Skip to content
Electrical systemPart report

1997 Chevrolet Tahoe Electrical system Problems

Complaints
21about this part
Share
5%of 410 total for the year
Median mileage
125,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe, 5% of the 410 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 125,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I am the original owner of a 1997 chevy Tahoe. The other day while listening to the expanding recall of GM vehicles I tried to remove my key from the ignition switch. To my surprise once the vehicle is started I can remove my key, shift into any gear and drive without a key in the ignition. Maybe this is due to the age of the vehicle, but it has only 148000 miles on it. Thought you would be interested to know. Could video this issue if you are further interested.”

NHTSA complaint #10614502, filed 2014-07, 140,000 miles

“Battery case cracked, fluid leaked out and corroded and thus requiring replacement of the battery cables and the battery. I feel that the original battery cable is too short causing stress on the battery case at the cable mount to the battery, resulting in a cracked case and subsequent damage. Repair costs at dealer $285.53. I see that investigation into this problem has already begun.”

NHTSA complaint #10180925, filed 2007-01, 125,000 miles

“The vehicle seemed to be running perfectly,no leaks or smells or warning, 65mphin cruise control and engine caught fire. I was towing a very light trailer, empty. I had a fire extinguisher but it was not able to stop the fire. 1997 Tahoe, 97,000 approx miles, bought used summer 03. Previously a federal vehicle in well maintained condition as far as I could tell.”

NHTSA complaint #10045791, filed 2003-11, 97,000 miles

“The power window on the driver's side of the vehicle will stop working all of a sudden. It is not all of the time, but sometimes, when I have the window down, and I push the power switch to close or open the window it will not work. This could lead to a very serious problem, if for some reason I am unable to open the door and then the window will not go down. We live in michigan and you recently recalled vehicles because of a problem with the master power window switch causing fires in the driver's side door, which ended up melting and/or burning the door. …”

NHTSA complaint #10474069, filed 2012-09, 130,000 miles

“The windshield wipers intermittently fail on my 1997 chev Tahoe. Also, have experienced temporary power loss of electrical components. Observable affected components are the windshield wipers, all dashboard lights, head lamps and interior lights, accompanied by buzzing sounds. Has occurred more than once. Has caused near accidents during rainy weather and in poorly lit roadways.”

NHTSA complaint #10140739, filed 2005-10, 62,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2025917%
20241522%
20234017%
20223819%
20215813%
20201221%
20191615%
20181312%
20172011%
20163112%
201513520%
20141517%
2013177%
2012137%
2011174%
2010165%
20093312%
20088716%
200714212%
20062421%
200512643%
200421446%
200319338%
2002307%
2001204%
2000114%
1999479%
1998208%
1997215%
19963412%
19953514%
1994211%

Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe

Brakes
113 complaints
Steering
105 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
58 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
51 complaints
Fuel system
32 complaints
Suspension
30 complaints
Engine cooling
12 complaints
Other or unknown
9 complaints
Tires
8 complaints
Seat belts
7 complaints
Equipment
6 complaints
Seats
6 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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