MotorDeets

1999 Chevrolet Express: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1999 Chevrolet Express: 1 recall, 68 owner complaints and up to 15 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
68owner complaints
1mention a crash
15best combined mpg
1999 Chevrolet Express
Photo: Rutger van der Maar · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Steering Vehicle recall #00V085000 · 2000 · 10,468 vehicles

What's wrong: Some of these vehicles have a power steering cooler hose that can separate from the power brake booster fluid flow switch assembly.

Why it matters: If this occurs, power steering fluid could flow onto hot engine parts and an engine compartment fire could occur.

The fix: Dealers will inspect for three screw clamps to the power steering hose joints. If the clamps are not the screw type, dealers will replace the clamps.

1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles

What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.

Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.

The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Brakes (hydraulic)10
Tires9
Transmission & drivetrain7
Electrical7
Engine & cooling6
Body & structure6
Steering5
Visibility (wipers, glass)4

What owners describe

The 1999 Chevrolet Express has 68 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 31 Express model years for complaints (3.3× the average Express year). Complaints peaked in 2003 (14 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 68,612 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (23 complaints, 1 recalls), 2000 (84 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
4.3 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive131815Regular
5.0 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive131614Regular
5.7 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive121714Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1999 Chevrolet Express.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 1999 Chevrolet Express manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 1999 Chevrolet Express manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 1999 Chevrolet Express manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 1999 Chevrolet Express manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 1999 Chevrolet Express have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1999 Chevrolet Express, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 1999 Chevrolet Express problems?

Owners have filed 68 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (10), tires (9), transmission & drivetrain (7).

What gas mileage does the 1999 Chevrolet Express get?

EPA ratings run up to 15 mpg combined (4.3 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1999 Chevrolet Express repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Express years

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