Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 Chevrolet Suburban owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On [redacted], our car was parked for 5 hours at a public marina. [redacted], Miami, Fl 33138. At 316 pm the MIami Dade Fire Rescue arrived promptly to put out the car fire. There is a fire station on scene. It seems to have started at center console. We serviced the car 1/19/2026, a thermostat in the engine. The engine was not the source of the fire. We also recieved a "green" clean check list on the car except to check tire pressure monitor. This electrical fire started center console. We had a minor glitch with the radio and navigation system at times, the original system. However we had a green check list in January, 2026.
Sitting in my truck and everything just stopped working. Starter was still going even with the key out of the ignition and there was a burn smelling come from under the engine and the truck wouldn't Starter. Had to get it tow from my job. Till this day my truck is still down. Engine be replace and the dealership still don't know why it still wouldn't starter. Also before the electrical problem. Me and my family was come down the highway from a vacation and the engine when i lost acceleration to the engine. The speed limit was 65 I can only do 25 because the engine lost acceleration. I only had the truck for three months. People told me that there was recalls on engine problem with the Chevrolet suburban and Tahoe. I looked it up and it is for 2019 and up. So know i have to pay 3800 to replace everything. I cant afford to replace anything I cant afford I use vehicle. …
While driving, the vehicle has repeatedly experienced sudden loss of power and electrical failures without warning. During these events, the dashboard flickers, warning messages appear, and the vehicle shuts off or goes into reduced power mode. When this occurs, steering becomes extremely difficult, braking becomes stiff, and the vehicle cannot accelerate. These incidents have happened multiple times in different driving situations, including: At stoplights While pulling into intersections Backing out of parking spaces Driving on public roads, including dark rural roads Driving with my three minor children in the vehicle On at least one occasion, the vehicle shut off while pulling onto a road with oncoming traffic, leaving us stopped in the roadway with no power and limited steering/braking. This created an immediate and serious risk of collision. …
The electrical system has gone out completely comes back a few seconds later with different icons saying to roll driver side window down then up, or stabiltrax. It has also caused complete electrical failure being on a road while driving. This has also cause my wheel to jerk taking out the power steering and the engine has shut off completely to the point where I have to wait a few minutes to even turn it on. This has happened while reversing in to a parking spot and the whole car dies. It kills power so much that I have no hazard lights. When I'm able to get it to come Back on it's like it reset its self. I have taken it to the shop and they have said the battery cables and the mega fuse above the battery. I know this is a known issue in other like vehicles.
When turning the car left, the power to the engine dies. This also happens on many instances that the power has died to the engine mid drive on the road and hwy. Suddenly the forward collision note appears on the dash and other warnings appear after and then the power dies to the engine. Must stop and restart the engine for it to reset. Yes, it is available for inspection. While driving at high speeds the forward collision appears, and the car can suddenly die mid drive. Even at highway speeds. No, they claim that they cannot reproduce the issue. It has been taken to the dealer at least 5 times It appeared after seat heat function went out and was worked on
The infotainment system started taking ghost inputs. We replaced the screen and the ghost inputs are still there. The Human interface module has gone bad. There are many reports of this happening to chevys of similar years. Chevy dealership told me we need to replace the whole system for over $1200. I first started having this problem in 2024. It changes radio stations, moves the display screen, and tries to activate other buttons on the screen. Has also tried to call onstar.
Despite replacing Throttle Body and Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor, I continue to have my Suburban go into Reduced Engine Power without much warning. It is very dangerous when you are driving on the freeway and your vehicle suddenly will not do over 35mph with the engine revving to 4000+ RPM. I've spent nearly $1000 at repair shops and have found that nothing they attempt will fix the problem. I cannot trust vehicle with my wife and kids riding any distance in it.
Persistent SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM warning indicator. Warning constantly sounds. Vehicle cannot be driven safely due to the sound and vehicle is unable to tow. I have spent thousands of dollars to correct the issue (replaced transmission and other elements) at the recommendation of the dealership service department. Issue is still unresolved.
While driving the cars loses all power and you can't steer. It used to only happen when turn at a slow speed. And now when you're driving it matter what speed it shuts off and you lose all power. Nothing comes up for service on diagnostic it is very dangerous I have a family have sex and no one can find out what's wrong with it
The entire electrical system shuts down including lights while driving down the road. No driving light or display at night for about 30 seconds then come back on. System also loses all displays on dash during the day as well.
Electrical complaints in other Suburban years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2017 Chevrolet Suburban?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the electrical system of the 2017 Chevrolet Suburban, 15% of the model year's 142 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2017 Chevrolet Suburban electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2017 Chevrolet Suburban, though it has 5 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 2017 Chevrolet Suburban electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 35,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire 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.