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 Tahoe owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
On 3/24/98 my 1997 Chevrolet tahou was 10 months old with 5400 miles on it when the truck caught fire under the driver's side dash while I was driving and was totally distroyed. When the fire started it was late on my way home from a movie with my wife . We smelled smoke and I stopped but couldn't find anything. We had gone a little distance when fire started falling at my feet, I ran off the road and hit some small trees to try to stop the truck then truned across the road and finilly hit a tree big enough to stop the truch. Where I got out and had to pull my wife out and called 911 on my CEL phone. My wife had hit her head and was a littlle out of it and passed out on the ground. She passed out again just before the medics got there. The truck contenuied to burn untill the fire dept. Got there to put it out. …
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. There must be corrosion of the wiring in my vehicle that is causing the problem with my window. …
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.
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.
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.
I bought this car at car hop in arlington tx. I was sold it with no brake lights, no hazards, bad tires, bad brakes, one of the back doors will not open, bad battery, bad inspection, no cover for fuel filter, driver side door will not open, keeps dying, spare tire flew off on highway and brakes went out while my kids and I were driving. I am a disabled mother of two and they knew they gave me a bad car. The first I had 5 kids with me and it was a Kia Mini van didnt even make it home, they had to come tow it. Then thay gave me this Tahoe. Please help me I have no other car and it scares me and they will not help me. I am paying every month on this vehicale and went all the way to corporate. They sent me to their mehcanic and he even wrote a e-mail describing the condition and still did not care car hop. Please help me!!!!!! God bless.
Battery failed due to positive post separating from case. This caused battery acid to leak onto front brake line causing brakes to fail. Chevrolet contacted and notified but not concerned with potential safety problem. Had speed been increased, the possibility of death/serious injury was imminent. Several mechanics in local area stated that acdelco batteries have a history of this type failure.
Wires inside the fuel tank became so hot that they melted the installation on the wires going to the fuel pump assembly. While driving vehicle cut off twice. Once at 55 MPH, and once at about 25 MPH. The dealers have changed the fuel pump assembly under warranty.
Have speed sensitive steering, while driving tension on wheel would decrease & would lose control; would swerve off road; speed would vary; happens on straightaways, but often on curves; happens intermittenly; took to dealer & informed working like it suppose to.
NHTSA investigations
Battery leaks acid
Odi has received 21 complaints where owners allege that the standard GM factory supplied ac delco battery case failed, resulting in the leakage of sulfuric acid.of the 21 complaint vehicles, six suburban, three tahoes, and one yukon owner(s) complained about a loss of brake fluid from deterioration of the right frontbrake line as a result of sulfuric acid contamination.the remaining 11 complaints pertain primarily…
Battery leaks acid
There is no summary currently available
Electrical complaints in other Tahoe years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe, 5% of the model year's 410 complaints. The component named most often is 12v/24v/48v battery (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe. 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 Tahoe electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 125,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 1 injury 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.