NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
34 reportsClear category filter80 miles · Jul 20, 2014
Electrical SystemVisibility/wiper
MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING OUR 1996 TAHOE WHEN IT JUST STOPPED! WE FOUND THAT THE KEY HAD SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. WE WERE IN THE MIDDLE OF A THRUWAY WHEN EVERYONE WAS DRIVING 60 MPH. A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION INDEED. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN THE YEAR I'VE OWNED THE VEHICLE. WE ARE ALSO HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE WIPERS WOR…
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MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING OUR 1996 TAHOE WHEN IT JUST STOPPED! WE FOUND THAT THE KEY HAD SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. WE WERE IN THE MIDDLE OF A THRUWAY WHEN EVERYONE WAS DRIVING 60 MPH. A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION INDEED. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN THE YEAR I'VE OWNED THE VEHICLE. WE ARE ALSO HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE WIPERS WORKING INTERMITTENTLY AND SOMETIMES GET STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD OR JUMPING ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD POP, POP, POP.ETC. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10614814
122,087 miles · Feb 9, 2007
Electrical System
OCCASIONALLY WHEN STARTING THE TRUCK THERE IS A MISFIRE/BACKFIRE FROM THE ENGINE WHERE GREY SMOKE PERMEATES THROUGH THE DASHBOARD INTO THE CABIN OF THE TRUCK. SMOKE ALSO COMES FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE TRUCK. DEALERSHIP COULD NOT DUPLICATE MISFIRE/BACKFIRE. THIS HAPPENS A FEW TIMES A MONTH. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10182101
Mileage unknown · Jun 22, 2005
Electrical System
THE KEY SWITCH ON SOME FORD AND GENERAL MOTORS VEHICLE CAN BE TURNED ONE NOTCH OR CLICK FORWARD, ALLOWING THE VEHICLE TO BE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK WITHOUT APPLYING THE BRAKE, 1996 CHEVROLET TAHOE. *NM *SB *NM
NHTSA ODI #10127915
Mileage unknown · Apr 28, 2005
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
ABOUT 6 WEEKS AGO I SUBMITTED DOCUMENTATION REGARDING THE EXTENSIVE REPAIRS I HAD TO DO ON MY 1996 CHEVROLET TAHOE. HOWEVER, I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANYTHING ON THE MATTER. AT THIS TIME I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THE PAPERWORK WAS RECEIVED, IF THERE IS A NUMBER I SHOULD CALL TO FOLLOW UP OR IS THERE ANOTHER WAY I CAN CHECK ON THE STATU…
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ABOUT 6 WEEKS AGO I SUBMITTED DOCUMENTATION REGARDING THE EXTENSIVE REPAIRS I HAD TO DO ON MY 1996 CHEVROLET TAHOE. HOWEVER, I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANYTHING ON THE MATTER. AT THIS TIME I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THE PAPERWORK WAS RECEIVED, IF THERE IS A NUMBER I SHOULD CALL TO FOLLOW UP OR IS THERE ANOTHER WAY I CAN CHECK ON THE STATUS OF COMPLAINT. THANKS FOR ANY ASSISTANCE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10118614
100,000 miles · Apr 22, 2005
Electrical SystemPower TrainCrash
MY 3 YEAR OLD NEPHEW WAS ABLE TO GET INTO HIS PARENTS 1996 CHEVY TAHOE AND WAS ABLE TO TURN THE KEY TO THE FIRST CLICK (BEFORE THE CLICK TO TURN ON THE RADIO AND POWER WINDOWS, ETC.). THEN WITHOUT TOUCHING THE BRAKE, THE TODDLER WAS ABLE TO PULL THE SHIFTER INTO NEUTRAL AND THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO MOVE. THE TODDLER EITHER WAS …
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MY 3 YEAR OLD NEPHEW WAS ABLE TO GET INTO HIS PARENTS 1996 CHEVY TAHOE AND WAS ABLE TO TURN THE KEY TO THE FIRST CLICK (BEFORE THE CLICK TO TURN ON THE RADIO AND POWER WINDOWS, ETC.). THEN WITHOUT TOUCHING THE BRAKE, THE TODDLER WAS ABLE TO PULL THE SHIFTER INTO NEUTRAL AND THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO MOVE. THE TODDLER EITHER WAS THROWN FROM THE VEHICLE OR WAS SCARED AND JUMPED AND WAS RUN OVER BY THE VEHICLE AND KILLED. ALL MODELS AND MAKES OF VEHICLES CAN DO THIS WITH THE EXCEPTION OF HONDA, TOYOTA AND 2001 OR NEWER DODGE VEHICLES. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10118263
Mileage unknown · Mar 2, 2005
Air BagsElectrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
CONSUMER WAS HAVING TROUBLE WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS INADVERTENTLY FAIL AND CEASE WORKING. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE; HOWEVER, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER IS STILL EXPERIENCING UNEXPECTED FAILURE WITH THE LIGHTING SYSTEM. ALSO, CH…
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CONSUMER WAS HAVING TROUBLE WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS INADVERTENTLY FAIL AND CEASE WORKING. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE; HOWEVER, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER IS STILL EXPERIENCING UNEXPECTED FAILURE WITH THE LIGHTING SYSTEM. ALSO, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE WHY THE LIGHT WAS ON. FUEL PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE WITHIN THE PAST YEAR.*AK THE BLINKER AND TURN SIGNALS HAVE TO BE REPLACED FREQUENTLY. COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE ENGINE AND IT HAD TO BE REPLACED. AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. STARTER WAS REPLACED. THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK. THE DEALER REPLACED THE IDLER ARM AND DRAG LINK. WATER PUMP LEAKED. POWER STEERING PUMP LEAKED. BRAKE CABLE BROKE. PINION SEAL LEAKED. MASTER CYLINDER LEAKED. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10111173
Mileage unknown · Aug 27, 2004
Electrical SystemFire
WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH CONSUMER SMELLED BURNING WIRING. PARKED THE VEHICLE, OPENED THE HOOD AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. AT THE SAME TIME HE LOOKED TO THE REAR AND SAW A HEAVY SMOKE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AND SUDDENLY VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP, EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, AND WROTE A REPORT IN…
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WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH CONSUMER SMELLED BURNING WIRING. PARKED THE VEHICLE, OPENED THE HOOD AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. AT THE SAME TIME HE LOOKED TO THE REAR AND SAW A HEAVY SMOKE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AND SUDDENLY VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP, EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, AND WROTE A REPORT INDICATING THERE WAS SHORT WIRE ON THE SPEAKER.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10089878
90,000 miles · Aug 27, 2004
Electrical SystemFire
WHILE DRIVING ALONG THE BOULEVARD AT 15 MPH, THE SMELL OF BURNING ELECTRICAL WIRES BECAME MORE PRONOUNCED. WHEN I LOOKED THROUGH THE REAR VIEW MIRROR I SAW FIRE DROPPING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SPEAKER ENDANGERING THE LIVES OF THE PASSENGERS AND DAMAGING OUR POSSESIONS IN THE CARGO SECTION. I NOTIFIED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AN…
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WHILE DRIVING ALONG THE BOULEVARD AT 15 MPH, THE SMELL OF BURNING ELECTRICAL WIRES BECAME MORE PRONOUNCED. WHEN I LOOKED THROUGH THE REAR VIEW MIRROR I SAW FIRE DROPPING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SPEAKER ENDANGERING THE LIVES OF THE PASSENGERS AND DAMAGING OUR POSSESIONS IN THE CARGO SECTION. I NOTIFIED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEY EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10088689
97,000 miles · Apr 22, 2004
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control
THE WIRING HARNESS THAT CONECTS TO THE TURN SIGNAL MODUAL, THE WIRES BECOME BRITTLE AND ARE BREAKING. THE FIRST WIRE TO CAUSE ME A PROBLEM WAS THE WIRE FOR THE HEADLIGHTS, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD FLICKER ON AND OFF UNTILL THE WIRE FINALY BROKE AND THEN THERE WERE NO LIGHTS AT ALL. THE NEXT WIRE THAT BROKE IS THE WIRE FOR THE CRUISE…
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THE WIRING HARNESS THAT CONECTS TO THE TURN SIGNAL MODUAL, THE WIRES BECOME BRITTLE AND ARE BREAKING. THE FIRST WIRE TO CAUSE ME A PROBLEM WAS THE WIRE FOR THE HEADLIGHTS, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD FLICKER ON AND OFF UNTILL THE WIRE FINALY BROKE AND THEN THERE WERE NO LIGHTS AT ALL. THE NEXT WIRE THAT BROKE IS THE WIRE FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL BROKE. AND NOW THERE IS NO CRUISE CONTROL. THE HEADLIGHTS I WAS ABLE TO REROUTE THE WIRE AND RECONECT TO THE LIGHT SWITCH TO POWERUP THE RELAY WITH THE SWITCH. NOT THE RIGHT WAY TOO DO IT BUT IT WORKS. ALSO MY VEHICLE HAS TILT STEERING WHEEL.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10067681
130,000 miles · Jan 6, 2004
Electrical SystemFire
ELECTRICAL FIRE STARTED IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR OF '96 CHEVROLET TAHOE DURING THE NIGHT WHILE CAR WAS PARKED IN VERY COLD TEMPERATURES AFTER BLIZZARD WITH HEAVY SNOWFALL. INTERIOR OF SUV WAS DESTROYED ALONG WITH CONTENTS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10052467
Official recalls
3Apr 28, 2003
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH CERTAIN MODEL-ENGINE COMBINATIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DUE TO CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR DURING BAD WEATHER, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
Jul 1, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, 2 AND 4-WHEEL DRIVE. SOLDER JOINTS NEAR THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN CRACK CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INOPERATIVE WIPERS, REDUCING A DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER.
Apr 4, 1996
THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH THE THROTTLE CABLE CONTACTING THE DASH MAT WHICH COULD BIND THE THROTTLE. THIS DOES NOT MEET WITH THE MAXIMUM RETURN TIMES REQUIRED BY FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THE ENGINE SPEED MAY NOT RETURN TO IDLE INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR ADEQUATE THROTTLE CABLE TO DASH MAT CLEARANCE, AND IF THERE IS INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE, CUT OUT A PORTION OF THE DASH MAT TO PROVIDE PROPER CLEARANCE.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
7EA02006 · Windshield Wiper Failure
Opened May 31, 2002 · Closed Jul 23, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor
AS A RESULT OF THIS, AND THE PRECEDINGINVESTIGATION, RQ99-003, GM HAS EXPANDED THE POPULATION OF SAFETY RECALL 98V-150 (REPLACEMENT OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL MODULE) TO INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL 1.77 MILLION VEHICLES.INCLUDED ARE VARIOUS 1994-1997 MY M/L VANS, S/T TRUCKS AND SUVS, & C/K TRUCKS AND SUVS.SEE ATTACHED TECHNICAL REPORT FOR DETAILS.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor
AS A RESULT OF THIS, AND THE PRECEDINGINVESTIGATION, RQ99-003, GM HAS EXPANDED THE POPULATION OF SAFETY RECALL 98V-150 (REPLACEMENT OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL MODULE) TO INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL 1.77 MILLION VEHICLES.INCLUDED ARE VARIOUS 1994-1997 MY M/L VANS, S/T TRUCKS AND SUVS, & C/K TRUCKS AND SUVS.SEE ATTACHED TECHNICAL REPORT FOR DETAILS.
Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor
AS A RESULT OF THIS, AND THE PRECEDINGINVESTIGATION, RQ99-003, GM HAS EXPANDED THE POPULATION OF SAFETY RECALL 98V-150 (REPLACEMENT OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL MODULE) TO INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL 1.77 MILLION VEHICLES.INCLUDED ARE VARIOUS 1994-1997 MY M/L VANS, S/T TRUCKS AND SUVS, & C/K TRUCKS AND SUVS.SEE ATTACHED TECHNICAL REPORT FOR DETAILS.
PE01023 · Seat Belt Anchorage Separation
Opened Jul 17, 2001 · Closed Dec 20, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front:anchorage
ODI HAS RECEIVED ONE (1) COMPLAINT ALLEGING THAT THE 2ND ROW PASSENGER-SIDE SEAT BELT RELEASE BUCKLE ANCHOR DETACHED FROM SEAT FRAME DURING A SIDE IMPACT CRASH.DURING THE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT WAS THROWN FROM HIS SEAT, PARTIALLY EJECTED THROUGH THE REAR QUARTER WINDOW OF THE VEHICLE.OCCUPANT SUSTAINED INJURY.GM HAS SUBSEQUENTLY CHANGED SEAT BELT ANCHORING DESIGN IN MY 2000. ODI HAS COMPLETED A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION AND HAS DETERMINED THAT FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED TO DETERMINE WHETHER A SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS.
EA00024 · Headlight
Opened Sep 26, 2000 · Closed Dec 21, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting
No summary supplied.
EA00013 · Battery Leaks Acid
Opened May 2, 2000 · Closed Jun 28, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
PE00017 · Headlight
Opened Apr 11, 2000 · Closed Sep 26, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting
BASED ON THE REPORTS RECEIVED BY ODI FROM CONSUMERS, FAILURE OF THE HEADLIGHT ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT MAY OCCUR IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, AND MAY RESULT FROM REPEATED ADJUSTMENT OFTHE TILT STEERING WHEEL IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.REPEATED ADJUSTMENT OF THE STEERING WHEEL POSITION MAY STRAIN THE WIRING IN THE HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT TO THE POINT OF FAILURE WHERE THEY ARE ATTACHED TO THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH, RESULTING IN THE UNANTICIPATED LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.ODI HAS CONCERNS REGARDING THE HIGH RATE OF WARRANTY REPAIRS FOR PROBLEMS POTENTIALLY ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, WITH THE RECOGNITION THE EACH INCIDENT OF HEADLIGHT FAILURE REPRESENTS A CONDITION OF VEHICLE DISABLEMENT.IN ADDITION, THE MANUFACTURER'S EVALUATION OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN RECEIVED, AND THIS OFFICE HAS INTEREST IN THE DETAILS OF THE METHODOLOGIES AND RESULTS OF THAT ASSESSMENT.
PE99073 · Battery Leaks Acid
Opened Dec 3, 1999 · Closed May 2, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
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 TO SULFURIC ACID LEAKAGE FROM THE BATTERY CASE.AT LEAST ONE COMPLAINANT STATED THAT THE REPLACEMENT BATTERY ALSO FAILED.SEVERAL OF THE COMPLAINANTS NOTE THAT THE LEAKING ACID HAD COME IN CONTACT WITH A WIRE HARNESS AT THE FRAME IN THE VICINITY OF THE STEEL BRAKE LINE.A FIELD INSPECTION BY ODI INDICATES THAT THE DESCRIBED HARNESS IS THE ABS CONNECTION TO THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR.PRIOR TO THE BATTERY CASE FAILURE, THERE IS USUALLY NO WARNING (SHORT OF AN UNDERHOOD INSPECTION), AND THE ENSURING DAMAGE (SULFURIC ACID CONTAMINATION) IS PROGRESSIVE.OF THE KNOWN BATTERY FAILURES, THERE MAY BE A TEMPERATURE CORRELATION, AS 60% OF THE OWNER COMPLAINTS CAME FROM FOUR STATES; CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA AND TEXAS.THERE IS ALSO A PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND ENGINEERING CHANGE NOTICE TO ADD 1% SILVER TO THE BATTERY'S POSITIVE SIDE TERMINALL, WITH THE EARLIEST IMPLEMENTATION DATE FOR THIS BEING FEB 2, 1998.THE EFFECT OF THIS DESIGN CHANGE IS AS YET UNKNOWN; FURTHER REVIEW IS WARRANTED.AN EA IS BEING OPENED TO GATHER FURTHER APPROPRIATE INFORMATION, CLARIFY ANY DEFECT TRENDS, AND TO ASSESS THE SAFETY IMPLICATIONS AND RISKS CONCERNING THESE FAILURES.
RQ99015 · Front Seat Recliner Bolt Failure
Opened Jul 14, 1999 · Closed Dec 28, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats:front Assembly:recliner
No summary supplied.
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