1997 Chevrolet Suburban Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 42about this part
- Share
- 10%of 414 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 138,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 42 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban, 10% of the 414 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 138,000 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I stopped to get gas anc cut my truck off. I got back in it and cut it on an drove about 30 yards I noticed a smell like burning wires. So I cut it off got out checked the outside the smell is only on the inside. Then I popped the hood an smelled the same smell. I pushed it and parked it. My clicker is not working to unlock or lock it, the lights will not go off and it makes the ringing sound as if the driver door is open even when it's not. I took the battery out to see if it was that but its fully charged.”
NHTSA complaint #11282816, filed 2019-11, 178,000 miles“Dt: this morning hit the brakes coming down the hill and engine shut down, could not control steering and brakes didn't work either. The electric and power failure, couldn't do anything with the vehicle. It hasn't be checked by dealer yet.”
NHTSA complaint #10125452, filed 2005-06, 138,000 miles“We had two batteries leak acid, caused several hundred dollars in damage to repair wires and hoses that were damaged by the leaking battery acid. We wonder if the dealership in northern virginia was causing damage to the batteries to generate repair bills for their business.”
NHTSA complaint #10031221, filed 2003-08“Yesterday I read in the dallas morning news that you are investigating GM SUV's and battery leaks. I would like to go on record as having had this problem. Fortunately the leak was detected while the vehicle was sitting in my garage and no one was hurt. Although, there was damage done to the vehicle and I had to pay for a new starter cable, auxiliary cable, parts and general cleanup. The Suburban was just over 2000 miles out of warranty. Please keep me posted. Thank you karen yocum.”
NHTSA complaint #724402, filed 2000-06“The delco freedom 676 battery post breaks off, delco and dealer are aware of this problem. But neither would admit this untile I informed them a car battery store dealer had made me aware of this problem. One month later I ran into a lady with the same battery and problem at the dealership and she was getting the standard answer until I showed up. It was at that time I learned from her the windshield wiper system had a problem the dealer was aware. I have not found any recall information in either case.”
NHTSA complaint #711224, filed 2000-04Related 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 | 14 | 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 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
105 complaintsBrakes
96 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
47 complaintsFuel system
46 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
37 complaintsTires
27 complaintsEngine cooling
20 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsEquipment
8 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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