NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
16 reportsClear category filter133,000 miles · Aug 9, 2022
Electrical System
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while her son was seated in the driver's side front seat with the door opened, the key was not in the ignition, the doors inadvertently locked and unlocked. The contact's son noticed that there was smoke coming from the dash and exited the vehicle. Upon inspecti…
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The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while her son was seated in the driver's side front seat with the door opened, the key was not in the ignition, the doors inadvertently locked and unlocked. The contact's son noticed that there was smoke coming from the dash and exited the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact and her son detected a burning odor and noticed that there was smoke coming from underneath the hood; however, there were no flames. The contact's son opened the hood and disconnected the battery. The fire department arrived and inspected the vehicle. The fireman informed the contact that the alternator and battery connectors were extremely hot. The fire department assisted in moving the vehicle away from the residence. A fire department report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was diagnosed but still hasn't been repaired. The contact related the failure to a faulty electrical system. The vehicle was not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
NHTSA ODI #11478346
130,000 miles · Dec 18, 2020
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
VEHICLE CONTINUES TO HAVE RANDOM ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AFTER ADDING NEW GROUNDS, NEW ALTERNATOR, NEW BATTERY, CHECKING CONTACTS. IT'S BEEN AT 4 REPAIR SHOPS INCLUDING A CHEVY DEALER AND CONTINUES TO HAVE PROBLEMS. DOORS CYCLE ON LOCK/UNLOCK, LIGHTS CYCLE DIMMING, ABS AND OTHER INDICATOR LIGHTS COME ON, LOSE ACCELERATION AND VEHICL…
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VEHICLE CONTINUES TO HAVE RANDOM ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AFTER ADDING NEW GROUNDS, NEW ALTERNATOR, NEW BATTERY, CHECKING CONTACTS. IT'S BEEN AT 4 REPAIR SHOPS INCLUDING A CHEVY DEALER AND CONTINUES TO HAVE PROBLEMS. DOORS CYCLE ON LOCK/UNLOCK, LIGHTS CYCLE DIMMING, ABS AND OTHER INDICATOR LIGHTS COME ON, LOSE ACCELERATION AND VEHICLE STALLS AND DIES. SEEMS TO HAPPEN MORE FREQUENTLY IN COLD WEATHER AND AFTER A 'REST' MAY OR MAY NOT START NO RHYME OR REASON. HAS BAFFLED MECHANICS FOR OVER 2 YEARS. PLS HELP.
NHTSA ODI #11384047
250,123 miles · Dec 8, 2020
Electrical SystemEngine
DRIVING DOWN A ROAD AND SHUT OFF WILL NOT START AGA
NHTSA ODI #11378454
200,000 miles · Nov 28, 2020
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
DRIVING FOR A FEW WEEKS ON MORE GOT UP ONE MORNING AND IT WOULD NOT S STARTED KEEP CRANKING TURN IT OVER THERE WOULDN'T STARTED
NHTSA ODI #11376799
170,000 miles · May 7, 2020
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System
1ST: BACK AC/HEATER TURNS ON BY ITSELF.BLOWS ONLY HOT AIR 2ND. CAR ENGINE SOMETIMES IS HARD TO START, OR WON?T START, SOME TIMES WHEN TURNING ON THE IGNITION WILL GET START AS IT WAS STILL POWERING ON, AND WHEN TURNING OFF IT WON?T TURN OFF EVEN IF IGNITION IS OFF. THE SPEEDOMETER/RPM WILL GO TO 0 WHILE ON FREEWAY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11323689
195,889 miles · Aug 27, 2019
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE DOOR LOCKS BEGAN TO LOCK AND UNLOCK INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE STOPPED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED INTO DRIVE. AFTER DRIVING 40 MPH FOR A WHILE, THE CHECK ENGINE, STABILITY, TRACTION, AND VARIOUS OTHER WARNING INDICATORS ILLU…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE DOOR LOCKS BEGAN TO LOCK AND UNLOCK INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE STOPPED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED INTO DRIVE. AFTER DRIVING 40 MPH FOR A WHILE, THE CHECK ENGINE, STABILITY, TRACTION, AND VARIOUS OTHER WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE RPMS REVVED FROM 1 TO 5, THE ODOMETER FLUCTUATED UP AND DOWN, AND THE LOCKS MALFUNCTIONED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF, BUT THE REVVING DID NOT STOP RIGHT AWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE WAS CONTAMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 195,889.
NHTSA ODI #11246691
180,000 miles · Jul 25, 2019
Electrical System
DRIVER WINDOW STOPPED WORKING, REPLACED THE SWITCH THAT DIDNT HELP, NOT HAVE NO POWER TO THE LEFT SIDE OF MY VEHICLE, MY DOORS DONT LOCK AND UNLOCK, WE BELIEVE IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE COMPUTER CONTROL MODULE. TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL CHEVY DEALER AND THEY DIDNT FIX IT WITH THE WINDOW SWITCH
NHTSA ODI #11234680
166,000 miles · Mar 29, 2019
Electrical SystemSeatsInjury
PASSENGER SEAT MOTOR OVERHEATED. INITIAL INDICATION WAS SMELL. SEAT IS POWERED (FORWARD AND BACK ONLY). SEAT SWITCHES WERE NOT IN USE AT THE TIME. VEHICLE WAS IN POWERED AND IN MOTION. SMOKE FOLLOWED W/I 20" OF INITIAL SMELL. VEHICLE STOPPED AT SIGHT OF SMOKE AND DRIVER WAS ABLE TO LOCATE PLUGS FOR MOTOR UNDER PASSENGER SEAT…
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PASSENGER SEAT MOTOR OVERHEATED. INITIAL INDICATION WAS SMELL. SEAT IS POWERED (FORWARD AND BACK ONLY). SEAT SWITCHES WERE NOT IN USE AT THE TIME. VEHICLE WAS IN POWERED AND IN MOTION. SMOKE FOLLOWED W/I 20" OF INITIAL SMELL. VEHICLE STOPPED AT SIGHT OF SMOKE AND DRIVER WAS ABLE TO LOCATE PLUGS FOR MOTOR UNDER PASSENGER SEAT. DRIVER REMOVED PLUG, BURNED HAND SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE PROCESS.
NHTSA ODI #11192323
114,000 miles · May 28, 2015
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System
MY 2009 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN BEGAN STALLING IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTIONS AFTER IT HAD RAINED HEAVILY THE DAY PRIOR. THE SHOP DISCOVERED THAT THE ISSUE WAS THE FUEL SYSTEM CONTROL MODULE. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS, BUT GM INFORMED ME THAT IT EXCLUDED MY VIN #. THE PROBLEM WITH THE MODULE WAS EXACTLY WHAT IS LISTED IN THE RECALL …
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MY 2009 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN BEGAN STALLING IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTIONS AFTER IT HAD RAINED HEAVILY THE DAY PRIOR. THE SHOP DISCOVERED THAT THE ISSUE WAS THE FUEL SYSTEM CONTROL MODULE. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS, BUT GM INFORMED ME THAT IT EXCLUDED MY VIN #. THE PROBLEM WITH THE MODULE WAS EXACTLY WHAT IS LISTED IN THE RECALL AND WAS NOT RELATED TO "WEAR AND TEAR" AS SUGGESTED BY RANDY WITH GM (SENIOR ADVISOR), BUT A FAULTY SEAL INTENDED TO PREVENT WATER INFILTRATION. I AM REQUESTING A RECALL THAT INCLUDES MY VIN...I AM NOT SURE HOW THIS CAN HAPPEN ON THE EXACT YEAR AND CAR LISTED IN THE RECALL, YET BE EXCLUDED. I HAVE FOUND ADDITIONAL 2009 CHEVY OWNERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE THROUGH ONLINE BLOGS THAT ALSO WERE DENIED THIS RECALL.
NHTSA ODI #10721854
40,053 miles · Jul 24, 2014
Electrical SystemService BrakesSteering
ACCELERATING IN TRAFFIC ON A THREE LANE ROAD. AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE POWER STEERING, BRAKES, AND ACCELERATION LOCKED UP. I COULD BARELY TURN THE WHEEL AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS UNRESPONSIVE. I COULD NOT ACCELERATE AT ALL. I WAS ABLE TO MUSCLE THE CAR INTO A PARKING LOT AND JAM ON THE BREAKS TO COAST TO A STOP. T…
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ACCELERATING IN TRAFFIC ON A THREE LANE ROAD. AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE POWER STEERING, BRAKES, AND ACCELERATION LOCKED UP. I COULD BARELY TURN THE WHEEL AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS UNRESPONSIVE. I COULD NOT ACCELERATE AT ALL. I WAS ABLE TO MUSCLE THE CAR INTO A PARKING LOT AND JAM ON THE BREAKS TO COAST TO A STOP. THE POWER WAS STILL ON THE CAR, BUT THE AC WAS NOT BLOWING AS HARD. AFTER A RESTART, IT WORKED NORMALLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10616143
Official recalls
5Feb 5, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and Sierra 3500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 1, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328760.
Feb 5, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 23, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 20, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328780.
Feb 5, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 24, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328790.
Jun 4, 2010
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MODEL YEAR 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM (HWFS). A RECALL WAS IMPLEMENTED IN 2008 TO ADD A FUSE TO THE CONTROL CIRCUIT HARNESS TO ADDRESS THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF A PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD (PCB) ELECTRICAL SHORT. HOWEVER, THERE HAVE BEEN NEW REPORTS OF THERMAL INCIDENTS ON HWFS MODULES AFTER THIS IMPROVEMENT WAS INSTALLED. THESE INCIDENTS RESULTED FROM A NEW FAILURE MODE ATTRIBUTED TO THE DEVICE'S THERMAL PROTECTION FEATURE. THE SIGNIFICANCE VARIES FROM MINOR DISTORTION TO CONSIDERABLE MELTING OF THE PLASTIC AROUND THE HWFS FLUID CHAMBER.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY DISABLE AND REMOVE THE HEATED WASHER FLUID MODULE. AN UPDATED PAGE FOR THE OWNER MANUAL WILL BE PROVIDED AND INSERTED IN THE OWNER MANUAL TO DOCUMENT THAT THE FEATURE HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY DISABLED AND REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
May 6, 2009
GM IS RECALLING 27,188 MY 2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE HYBRID, ESCALADE ESV, AND ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SUBURBAN, TAHOE, TAHOE HYBRID, AND COLORADO; AND GMC YUKON, YUKON HYBRID, YUKON XL, AND CANYON VEHICLES. THE FUEL SYSTEM CONTROL MODULES MAY HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH AN ADHESIVE SEPARATION OF THE ROOM TEMPERATURE VULCANIZING (RTV) SEAL BETWEEN THE SEAL AND THE HOUSING MAY ALLOW WATER TO SEEP INTO THE MODULE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: WATER IN THE MODULE COULD CAUSE A SHORT OR OPEN CIRCUIT, ILLUMINATION OF THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LAMP, SETTING OF DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES OR THE ENGINE MAY BE HARD TO START, MAY NOT START OR MAY STALL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FUEL SYSTEM CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗