This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 GMC Sierra lighting problems
moderate 6 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $250 · see lighting across all vehicles →
Complaints
6
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$250
When does it fail?
Of the 6 lighting complaints filed for the 2017 GMC Sierra, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA lighting complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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 vehicles that have either the truck or the snowplow's headlights are flickering or inoperative. There may be a diagnostic trouble code B2575 and or a B2699 set in the body control module. Technician will need to contact the snowplow manufacturer for additional information on their headlight changeover system. Technician is to refer to the latest version of the General Motors up-fitter integration bulletin 116 for additional information these circuits. Technician can find this information at http://www.gmupfitter.com/, under the "Technical Bulletin" Tab and then "Show all bulletins."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communicates to technicians that the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL's) or the auto headlamps will not shut off when using the daytime running lamp disable switch (Which is part of the headlamp switch), if the vehicles was built for Canada (RPO Z49). These vehicles were built with different software that doesn't allow the DRL's or Auto headlamp to be shut off. Canada law prohibits disabling daytime running lamps (DRL's) or auto headlamps.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides technicians with information on available BCM calibrations to restore bulb outage detection on vehicles produced by a second stage manufacturer (Upfitter), and/or turn signals flash fast after factory box removed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The headlights on my new GMC sierra 2500hd denali are horrible and unsafe for driving at night. The 25 watt rating and 2,000 lumens on the OEM HID bulbs do not provide adequate, safe lighting for operating my vehicle. I already hit a deer with my brand new truck because I couldn't see it well enough in advance of the collision. GMC should be held accountable for putting such a low power, poor…
Had lighting trouble with your 2017 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 2017 GMC Sierra?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 6 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 6 complaints filed, lighting issues most often appear around 22,250 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/2017/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.