Electrical complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl contact owns a 1999 GMC Suburban. The front passenger side and both rear door handles failed on five occasions. The driver's side and rear barn doors failed twice. As a result, the rear passenger doors could not be opened manually. The electric doors would work sporadically, but also would not work for days at a time. The dealer stated that the age of the vehicle could be the source of the failures. The occupants seated in the third row and rear seats are trapped when the failures occur. The doors are unable to be opened within the passenger compartment. The occupants must climb out of the vehicle from the front passenger or driver's side doors. Currently, the rear passenger side door has completely failed again and the rear driver's side door operates randomly. …
Repeated excessive wear on front brake pads and now on rear brake drums. We are very conservative drivers and typically get 80-100,000 miles on a set of brakes. This is our second set of front pads. We do tow heavy loads. The Suburban is equipped with a heavy duty towing package . It has already had the steering gear box replaced by the dealer. The front pads have been replaced once and the rear brakes have been adjusted, also the master cylinder has been replaced by the dealer. The brakes just do not seem of sufficient capacity to stop a vehicle of this mass towing load. We've owned Suburban's since 1973 so we do feel we have a degree of experience in this area. Finally when the vehicle is driven at highway speeds and a bump is hit, the entire electrical system shorts out for approximately 1/6-1/5 of a second causing everything to go dark. I suspect an exposure in a wiring harness. …
The positive battery terminal post broke loose from the battery, spilling battery acid on the brake tubing. Discussed battery failure with GM and they refused to replace battery due to the fact the vehicle was out of warranty.
During summer of 1999, I noticed battery acid residue below battery on lines and wires. Cleaned off with oil. Brakes were mushy. In October, 2000 brakes slowed vehicle but required additional pressure to stop. Noticed additional battery acid build up on lines and wiring. Brakes failed nov. 22, 2000. Added brake fluid. Vehicle would not start on nov. 28, 2000. Positive battery post separated from battery. Spent two hours removing broken-off battery from battery bolt,cables and installing battery. Poured baking soda water on affected area of lines and wires.
The ignition switch started to fail while driving. First the heater fan would quit and the ABS light would instantly turn on, and the cruise control would fail to operate. When the ABS light would be on the ABS would fail to operate. Then suddenly all operations would go back to normal. It would be unpredictable when the heater fan and the ABS would fail and come back. Then yesterday, the Suburban started and died 3 seconds after starting. I restarted the Suburban and all seemed good. I put the Suburban in drive and rolled at about 5 MPH and the truck died. I stopped and put the Suburban in to park and restarted. Placed it into drive and made it home. When I got home, I turned off the Suburban and tried to restart it. It would crank but not fire the engine. The radio and heater and all other electronics would operate as normal, but the dash lights would not turn on I.e. …
1997 GMC Suburban- multiple engine & transmission failures. At 60,000 miles, vehicle began to shift hard. Returned to shop for diagnosis and repairs several times for work. Finally, while driving the vehicle in city traffic, the transmission failed compeletly. Required valve cover and transmission rebuild @ cost of $2,000. On December 27 '03, had to replace the radiator. On jan 17 '04, discovered that there was no antifreeze in new radiator. Returned to mechanic who replaced the radiator. Said the intake manifold needed to be replaced. Cost: ~$600. Took to another mechanic for second opinion. Same diagnosis. Both state that GM is aware of both problems, however, they will not cover the costs of repairs or replacement. Additionally- replaced alternator two times; replaced water pump two times; replaced the master cylinder in fall 2003.
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.
Dt: the contact owns a 1996 GMC Suburban. When he purchased the vehicle it had 26,000 miles on it. He was pulling a trailer, with the trailer and the truck it weighs from any where 10-15,000 pounds. There is a bolt that 3 quarters inch long . Put the two cables together and bolted it into the side battery. The bolt became loose. Had all the power necessary to steer or to stop the vehicle. While pulling this trailer it was extremely hard to control the vehicle. The insert in the battery, where the thread section was put the bolt into. If tighten edit it puts a hole in the battery and starts to leak battery acid. Every morning he tightens the bolt a little bit. Consumer spoken with GM , and they ignored it. Also spoke with the dealership . They did not even believe him. One of the people at the dealership replaced one cable because it deteriorated. …
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…
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Suburban years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (23), 1997 (21), 1995 (18), 1996 (18) and 1998 (16) model years. Electrical complaints make up 8% of all complaints for the 1999.
Is there a recall for GMC Suburban electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for any GMC Suburban model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do GMC Suburban electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles; 20% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the 12v/24v/48v battery (44 mentions), followed by the wiring (10).
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.