FaultScore

Chevrolet Suburban electrical problems

840 of the 10,571 complaints filed about the Chevrolet Suburban are about the electrical system — 8% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2003.

840

Complaints

8%

Share of all complaints

14

Crashes

62

Fires

Electrical System complaints by model year

1986 Suburban 1 0.1%

Median failure at 200,000 miles

1987 Suburban 2 0.2%
1989 Suburban 1 0.1%
1990 Suburban 3 0.4%
1991 Suburban 2 0.2%
1992 Suburban 9 1.1%
1993 Suburban 9 1.1%
1994 Suburban 24 2.9%

Median failure at 220,820 miles

1995 Suburban 37 4.4%

Median failure at 200,000 miles

1996 Suburban 60 7.1%

Median failure at 149,783 miles

1997 Suburban 54 6.4%

Median failure at 138,000 miles

1998 Suburban 18 2.1%

Median failure at 80,000 miles

1999 Suburban 66 7.9%

Median failure at 75,000 miles

2000 Suburban 14 1.7%

Median failure at 66,330 miles

2001 Suburban 31 3.7%

Median failure at 55,890 miles

2002 Suburban 10 1.2%

Median failure at 115,000 miles

2003 Suburban 83 9.9%

Median failure at 75,865 miles

2004 Suburban 72 8.6%

Median failure at 58,000 miles

2005 Suburban 38 4.5%

Median failure at 69,720 miles

2006 Suburban 3 0.4%

Median failure at 95,500 miles

2007 Suburban 25 3.0%

Median failure at 71,755 miles

2008 Suburban 22 2.6%

Median failure at 60,000 miles

2009 Suburban 16 1.9%

Median failure at 122,000 miles

2010 Suburban 9 1.1%

Median failure at 130,000 miles

2011 Suburban 10 1.2%

Median failure at 90,000 miles

2012 Suburban 10 1.2%

Median failure at 63,000 miles

2013 Suburban 14 1.7%

Median failure at 57,850 miles

2014 Suburban 7 0.8%

Median failure at 69,719 miles

2015 Suburban 58 6.9%

Median failure at 68,000 miles

2016 Suburban 26 3.1%

Median failure at 51,000 miles

2017 Suburban 21 2.5%

Median failure at 29,700 miles

2018 Suburban 16 1.9%

Median failure at 68,000 miles

2019 Suburban 7 0.8%

Median failure at 9,800 miles

2020 Suburban 8 1.0%

Median failure at 87,500 miles

2021 Suburban 17 2.0%

Median failure at 88,000 miles

2022 Suburban 20 2.4%

Median failure at 37,224 miles

2023 Suburban 13 1.5%

Median failure at 2,500 miles

2024 Suburban 4 0.5%

Median failure at 5,000 miles

What owners said

2022 Chevrolet Suburban Archer Lodge, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The telematics control module in this vehicle failed. A dealer diagnostic scan on 03/09/2026 at 67,839 miles documented the following active and history codes: U0198 Lost Communication with Telematics Module, reported independently by the Radio, Body Control Module, and Instrument Panel Cluster Control Module; U0499 Invalid Data Received from Telematics Module, reported by the Engine Control Module; U1962 Unable to Authenticate Serial Data Message; B1A1F Ethernet Bus 4 (+) Circuit Open with a Low Voltage/High Temperature symptom; and P00FF Body Control Module Requested MIL Illumination, listed as Current. As a result, the check engine light is commanded on. All OnStar functions are inoperative, including Automatic Crash Response and Emergency SOS, which are safety systems. The OnStar button has no illumination at all. Remote functions and vehicle connectivity are dead. No warning message or notification of a module fault was ever displayed in the vehicle. The infotainment system reports “Your Software is Up-to-Date” and the Device Registration screen reports “Registered.” The last over-the-air software update this vehicle received was in August 2023

NHTSA complaint #11758065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Chevrolet Suburban at 95,000 miles Orem, UT

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the instrument panel displayed a blank screen. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the instrument panel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.

NHTSA complaint #11758091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Chevrolet Suburban Tomball, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I bought this vehicle in August 202 from Bayway Chevrolet in Pearland, Texas. The vehicle is now at 101,703 miles. The vehicle is a 2019 Chevy Suburban LT with the 8L43 transmission. Approximately 1 year ago, we started to have issues with the electronic screens - both the dashboard and the radio screen. The screens freeze, change channels and displays without any buttons being pressed or the screen being touched. Due to cost, we have not had this repaired yet, however our usual mechanic has said that he sees this issue all the time in smart technology vehicles. The transmission, on XXX, we were going to a family dinner and the vehicle started shifting hard and making a clanking noise. We turned around and went straight home. The next morning we took the vehicle to our mechanic who said the motor mounts were broken and a tune-up was needed. We got the vehicle back on Monday, XXX. Tuesday the XXX, I drove about 100 miles for work and noticed the vehicle was making a whining sound from the transmission. Took it to mechanic, by the time we drove about 2 miles to the mechanic, the entire transmission was completely broken. We now have to pay $5402.19 to rebuild the transmission at only 101,703 miles. I know GM is under a lot of scrutiny with the transmission issues right now and I believe my transmission is another one of those affected.

NHTSA complaint #11753997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Chevrolet Suburban Fairfax, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11751425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Chevrolet Suburban Atchison, KS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The engine of this car has been under recall for multiple issues during the time we have owned it. The most recent issue that was experienced was total engine failure and electrical malfunction while driving on a busy street near train tracks. The vehicle was making a loud banging sound moments before this occurred. I wasn't even given time to get to a safe spot to investigate the issue. When it shut down, a quick message flashed across the dash board--stating ability to shift had been lost (or something to that effect)--the vehicle then flipped into neutral and immediately lost power. My safety was put at great risk due to the fact that the entire vehicle shut down moments after I crossed over a very busy railway track. The vehicle had to be towed to a nearby Chevrolet dealership where it has been confirmed there was total engine failure as well as blown main electrical fuse.

NHTSA complaint #11744096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Chevrolet Suburban Jefferson City, MO

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

As I was driving 75 mph down the highway my collision alert flashed all my lights turned off, including my headlights and all interior lights as it was dark time and they flashed back on a couple of times until they finally stayed on. I pulled over and as I came to zero, speed, the vehicle completely shut down. It did start back up, but this is not the first time I get a light on my dash that says stability track and then everything resets and I don’t have any lights on at all after that this has been happening off and on I also have three coworkers that have the same make, and year that experienced the same problems ! My situation on the highway was very dangerous. It was pitched dark outside and I lost vision due to my lights going off at 75 mph and my steering wheel also locking up. The next time the vehicle does it I will take a video for proof. I have heard that this problem is very common in these vehicles and believe something should be done because that is a dangerous situation if I was going around a corner and my steering wheel locked up, I could easily flip my car. I have small children that’s why I have the big space but we need safety for our family.

NHTSA complaint #11743382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Chevrolet Suburban at 154,206 miles Bell, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact was in the process of purchasing a 2019 Chevrolet Surburban. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy.  Contact stated the vehicle was a private dealer sale were they garage vehicles at 1524 Firestone Blvd. LA CA 90001. Contact stated vehicle was being sold with a milage of 69,430 but it was later discovered that Carfax reported vehicle mileage as 154,206.  

NHTSA complaint #11741842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Chevrolet Suburban Miami, FL Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On [XXX], our car was parked for 5 hours at a public marina. [XXX], 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. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11740528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Chevrolet Suburban Waynesville, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The rear defroster malfunctioned and caused the rear glass to reach a high temperature, and it started raining outside, and it caused the rear glass to shatter. No known issues before? We come to this conclusion by looking at the black overheating marks on the glass after it shattered.

NHTSA complaint #11739846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Chevrolet Suburban Cincinnati, OH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The telecommunications module for vehicle GPS and OnStar emergency services failed after a factory software update. Now the vehicle has no GPS location, information emergency OnStar services or the ability to access vehicle Telematic via cell signal or an app. Dealer refused to cover the item under the 36 month bumper-to-bumper warranty leaving the consumer stuck with a $2000 cost just to have GPS in the vehicle and maintain contact with emergency services through OnStar.

NHTSA complaint #11739446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2003 Chevrolet Suburban at 291,000 miles Richmond, MI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 291,000 and at the time of inspection, it was discovered that the odometer was tampered with, and without disclosure of these modifications.

NHTSA complaint #11739251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Chevrolet Suburban at 28,000 miles Oviedo, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for painting services. Upon retrieval of the vehicle, the service drive assist message was displayed. The doors failed to lock. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. Additionally, the contact contacted a lawyer. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

NHTSA complaint #11738482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Chevrolet Suburban at 129,000 miles Kyle, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while purchasing an aftermarket warranty coverage, the warranty company informed the contact that there was a mileage discrepancy based on the Carfax report. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 123,959; however, the Carfax report listed the mileage at 129,000 one month prior to the purchase.

NHTSA complaint #11730756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Chevrolet Suburban at 46,448 miles Dewitt, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster failed to function as intended. The instrument cluster displayed a screen with lines. In addition, the contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the instrument panel displayed a blank screen. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed instrument cluster. The contact was informed that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on March 03, 2026, the vehicle was serviced at the dealer. The contact stated that four unknown recall repairs were performed, and the failure occurred a week after the recall repairs were performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,448.

NHTSA complaint #11730249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Chevrolet Suburban Glenpool, OK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Had an engine replacement in dec of 2025 and had to pay for it since wasn’t under warranty or recall. And now my replacement engine which has a warranty now. Just failed in March 2026 which about 3 months later. Had metal shavings in engine and multiple cylinders misfiring. And now I don’t have a family vehicle to drive my family around again. There should’ve been a recall on my engine, but wasn’t this is not fair. And I’m paying the price for it.

NHTSA complaint #11729192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Chevrolet Suburban at 5,000 miles Rockport, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL

The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while towing a trailer, the message "Trailer Brakes Disconnected" was displayed. Due to the failure, the trailer brakes locked up and the trailer came to an abrupt and rough stop. Upon investigation, the contact discovered Technical Service Bulletin: 23-NA-149; which was related to the solar panel battery charger or generator on the trailer. The trailer battery was fully charged and had a higher charge than the battery needed and could back feed into the trailer brake power module and cause it to shut down. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not under recall. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.

NHTSA complaint #11728081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Chevrolet Suburban Roselle, NJ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Car entertainment screen shot down, next day car completely dead, had to get a booster, now the engine sign is on, and car has only 33,000 miles on it

NHTSA complaint #11727844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2010 Chevrolet Suburban at 242,765 miles Indianapolis, IN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was restarted and driven; however, approximately one minute later, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was restarted and driven to a nearby parking lot. A certified mechanic arrived and inspected the vehicle. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with rod bearing failure, which caused damage to the engine. The vehicle was driven to the residence, and the contact was advised not to drive the vehicle to prevent a blown engine. The vehicle was not repaired. After the failure, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale on July 30, 2025. At the time of purchase, the mileage was approximately 180,000. The odometer indicated that the current mileage was 193,000. After researching the information on Infotracer.com, the contact discovered that on July 1st, 2001, the mileage was documented as 242,765. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure.

NHTSA complaint #11726397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Chevrolet Suburban Sprague, NE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I am submitting this complaint to report a serious safety issue involving my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban equipped with the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine. The vehicle has experienced a recurring problem related to the engine wiring harness. While driving, the vehicle will unexpectedly stall without warning. At the same time, there is an immediate loss of power steering assist, significantly reducing the ability to safely control the vehicle. This creates a dangerous situation, especially at highway speeds or in traffic. The failure appears to be linked to a defect or malfunction in the engine wiring harness, which may be causing intermittent electrical interruptions to critical engine systems. There were no prior warning signs sufficient to prevent the incident. This issue poses a substantial safety risk not only to the driver and passengers but also to other motorists. Sudden engine shutdown combined with loss of steering assist increases the likelihood of a crash. I believe this may be a systemic defect affecting other vehicles of the same model and configuration. I urge the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to investigate this issue and determine whether a recall should be issued. Vehicle Information: Make: Chevrolet Model: Suburban Year: 2021 Engine: 3.0L Duramax Diesel

NHTSA complaint #11725782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Chevrolet Suburban at 90,000 miles Charlotte, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled. A passerby helped the contact to push the vehicle into a parking lot. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact left the vehicle in the parking lot. The following day, the vehicle restarted as intended. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the vehicle failed to start. The Push to Start button occasionally became stuck, and the contact continuously pressed the button to release it. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was taken back to the residence, and upon exiting the vehicle, the contact noticed loose cables. The contact's husband plugged the cables back into place. The failure persisted, and the vehicle remained at the residence unrepaired. The contact had not driven the vehicle due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA complaint #11723053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Chevrolet Suburban problems