1996 GMC Suburban Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 10%of 172 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 GMC Suburban, 10% of the 172 complaints for this model year. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While the vehicle was parked and the igniton was off the switch on the drivers door for the side view mirrors suddenly ignited . The keys were not in the car and in fact the car had not been in use for over five hours. Luckily our son went out into the garage and reported back that the car was full of smoke. When I went out the flames were already coming up through the melted holes in the door trim panel.”
NHTSA complaint #766255, filed 2002-08“Fuel pump failed, upon inspection of the unit mechanic found that the insulation was burned on the wiring inside of the tank. We have had this none functioning fuel system problem for over a year. This was the first time it completely quit and would not start. It would seem to me that amp draw enough to melt back wire insualtion insde the fuel tank should be fuse protected! Last time the truck would not start the dealership we use in clinton mo ( raysick Gmc, clinton mo) towed the truck in and once inside it started. But the truck has left us stranded numerous times before.”
NHTSA complaint #707772, filed 1999-06“Battery case cracked at entry of terminal causing acid to leak out. Owner replaced battery and flushed area with water/baking soda solution to neutralize acid. Possible further corrosion damage to A/C plumbing and other components/wiring in the vicintiy of the battery. Vehicle was inoperative.”
NHTSA complaint #722996, filed 2000-05“While the truck is running the engine will shut off and about once a week. When starting the truck, it will not start. The truck has been towed to the dealer 4 times in the last 6 weeks. The battery/starter and alternator have all been replaced, and the problem continues. Consumer feels this is due to an electrical problem.”
NHTSA complaint #827469, filed 1998-10“Problem started in may with previous owner. Battery leaking, alternator went. Radio went inyo anti-theft. Battery has been replaced 5 times (battery leaking) & altenator 2 times since may. The radio had to be replaced. After anti-theft mode was fixed, only cd would work. Car has just fied again. Saw article in paper referring this problem but when checked with dealer (rt 22-bridgewater) they knew nothing about this.”
NHTSA complaint #726846, filed 2000-08Related 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1 | 14% |
| 1999 | 23 | 8% |
| 1998 | 16 | 16% |
| 1997 | 21 | 11% |
| 1996 | 18 | 10% |
| 1995 | 18 | 8% |
| 1994 | 11 | 3% |
| 1993 | 2 | 1% |
| 1992 | 2 | 3% |
| 1990 | 1 | 5% |
| 1989 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1996 GMC Suburban
62 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
26 complaintsTires
18 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 GMC Suburban
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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