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 milesRelated 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 9 | 17% |
| 2024 | 15 | 22% |
| 2023 | 40 | 17% |
| 2022 | 38 | 19% |
| 2021 | 58 | 13% |
| 2020 | 12 | 21% |
| 2019 | 16 | 15% |
| 2018 | 13 | 12% |
| 2017 | 20 | 11% |
| 2016 | 31 | 12% |
| 2015 | 135 | 20% |
| 2014 | 15 | 17% |
| 2013 | 17 | 7% |
| 2012 | 13 | 7% |
| 2011 | 17 | 4% |
| 2010 | 16 | 5% |
| 2009 | 33 | 12% |
| 2008 | 87 | 16% |
| 2007 | 142 | 12% |
| 2006 | 24 | 21% |
| 2005 | 126 | 43% |
| 2004 | 214 | 46% |
| 2003 | 193 | 38% |
| 2002 | 30 | 7% |
| 2001 | 20 | 4% |
| 2000 | 11 | 4% |
| 1999 | 47 | 9% |
| 1998 | 20 | 8% |
| 1997 | 21 | 5% |
| 1996 | 34 | 12% |
| 1995 | 35 | 14% |
| 1994 | 2 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
113 complaintsSteering
105 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
58 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
51 complaintsFuel system
32 complaintsSuspension
30 complaintsEngine cooling
12 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsTires
8 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsEquipment
6 complaintsSeats
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