GM: LOW BEAM HEADLAMP BULB DIAGNOSIS/ REPLACEMENT (INSPECT BULB AND CONNECTOR). DO NOT REPLACE THE ENTIRE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY FOR THIS CONDITION. REPLACE THE BULB AND INSPECT THE CONNECTOR. UPDATED 4/7/15.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 GMC Sierra lighting problems
moderate 3 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $250 · see lighting across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$250
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering lighting on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the operation of the ground illumination lamp. For the puddle lamps to operate they must be turned on using the Drivers Information Center buttons and it must be dark outside.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have Diagnostic Trouble Code B2555 may be found in a Driver and/or Passenger Door Module. Technician should ignore the Diagnostic Trouble Code if set in a DDM and/or PDM on a vehicles not equipped with front door panel courtesy lights.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the puddle light operation. Technician should be advised that the puddle lamps to operate, "Approach Lighting" must be turned on using the Drivers Information Center buttons.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗GENERAL MOTORS: BCM CALIBRATIONS AVAILABLE TO RESTORE BULB OUTAGE DETECTION ON VEHICLES PRODUCED BY A SECOND STATE MANUFACTURER, TURN SIGNALS FLASH FAST AFTER FACTORY BOX REMOVED (UPFITTER). MAY NEED TO HAVE BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) REAR TURN SIGNAL BULB OUTAGE DETECTION CAPABILITY CHANGED. UPDATED 5/20/11.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had lighting trouble with your 2009 GMC Sierra?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the lighting problem on the 2009 GMC Sierra?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $250 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the lighting typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, lighting issues most often appear around 4,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $250 for lighting repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to lighting?
No active recalls currently cover lighting issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/GMC/Sierra.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.