← New search

1996 Chevrolet Tahoe

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 246.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 41 of 283 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 73 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Visibility. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

27 crash reports5 fire reports18 injury reports

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

25 reports
Clear category filter
168,000 miles · Dec 18, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingFire

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND BEGAN FLASHING. THERE WAS SMOKE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. AFTER OPENING THE HOOD, THE SMOKE CONTINUED TO MULTIPY; HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO FIRE PRESENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT PROVIDE MORE …

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND BEGAN FLASHING. THERE WAS SMOKE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. AFTER OPENING THE HOOD, THE SMOKE CONTINUED TO MULTIPY; HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO FIRE PRESENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT PROVIDE MORE DETAILS AFTER RECEIVING A COPY OF THE POLICE REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 168,000.

NHTSA ODI #10252202

147,954 miles · Dec 1, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingExterior LightingFuel System, Gasoline

TL*THE CONTACT'S MOTHER OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE NOT OPERATING NORMALLY. THEY WERE REPAIRED IN 2001. RECALL 03V159000 COMPONENT: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER IS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN IS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL. THE DEALER ALSO WROTE ON THE INVOICE THAT T…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT'S MOTHER OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE NOT OPERATING NORMALLY. THEY WERE REPAIRED IN 2001. RECALL 03V159000 COMPONENT: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER IS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN IS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL. THE DEALER ALSO WROTE ON THE INVOICE THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE WORKING TEMPORARILY AND CAN FAIL AT ANYTIME. THE CORPORATE OFFICE OF GM WAS ALSO NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147956 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 148114. UPDATED 01/08/09 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEMS STARTED WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. IT WAS DETERMINED THE PROBLEM WAS THE FUEL PUMP. THE HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT COMING ON. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED THAT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH BE LOOKED AT. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND STALL AND WHITE SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE MUFFLER. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED. UPDATED 01/09/09. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10250352

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…

Read full complaint

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

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…

Read full complaint

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

100,000 miles · Sep 1, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

EXHAUST Y PIPE SHEARED OFF, COMMON IN THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. VERY EXPENSIVE BECAUSE PARTS INCLUDE Y PIPE TWO CATALLETIC CONVERTERS AND THREE O2 SENSORS.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10088930

100,000 miles · Apr 20, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingFire

THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR 9 HOURS WITH THE ENGINE OFF BEFORE THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED THE FIRE STARTED FROM THE ENGINE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM *JB

NHTSA ODI #10055811

83,698 miles · Apr 15, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

WHILE DRIVING TO WORK I WAS GOING OVER A BRIDGE ON I-95 WHEN THE TRUCKS RPM'S MAXED OUT AND THE TRUCK DRIFTED TO A STOP. I HAVE REPLACED THE HEAD GASKETS ABOUT 3 WEEKS PRIOR TO THIS HAPPINING NOW I AM OUT A CAR. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC HE SAID THAT FOR SOME REASON THE ENGINE BLEW. I TAKE CARE OF MY CARS AND CHECK ALL THE …

Read full complaint

WHILE DRIVING TO WORK I WAS GOING OVER A BRIDGE ON I-95 WHEN THE TRUCKS RPM'S MAXED OUT AND THE TRUCK DRIFTED TO A STOP. I HAVE REPLACED THE HEAD GASKETS ABOUT 3 WEEKS PRIOR TO THIS HAPPINING NOW I AM OUT A CAR. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC HE SAID THAT FOR SOME REASON THE ENGINE BLEW. I TAKE CARE OF MY CARS AND CHECK ALL THE FLUIDS TWICE A WEEK. HOW CAN I GET THIS FIXED. THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 83,698 ORIGINAL MILES ON IT. THIS ENGINE SHOULD HAVE LASTED ANOTHER 50,000 TO 60,000 MILES.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10066205

79,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

WHILE DRIVING AT USUAL SPEED OF 35 MPH,DOWN A STEEP HILL MY WIFE WAS TERRIFIED WHEN SUDDENLY THE ENGINE FAILED, STEERING AND BRAKING BECAME DIFFICULT AND, IN HER MIND, NOTHING WAS WORKING. SHE MISSED A NUMBER OF CARS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL AND PULLED INTO A VACANT GAS STATION. THE ENGINE STARTED FOR ME AFTER SHE CALLED ME ON …

Read full complaint

WHILE DRIVING AT USUAL SPEED OF 35 MPH,DOWN A STEEP HILL MY WIFE WAS TERRIFIED WHEN SUDDENLY THE ENGINE FAILED, STEERING AND BRAKING BECAME DIFFICULT AND, IN HER MIND, NOTHING WAS WORKING. SHE MISSED A NUMBER OF CARS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL AND PULLED INTO A VACANT GAS STATION. THE ENGINE STARTED FOR ME AFTER SHE CALLED ME ON HER CELL PHONE AND IT WAS DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND WHAT HAD HAPPENED BUT THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME DRIVING AND I UNDERSTOOD THE STRESS THAT SHE ENDURED. THE CHEVY AGENCY(CHASE MOTORS IN MIDDLEBORO MASS WAS NICE AND CURTIOUS AND STATED THAT THE PROBLEM HAD BEEN FIXED AT NO COAST TO US. THE IDENTICAL THING HAPPENED AGAIN ? TIME BETWEEN AND AGAIN THE CHASE CHEVY REPLACED THE PART AND STATED THAT THIS HAD BEEN FIXED AND WOULD NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. IT IS HAPPENING AGAIN AND MY WIFE STATES THAT SHE WILL NEVER DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN. IN TALKING TO A REPRESENTATIVE AT GMC HE STATED THAT ALTHOUGH THAT WAS DANGEROUS AT 40 MPH TO HAPPEN THEY DID NOT CONSIDER THAT A SAFETY ISSUE

NHTSA ODI #10071081

105,000 miles · May 20, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling

INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKS CAN LEAD TO ANY NUMBER OF VERY SERIOUS, AND EXPENSIVE, PROBLEMS. WHILE THE PART ITSELF ISN'T COSTLY, THE LABOR TO REPAIR IT IS VERY INTENSIVE, AND HAS BEEN QUOTED AROUND $800 USD (GIVE OR TAKE A COUPLE HUNDRED DEPENDING ON THE VEHICLE). THIS IS IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER COSTLY PROBLEM(S) THE INTAKE MANIFOLD …

Read full complaint

INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKS CAN LEAD TO ANY NUMBER OF VERY SERIOUS, AND EXPENSIVE, PROBLEMS. WHILE THE PART ITSELF ISN'T COSTLY, THE LABOR TO REPAIR IT IS VERY INTENSIVE, AND HAS BEEN QUOTED AROUND $800 USD (GIVE OR TAKE A COUPLE HUNDRED DEPENDING ON THE VEHICLE). THIS IS IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER COSTLY PROBLEM(S) THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAK MAY HAVE PRODUCED. WE ARE DEMANDING ACCOUNTABILITY FROM GENERAL MOTORS. A NATIONWIDE BACKORDER SHOULD BE REASON ENOUGH FOR GM TO ASSEMBLE A RECALL. WE CAN ONLY HOPE THAT THE WORLD'S LARGEST VEHICLE MANUFACTURER WHO HAS BEEN THE WORLD'S AUTOMOTIVE SALES LEADER SINCE 1931 WILL STAND UP AND CLAIM RESPONSIBILITY FOR A PROBLEM THAT IS SO PREVALENT AMONG THEIR VEHICLES. RECALLS SHOULD BE MANDATED IN ALL CASES OF INCOMPETENCE, NOT SOLELY WHEN IT AFFECTS PUBLIC SAFETY. WHILE SOME OF US HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM OCCUR WITHIN OUR WARRANTY, THERE ARE MANY OTHERS OF US THAT HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR THESE EXPENSIVE REPAIRS JUST AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRES. BECAUSE GM HAS REFUSED TO ADMIT LIABILITY ON THIS ISSUE, WE FEEL THAT THIS WILL BE A REPETITIVE PROBLEM. ONCE THIS GASKET HAS BEEN REPLACED, AND CUSTOMERS POCKETS DRAINED, GM SERVICE CENTERS EVERYWHERE CAN EXPECT TO SEE CONSUMERS RETURNING, FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM THAT HASN'T BEEN RECTIFIED DUE TO A DESIGNING FLAW ON GM'S PART. THIS ERROR SHOULD HAVE BEEN CORRECTED, NOT THE FIRST TIME IN FOR SERVICE, BUT BEFORE ENTERING MASS PRODUCTION IN MILLIONS OF VEHICLES. CAN ONE PRESUME THIS IS ONE WAY OF KEEPING GENERAL MOTORS PATRONS COMING BACK TIME AFTER TIME? *NLM

NHTSA ODI #10019019

Mileage unknown · Sep 12, 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or Other

WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY ENGINE CHECK LIGHT APPEARED ON DASHBOARD. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK

NHTSA ODI #8018540

Official recalls

3

03V159000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer

Apr 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.

98V150001 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer

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.

96V057000 · Vehicle Speed Control

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

7

EA02006 · 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.