Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Chevrolet Suburban owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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.
Our Suburban now has its 3rd battery in 3 years. The original battery's post broke off leaking acid, destroying starter wiring, causing associated frame damage. The dealer denied knowledge of any preexisting problems with Suburban vehicles of this type. The dealer replaced the battery, but refused to take care of the acid damage. The second incident was in the fall of 1999. We experienced the same problem and the dealer replaced the battery at full cost to us since the vehicle was out of warranty. Today July 10, 2000, the vehicle refused to start. The tray holding the battery shows evidence of corrosion. In addition, the positive cable terminals are corroded.
Truck stalls, causing loss of power steering and brakes. Dealer has attempted to remedy defect on three separate occassions without success. Accidents avoided thus far, but next time, I May not be so fortunate. Please post these comments, to warn other consumers. GMC is denying responsibility, has flatly refused to repurchase the vehicle, and continues to attempt to repair the problem. I'm scared to death to drive this thing...me and my passengers(very often a troop of girl scouts) are in danger, and so is anyone who might be in front of me when this happens. I hope that no one dies as a result of this defect. Please help me.
I saw on television that the ntsa was looking into a problem with leaky batteries on the Chevrolet suburbans. My battery did leak causing a power failure. It also leaked down the inside of the engine compartment eating away wires and taking all the paint off the inner fender well and parts of the frame. I tried to complain when it happened and the dealer just ignored me telling me it is the battery manufacurers problem and I would have to find them and complain. This can be a very dangerous problem, please let me know what you find out about this issue. Thank you.
ABS failure, electrical failure and front and rear brake failure. This correspondence is not available via .I believe the letter May have been misplaced while in transition from dimms to artemis via tran tech employees. The power windows and air condition failed. There was a violent gear change between 2 wheel drive and 4 wheel drive. The battery leaked and also the cables were corroded, there was a loud noise from the steering column, the consumer experienced complete steering failure while making a left turn.
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.
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.
Vehicle stopped/lost all power during normal driving conditions. Once stopped and in "park" could restart. This happened several times a day with no warning. Upon dealer investigation, battery acid leak which destroyed cables was reported. Vehicle was in shop 1 1/2 months prior for same problem, alternator defect stated at that time. Battery 2 1/2 yrs old/ previously replaced at 11,000 miles for similar problems.
Fuel pump and sending unit melted and shorted out causing car to stall on the road.torque convertor replaced/ trans reconditioned, power steering box leaking/ replaced. Both catalytic converters replaced,ac compressor replaced. Numerous coolant leaks fixed. Windshield replaced due to defect. Battery replaced due to acid leak. Whats next?
NHTSA investigations
Battery leaks acid
There is no summary currently available
Electrical complaints in other Suburban years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban?
NHTSA has 42 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban, 10% of the model year's 414 complaints. The component named most often is 12v/24v/48v battery (27 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Suburban electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet Suburban electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 138,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.