FaultScore

GMC Acadia headlight problems

280 of the 7,767 complaints filed about the GMC Acadia are about the lighting — 4% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2008.

280

Complaints

4%

Share of all complaints

2

Crashes

17

Fires

Lights complaints by model year

2007 Acadia 15 5.4%

Median failure at 72,000 miles

2008 Acadia 47 16.8%

Median failure at 87,000 miles

2009 Acadia 38 13.6%

Median failure at 66,000 miles

2010 Acadia 24 8.6%

Median failure at 60,000 miles

2011 Acadia 38 13.6%

Median failure at 60,000 miles

2012 Acadia 21 7.5%

Median failure at 69,500 miles

2013 Acadia 10 3.6%

Median failure at 111,000 miles

2014 Acadia 22 7.9%

Median failure at 72,000 miles

2015 Acadia 12 4.3%

Median failure at 63,000 miles

2016 Acadia 3 1.1%

Median failure at 58 miles

2017 Acadia 25 8.9%

Median failure at 3,000 miles

2018 Acadia 2 0.7%

Median failure at 500 miles

2019 Acadia 10 3.6%

Median failure at 5,023 miles

2020 Acadia 1 0.4%
2021 Acadia 1 0.4%
2022 Acadia 1 0.4%
2023 Acadia 1 0.4%
2024 Acadia 5 1.8%

Median failure at 1,000 miles

2025 Acadia 4 1.4%

What owners said

2018 GMC Acadia Yamhill, OR

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Shift to park Malfunction again, 4 th time!! 1000$ to fix is ridiculous

NHTSA complaint #11742706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 GMC Acadia North Prairie, WI

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Back up camera randomly stops working (black screen-completely gone, or blue screen). Dash will randomly dim on its own and does not go back to normal unless car is shut off and turned back on. adaptive cruise control will disengage for no apparent reason. stabilitrak will flash on screen but no other indicators or reasons; nothing happens with car. Occasionally the blind spot mirror lights will not light up when vehicle is present.

NHTSA complaint #11738492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 GMC Acadia Manahawkin, NJ

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This is ongoing from the purchase of the car. 1) Infotainment computer screen daytime illumination is so dark as to be a major safety issue as it causes too much time looking away from the road to operate the system. If you wear sunglasses you cannot see the screen at all. The dealer says nothing can be done to improve the problem. 2) Right rear tail light stopped working after 500 miles. Replacement requires dropping the rear bumper and quarter panel. The dealer actually damaged the body of the car while replacing the light. Where are the days of changing out a light bulb? 3) At 1200 miles the transmission torque converter is chattering and slipping on cruise control at 50 MPH. 4) Engine noise is very loud during acceleration. Seats seem flat with no bolsters and little cushioning.

NHTSA complaint #11726383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 GMC Acadia at 135,000 miles Gaffney, SC

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2014 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that for several years, the headlight bulbs were replaced several times. The contact used several different brands of headlight bulbs, but the bulbs failed prematurely. The contact stated that the headlight bulbs were dim while using the low beam or the high beam headlights. Additionally, the turn signals failed to properly operate while engaging the turn signal lever. The contact stated that the sound for the turn signals was occasionally inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the same independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

NHTSA complaint #11723782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 GMC Acadia at 135,000 miles Gaffney, SC

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

The contact owns a 2014 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that for several years, the headlight bulbs were replaced several times. The contact used several different brands of headlight bulbs, but the bulbs failed prematurely. The contact stated that the headlight bulbs were dim while using the low beam or the high beam headlights. Additionally, the turn signals failed to properly operate while engaging the turn signal lever. The contact stated that the sound for the turn signals was occasionally inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the same independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

NHTSA complaint #11723782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 GMC Acadia Charlotte, NC

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Daytime Running light bulb and housing failure. Some 2012 Acadia models recalled under now expired recall for bulbs and deformation of surrounding housing. Apparently the above recall was excluded from this recall and should have been included. Both DRL on this vehicle have failed and surrounding housing has been damaged . Subsequently replacing just bulbs is not possible. The housing melted on the bulb. Photo is available on request. This failure should be considered a fire hazard. GM customer service center stated to me that this vehicle was not included in recall after VIN search. Some 2012 Acadias were in fact included , this one was not. And should have been since the failure occurred as stated in the original recall.

NHTSA complaint #11716658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 GMC Acadia Johnson City, NY

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I experienced the brakes squeaking on and off for a few weeks this past summer. When at the dealership for an oil change, I was told the brakes pads were still good and the squeaking is common, especially during hot humid weather. Since then, I have lost the brakes twice. Both times, the pedal went all the way to the floor without resistance and after a few seconds, they came back like nothing happened. There was no warning at all. I have also experienced a complete blackout on my dashboard for about 30 minutes without known reason. On a separate occasion, the battery died for no reason. There have been times that a message is displayed on the dash to service rear turn signal lights. They flash fast as if they were out, then the next time I drive the car, they are completely normal. From what has been reported, there are some serious concerns with the 2024 Acadia. I have leased 3 Acadia's before this one and have never experienced anything like this. The brakes failing completely could have ended very badly for myself and/or others. There are several other reports of this nature. Please look into recalling this vehicle to prevent fatalities!!

NHTSA complaint #11710489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 GMC Acadia Scituate, MA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I have had 3 taillights replaced. The first one was the driver's side taillight at Marty's GMC in Kingston MA. The second one was the passenger side taillight at Quirk GMC in Braintree, MA and the third one was the driver's side one again. the vehicle had approximately 28,000 miles when the 3rd taillight was replaced and was purchased in August of 2024. Both dealers stated that it was safe to drive the vehicle with the taillights not operating. The first 2 took approximately one week to get the part and the 3rd one took 4 weeks. I believe that this is a serious safety issue as the vehicle tailgate lights are only visible when directly behind the vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11702179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 GMC Acadia at 196,448 miles Luthersville, GA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the center taillight was inoperable. The halo light was working as designed and then ceased operating. The headlights also became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the bulbs and the headlight assembly. The rear signal light was blinking fast, and the light became inoperable. The message that the hood was ajar was displayed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there were no recalls on the VIN related to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 196,448.

NHTSA complaint #11696393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 GMC Acadia at 196,448 miles Luthersville, GA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the center taillight was inoperable. The halo light was working as designed and then ceased operating. The headlights also became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the bulbs and the headlight assembly. The rear signal light was blinking fast, and the light became inoperable. The message that the hood was ajar was displayed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there were no recalls on the VIN related to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 196,448.

NHTSA complaint #11696393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 GMC Acadia at 196,448 miles Luthersville, GA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:BULBS

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the center taillight was inoperable. The halo light was working as designed and then ceased operating. The headlights also became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the bulbs and the headlight assembly. The rear signal light was blinking fast, and the light became inoperable. The message that the hood was ajar was displayed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there were no recalls on the VIN related to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 196,448.

NHTSA complaint #11696393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 GMC Acadia Rochester, NH

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Rear driver's side brake light/turn signal is out. This is the second time in under a year. Local GMC dealer is not able to replace it within a reasonable amount of time causing a safety issue. This is a well known issue to GMC which is why the part is on back order. No other dealers in my area have the part in stock.

NHTSA complaint #11675120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 GMC Acadia Elburn,, IL

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The driver and infotainment center is so dim during the day that it is dangerous to drive the vehicle. I have taken the vehicle in to the dealer 3 times and each time the dealer indicates that there doesn't appear to be a problem, but at no time to my knowledge have they taken the vehicle out into the sunlight, There have been 2 Software updates at the dealer and one OTA update so far with no improvement. The screens are so dim that there is no way you can tell what icons are there. If you try to do anything while driving, you are taking way too much time trying to look at the screens and as a result a serious and unnecessary amount of distracted driving is occurring. There is no way you could wear sun glasses and view the screen because it appears black. Don't open the panoramic sunroof or the problem is worse. Anti glare screen protectors make the situation worse. I have attached a document I provided to the dealer service department on my latest visit.

NHTSA complaint #11675163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 GMC Acadia Lehighton, PA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

My 2025 Acadia Denali's Main tablet sized screen is impossible to view in bright daylight. This screen has controls for most of the vehicle's settings. If I want to change something such as the temperature setting, I can't see the proper button. This is clearly a safety issue as taking eyes off the road for an extended period just to make a simple setting change is a recipe for disaster. My dealer claims there is no solution as they are all like that.

NHTSA complaint #11671945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 GMC Acadia at 1,000 miles Moreno Valley, CA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

The contact owns a 2024 GMC Acadia. The contact stated there was an abnormal squeaking sound coming from the vehicle while depressing the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the brake pads were replaced; however, the failure returned several days later after the repair. In addition, the contact stated that transmission fluid was leaking from the vehicle. The contact also stated that both taillights had failed to operate as needed and the message "Check Left Rear Turn Lamp" and "Check Right Rear Turn Lamp" messages were displayed a day apart. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the mechanic confirmed that there was a transmission fluid leak due to defective bolts. The dealer also replaced the rear taillights. The contact was also informed that there were no issues with the brakes, even though there was a noise coming from the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.

NHTSA complaint #11658505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 GMC Acadia Lynn, MA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

After less than 500 miles, the right rear turn signal has failed. i think it is blinking but it is not. When changing lanes, other drivers have blown their horn at me.

NHTSA complaint #11650440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 GMC Acadia Donalsonville, GA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the "Shift to Park" message was displayed on the instrument panel while attempting to park the vehicle. Additionally, there was a constant beeping alert coming from the vehicle during the failure. The contact later discovered that the rear brake lights and reverse lights were illuminated during the failure. A local dealer was contacted about the failure and made an appointment for a repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11633130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 GMC Acadia Indianapolis, IN

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Left rear tail lamp failed after only 90 miles. It is available for inspection upon request. This tail lamp also contains the left turn signal, so when turning left, the signal flashes faster. The dealership has been notified of the issue and has inspected the issue in question. There were no warning lamps indicating the lamp was not functioning until I turned my left turn signal on. Now, there is a check left tail lamp indicator every time I use my left turn signal. I have been waiting on the replacement part for approximately 6 weeks with no ETA on a resolution, all while GM thinks its ok and safe that I drive my car without a left rear turn signal and brake lamp.

NHTSA complaint #11609843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 GMC Acadia Vallejo, CA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I have many problems with this vehicle, numerous times. Inaccurate Fuel Gauge Reading- It has resulted in my vehicle running out of fuel and stalling, while on road. I have 4 children who are at risk of danger while in vehicle.The fuel warning light has illuminated when the gauge needle says I still have more than plenty of amount (a quarter of a tank or more at times. It differs). It was diagnosed with an electrical and fuel system failure. Electrical shorts and problems- Having electrical shorts on and off. Check engine light comes on/off Vehicle randomly failed to start. My vehicle was difficult to start and would require several attempts before starting. Power lock/unlock key fob doesn't work, replaced battery multiple times.windows and sunroof power windows do no work. Radio and dash turn off and restart. Check airbag light has been coming on and off. Power Train intermittently, the transmission shifts with a loud thump, at various speeds. Vehicle starts shaking and jerking while shifting gears and going different speeds. My vehicle slows down, power reduce engine and steering difficult at times. Other/ water leak- Found water in all of my tail light assemblies, headlight assemblies, sunroof and windows leaking. There is no proper seal or has worn off, causing leaks in and repairs for many replacements, which are expensive temp fixes with no permanent solution. Causes accidents by not having necessary working equipment for driving conditions. Other:Hood doesn't latch and stay open so difficult to even check fluids properly alone. Multiple dealers have inspected problems, and needs to be fixed. There are recalls out for many of these problems and my vehicle needs to be on the list for serious safety issues.

NHTSA complaint #11585691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 GMC Acadia Ripley, TN

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

When approaching on coming traffic with bright light on high beam, my car will not change from high beam to low beam , nor can I manually. change. also Right mirror has indicator of on coming traffic approaching comes on for no reason

NHTSA complaint #11584011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other GMC Acadia problems