the doors.

Washer fluid reservoir as well as washer fluid pump for rear wiper.

A couple misc. switches inside; nothing different from a GM truck.

General Comments:

I love these trucks, in fact, I still have a 1994 Suburban with a 454 tbi and will run that truck into the ground as it has 203k right now. I bought this truck for the mpg and the power of the diesel. I do feel the power is that, as it runs better than the big blocks and the 350 in high-altitude/mountain passes is a joke (although it is not a Duramax/Cummings/Powerstroke). However, over the last 3-4 months I have far too many issues relating to the engine itself.

We use this truck for our cabin and it gets cold up there. I usually plug it in (and all the time while in town) but when I cannot, it will not start at all. Had the glow plugs and relays replaced so many times and nothing works. Even when plugged in overnight, it is difficult to start while my friends' Cummings kicks right over without being plugged in.

I have also had issues with the Auto-ride 4wd system. I love manual shift, they never should have made electronic 4wd an option in a 3/4 ton truck!

Bottom line, the 6.5 TD is a disappointment. I had high-hopes for it however it cannot hold up as a reliable working engine. I am sure it would be fine on highway and last a long time, but for towing, cold starts, and mountain driving I am going back to the 454.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd January, 2007

1999 Chevrolet Suburban LS 5.7 Liter Vortec 350c.i.

Summary:

Good overall, very comfortable and roomy truck with great styling

Faults:

The water pump blew on the same day as our vacation to Colorado; Had to rent special tool from auto parts store to get it off.

Starts hard sometimes, battery has been checked, but that is not the problem.

Fuel Pump is going out, sometimes when starting, if you don't give it a generous amount of gas when just idling, or it will die. (Cost $400)

General Comments:

Very comfortable truck.

Great design.

Vortec 350s will last forever.

Gas mileage isn't great, but that is expected.

Safely went from Kansas to Ohio, pulling a 3,600+ pound 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Convertible one way with ease.

Great styling and overall great truck, but hey, what can you expect? It's a Chevy!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th November, 2006

1999 Chevrolet Suburban 1500

Faults:

Blinker sound will not turn off

Interior light come on randomly and drain battery.

General Comments:

I am the first owner of my 1999 Chevy Suburban.

We really enjoy the car.

Recently the blinker sound will not turn off unless the brake pedal is pressed.

Interior lights turn on randomly and drain the battery. They will not turn off unless main fuse for all lights is removed from fuse panel which means I can't drive at night.

Does anyone know what causes these problems?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 3rd September, 2006

4th Oct 2006, 19:40

How many miles do you have?

31st Dec 2008, 09:30

I have a 1999 Suburban and the intermittent interior lights may be caused by the rear door electrical connections. The lights were flickering in our car when hitting big bumps in the road. I put double stick tape on the top of the back door so the top electrical connector depresses enough to stop the flicker. I think the top one is the sensor for when the door opens. If this switch becomes weak the interior lights will go on. Hot to cold or cold to hot temperature changes are enough to cause the switch to activate when switch gets older and worn.

15th May 2009, 23:22

I have owned two Suburbans, loved them both, but came to the conclusion that all Suburbans are shipped to England and wired by Lucas... I have many joys with signal lights, wipers, cigarette lighters.. Oh yeah! But the '89 especially was still a wonderful safe vehicle.

14th Feb 2016, 10:53

In my case it was the hazard light connector. Disassemble the steering wheel covers, remove the connection, clean it well, put it all back together, problem solved.