1999 Chevrolet Tahoe LT from North America - Comments

I have a 1999 Tahoe, which I purchased new in October of 1999. This truck is a maintenance nightmare. Within a few weeks after I drove it off the dealer's lot, we went on vacation for 10 days. The truck was parked in my garage. After returning from vacation, I took the truck to the store. When the truck shifted to second gear (auto trans), I heard and felt a huge "clunk". It happened repeatedly for the entire trip. I took it to the dealer and was told that the drive shaft needs to be lubricated if the car is "stored" for an extended time period. (10 days is "extended").

At 31,000 miles, the front brakes need to be replaced (and rotors needed to be turned).

Now, at 55,000 (yes, 55,000 miles on a 7 yr old truck), the brakes needed replacing all around. The radiator started leaking when the car was parked. It turns out that there is a Technical Service Bulletin for this (still cost me over $100) where the radiator cap needs to be replaced and the radiator opening needs to be sanded smooth.

Numerous other problems, including a tie-rod that went bad at 50,000. My 1994 Toyota Camry has 149,000 miles and it still has the original tie-rod.

My advice, stay away from Chevy Tahoes. They are gas hogs, high maintenance, and their resale value is very, very, poor.

I bought my 1999 Tahoe in 2003 with 53,000 miles. I had taken it to an oil change establishment at around 63,000 miles. Normally I do it myself. They failed to replace the rear differential plug causing a fluid leak and burned out the rear end while out of town. Had to replace the intake gasket at 83,000. Other than normal maintenance have had no problems. It gets 17-19 mpg. It is a great family vacation vehicle. I would buy another when this one wears out.

You're not supposed to go above 35mph in 4High!! and only for short distances, like 5 miles tops!! and 15mph in 4LOW! No wonder your transfer case failed! 4H and 4L are for navigating terrain that is steep, muddy, snowy, or sandy/gravel! Keep it in 2H and you won't have any problems, if you want extra traction then LOCK THE HUBS!! Unless it's AWD, then you already have awesome traction...

I bought my 99 Tahoe LT about a year ago and I love this truck very much! It does have it problems though. Reading through the other comments I have seen a lot of similarities. For instance, my transfer case makes a clicking sound. I took it to the shop and put it up on the lift while on jacks all the way around and in neutral, I turned the back wheel and there is something loose inside the transfer case. It sounds like a gear tooth or something broke off and is rotating while the axle turns. Also, at high speed when I turn right the steering seems to give sometimes and pulls REALLY right and I have almost lost it a couple of times. It is really sluggish when I apply the brakes and seems to stop really slow at times but after I changed the front brakes it stops faster but still seems sluggish. Sometimes my driver side window does not roll down but give it 5 minutes then it works again. I have not had any problems with any leaks on the manifold but it could have very well been fixed before I owned it along with those other common problems I have read. I think that whoever owned it before fixed all those things and traded it in to get rid of it before more went wrong but who knows. All in all I love this truck and other than the transfer case thing it has done me good. I got it when it had 108K and now has 113K and still going strong. I love Chevy and will never buy another car and I am prepared to fix these on my own, I am a mechanic, sort of. Oh yeah, and my leather front drivers seat is also coming apart, (sliding in and out).

Have a 99 Tahoe, my mechanic has a 99 tahoe, both motors went between 88,000 and 93,000 (respectfully). Wondering if others are having problems. Worked fine one minute and then

4 hours later went back to leave, and squeaking noise heard.

Went to mechanic, then loud noise heard. New motor needed.

No idiot lights, no leaks as a warning.

I bought my 99' LS with 18K on it in October of 02'.

The selling point was the low miles.

I have had good luck until now November 06'with 41k.

There is a coolant leak and I can't find it to save my soul.

I jacked the truck up, crawled under it with a flashlight and looked for any evidence of liquid and couldn't find a drop anywhere.

Has anyone had the same problem and if so what was it and how much did it cost to fix?

I've been told the two most common problems are the heater diverter valve and the intake gasket. The latter being a 4-5 hour job. The leak is coming from the passenger side.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

I own a 1999 Chevy Tahoe. I purchased it used 4 years ago with 36000 on it and I know have 128000 on it. It has been a maintenance free vehicle until a couple of days ago. Heard this click, click, click when passing a wall with the window down and then the sound of the bottom of the truck falling out. Transfer case went bad along with the yoke and the u-joints to the tune of $2900.00. The truck has been maintenanced regularly and it appears that the transfer case seems to be a typical problem on a 4 wheel drive. I have found this to be a reliable vehicle and I have done quite a bit of traveling in it and can't complain about the mileage. I am still getting about 15-18 driving through TN and the hills. Any other problems Tahoe owners would like to fill me in on before I have another major repair bill?

I just bought a '99 Tahoe to pull my boat, it's great, however it only gets driven on the weekend so my question is, can anyone recomend any measures I should take to ensure that its lack of use doesn't end up affecting its performance?

I have a 99 Tahoe 4X4, that eats fuel pumps. Luckily the Mechanic I go to honors his warranty. Still can't figure out why the pump constantly goes out. Replaced the fuel injection "Poppets" awhile back at $1200.00, very bad design. I use it for Commuting and towing a small camper trailer. I love the vehicle, but can't afford to keep it.

Hi.

I have a 1999 2 door Tahoe and I love it. I was really happy to read that someone else has the "tick, tick, tick" noise in the transfer case. I sounds like a bunch of those silver ball executive toys all ticking at different rates. So far she still locks into 4x4 without a problem.

I had brought it to the tranny shop for a look and they really did not know what it could be. Ironically, my fuel pump went while it was on the lift, $400. With the new pump, my truck actually runs better!

Also, the coolant leak is a very common problem on these 350's. The intake gasket has some kind of defect. Mine went after the 30 day warranty from the dealer, $500.

The front end needs work now, but the engine is still strong. The tranny was replaced last year at 113,000, $2300.

Even though the truck has given me grief, I plan on keeping this truck forever. I searched 5 months for a 2 door. They are hard to find.

It's funny reading some of these posts... I have a 99 4wd 4 dr Tahoe that has 189000 original miles, yes that's right 189000 - read on for the "amazing" part. The only replacement parts on it so far are brake pads, battery and the infamous intake gaskets - but at 189000 I am not complaining. Sometimes the pwr door lock actuators stick so I may replace them in the near future. It is an awesome piece of machinery.

-Charlie in Va.

I bought my 1999 2dr. five years ago with 19000 miles. I've had the fuel pump go out twice. The rear brakes grab, and the door handles and the E-brake have been replaced. It has 110,000 miles on it now and it still runs great. Sure would be nice if I could get that RT rear brake to stop grabbing.

Bought a "pre-owned" 99 Tahoe LT in 2000. 44K miles on it.

Since I bought it I've done:

Radiator-$300

Major front end work-tie rods, bushings, idler arm, etc-$2,500

Pan gaskets replaced-oil, tranny-warranty

"multi function wiper switch" - $800.00 (new one is going also)

Starter went and chewed up flywheel - $1200

Now I have a clunk in rear end since they fixed my flywheel and starter. People seem to think it's the slipyoke.

Rear wheel seals replaced-$100

Was told that intake manifold is leaking too...

I have a 99 Tahoe that I bought used at 68k miles in 2000.

It has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. Sure I have had the usual problems other people have discussed. Like the intake leak when I first got it. A/c compressor went out at 79k miles and finaly the fuel pump at 145k miles. There are

other little stuff not worth mentioning. All in all, I have had other vehicles before, but none that I love to drive as much as my Tahoe.

I own a 1995 two door tahoe. I bought it with 68000 miles, it now has 130000. not many major problems, new starter, water pump, clutch with hydraulics, and u-joints. but for a 12 yr old vehicle its not bad. VERY RELIABLE, id buy another.