I've had plenty of GMC in the bay over the years, and the lighting complaints on these don't surprise me. 1,307 on the NHTSA record across 46 model-year entries (2005–2025) is not a fluke. The 2015 GMC Yukon leads the list but the pattern shows up across multiple years and models. Not a one-off. 19 fire reports on the federal record — not common in this category but documented and worth weight. Repair cost runs around $250 on average — relatively low for an aggregated category. Across the 605 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 60,092 miles. Check the headlight assemblies in daylight for moisture or hazing. Sealed-beam swaps are cheap; matrix LED replacements run four figures.
ProblemsByVin GMC / LIGHTING
46 model-year entries · 2005–2025
GMC lighting problems
1,307 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against GMC vehicles for lighting issues. 3 active recall campaigns. See lighting across all makes →
Complaints
1,307
Recalls
3
Year-models
46
Avg fix
$250
8crashes
19fires
7injuries
Worst-affected GMC model-years for lighting Top 25 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
2015 GMC Yukon
229 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2014 GMC Sierra
193 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2024 GMC Canyon
140 complaints · 1 recall · ~$250 moderate
2015 GMC Sierra
112 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2016 GMC Yukon
87 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2007 GMC Envoy
62 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2006 GMC Envoy
51 complaints · 1 recall · ~$250 severe
2017 GMC Yukon
44 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2011 GMC Acadia
30 complaints · ~$250 severe
2008 GMC Acadia
29 complaints · ~$250 severe
2005 GMC Envoy
27 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2009 GMC Acadia
24 complaints · ~$250 severe
2017 GMC Acadia
22 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2015 GMC Terrain
19 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2014 GMC Terrain
17 complaints · ~$250 severe
2012 GMC Acadia
16 complaints · ~$250 severe
2008 GMC Envoy
15 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2010 GMC Acadia
14 complaints · ~$250 severe
2015 GMC Acadia
13 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2024 GMC Sierra
12 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2014 GMC Acadia
11 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2005 GMC Canyon
10 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2016 GMC Terrain
9 complaints · ~$250 severe
2019 GMC Sierra
8 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2013 GMC Acadia
8 complaints · ~$250 moderate
Active recalls — GMC lighting 3 on file
Certain maxzone headlight assemblies, depo brand, p/no 335-1120l-as, sold for use as aftermarket equipment for the above listed passenger vehicles
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Fix: Maxzone will notify owners and offer reimbursement for any noncompliant headlights. The recall began on february 16, 2007. Owners may contact maxzone at 909-822-3288.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 GMC Canyon vehicles
Headlights flickering can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace a module in the headlight, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 10, 2024. Owners can contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N242468880.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2017 GMC Terrain vehicles
The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install headlamp appliques, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222363740.
Common questions
How many GMC lighting complaints are on file with NHTSA?
1,307 complaints across 46 model-year entries from 2005 to 2025. 3 active recall campaigns cover lighting issues across the GMC lineup.
Which GMC model has the most lighting complaints?
The 2015 GMC Yukon leads with 229 complaints in this category. Next: 2014 Sierra (193) and 2024 Canyon (140).
What does it cost to fix GMC lighting problems?
Independent shops average $250 for lighting repairs across the GMC lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there GMC lighting recalls?
Yes — 3 active recall campaigns cover lighting on GMC vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Mark Driver, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with GMC.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.