65 of the
2,284 complaints filed about the GMC Sierra 2500
are about the lighting —
3% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2015.
Reverse lamps are not bright. Camera does not brighten area either. Very unsafe to reverse in the dark. Have to touch the brake pedal to be able to see while backing. Also have tried the LEDs in the mirrors while backing- although the LEDs are bright- lights to see while backing are insufficient on the stop lamps.
NHTSA complaint #11733163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that the taillights, brake lights, and turn signals, all failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed that the rear lights had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact decided not to have the dealer repair the vehicle because the dealer stated that the repair was not covered by the vehicle manufacturer. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Terry Labonte Chevrolet (1401 Bridford Pkwy, Greensboro, NC 27407), who confirmed the failure and determined that the lights needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being in stock. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed the repair was not covered under warranty or recall. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11721910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My right headlamp/ turn signal assembly began flashing at random intervals. The high beam would come on and off randomly. The entire assembly would randomly flash along with the turn signal. The headlamp would go on and off randomly. This included switching between setting. High beam, low beam, daytime running light, and completely off with no warning. This causes blinding conditions for oncoming drivers, loss of visibility for driver, and loss of visibility during inclement weather due to high beam coming on and off, then entire unit turning off. As of right now, the vehicle is undrivable due to incorrect lighting, and flashing lights.
NHTSA complaint #11709159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This vehicle exhibits the same failure described in NHTSA Recall N232426400 — spontaneous unlatching after rain due to water intrusion into the exterior tailgate release switch. I’m requesting a goodwill replacement under GM bulletin # N232426400 as the failure mechanism and part are identical. It has caused brake failure and nearly killed me because of battery drain while driving. All American Chevrolet of Midland Texas is refusing to solve the problem and says no recall is available.
NHTSA complaint #11695406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have taken the vehicle to my local dealership six times. The tailgate started opening and the headlights were blinking on and off. This happened 3 months after I bought it. The dealership told me they changed the tailgate switch and they said there wasn’t anything wrong with my lights. Two weeks after the dealership said they changed the tailgate switch, the tailgate started opening and closing. The lights also stopped working driving down the road at night. This happened 3 different times at night. The tailgate opened when I was pulling a trailer and it caved in and I had to pay to have it repaired. The dealership said it wasn’t their problem. During this time the power steering fluid was leaking under my steering wheel and ruined my carpet. The dealership has yet to acknowledge that problem. I still have to put power steering fluid in the truck every week and my interior is ruined. The tailgate is still opening on its own. I had to start charging my batteries up every morning because they were dead. I got up one morning and the batteries were dead and the truck wouldn’t start. I had to buy a new $300 key. Took it back to the dealership for an appointment. The truck sat there for a week and I called for an update and they didn’t even remember the truck was there. It still sat there 4 days after that. They told me the truck needs new batteries and it wasn’t under warranty. I spent $1000 on 2 batteries. Tailgate is still going down. The lights are still going on and off. And then the lights and the locks will go on and off while the truck is parked and turned off. And now the new batteries are becoming weak and I am having to get the truck jumped off several times. I have had the truck at the dealership 6 times and they still haven’t fixed anything. When they have my truck I am losing money because I am a business owner and I use my truck for work. I lost all of my tools. I have lost time and money because the dealer has yet to help and do their job. I need help GM
NHTSA complaint #11691983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Known issue and has been attributed to a manufacturing defct, but no recall- Leaking headlight caused damage to headlight- now turn signal and headlight do not work. Entire assembly needs to be replaced, GM / Extended Warranty Company will not cover, this safety part. Head light and turn signal were working on the way to the dealer, 1 month later when we picked it up - Right turn signal malfuction reading appeared on dash, headlight blinking and will not work. Picked up on Friday 1/30/25, and made an appointment for the following Wednesday to take it back in. Was told by dealer today that the replacement will not be covered and will cost $2100.00 to replace. This is a safety part and the truck can not be driven legally or safely without both headlights working.
NHTSA complaint #11643184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The front left headlamp assembly low beam light unexpectedly began to flicker repetitively until the vehicle was turned off. In addition, the left front turn signal was failed, but an indication of the failed turn signal was not always present. The headlamp assembly was taken in for replacement at a local GMC dealership promptly due to safety concerns of operating the vehicle on public roadways with this condition. The safety of others was at risk due to the strobing effect of the flickering lights and not being able to drive the vehicle during conditions where headlights are necessary. The flickering/strobing condition of the headlamp was highly distractive and puts other drivers are risk. In addition, due to the natural height of the vehicle the cast of the beam is closer to the rear view mirror height of the majority of vehicles. The problem was confirmed by a local GMC dealership and was identified as a faulty headlamp assembly. The vehicle was not inspected by any other party besides the dealer who performed the diagnosis and repair. There were no symptoms of warning messages prior to the failure.
NHTSA complaint #11637853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Headlights and turn signals failed. Flickering of various lights (Daytime running lamp, low beam, high beam, turn signals) followed by total failure. 3700 dollar repair at dealer to replace both headlamp assemblies. Barely over miles of warranty, but still in the 3 year warranty time period. Not having forward lighting is of course a major safety issue. Vehicle should be recalled. Many others are having the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11633825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On 11/21/24 noticed passenger headlight day light running light flickering. On 11/22/24 right turn indicator intermittent fast blink, dash message stated turn indicator failure. Once home, inspected passenger headlight assembly. Found DRL, turn signal, and low and high beam head lights were inoperative. On 11/25/24 went to GMC dealer/service. Staff seemed aware of issues and stated they are common, that they carry the $1,400 sealed assebly in stock. Vehicle is 4 months over warranty, but only has 29,000 miles. There is no visible damage to the assembly, but there is visible condensation inside the lens. GM has a published service bulletin, 01-08-42-001P, that specifically addresses this issue for my vehicle. The earliest date the issue could be diagnosed/service date is 12/10/24. A complete failure of this non-servicable headlight assembly is an absolute safety issue. Decreased daytime visability with the loss of one of two Daytime Running Lights, the lose of the front turn indicator to alert other drivers of my intentions, the lose of a set of low and high beam headlights. As mentioned, there assembies are a sealed LED light assembly. If any one of these lights fail, the only remedy is the replacement of the entire unit with a $1,400 part. GM has had multiple recalls of this same issue among their vehicle, but continues to produce the same failing pieces.
NHTSA complaint #11627389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
3 year old truck. The left headlight enclosure gained water and caused the whole headlight system to have issues. Water caused the Headlights to Flash high beams (both), turn off and blinkers not to work. This defect the whole side that is effective. This can cause other drivers or the owner to have an accident. 6 months later, Now the right side headlight is doing the same. I’m out of warranty with only 40k miles. The seal is not strong enough to keep water out the enclosure. This can also cause the whole light system to shut down while driving. Very dangerous especially at night.
NHTSA complaint #11583160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When snowing the headlights freeze over. Have to stop on the side. Of the road and clean them off. They do not get hot enough to melt snow to be able to drive safe at night.
NHTSA complaint #11580474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The driver side headlamp stopped working, Condensate buildup may be a contributing factor. No accident and vehicle is meticulously maintained. No reason for lamp seals to be damaged or wear. Barely three years old and requires a replacement at $1400 for the part and another $1000 in labor. Outside of 36000 mile warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11559776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Passenger headlight light fills up with moisture resulting in the HID module filling up with water and shorting out. The high beam starts flashing when you try to use your turn signal and eventually the headlights completely stop working. Is a known problem, but GM won’t do anything to help if you’re outside of the 3year/36,000 mile warranty. Currently unable to get a new headlight because of the on going strike.
NHTSA complaint #11548799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The headlight was flickering. For a week before it burnt out completely. A flickering headlight causes a distraction to other drivers. Not to mention a LED light shouldn’t burn out in one year.
NHTSA complaint #11510472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have a 2018 GMC Sierra Duramax Quad-Cab and when it is connected to either my boat, stock trailer, or cargo trailer the lights and electric trailer brakes on the trailers do not work. and the chime from the "Service Trailer Brake" indicator sounds and doesn't stop until I unplug my trailer harness from my truck making it a distraction and an unsafe situation when trying to navigate through traffic(changing lanes, stopping, and other functions needed when hauling trailers). The dealership said it was a module and specified which one and so I elected to replace it myself and it wasn't the issue. I choose to do the work myself as they quoted me a price of $700.00+ to repair the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11508714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The sockets in the rear brake lights had excessive corrosion and was causing the terminals on the bulbs to deteriorate. The lights were malfunctioning in all situations from braking, turn indicator and running lights. I was notified by the system that there was a problem. After trying to resolve the problem and replacing the bulbs the condition only worsened. I was then pulled over by law enforcement that told me I had nearly no rear lights at night. After banging the plastic light frames I was able to make it home. I brought my truck into the dealer who inspected and found faulty wiring from what I was told. I them paid to have both rear harness change and all the bulbs replaced to repair the condition. After review of the repair the dealer made no additional precautions to ensure that this condition would not return by placing any type of waterproofing dielectric grease in the sockets or connectors. So was this faulty wiring or simply a known defect. The dealer had them in stock which was surprising since I figure they would need to be ordered.
NHTSA complaint #11462140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Headlights were about as bright as a candle while using high beams changed the bulbs and used a head light restoration kit and within a week headlight lenses were hazed over again high beams are no brighter than low beams
NHTSA complaint #11445825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.