1996 Chevrolet Suburban Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 47about this part
- Share
- 13%of 360 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 125,567miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 47 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Chevrolet Suburban, 13% of the 360 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 125,567 miles. 5 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Driving from work-snowy/icy conditions. Smelled a strange odor in vehicle going from I-270s to I-370w ~ 1/4 mile from ramp. Traffic moderate. Traveling 45 MPH I tapped brakes, they went all way to floor. Turned off electrical equipment. Used engine braking selecting 3-2-1 to slow vehicle. Vehicle slowed, applied emergency brake - drove to brake down lane. Vehicle stopped-white smoke coming around edges of hood. Lower portion of windshield had couple of heat discoloration marks about 1/4 size of a penny in the middle lower portion. Air bag light came on. …”
NHTSA complaint #10107606, filed 2005-01, 174,000 miles“Fan switch located on the dashboard that controlled the air ventilation melted the wiring harness. Dealership replaced the switch and the wiring harness twice. Dealership indicated that this was a high demand part.”
NHTSA complaint #10074113, filed 2004-05, 50,000 miles“1996 Chevrolet Suburban, side mirror remote control in drivers door panel caught on fire. I tore out the panel and cut the wires to remove it before the truck caught completely on fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10062711, filed 2004-03, 125,567 miles“We have had numerous problems with this vehicle which are too numerous to list here on your questionnaire. Chevrolet customer service has not been of any service or help to us. We have obtained an attorney and we were advised to contact your service and try to obtain information. If you can be of any help, please contact me. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #706747, filed 1999-05“Delco battery case cracked and leaked acid. Original battery and replacement both failed in similar fashion. Problem was reported earlier and I was contacted by NHTSA investigator. He asked if there had been any corrosion of brake lines or air bag wiring. I did not know. Have now checked and found corrosion on a brake line and air bag wiring which runs directly under battery tray.”
NHTSA complaint #714110, filed 1999-10Related service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10170494Dec 2, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 11% |
| 2023 | 15 | 11% |
| 2022 | 22 | 18% |
| 2021 | 20 | 10% |
| 2020 | 8 | 18% |
| 2019 | 7 | 9% |
| 2018 | 17 | 20% |
| 2017 | 21 | 15% |
| 2016 | 26 | 12% |
| 2015 | 58 | 13% |
| 2014 | 7 | 12% |
| 2013 | 14 | 12% |
| 2012 | 10 | 10% |
| 2011 | 10 | 7% |
| 2010 | 9 | 8% |
| 2009 | 16 | 15% |
| 2008 | 22 | 10% |
| 2007 | 25 | 9% |
| 2006 | 3 | 13% |
| 2005 | 36 | 28% |
| 2004 | 72 | 35% |
| 2003 | 81 | 27% |
| 2002 | 10 | 4% |
| 2001 | 30 | 7% |
| 2000 | 13 | 5% |
| 1999 | 58 | 9% |
| 1998 | 14 | 7% |
| 1997 | 42 | 10% |
| 1996 | 47 | 13% |
| 1995 | 32 | 7% |
| 1994 | 21 | 2% |
| 1993 | 7 | 1% |
| 1992 | 9 | 5% |
| 1991 | 2 | 4% |
| 1990 | 3 | 6% |
| 1989 | 1 | 2% |
| 1987 | 2 | 11% |
| 1986 | 1 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1996 Chevrolet Suburban
137 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
42 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
40 complaintsTires
39 complaintsEngine cooling
36 complaintsFuel system
23 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsEquipment
9 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsSeat belts
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Chevrolet 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