2016 Chevrolet Suburban electrical system problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

20 owners have reported electrical system problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban, 16% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 74,102 mi.

Electrical System complaints
20
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
74,102 mi

Specific components reported

Electrical System covers: Battery, wiring, infotainment, instrument cluster, communication and software.

ComponentComplaints
Electrical system19
Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables1

Electrical System complaints across Chevrolet Suburban years

420052620072520091120113320142520201618162018682020192220221442024
Electrical System complaints by model year. The 2016 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k10k–30k130k–60k460k–100k1100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Jun 11, 2026MOElectrical SystemLightingSteering
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11743382 · source
  2. Filed Feb 23, 2026ILElectrical SystemEngineSteering
    I have read reports online of the two thousand sixteen chevy suburban turning off completely while driving.I have experienced this not once not twice.But three times now, with my chevy, suburban. This is a severe safety issue and can lead to death or major financial loss
    NHTSA complaint #11719978 · source
  3. Filed Jan 22, 2026NEBrakesElectrical SystemEngine
    I am reporting a severe and recurring safety defect where my vehicle suffers a complete loss of electrical and engine power while in motion. This happens without warning at various speeds and during various maneuvers, including making turns and driving straight. This has happened over 500 times since the 3 years i have had it. I have not felt safe in the vehicle for a long time and when i have taken it to have it checked no one could tell me anything because it was not…
    NHTSA complaint #11712643 · source
  4. Filed Apr 18, 2025INElectrical SystemEngineSteering
    Loss of steering, jerks the week right out of your hand and then you are unable to turn the wheel. Engine stalls and you have to try to coast to the side of the road, put in park and try to restart the vehicle. Service Stabilitrak warning appears on display, Alarm Sounds, Radio beeps and display goes blank, navigation compass does not work. There is a current Technical Service Bulletin for these issues: #18-NA-161, document ID 5075841 that lists the years from 2014 to 2020.…
    NHTSA complaint #11655356 · source
  5. Filed Feb 27, 2025TXElectrical SystemEngine
    Had the transmission replaced after 100,000 miles. Not even a year later the whole engine blew. With zero warnings lights or signs the engine gave 5 gallons of gas was in the engine along with other issues. We replace the engine and everything starts falling apart. Another $1,400 later it’s still throwing codes which come to find out the computer is now bad. Less the 300 miles have been put on the engine since it was replaced. Constant cam shaft sensors are going off causing…
    NHTSA complaint #11645226 · source
  6. Filed Dec 19, 2024NYElectrical SystemSteering
    Incident Report Vehicle Information: Year: 2016 Make: Chevrolet Model: Suburban I am experiencing a recurring issue with my 2016 Chevrolet Suburban involving the steering column lock module and the theft deterrent system. The truck intermittently fails to start, displaying a "Theft Deterrent" warning message on the dashboard and lighting get dim on the display. On some occasions, after waiting approximately 10 minutes, the vehicle starts, but other times it does not.…
    NHTSA complaint #11631618 · source
  7. Filed Jan 3, 202468,000 miTXElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving slower speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. Due to the failure, the vehicle was coasted to a stop before being restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic discovered high resistance in the negative ground battery cable. The contact was informed that the cable needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact discovered Technical Service Bulletin:…
    NHTSA complaint #11563293 · source
  8. Filed Jun 27, 2023117,000 miOHElectrical SystemSteering
    The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the electrical power fluctuated, and the steering wheel jerked abnormally and became difficult to turn. The instrument panel lights turned off with an audible bell chime. The contact stated that during the failure, the engine remained operable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the battery, and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure later reoccurred.…
    NHTSA complaint #11529178 · source
  9. Filed Jan 19, 2023CAElectrical SystemOther / Unknown
    Purchased my 2016 suburban on 1/14/23 and since it has been “service trailer brake” distracting me from driving . The service chime stops me from listening to music , my turn signals , constantly making me look down . I drove around in total for 4 hours throughout my day and non stop. I’ve contacted the dealership and told me to wait till the end of the week.
    NHTSA complaint #11502555 · source
  10. Filed Dec 20, 2022FLElectrical SystemEngine
    The vehicle will just stop operating while driving. This past Sunday, December 18, 2022, I was driving to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers game and turning into the parking lot and the vehicle just stopped operating, completely turned off. Couldn't turn steering wheel, put into neutral or anything. Police assisted me as I was blocking the main road to the parking lot. No electrical in the vehicle. This happened a few times before but the car would usually restart quickly. This time…
    NHTSA complaint #11498181 · source
  11. Filed Apr 14, 2022WAElectrical System
    While driving the alert “Service Trailer Break System” chimes and shows up on my dash so much that my car is un drivable. I don't even nor have I ever towed anything with my Chevy suburban before. So I have never even used the trailer break system before either.
    NHTSA complaint #11460719 · source
  12. Filed Mar 14, 2022TXElectrical System
    Car dies randomly while driving taken it to multiple dealerships and they can’t figure it out changed batteries tightened grounds had dealership check everything and they can’t see any problem but have almost been hit and in bad accidents due to this. Car will drive fine then randomly die while in motion losing power steering and brakes and then locked into car without any thing working can’t use flashers or anything just stuck until about 15 mins car will randomly start…
    NHTSA complaint #11456688 · source

Other 2016 Chevrolet Suburban problem areas

  • Transmission & Drivetrain (38)
  • Brakes (36)
  • Engine (20)
  • Steering (17)
  • Other / Unknown (8)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (7)
  • Suspension (5)
  • Airbags (4)
  • Body & Structure (4)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (4)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (3)
  • Lighting (3)
  • Visibility & Wipers (2)
  • Wheels & Tires (2)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (1)

Back to all 2016 Chevrolet Suburban problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology